Best programming language to learn?

Question

Okay!
So I'm interested in learning any programming language.
I am a complete and utter beginner
I'm 14, and I've got a pretty good grasp on computers. Mainly basic/intermediate stuff. But now I'm interested in learning a programming language.
I've heard tons examples would be,

Java
Vb
c
c+
c++

And things like that.

but i am a complete beginner, even after i programmed something I wouldn't even know how to compile it into an .Exe

So can anyone tell me the EASIEST programming language to learn for beginners, and a good place to learn it at (tutorial).


Thanks alot!

Answer 1

Long term, C is the best language to have a good grasp on. C is used on a wide variety of platforms, from Linux and Windows to game consoles. Once you know C, you can easily add C++, C#, PHP, and Java, as they are all based on C.



To start with though, many find Basic to be a good place to start. And Visual Basic is in widespread use in database and rapid application development.



So overall, Id say start with C or Java, then pickup C++ and VB.





Online resources



Sample code, articles, and some tutorials, but my number one resource when I need coding assistance:

http://www.codeproject.com/



A decent C/C++ tutorial

http://www.cprogramming.com/tutorial.html



I would definitely recommend picking up a book to go with your online resources. Especially when you are first learning, it is very helpful to be able to sit in a comfy chair and just read. Plus its always helpful to have a quick, immediately available source for common questions.



When it comes to coding books, stick to the basics. You don't need flashy presentation here, just a code reference to the language. O'Reilly is a great source for language books, and you can find them at any major Bookstore.

Answer 2

You're on the right path. Javascript is great and it's the best one to learn and most practical without getting complicated. Note that HTML and CSS aren't programming. What you are doing in those languages is creating a portfolio and modifying the text and pictures to look a certain way. The benefit of Javascript is you don't need a compiler therefore it can be displayed directly on a browser. The easiest language to learn is BASIC, but you won't get to apply it much to anything so you really won't be learning for much. BASIC and Visual Basic are mostly used in an office setting, like for storing files and such. Do you work in an office? I don't think you would. The problem with C, C++, and Objective-C is they are very practical, but only when you've taken the right mathematics courses such as Discrete math. You can build programs without knowing the math, but once you want to create the nice programs, then you need some math, and it's not something regularly taught in k-12, this is college. So to answer your question, Javascript no doubt. There is easily plenty of Javascript courses online.

Answer 3

I am very glad you are interested in this stuff, I was like you when I tried to learn programming, but I didn't get the right resources. I will tell you everything you will need.



1) Start with a focus:

Java, VB, C, C+, C++ are called Object Oriented Programming (you will get to know what I mean). They are alike, just like your Yahoo messenger and MSN messenger. But different in syntax. If you want to start now, start with Java (so that you will understand the concept of all the others easily). I started with VB (Visual Basic), but couldn't really understand it. But not I am good in almost all, because I did the Java course in school.



2) Get ready:

Don't go to google and start searching for programming books or tutors, as this may not help you because it is extremely loaded with too much information (mixed up without any levels or aggregates), else you will waste a lot of time.



Start With one Good Book, and finish it before you look at another, so that you don't get confused. I advise you to start with Java Programming, by Joyce Farrell. Go to the bookshop and get it.



Don't be discouraged - with determination, nothing is difficult.

Contact me on Y! messenger if you need any further help.



Hope it helps you.

Answer 4

Well here is some options for you.



I think Java is the COOLEST language to learn but it is very difficult, the language is so weird, but C, C#, C++ all pretty much have the same language, and it is quite easy to learn, I am having just a difficulty with my birthday program xP, but anyway, what I am trying to say is that basically...



C, C#, or C++ is the easiest and is a pretty cool language to learn *note that I am taking this course right now*



Java is really hard to learn, the language is complicated, but you can make almost anything with Java, like for instance you see runescape? That game is created by Java. So it's like saying take C, C#, or C++ i your a beginner, or if your up for the challenge, take the pro course, Java.



That's my two-cents for this question ;P.



EDIT: GAME MAKER IS NOT A PROGRAMMING LANGUAGE, IT IS JUST A BIG PHONY! IT IS LIKE SAYING YOU AS A 14 YEAR OLD IS READING A PICTURE BOOK O.O, Don't be fooled into that gamemaker 7.0 pro or lite is a programming language, it is just a "choose your picture for your main character, choose your background, yada yada yada" It's basically like creating a profile, and trust me, that is so behind beginner it's like your a 1 year old. So if you want to take the easy route take Game Makr 7.0, contact me I have a crack serial number for the game to make it go from lite to pro :]. But seriously, if you want to make something with a programming language, don't take Game Maker, take C++ or something.

Answer 5

Java or C# would probably be one of the better options to pick up. Both are used frequently by companies and schools tend to use one of these for classes too.



** Edit **

As one of the other responses indicated, pick up one of the object oriented programming (oop) languages. C++ would also fall under this but is one of the more difficult languages since some basic classes (objects, not school classes) are left to the developer to write (when you really should be learning code reuse). Garbage collection and lack of pointers in Java and C# also tend to make these easier to pick up.



toonjoren - Java is just as easy to learn as any other language. I actually find the online documentation more clear than most Microsoft languages/technologies (C#, VB, COM/COM+) since the documentation is a bit more detailed. I've also found the examples for Java to be easier to find compared to .NET (especially since Microsoft moved to .NET and CLR from the various older languages).

Answer 6

If you learn C, your ready to do or learn anything computer related.

IMO the easiest programming language is Visual Basic, but its not the best one to start with because all common language of today use a very different structure and you may found it hard to learn something else later.

Answer 7

Hey, If you are a beginner, and are interested in making games, I can help you.



I know of a great and easy to use programming language called GameMaker, It's great for beginners, and pros alike.



Contact me at my email, [e-mail]

Answer 8

If you're a beginner, start with Visual Basic.