C++ vs. Visual Basic

[ProgrammingFun]

I am planning to learn either C++ or Visual Basic over the summer but can't decide on which to choose [we are going to learn Java next year in school anyways so that is not an option].

Can you please help me in deciding from C++ and Visual Basic based on simplicity, use in the real world, etc...

I would like to learn C++ because it is the language used by most programs whereas Visual Basic is also not an uncommon language...

Please help from a noob's point of view.

[Euphoracle]

Why don't you learn a cool language like Python? Why go to the two extremes of the spectrum?

[TerranceN]

If you want to try C++ I would recommend learning Java first. Java's syntax is like C++, and it handles many things for you already (memory management, creating a window, etc.). Even if you are learning it in highschool you most likely will not go past the basics anyway. I have not used visual basic in a long time, but AFAIK it can do most things visual C++ can.

@Euphoracle: My only problem with python is having to type 'self' for every member call in methods.

[ProgrammingFun]

Euphoracle @ Sun Apr 11, 2010 4:58 pm wrote:

Why don't you learn a cool language like Python? Why go to the two extremes of the spectrum?

Because my dad teaches knows these languages and has textbooks on them [he teaches them] and I am going to get him to teach me as well.

And also because I want to learn a language that is actually used in the real world...

[chrisbrown]

[quote="ProgrammingFun @ Sun Apr 11, 2010 5:13 pm"]

Euphoracle @ Sun Apr 11, 2010 4:58 pm wrote:

And also because I want to learn a language that is actually used in the real world...

You are more likely to use C# or Java than either of your choices**. Though if you're set on picking one of the two, C++ is much more valuable.

** I should qualify that: based on the experiences of myself and my co-workers.

[Euphoracle]

Are you implying that python isn't used? Seriously you kids need to think outside the box. Learning a language is different than learning how to be a good programmer and if you just plug and chug in one language, you'll lack the flexibility and versatility that others will have (and the experience, knowledge and clever insight from working with different languages)

TerranceN @ Sun Apr 11, 2010 5:07 pm wrote:

@Euphoracle: My only problem with python is having to type 'self' for every member call in methods.

biiiitch bitch bitch bitch.. biiiiiitch. my problem with C is explicit pointers.

[michaelp]

Visual Basic is not bad. If you are a visual learner and would like to see graphics on the screen when you start programming, VB is a good choice. It is considerably different compared to C++ when you start, as with C++, you will be using the command line, but with VB, you can drag and drop objects on the screen to get results.