What is the best language?

[roblenzen]

Hello, I am new to computer programming but a veteran of web programming. I was wondering:
1. What is the simpliest code to use to make a simple program.

2. What will I need and where can I find a program to compile the
information?

and . . .

3. What is a good website to learn this language?

[oracleguy]

That question doesn't have an answer. There is "best" language.

Now if you've done web programming, then for initial computer programming you probably want to stay on the same track.

So if you know PHP, then C++ or perhaps C#. Additionally you can use C# for asp .net programming too.

If you've done lots of ASP then VB would be the best starting point.

Depending on the language, you'd need different software to compile it. With VB or C# you need Visual Studio. For C++, there are more options for compilers.

[roblenzen]

Thank you. I will probably use C++.

[scriptkeeper]

I have heard much about all the languages mentioned but are there any understated languages! Or ones that dont recieve as much hype as the main ones! Such as C++, C#, and VB!

[Spookster]

There are lots of languages that are used all over but don't get talked about as much as the most popular ones.

Here is a language guide:

http://www.engin.umd.umich.edu/CIS/course.des/cis400/index.html

For those companies that refuse to keep up with the times there is still a need for FORTRAN and COBOL programmers. LISP although it has been around a long time is still used in AI and stuff like that.

Java and C++ are probably two of the most popular. Both are very similar in syntax. Actually Java was developed from C or C++ I forget which. They just decided to take a few features out that they didn't like.

[scriptkeeper]

Sorry to complain spookster but that link is dead?

[Spookster]

Originally posted by scriptkeeper
Sorry to complain spookster but that link is dead?

Works just fine for me.

[scriptkeeper]

U R Right its working now must have been a fluke sorry!

[ObiwanJebroni]

The "best" programming language is probably not Visual Basic. Though it's easy to program and you can't make good looking applications fast (there is little need to calculate coordinates on the screen for windows since there's a GUI to set up all the controls). The problem with VB is that its not portable (sometimes, its a hassle to just run it on an operating system of the same type, except with a different service pack). C++ or C# or Java are all good choices for programming. All of these are very popular and you'll find plenty of resources to help you learn the language.