When do I know I am ready to move to another programming language?

Question

I'm a beginner progammer and I chose C++ as my beginner language, because of it's complexity, so I can move to any other language with ease. My goal is to learn as many languages as possible, next in my list after C++ is Delphi (the language we use in school) PHP and Javascript for websites and possibly a lot more.
I just reached pointers and references in C++ and I think I have a decent grip. How much more work should I do, before I can move on?

I have a book on C++, I'm just below half way there...
How much harder can it get?

Thank you in advance,
I will be happy to recieve any replies,
Wolfi

Answer 1

Learning to program is a lifelong endeavor... but getting started, like you have is often the biggest step. Pick up some X/HTML (useful) or C# (powerful, relevant) next. Java and Javascript share the basic syntax of C so they won't seem so difficult... but because these are mostly net languages they now require some XML/HTML familiarity so learn the web languages as a unit and maybe some Oracle/PHP/SQL (Database query stuff) if you wanna actually work in the field and allow your knowledge to feed you back.



As you learn object-oriented design, programming becomes more like the art of painting than the general skill of auto mechanics. I'm in school for programming, so I can tell you that everything builds upon the last few things you have learned or picked up. There are always 50 more ways to do something than you first envision and millions of ways to improve a system once you build it.



I will warn you... the complexity of advanced programming can be overwhelming to a beginner (anything less than 5 hard, hands on years programming makes you one) so get ready to be overwhelmed and challenged when someone who knows their stuff starts talking to you using the inside jargon about the big concept stuff. It is a thieves' cant all its own and learning to speak it will help you enter the programmer's world and converse with its natives.



Take a few classes so you don't develop all the bad habits that will eventually stunt your learning curve. Programming Logic will help you immensely... and after you have a few languages under your belt, UML is indispensable. You'll need a good teacher to challenge your constructions and hundreds of hours of design time to learn this design language thoroughly.



I'm considering finishing my web programmer/analyst degree then either going into game design programming (visual design, animation, and the art side) or pursuing a degree in software engineering where I can really get my skills developed.

Answer 2

Programming language is just a tool to help you in accomplishing a computer related task. My point of view is: Learning as many languages as possible is not nearly as efficient as learning a few languages and learn them well.



Books are a good place to start, but as you learn different languages, you'll soon found out that they all have the same basic concepts. What is different is usually the syntax. From reading books, you'll learn different syntaxes.



Another thing is: You can't really learn a language only by reading books. You need to actually code. Hands-on. Exercise. Solve problems with what you've learned.



You should also note that the "hard" part about programming is not how to code, but to find solutions to problems. Understanding a problem, find solutions, formulate a plan/flow are the hard parts. After all of that, it's *just* coding.



Other things that you might want to consider:

- Knowledge in what language most job opportunities are looking for (if you're planning to work as a programmer later on)

- What are you planning to accomplish? (Web application? Client based program?)



Hope this helps.

Answer 3

If you ever want to crate a worthwhile program that you can interact with in a graphical environment then you have quite a ways to go. You shouldn't just hop from one language to another. Learn one language very well and then learn others only when you need to or when they will help you accomplish a task more efficiently. I can't tell you how many languages I learned just to the point of pointers and references, etc. and then I never bothered using them just because what I could do with that knowledge was so limited. By all means though, if you are interested in web design, start learning HTML, javascript, and whichever server side scripting language you prefer. PHP is good because it is fairly efficient, free, easy to set up, and is easy to learn if you have programming experience.

Answer 4

Delphi is a good language for desktop applications, but not much good for web pages.



Javascript is good for web pages and for the client side of web applications. PHP is good for serving dynamic web pages and for the server side of web applications. Neither is much good for destop applications.



So, pick what you want to do. Standard C++ is pretty wimpy for application development. You need nonstandard class libraries to effectively do anything with windows (text or graphical). So, unless you are also learning a framework (Win32, MFC, GTK+, Qt, .NET with "managed" C++, etc.) you won't have a lot of desktop app skills. Delphi comes with a pretty good object-oriented application framework. The language is based on Pascal, and is comfortable to use--but switching back and forth from C-based coding to Pascal-based coding can make even a seasoned programmer dizzy. (C uses = for assignment, == for comparison and {} braces for blocks. Pascal uses := for assignment, = for comparison, and {} braces for comments!)



If you want to work on web pages, instead, first learn HTML and CSS. Learn to use them as intended: HTML for page content and CSS for page presentation ("style"). Then learn Javascript for modifying and animating both content and style on a page. Then learn PHP (or ASP.NET) for delivering web pages that are modified or entirely created "on-the-fly". There are a few versions of HTML around, but the only ones to consider studying right now are HTML 4.01 and/or XHTML 1.0. These are "nearly" the same, and both are supported by all major browsers, but coding in XHTML will get you in the habit of creating "well-formed" documents.



Two different directions; take your pick. And have fun--it's a lot easier to get good at something if you enjoy what you're doing. And vice-versa.

Answer 5

Unless you can find a boss willing to subsidize your constant re-training necessary to maintain current professional skills, school is always an exercise in the history of computer manufacturing.



I do not see Delphi as a contender in five years. Presently, the legal system is gearing up in America to divide the computer industry into two conglomerates -- Oracle and Microsoft. It remains to be seen if Microsoft can kill Linux, whether Oracle can kill Android. Oracle announced in the 1980s that the industry would converge into one, maybe two players.



Oracle was correct.

Answer 6

wow,i did not recognize anybody used to be nonetheless making use of elementary,i used that during college 30 years in the past :) (do not attempt to bet my age). i see little to little need for elementary besides perhaps as a sensible creation to programming,a disgrace they don't seem to be instructing some thing extra priceless through now. earlier than you choose any language you will have to be definite you wish to end up a programmer. for those who do,i nonetheless see little need for preserving elementary. earlier than you choose the language,you will have to choose the discipline you wish to go into as all of them have their possess expert languages,a language is massive and getting well is rough,opt for one cautiously and check out to get fairly well at simply that one. i do know that a present widespread language is c++ i additionally recognize that so much of the programming paintings has been despatched to india as they're less expensive,now not so much right here and rough to compete. a brand new discipline to enter with programming that may make you plenty of cash suddenly is writing programs,like for firefox or iphone. i believe java is the language for that you want a well thought and the capability to write down it,then be certain men and women see it,there are lots of methods to discover recommendations on google,upgrade on present recommendations,even one bette characteristic could make the change. please do not forget different choices. listed here are two methods to make well cash in computer systems . one million) be trained CCNA that is SYSCO, for networking, get well at this and you'll earn over 35,000 gbp kilos in keeping with 12 months. two) get a comptia a+ this will likely additionally rely you as an on the spot reliable and get you into paintings swiftly. those are each so well that you'll get in without problems even with out revel in. comptia A+ is extra approximately hardware,drawback capturing,too can broaden into networking and safety. i want we had those while i used to be in tuition,they could have modified my existence. my A stage laptop technological know-how used to be nugatory,i knew plenty however might do not anything. well success. shall we see if any one can provide you a larger reply than this,simply name me your profession guru.