Which language first??

[mrdeeye]

i am new to programming....the only stuff ive messed with and can understand is HTML and some JavaScript....i was wondering what programming language should i start with first....i am really interested in like the perl stuff, and php, and maybe even C/C++

also any ideas on where to start? ie: books, online tutorials and such

[yellowsnow]

I'd say start with PHP or C++. Perl isn't gone yet but it isn't used as much.

a good PHP tutorial

C++ Tutorial (Havn't used it, looks good)

Most libraries have good books on both PHP and C++ as well.

[mrdeeye]

well what is another CGI type language that would be good for a newbie like myself

[MulderMan]

well perl is the most used cgi language. but for web programming id go with php. computer programming id say c++, but some people say java but i havent tried that. theres always visual basic for windows aswell.

[Zick Boy]

I think C++ is a good one to start with. I started like that in college, programming concole applications. Then you can move to web development in PHP since the syntax is very similar to C++.

[aym]

I suggest you learn C++, Java, or PHP first, and then move to Perl if you want to learn it.

Perl is great for text manipulation, creating shell scripts, and CGI programs, but I don't think that starting programming with Perl is good idea.

[mrdeeye]

awesome thanks for the suggestions

[kram 2.0]

Just to add on, learning Java first kinda got me confused. I would highly recommend the learning of C++ first. The best way is to take courses - have someone actually teach it to you. I personally sometimes find it hard to learn programming off a book.

Hope that helps,
kram

[Nuclear Krusader]

Agreed, even when there are very good books, several times you need someone to explain things to you, and walk you thru the process. Some things are a breeze to learn from the book, but other concepts are hella confusing, like parameter passing.

[mattg2k4]

Nuke, I figured parameters pretty quickly, it's just those darn pointers that are hard to figure out. Then once you thought you had it down you find out there are function pointers as well!

Now back OT, I would really recomend C++ or Java to start. Some things to consider about those two:

+Some people recomend Java over C++ because it forces you to use more object oriented programming (OOP) concepts. But if you start learning C++ from the start with OOP in mind I don't think Java would be any better.

+C++ is a very powerful, and IMHO, fun language. It, unlike Java, can directly access hardware. You have much more control over things, but that can be a dangerous power. GUI development is more difficult, and there are varying standards between the major compilers (Microsoft, Borland, and GCC).

+Java has only one standard that works everywhere. Java applets can be integrated in web pages, or standalone applications created. It is harder to run a compiled java class than a compiled executable, if you want to share your work with non computer savvy friends.

[Jaggannath]

Here's my 2 cents worth...
I was taught Java first by my university (I'm an electrical engineer in training), and we were told the reason for this was that Java was simpler to learn initially. [Actually come to think of it we were taught MATLAB first, but that doesn't count.]
The reason for teaching us Java first was that it didn't contain pointers, and gave us a good understanding so that we could go on to C++ and pretty much understand everything else and just concentrate on pointers. Also, Java has more strict rules, which although (as mattg2k4) less fun, is actually better at picking up mistakes. After a year of Java they let us have a go at C++, because by then we'd straightened out the issues and stupid mistakes one always makes whilst learning.
But definitely have someone who can help you, the value of a 2 minute explanation can never be underestimated (though you do have pcmech )