Which langauge next?

So I have and use Javascript, PHP, and MYSQL down. I would like to learn a more established language. I have it narrowed down to 2 Java or C, I would like to eventually be able to use them for my own profit, not sure where though. Is ANSI-C a dead language? Is Java over hyped? Also I would like to add, I would rather not learn a .net language, only because writing them in a *nix environment can be tricky. Regards, MJ

applepanda wrote:

So I have and use Javascript, PHP, and MYSQL down. I would like to learn a more established language. I have it narrowed down to 2 Java or C, I would like to eventually be able to use them for my own profit, not sure where though. Is ANSI-C a dead language? Is Java over hyped? Also I would like to add, I would rather not learn a .net language, only because writing them in a *nix environment can be tricky. Regards, MJ

If you are on Unix, then C.

[/quote]

If you are on Unix, then C.
[/quote] Thinking broader, I've been on the *nix's for most of my life, with very little exposure to Windows. Is it possible to make a decent living writing .net? I mean this sounds strange but I tending to be in my own little OCD world and not really caring what's outside. normally I don't go into GUI, I've just been feeling like Im stuck in a rut. Regards, MJ

Why not C++?

Mono is very capable on Linux.  However, if you want to make a living coding with .NET on Linux, your options are very narrow.  In that case, Java would be your better bet, though if you get hired into a company, it's likely they'll be developing on Windows and deploying on Linux or some other Unix platform.

C is certainly viable, though again you'll find your avenues for employment fairly narrow, especially with your Linux requirement.  C is used mostly for systems level work.  A job working on embedded systems that use Linux and C would be one fit.

Is C# microsoft's "response" to java? I'm not trying to get into a flame war and I'm not trolling.

C# and the .NET Framework probably started as a response to Java (the language and the platform), but has grown to something that Java is now trying to catch up with. .NET 2.0 was a big improvement, and .NET 3.5 will even be a bigger step forward.

If you're just interested in learning a language, I'd say either C++ or C#.

Why C#:

C# I only recommend because you're going to be dealing with code at a higher level. C and C++, you will fight alot with the system. C++ for example, has 8 different kinds of Strings, and many functions will require you to convert between the 8 formats, which can be a pain. C meanwhile has nothing to handle strings, but rather only char arrays.

I've heard that there were ways to use .NET within Linux and OS X (mostly Linux), but haven't really seen too much in either way.

I'd say C# is easier to learn, due to the easy availability of a compiler (VS 2005 Express) and it's good intellisense. If you've learned C#, Java is very similar, with the only difference being relearning what namespaces various objects are in.

Why C++:

You've got experience in PHP. PHP and C/C++ share quite a few things in syntax, such as functions like printf(). This might be an easier route and would get you more quickly accustomed to the C-Style languages such as Java, C++, C# and the rest.

make C your next target!

every programmer worth his salt needs it

applepanda wrote:

If you are on Unix, then C. [/quote] Thinking broader, I've been on the *nix's for most of my life, with very little exposure to Windows. Is it possible to make a decent living writing .net? I mean this sounds strange but I tending to be in my own little OCD world and not really caring what's outside. normally I don't go into GUI, I've just been feeling like Im stuck in a rut. Regards, MJ[/quote]

Yes you can make some very nice $$$ working with .net.

I have done Unix, Linux, Sun, WIndows,DOS the AMiga and so on....

.Net is a really great thing.

this is a case of MSFT "getting it right"

and with Mono you can work Unix and Windows.

really I'd say do some reading and spend some time with C# express and you may just find your self loving it

in some ways .Net is like Perl

Perl can do so many things on a Unix / Linux system it gets so close to the system ....

.Net hooks into all the places you need to write great software and generaly provides abstractions that let you do it with less code and cleaner design.

I used to be a *nix sys admin writing ksh, c, perl, etc for a lot of years.  I use c# now and would not want to switch to anything else.  Very powerful, fun, easy to debug, great tools, great framework.  The list is long and grows daily.  JMO.

And that's what I chose. C# funny sounding name though Thanks for the input everyone. Now I need to buy a windows machine. Can anyone recommend a book? series of books? Regards, MJ

I personally like the O'REILLY books.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0596006993/002-5849141-7300001

I've used that more as a reference than a learning tool, since I already knew ANSI-C and C++ and the transition wasn't that bad just by looking at other people's code.

In truth most of the programming languages mentioned are from the same family of languages so pick any.
 
A programming language is important but the base class libraries available to you are subsequent to your inurement are of the more "significant importance". Most of the "top dogs" I know can program in a variaety of subjects, I learnt C++ and don't find C, C#, Java or Visual Basic difficult. One can more or less tell what the code is doing, given you spend long enough.

Many years ago, I was at a point like yourself. I came from a background of having mastered an old version of BASIC, some assembly, some Pascal, and knew a few parts of various scripting languages. I, too, came to a crossroads of what to learn next: C, C++, Java, VB, etc.? Ultimately, I picked C/C++, because I figured it would then be easy to pick up Java, *nix, and other object-orientated languages...and I could learn a fast, compiled language that is still widely used to build commercial software.

I didn't focus on VB initially because I already had a background in other, similar BASIC languages. It turns out I made the right choice...even if it took me a while to find good C++ tutorials and fight my way through piles of compiler errors triggered by missing semicolons and everybody's favorite pitfall: "x==y" vs. "x=y".

COBOL.  Definitely COBOL.  Or maybe IA-32 assembly.

applepanda wrote:

Now I need to buy a windows machine.

Is there a specific reason for this? If you like Linux, then grab emacs, or vim, and go to town. If you want awesome tool support, then yes, having a windows box will open up a whole new world development wise. MS development is strongest in its regard to tool support.