Starting programming: C++ a good idea?

[ric449]

I am new to programming unless you count HTML. I am interested in learning a language so I can make my own programs. I know hardly anything about the various languages available, but could someone tell me if C++ is a good choice?

[WhatsThisBoxFor?]

See: http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=121706
http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=117905
http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=115434
http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=97765
If you have not already, and there are more discussing this as well.

Currently I am learning VB.Net, but I do not know if it is a very good one to start with. I had particular intrest in it because I already know ASP/VBScript, and so VB.Net is a bit like that, and also because my parents got it for me as a present (so I didn't really have much choice).

I also recomend that you go into your local Blackwells/Borders/Waterstones or other large bookstores and see what books they have, if you can't find a good book on C++ (although at least in mine there are loads) then it might not be the best of choice to start learning. I prefere to learn out of books rather than websites, but I am sure there are lots of websites that could take the place of a book.

[kram 2.0]

Originally Posted by ric449 I am new to programming unless you count HTML. I am interested in learning a language so I can make my own programs. I know hardly anything about the various languages available, but could someone tell me if C++ is a good choice?

I personally recommend Java as a start language and branch out from there. Learning the first one is generally the hardest - then, almost all other languages will come easily as a lot of them are, like Java, C-based.

kram

[Jaggannath]

Java is definitely the best to start with.... free, widespread, and a very good introduction into how to program in C++ as they use the same prowords etc. and similar concepts, just a little easier (you don't have to worry about pointers)
But just read the posts WTBF directed you to