Curtis Rey wrote:
Hi all. I would like opinions from those on the list about which programming language a noob like myself with no prior skills or experience should focus on. I want to learn C++ and one other, such as PERL, Assembly, Java, etc.... but am unsure as to what other language to use. I have hopes of creating my own programs, and more over learning how to create GUI's for existing Linux programs (e.g. giving certain video and audio console base programs a face that is both intuitive and well rounded).
I'd suggest Java and Perl. They have a similar syntax, based on C. Java is moralistic and helps you learn how to structure programs properly. It also has a well documented class library that lets you build GUIs quite quickly. Perl is sloppy and forgiving and lets you write quick and dirty programs. You're more likely to find a java course than a perl one. C++ is very big in comparison. Even when you've mastered the java-like bits, you still have pointers, templates, the standard library, the standard template library and patterns for compiling code to learn. And that isn't enough to write concurrent programs or anything with a GUI. You need system calls or a class library like Qt for that. It's not really a beginners language, but once you've learned java, you'll find that much of it translates easily into C++. JDl -- Non enim propter gloriam, diuicias aut honores pugnamus set propter libertatem solummodo quam Nemo bonus nisi simul cum vita amittit.