Maximum PC

As am I am about to go to college for a Comp. Sci. degree, what do you think would be the best language to learn? I know NOTHING about programming. (I can totally program a ti-83 though ) I heard Java is mostly used and would give me a good advantage in going into college. Any input would be great.

I've heard that most college Computer Science and AP Computer Science clases nowadays use Java, so that would probably be the best place to start.

Depends on the school. Some school still use C++, others use Java, some have adapted to Python. Honestly, I would recommend Python because it's easy to learn and it enforces good programming practices (like indenting). C is a good language to learn if you go into Systems Programming, and Java's an excellent language to learn Object Oriented Programming in. C++ is just kind of there, but it's a good language to have under your belt.

Learn C++ first. Just get in under your belt, trust me. C++ is the langauge of the computer world. Linux, FreeBSD, Windows, MacOS... they're all written in c/c++/assembly as are most of the tools that sit ontop of the OSes.

Then learn java, PHP, Python, Perl, Visual Basic, cobol(yes cobol!)... honestly just learn every single langauge you can! The more you know the better your job prospects are. Especially if you know old stuff like cobol. You'd be surprised how many places still run big irons with their apps written in cobol!

Either C++ or Java. I would suggest contacting the compsci departments of the schools that you might attend and ask them what teaching language they use. I would spend the first two years with that language (98% likely either Java or C++). Then spend some time learning the other language. Don't bite off too much yet. You'll have all kinds of issues like OOP, data structures, algorithms and hardware/ISA's that will consume a lot of your time and energy.

Learn something, learn it well (it was C/C++ for me), but mainly just learn how to think. If you can do that you can pick up the basics of any langauge in a few days or even hours with a good reference. For me at least, the language doesn't matter anymore, I just need a reference if it isn't one of my favorites (C/C++, Java, Python, even asm).

This question really needs to be made sticky.

Stop post-whoring...

Hey, are you going to be competing in Wednesdays TopCoder match?

You're just bitter because you are soooo far behind.



No.

I picked up a couple of contracts last week (good!) and a nasty flu bug (bad!) ... so I'm a little behind in my work.

I also have a friend flying into Vancouver to stay with me until Xmas ... so between these things, I've no spare time at all. I only noticed yesterday that the mountains on our north shore have their snow caps back already ... I can't believe I didn't see that until yesterday.