Programming Languages

Hi, I'm relatively new to programming, and Visual Basic doesn't seem to be that good of a language, and not that much used in real applications. I want to move onto a different language, one that is very popular, can do almost anything, and can be and IS used in professional applications. Another important factor is platform compatibility. Java provides that, but Java isn't that popular for Windows, and Windows is my primary target. C++ works, but I have a couple of questions:

1) Can C++ be used on any OS Is it a good language to use as my primary language

2) Is C# going to replace C++ Does that work on other OS's C# is newer, and so I'm thinking maybe its the new version of C++ that's going to replace it, as xhtml is probably going to do to generic html Is it going to replace it If not, then what relation does C# have with C++

3) After all is said and done, what is the best language to learn I don't think I'll be able to handle multiple langauges, or if I am, I won't be able to know them both really well..

4) I'm thinking about a career in programming (i'm still a HS student), with that in mind what should I learn

Visual Basic12

there is no "best" language. C++ will always be there I believe, its "native" or the core of computing technology.

As for the VB - well, VB is old and unsupported but moving onto the .NET platform, .NET is now standard and will be in Windows, especially in Vista.

C# is the industry based language which majority of businesses use, some argue that C# is an advanced language than VB.NET, some say (including myself) that VB.NET is ideal for beginners (syntax) and can progress onwards to C#.

C# is a programmers favourite language - ease of use and its just...nice.

At the end of the day, it does not matter if you use VC++.NET/VB.NET/C# - the framework is what is being used. The core underlying system.

The beauti about .NET is that you can mix'n'match languages to be used in a solution - so you can have half the solution made in VB.NET and the other in C# - all preference of the developer.

.NET is a huge success, its a developer's dream. Not only can you develop desktop applications, but web applications and Windows Mobile development using the .NET CF (Compact Framework) and the close integration with Xml/SQL Server

It is much easier than C/C++ and is managed (99%).

C# is indeed new (4 years old now) and is just an industry wide used language and more "professional" - again most will argue.

Microsoft use C# internally and externally for projects (I would say about 90%), I use C#, MSN (part of Microsoft of course) use C# - many web developers on the .NET platform use C#

At the end of the day, again, its not about what language you use but how you use the language, how you know how to use things and the core system - the .NET Framework.

The shocking thing is that universities and colleges do not teach .NET but stick to other (old and obselete almost) languages (which I rather not say) - but now they are using .NET which is good news but 4 years too late. Thanks to us/Microsoft - there is Visual Studio Express - a free for life (but limited) edition of Visual Studio 2005 which you can use and universities for free. I guess it helps but still, recommended to purchase the full version for more advanced things, such as installers/mobile development and so on...

In order to use .NET developed applications, you need to install the .NET Framework on the Windows based computer. no framework, no application.

hope it helps!

Well of course there is no best language that can be proven, but I'm just looking to see the experienced peoples' personal opinion.

1) Does Visual C++ work on non .Net Framework computers (Ex. Linux distros and Mac's )

**I'm going to do C# based on what you said. But is C++ necessary I don't want to go onto C# and then later on realize that I skipped an important language.

indeed it is, ive been using C# for 3 years, and along side VB.NET

Wait youre saying indeed it is to what

So I should learn C++ first, or go straight to C#

(i edited the post)

C# is indeed the language I love and use!

I would say go to C#

C++ will always be there - no harm in learning it, but these days people are using .NET

One last question:

What relation does C++ have to C# If you know C++ is C# easy to learn, and vice versa

C# is easier to learn than C++ syntax is not quite the same however the structure is similar.

to go from C# to C++ would be not a hard task but will be a bit of a challange if you are not using the .NET Framework ;-)

with C++, I believe (dont quote me) you have to make sure you "clean up" resources you have used, .NET does this most of the time but with C++, since its unmanaged (I think) you would have to implement your own methods etc.. for cleaning up.

there is no real "relation" between the two really, except perhaps the syntax to a certain extent, its in the same "family" if you like.

are you a professional programmer ahmedilyas

yes I am.

who do you work for ...MS ... (just curious)

Also I read here: http://www.tiobe.com/tpci.htm

That Java is the most popular programming language. Then how come you haven't said anything about that (I know this is a MSDN forum, intended for Microsoft languages, but I don't think you would just leave out Java if it was that important)

It also says that Visual Basic is more popular than VB.NET. How can that be Visual Basic 6 is old and deprecated...

And it also says C is more popular than C++...that's another old language...

well java is NOT popular, infact .NET has beaten it. Java is slow, buggy and unfriendly (and its a fact)

I know a university who taught java switched to .NET because of its ease of use, functionality and performance - much more friendlier.

C is low level, nothing to do with .NET. there are various other languages, (Assembly, C, C++ and so on) but we are talking about high level languages...VB/VB.NET/C# etc...

.NET is fairly new (4 years old ish)... and is a standard these days and has overriden C jobs (to a certain extent)

VB is still highly used but most of them are transitioning over to .NET platform.

There are many views, but to stick to your original question about which to learn, C++ or .NET - doesnt hurt to learn both but .NET being very popular and more industry standard (depending of course the job you are after)

In the future, there may well be newer languages, its the way technology progresses onwards but .NET is now a standard (or is in the middle of becoming standard)

Ridiculous.. Java is indeed a popular language..
eBay, Oracle, IBM, Google all use Java. Java is the easiest language and provides unmatched security. The only concerning thing is the performance for Desktop applications and support tools which make life a little easier for the programmer. In short, Java is wonderful but it increases Development time.
As far as C is concerned.. C language provides the best performance against any other language and most of the operating systems are build with C.

So if you want to develop system applications go for C.
I would say .. for a career in programming everyone should know -

SQL- and working knowledge of any Database like Sql Server or DB2.. Oracle is the best.
C/C++- you must have a basic knowlegde about C/C++.
C#- This is the one language that should be on your tips if your developing for the windows platform.
Java- I think Days of java have gone down.. but Advance java can get you high salaries.
Visual Basic is for kids. Everyone should pay with it for a couple of months.

and a little HTML, XML, javascript, CSS can add stars to your Resume.

there is a lot of nonsense being spouted on this thread