Next programming language?

Question

I've just completed my first semester in computer science, and the only programming language I know is Java. What would be the best programming language to learn next? I'd go with C or Perl, but I'm interested to hear input from others before I dive in.

Answer 1

"Scripting languages" like perl, PHP, or python are very useful to know just for the sake of simplifying a lot of computer-related tasks. Professionally, they aren't too widely used (though python is becoming increasingly popular and widespread, and PHP is widely used, but like 95% for web apps).



I would recommend learning C. You already know Java, and the syntax is very similar, but a lot of the concepts are significantly different. It's one of the most widely used languages and leaves the door open for doing embedded programming. C has historically been the language of choice for serious hackers (other than assembly). One of the most important things about C, especially for students like yourself, is that it allows (and practically forces) a deeper understanding of what's going on in your program, and even deep inside the processor. Java has everything nicely encapsulated, which is convenient, but doesn't allow for much intimacy between programmer and computer.



Also, I personally would stay far away from C++, but that's just my opinion, I know a lot of people like it. As far as I'm concerned, if you're going to do C++, you may as well just do Java and say yourself a lot of headache. C++ was (again, in my opinion) a failed attempt to shoe-horn the object oriented paradigm into an existing language which was poorly suited for it.

Answer 2

Learn C.

Why? Because learning C will expose you to programming and computing concepts beyond what you picked up when learning Java, and that will make you a better programmer.



If you want to learn a scripting language, I'd probably go with Python or maybe Ruby over Perl, though there's nothing really wrong with choosing Perl.

Answer 3

C

Definitly C. You already know Java, so learning C should not be that bad. Plus lots of stuff use C, and many programming languages are based on C.

I've heard people say before that C is like Latin in that it has been around for a while an is the basis of much of what we work with today, except that people still use C.

Answer 4

Objective C can be written for the Windows Platform... It is not a MAC only language as you seem to think.... However, don't waste your time with C or Objective C. Learn a completely object-oriented language like C++, Java, VB.Net. Note that Javascript is not a programming language, nor is it used to create desktop applications (stand alone). It is a scripting language that runs via the client's browser. BASIC is an outdated language today and has been replaced with new versions of VB. If the only thing you know is HTML, then you really do not have any experience with programming, as HTML is a mark-up language and not a programming language. Therefore, I would suggest that you concentrate your studies on the basic concepts of programming such as: data types, variables, flow control (loops, conditionals), encapsulation, functions, arrays, classes, containment, inheritance, abstraction, pointers, references, the "stack", the "heap", polymorphism (polymorphic arrays), overloading functions/operators, data structures, and so on and so on...... It is going to take you quite a while to learn all of the aformentioned concepts, but if you stick with your studies, it will be well worth your time.

Answer 5

With Java under your belt, you are pretty well prepared for most object oriented languages. The C family is pretty well used and asked for on resumes, so any variant there would serve you well. If your interests are leaning towards web development or any client/server programming, you might do well to look at XML. The most important thing is to have a good coding style and ethic. Clever does not equal Smart.

Answer 6

With Java knowledge you are in good position.

Next thing you should try to ask yourself where you want to head.



Core technologies like .Net, Java are pretty similar.

SO,

learn java implementations i.e.

J2EE (Much broader in scope, will give you an edge)

GROOVY (if you badly want to learn another language)



Other options:

FLEX... it's one upcoming technology, you might well be interested



Also now that you think you know Java, try to understand how much you know... take the SCJP test, this score helps you and you can also justify that you really have learned something.



If you know one language well; it should not be too hard to learn any other language.



hope this helps

Answer 7

I learned C++ here. It's good language to know, similar to Java.



http://xoax.net/comp/cpp/index.php

Answer 8

That depends on what you want to do. If you're trying to go into networking, I would recommend A+. It's a very good start into the networking field.



Plus once you get your A+ you can try and get a job working repairing networks.

Answer 9

Well if you started with Java, then you should try PHP, SQL, or C++ if you want something different



Good luck

Answer 10

C# or python