Favorite Language

[Fevian]

Yeah...You may already know that I'm a pretty newbish programmer, and I've asked for help. So I'll ask a diff question now to help me. What is your favorite programming language to do and why? Also, what are the main functions and capabilities of the language, so I know if it's something I'd like to look in to?

[bugzpodder]

you need to tell us more about yourself before we can make recommendations

[haskell]

My 5 favorite languages are(in highest to lowest):

1. Common Lisp
2. Haskell
3. Python
4. C++
5. Ruby

Common Lisp is a highly flexible, multiparadigm language that has the benfit of many years of practical usage(by being the product of Lisp). It is the "programmable programming language", and is, in my opinion, the most productive language one could ever use.

Haskell is a pure functional programming language. Its power results from its clear implementation of core functional features, and through its monads(which allow side-effects). It is a very practical language, and stands a huge chance of being mainstream in the future(it is being researched by Microsoft in Cambridge).

Python is a very clear programming language. It is very easy to use, and it definately increases productivity for many. It is extremely easy to learn, and is good for a lot of things, such as administration tasks, web programming, generl-use applications, and etc... It has a wide user base, and is quite popular.

C++ is a very good programming language. It is the benefitor of many years of practical use, and has high support from the industry. It is quick and agile, and it is very practical in its usage. For me personally, it feels very natural, as does the other languages in my top 5.

Ruby is another very good programming language. It is a nice language with a high degree of object orientation, and has syntax sugar like many love with Perl. This is a blend of many languages, and is worth checking out. It can increase productivity, and has enough features and practical shortcuts to make it a very popular language among the serious programmer looking from Perl, or as a beginner.

These are my opinions on my favorite languages, maybe they will help you .

[Bobrobyn]

My favourite language right now is C, because I've learned so much learning it. It doesn't hide things from you, and I love feeling like I'm God...I love pointers, dynamic memory, and memory management. It allows me to do practically anything and assumes that I, or the programmer, knows what he/she is doing. However, it's probably not a good beginners language, because of this -- as well as it's lack of object orientation. If you can look at C code and not get scared, then you could start with it. If it gets really confusing later on, then maybe switching and coming back later is a good idea.

http://www.compsci.ca/v3/viewtopic.php?t=7146 -- A good post to read.

I think Python or Ruby are good starter programming languages -- both have object orientation, although Ruby does a better job. Their syntax is very nice and easy to learn. Ruby seems so natural to me -- although I haven't coded much in either language. My brother is learning Java within a compsci class at school, as his first language, and isn't finding it too difficult -- although I don't actually know Java, so I can't really comment.

Turing is okay, but I would avoid it unless you're learning it in compsci class. In that case, it's a nice starter language to get you to have a feel for programming.

I think learning in a class environment, personally, is the best way to go, if possible. That way, you get the benefit of having a (hopefully) experienced instructure, plus other students, to help you when you're having problems. I also find that real people explaining concepts can be helpful.

[wtd]

Spanish, though I am far more proficient with English.

Oh... favorite programming language!

Well, that's a complex question. The wise programmer learns multiple programming languages not so that he or she can choose one "best" language, but so that choice doesn't have to be made.

A parallel can be drawn with other crafts. Take carpentry, for instance. The craftsman doesn't learn to use both a hammer and screwdriver, and then go on to use one exclusively.

[bugzpodder]

however in reality, languages are not very compatible with each other so it is necessary to pick one language and stick with it

[Skynet]

C/C++. I tend to do a lot of hardware-related work, and C doesn't slow me down when I need memory access. Plus, C compilers are available for just about any piece of hardware out there. C++ I tack on because I can build C++ projects around C code very quickly if I need to bash together some sort of graphical display. I started with Turing, but I wouldn't say that's anywhere near my favourite language. I don't mind Java, but it's not the first language I reach for...I learned it because it meant I didn't have to worry about compiling C++ code on an obscure Linux distribution, plus I like the threading better than C/C++. I'll definitely use it again. The other languages I'm experienced in fit into one or more of the of the following categories: a) They're not free b) Coding style encourages bad habits c) The end result can't be run on a PC d) They're programmed graphically

I think that if you're interested in eventually working closer to the hardware, C/C++ is the place to be, and pointers are the most important thing you'll ever learn there. If you're interested in anything else, there are other people in this thread who have far more experience than I in those areas.

[Martin]

My favourite language is C++, as I feel the most proficient in it out of all of the ones that I have used. That said, Turing also has a special place in my heart for being the cause of the creation of this community and letting me meet all of these really smart people.

[PaulButler]

I agree with WTD. Once you are comfortable in one language it doesn't hurt to learn some others. My favorite at the moment is Java, because it works on both Windows and Linux (as most popular languages do), there is tonnes of documentation online, and Eclipse is the best IDE I have used to date.

I also like Ruby and C#. Most of my coding is actually done in PHP, which is one of the least painful languages to program in, but this may just because of my experience with it. I wouldn't call it one of my favorite languages.

[wtd]

I would also note that there is a great deal of value in seeing the same problems solved through several methodologies and with various syntaxes. Ultimately it helps one see through the syntax and grasp programming at a more fundamental level.

[rizzix]

haskell @ Thu Mar 08, 2007 2:20 pm wrote:

It is a very practical language, and stands a huge chance of being mainstream in the future(it is being researched by Microsoft in Cambridge).

Not going to happen. It has a very steep learning curve as compared to the current mainstream languages (and hence it's also not very practical). Nevertheless, it is an excellent language and drawn particular interest from research and academic circles.

[CodeMonkey2000]

Binary is the best language. Either that or assembly

[haskell]

rizzix @ Sun Mar 11, 2007 7:08 pm wrote:

haskell @ Thu Mar 08, 2007 2:20 pm wrote:

It is a very practical language, and stands a huge chance of being mainstream in the future(it is being researched by Microsoft in Cambridge).

Not going to happen. It has a very steep learning curve as compared to the current mainstream languages (and hence it's also not very practical). Nevertheless, it is an excellent language and drawn particular interest from research and academic circles.

Thats your opinion. Nothing else.

[wtd]

Rizzix in this case, at least, is most likely correct. At least in one respect. Haskell does have a steep learning curve, but so do many "mainstream" languages in use today.

As with those languages, things tend to follow a bell curve. There are relatively few really really atrocious Haskell programmers. There are also very few really really fantastic ones. Most are of moderate skill.

The thing about Haskell is that you can't BS your way to as much in the way of results. You can be relatively ignorant of the true workings of Java or C++ or C# (or even languages like Ruby and Python) and still be reasonably productive.

Haskell provides the greatest benefit to those at the right side of the bell curve, rather than those in the middle.

[Fevian]

Well, to answer a few questions. I really want to get into game development, even if simple games and maybe a few practical apps that aren't command line interface, so eh. I'm working in C++ currently and am up to learning anything considered useful. I want to learn PHP for web development, but programs wise, I'd like to learn a few languages, maybe including Java. This is kinda why I posted this. Now, your turns again.