Focus on one programming language? Any recommendations or advice?

[Flippedbeyond]

Hi all,

I've been programming for about 1-3years and i really love it. i've played around with html, asp.net, flash and what not since i was like 15, but nothing serious. I took intro courses to vb, c++, and java. And everything else i'm self-taught. I have the most knowledge in and mainly program in vb.net. I am planning on majoring in programming languages and maybe getting into artificial intelligence or something.

What would be a good language for me to focus on?


I've seen alot of C# code online lately when searching for silver light reference, and i'm def into learning how to program an entire OS someday so maybe i should go with a language like C++ or something?

I feel like for fast development VB.net is def the way to go, which is prob why i know vb the most cause it seems to be the easiest to dev in with regards to speed when i want a utility or bot-like program for myself, unless its programming for the Android phone which is just java.

i feel like java is getting really popular now-a-days too?



Any recommendations on what language i should focus on? If so, why?

Also any recommendations as far as schools with a major in computer programming or artificial intelligence?



Thanks!

 

[jmcilhinney]

If you're serious about AI or the like then you pretty much have to look at C/C++. That sort of thing is very resource intensive so you would need the low-level efficiency they offer to make anything worthwhile.

 

[Flippedbeyond]

Thanks jmcilhinney, i think that's what i'll do. What do you think about C#?

I already know some basic c++, of course it wouldn't hurt, but do you think it would be worth it to practice and read up on programming with its predecessor C as well? I read that it could be more efficient than C++ in some ways?

 

[old_school]

Ive been coding for several years and in the IT field for many years. One thing Ive learned is you must learn new skills in order to keep your job. Its also important to learn new skills for your self as well. I started out teaching my self c# and hosted a Run UO server. Though I was playing a game, the coding side taught me the basics of the lang. Later I picked up a book and learned the entire lang. Once i learned the lang, I decided to learn c++. I can tell you after you learn one lang, they all are very simular and get very easy to learn. C++ i can honestly say bord me. I mean the lang is extremely powerful but is was so simular to c# I felt like I barely had to learn any thing lol. Now when I started learning Java, that was a different story. Java proed to be fairly hard to learn compared at others. Currently Im teching my self VB now.

Those wondering, my degrees in college were IT, Business and Software Engineering. So all my programming learning came from reading a book and just doing/coding. I honestly think classroom is the best way to learn a new skill but books our good too. I plan to go back to school sometime for more training and focuss on programming. But the point is learn as many langs as you can, it will help you alot.

 

[Flippedbeyond]

WOW! i hit the back button on my laptop and i lost all the stuff i typed, . I love this Lenovo X201 Tablet, but putting a back and forward button near the arrow keys under the shift button is just stupid, although it is quite useful sometimes.

Thanks old_school.

I feel the same way about programming languages, i'm planning on finishin the c++ book i have by stroustrup as soon as i finish this database application i am working on in vb.net. I hear Java is getting very popular in the field? and its quite powerful as well. I'm actually planing on taking a programming 3(with java) class next semester (i go to a community college and there aren't too many enthusiastic students here , the classes aren't that challenging, so im actually skipping programming 2 that they have here. Cant wait till i transfer somewhere else next year.. When i took intro to java and c++ i ended up leaving mid-semester and still getting A's when making up the work, i even tutored for java and cpp while i was taking the class i already knew vb at that point and the intro classes felt more like just learning different syntax than anything, well except for the pointers in cpp.


Anybody? i was wondering, is there any place in the "US" that could be considered like more of a computer/programming industry than others? Any school recommendations for programming?

 

[old_school]

Well lets point out a few things because your message made me think. So lets consider some thing business side guys and gals. Microsoft is lossing share % currently. Apple is trying to reach out and gain marketshare. So what does Apple use alot? Java! Why Java? Java is a cross platform lang which means you can use it on MS, Apple, Linix and Unix programms/applications. Now java does have some downsides so thats were c++ and C in general steps in. C has dominated the IT world for several years but is slowly lossing influence because Java and other OS influences from the media.

I predict we will see more Java based careers in the next 20 years and less C based. The only thing that will turn this around is Bill Gates. Since he retired basicly from Microsoft, MS is not likely to turn their company around. So were likely to see the death of Windows in about 20 years. The sad part is apple will likely replace it. Sorry apple users but I worked for apple as a software engineer and your OS sucks. But its likely Apple will dominate the Os world at some point. However, I would not invest in any direct Apple Lang. Their coding will likely never replace Windows C based langs. completely. Why? Because apple code is poorly organized amoung many other reasons.

If we get lucky Linix or Unix will hopefully take over Os wise at some point. As we become a more techy based soceity, Linix and Unix would be the best alterative to Windows. Both our very stable and powerful. The downfall is they are to powerful. Meaning they can be over whelming for the average user to use. Literly a 100% customizeable OS which means the user can break it much easier. Which if you been in It long enough, you most users are dumb or just do dumb things (porn for example). Relating this to programming, Unix and linix programming langs our awsome. Problem is nothing is compadable. However, those could be bridged to a Windows based program easly. Sadly though Linix is free and is hard to market media wise so its not a well known OS. I think of Unix based Os's as the Taboo OS's. Commonly the best kept secret in the IT field.

That being said, I still love Windows to be honest. Server wise OS based, its top notch. Its super easy to use, navigate, setup and operate. Now the other OS's do have advantages as well but Windows remains the best over all server side for now. Business wise if it was possiable the best OS would be a Java based OS. I dont think its possiable but it would be very nice because it would be the most universal OS ever made.

Moving on, you asked about schools. Well I personally attended a private school but being a techer my self. Tech schools our fairly good, just make sure you go back later and get a BA at a real school at some point. Tech degree's get your foot in the door and a BA will get you the job. A BA will also provide job security. Lots of people may say you don't need a BA but thats lies. Thin about it, when is the last time you seen someone unemployeed with a BA who genuiely tried to find work? YEah, they dont loose jobs lol You have to suck really bad at your job to loose it if you have a BA unless the entire company went under. So yeah, get your BA or higher.