Which compiled language to start with?

[Kevin Collins]

Given the choice between C++, Java, and C#, which would you recommend to someone with a solid background in ASP, VBScript, Javascript, and SQL, but no exposure to compiled languages.

I want to begin moving to the next level by learning an object-oriented language, mainly out of interest but also to improve my long-range career and earnings potential.


A little about my background and interests:

I work at a purely Microsoft shop where the only compiled language in use is a little bit of VB 6 here and there. Everything else is script, although my feeling is that we will begin moving to a COM or .Net model eventually.

I'm not prejudiced against any language, but I'm leaning towards C++, Java, and C# because I think they would be the most useful given my experience and current career path. VB doesn't interest me as much, but several people have told me it's the easiest to learn and may be the most useful in the near term as we move code to multiple tiers.

I have some experience with XML and XSLT and I'm very interested in xml web services and .Net. But I'm drawn to C++ because it seems more versatile and powerful.

My plan is to learn the same way I've learned everything else: self-study through books, experimentation, and discussion groups.

Thanks for any advice,
Kevin

[bjnst6]

not a bad question.

i'm not familiar with c# at all (yet)...so i can't help you there...but I would say that the choice between C++, Java, and VB is going to be dependent upon which one your really think you're going to use first. Are you more likely to do stand-alone apps? embedded software? windows programming? this might not help much if you have no idea...but there it is.

the benefits of starting with Java would be that it is less complicated than C++ by far and could ween you into C++...Java really isn't compiled though...it's interpretted...which is a slight difference. VB should also be easier to start with just because of it's nature as well. but if you get C++ the others will be cake.

maybe this didn't help any...but there's a little info.
take care.
b

[Yves M]

It's a very hard question to answer

Each language has its strengths and weaknesses, but I guess you know that. C++ is the most versatile and potentially the most powerful. The main drawback is that it takes much longer to learn and master than the others. Another "drawback" is the fact that you have to take care of virtually everything, so you have to be careful about memory allocations for example, which doesn't really apply to VB or Java (and C#).

Originally posted by Kevin Collins
I'm not prejudiced against any language, but I'm leaning towards C++, Java, and C# because I think they would be the most useful given my experience and current career path. VB doesn't interest me as much, but several people have told me it's the easiest to learn and may be the most useful in the near term as we move code to multiple tiers.

It seems like your company is working mostly with webintegration. Now if you want to learn something quickly and useful VB would indeed be the answer. If you are prepared to invest a bit more time, but still rely on the webcentric view, then Java is a very good option. C++ is more learning still but you'll have aquired many valuable skills.

[totof]

let me take the opportunity to add a question to this thread in order to get an answer from the experienced programmer that already contributed

any good guide/book in order to launch myself into window programing using tool such as Borland Builder and Delphi.

thank you in advance for posting

[joan_fl]

C# much easier to develop web services, windows applications... I intergration of Visual Studio & deployment of services has definetly blurred.

[totof]

I want to learn C# to develop my own windows applications. I'll probably won't use the internet related features for a start.

Can you advice a good book for introducing me to C#?

I am a beginner-intermediate C++ programmer used to develop my simplish applications on Borland C++ Builder.

Is "programming C#" by J.Liberty any good in my case?

[joan_fl]

Can you advice a good book for introducing me to C#?

Im sorry the only book Ive bought on .NET is Advanced .NET Remoting... For which I can recommend. Beyond that Ive mostly learned from online sites like.

http://www.gotdotnet.com/
http://www.codeproject.com/
http://www.c-sharpcorner.com/

This web site has a really good begineers forum
http://www.csharpfriends.com/

People do recommend this book well
http://www.c-sharpcorner.com/store/1001Details.asp

Hope this helps,

Joan

[totof]

thanks a lot my man !

[joan_fl]

thanks a lot my man !

LOL... Your welcome, but Im a woman.

[Andreas Masur]

Originally posted by totof
Can you advice a good book for introducing me to C#?

Take a look here...