The Next Computer Language I Should Learn?

[Andrea]

Hey guys!

So, a friend of mine has recently brought up the idea that I should take into consideration computer science as a potential major (as opposed to my current biology major). I have always loved coding, I just haven't necessarily learned a lot of it. I know CSS and HTML pretty extensively (easy stuff), but I'm wondering, what language, in your opinion, should be the next language I should try to learn?

And, how would you propose learning that language? Should I use an internet resource, a book, etc?

[Charles Stover]

The next up would be JavaScript. HTML and CSS aren't programming languages. Each language you learn from here on will be exponentially harder to learn and understand, as they'll involve actual programming and algorithms.

[Bob]

Sept 17, 2010 19:30:51 GMT -8 Charles Stover said:

The next up would be JavaScript. HTML and CSS aren't programming languages. Each language you learn from here on will be exponentially harder to learn and understand, as they'll involve actual programming and algorithms.

You're assuming Andrea is only interested in remaining with web development. And even then I would say learning JavaScript is optional.

Andrea, what do you want to be able to write? Desktop applications or web applications? And how serious do you want to get about it? Are you going to learn as a hobby or are you going to learn a language to better decide on switching majors?

Desktop Applications: In any serious situation your primary options are Java, C and C++, with C++ being the reigning king. Java is more or less restricted to in-house applications and enterprise-level web development. C is still very popular but it's not commonly used in a business setting due to its default lack of certain capabilities (the OOP paradigm being primary).

As a hobbyist I'd say you're better off looking at C#. It's a decent mix between C++ and Java with the same RAD (Rapid Application Development) qualities Visual Basic has provided for years. But it doesn't carry with it the same stigma and bad practices. C# is a decent option for someone interested in professional development, but you need to keep in mind that it's still the new kid on the block. C#, like Java, is seen in both web (via ASP) and desktop development.

Web Development: Charles mentioned JavaScript, which you'll be hard pressed to avoid. But it's not necessarily "next in line" as a lot of people here like to say. Quite frankly there is no order of succession after you've built a solid understanding of HTML and CSS. JavaScript is required for client side interactivity but it's becoming less and less necessary to actually learn JavaScript due to the availability of frameworks. The dividing line between learning JavaScript or just learning a framework will be how serious you want to get with programming.

You'll want to learn a server resource. PHP is very popular and a common choice. It's easy for beginners to learn and powerful in its respective role as a web development language. Other options are Ruby (well known in web dev. due to the Ruby on Rails framework), Python (Django framework) and Perl. Java and ASP are also commonly used on the enterprise level. Other options include ColdFusion and Tcl but they're used so infrequently it's hardly worth mentioning.

[wildgoosespeeder]

I suggest learning Microsoft Visual Basic (look for Microsoft Visual Studio 2008/2010 Express Edition, Express Edition is free) to understand programming logic and technique before getting into more complicated languages such as C#, C++, Java, and JavaScript which all have similar syntax. That's how I started to learn programming back in high school but I used Microsoft Visual Basic 6 of Microsoft Visual Studio 6 which is an older version.

[Andrea]

I know that HTML and CSS aren't for programming, as they are for the web. I was just saying that those are the only ones I know at the moment.

In regards to the interest... it would be used as a hobby, but primarily to see if it is something I would be interested in as a major change. I'm a freshman, so the sooner I catch it, the better.

I haven't quite decided if I would want to do programming or web development. That is something I would have to look further into, as to what exactly the job does. Most likely, however, I do not think that I would go into web development.

[Bob]

Sept 17, 2010 21:09:41 GMT -8 Andrea said:

I know that HTML and CSS aren't for programming, as they are for the web. I was just saying that those are the only ones I know at the moment.

In regards to the interest... it would be used as a hobby, but primarily to see if it is something I would be interested in as a major change. I'm a freshman, so the sooner I catch it, the better.

I haven't quite decided if I would want to do programming or web development. That is something I would have to look further into, as to what exactly the job does. Most likely, however, I do not think that I would go into web development.

Well C# is definitely viable to get your feet wet. It'll have you moving quicker than if you start off with Java or C++. But in the end you'll end up learning one or both of those languages if you do switch majors. Chances are your college primarily focuses on C++. Some do Java, but C++ is more common.

You're also going to want to pick up a scripting language at some stage. The entire point of a scripting language is to allow the programmer to accomplish something with relative ease. Python is pretty damn popular as far as scripting languages go. Perl is still in heavy use. I personally prefer Ruby. There really is no wrong choice when choosing your poison here.

[Charles Stover]

If you haven't decided whether you want to do web or non-web, learn one of each.

For web, learn JavaScript. Contrary to what Bobby says, I'd say it's a necessity. Even with frameworks, the algorithms, understanding of DOM, and basic functions that frameworks don't re-invent are all things you'll need to know. A framework isn't going to teach you how to use Math.random() or .length or parseInt or encodeURIComponent or setTimeout etc., the algorithms to use in loops to achieve a desired goal or how and when to call functions effectively etc., or when, where, and why your errors are occurring. You'll need to learn it by itself in order to understand the language, its relationship with the DOM, and handling actions that frameworks don't handle themselves.

For non-web programming, go for C++ or some variant (e.g. C#). I'm not too familiar with them, so I can't recommend the best. Also, Python seems to be the big thing these days, so it may be useful; but it's style isn't exactly similar to other languages.

[Jordan]

I think Javascript would be a good place to start if you already know HTML and CSS since that's what it works with. It's a scripting language so it will be easier for you to learn because it's not as strict as a language such as C++. Getting a program running in a programming language may take you a while if it's your first time since you will probably have to set up environment variables and make sure things are linked correctly.

I recommend just learning the basics with Javascript because it will be faster. Learn how to use if/else statements, loops, functions etc. Once you know how to use them in Javascript it will be easy to use them in programming languages.

I'd also recommend software engineering over web development because you can do a lot more which means you will probably make a lot more $$.

[Bennett 🚀]

On a side-note: PHP isn't much of a step-up from Javascript

[Andrea]

Thank you all very much for all of your suggestions! ^^ I am actually considering software engineer, as they make a good amount of money, will probably be in high demand in the future, and it seems like it would be fun.

Okay, based off of your suggestions, I've seen Javascript, C++, and C#. I think I will start with Javascript & C# (to help merge into C++, if that would help), and then go from there. Now I just have to find the best places to learn these from. =P

[Jordan]

Sept 18, 2010 23:35:06 GMT -8 Andrea said:

Thank you all very much for all of your suggestions! ^^ I am actually considering software engineer, as they make a good amount of money, will probably be in high demand in the future, and it seems like it would be fun.

Okay, based off of your suggestions, I've seen Javascript, C++, and C#. I think I will start with Javascript & C# (to help merge into C++, if that would help), and then go from there. Now I just have to find the best places to learn these from. =P

Software engineering is a great way to go because you know you will have a job when you get out of school unlike a lot of other majors. Programming is the easy part, though, since it's all about creating good software which means lots of planning and creating efficient algorithms and data structures.

As for learning, a good place to get the bare basics of Javascript is Htmlite. w3schools is a good place too that has examples you can look at and modify.

When it comes to learning a programming language, there are a lot of tutorials out there, but I really think it is best to buy a book. I was programming in C++ for a while before I went to school, but I really didn't know much compared to what I learned there. Up to date books will explain a lot more because a language like C++ is loaded with features that can take a while to learn. C# has some convenient video tutorials available when you download visual studio, but the language has a lot of features as well so a book would still most likely be the best way to go.

[Andrea]

Okay. Awesome.

I got the Java in a Nutshell, 5th Edition. It's pretty big... but I've read online that the last 800 pages are not needed. :] I will probably get the C#/C++ book from the library as well tomorrow.

[Jordan]

Sept 22, 2010 12:34:13 GMT -8 Andrea said:

Okay. Awesome.

I got the Java in a Nutshell, 5th Edition. It's pretty big... but I've read online that the last 800 pages are not needed. :] I will probably get the C#/C++ book from the library as well tomorrow.

You may already be aware of this, but since you said you were going to start with Javascript I just want to point out that Java and Javascript are two totally different types of languages. Starting out with Java is a great way to go as well, though. The difference between the two is that Javascript is a scripting language which runs in a web browser. It's interpreted and executed at the run time of another program (which is slow but fast enough for its purpose). Languages like C++ and Java are actual programming languages which allow you to make a computer do basically anything you want it to, and they are compiled into machine code at compile time which makes their run time execution very fast.

Just so you know, Java is actually compiled into byte code which is run in a virtual machine which is slower than a program compiled directly into machine code like a C++ program is, but it's faster than an interpreted language such as Javascript. The reason for this is so you only have to compile your code once. The catch is the JVM (Java Virtual Machine) must be compiled and installed on each system you want to run Java on (although I believe you can compile directly to the machine language sometimes). C# is the same way which is why you need the .NET Framework installed on your computer to run a C# program.

Anyway, good luck and let us know if you run into any problems.

[Andrea]

Man, I always get those two confused... nonetheless, since I was intentionally going for JavaSCRIPT, (the reviews were misleading ), for software programming, would it better to learn the programming language Java, or Javascript?

[Jordan]

Java since Javascript isn't really considered software because it's just used to make dynamic web pages. Java is a good programming language for beginners so it wouldn't hurt to start there.