laguange (C, C++, Visual C++) recommendation/advice

Hi! I am wanting to develop my programming skills, and am looking for advice from seasoned programmers. In a nutshell, I would like to start coding my own tools, and would love to start down the right path from the get go.

I work in the security arena, and my tools I would like to develop are ones that you find today (scanners, filters, integrity checkers, etc.). My dilema is I have no idea what language (starting with just 1, then branching out) I should focus on. So far, from my research, I am leaning towards C++ because I understand it's portable to most OSs. However, I am wondering about Visual C++ because much of my work is on NT.

Any advice, personal experiences, pitfalls, plusses, etc. are greatly appreciated, either posted here to e-mail me directly at [email protected]

Also, if you have your recommendations of books, web sites, etc. I would love any of that information as well. I am looking to start learning in the new year, to have some basic tools developed for 2002. I've given myself a year to learn (not sure if that's too much or not enough, realizing of course learning curves, etc.)

sincerely,

[email protected]

Hi,

You have mentioned your apprehension whether to
go for VisualC++ or C++ language. But, VisualC++
is "not" a language. VisualC++ is programming
in C++ using MFC class library.

Now, whether to use MFC library or not depends
upon your requirements. If you are targetting
only for Windows environments, then, using MFC
is definately a good choice as MFC offers rich
set of classes.

But, if you are targetting for multiple platforms,
then, you have to use standard C++ (but still
you can use VC++ IDE and compiler as it fully
supports standard C++). For UI, you need to
search some class library which is platform
independent. I guess,Roughwave zApp library or
many similar class libraries are available for
multiple platforms.

Now, if the question is whether to use C++ or
some other language, again, the answer depends
upon your requirements. Dont go by hype..
(like C# kills C++ or Java kills C++ etc) ..
Go by your requirements.. and each language
has it's own advantages..