SugarySnack

Alright, well here I am in the summer before my 1st year at university for Computer Science. I haven't programmed for over a year (yikes!) as I took gr.11 and 12 programming at my school in grade 11. The only language I know is Turing (very very basic language, but good to learn programming on but I feel at a loss now because of it). I know all the basics like variable types, arrays, linked lists,pointers, some Object orriented with classes and inheritence and what not. What is a good language to go to now? The only thing is I hate learning the same concepts in a new syntax. I know C or C++ are great languages, but I have also heard Java is a good place to go. Anyone have any input on what I should do (as I am not really sure what I can do with the knowlege I have)? Thanks!

*edit* I was thinking of learning Python. Would this be better or worse than learning Java per say.
SugarySnack

*edit* Just realized this may be in the wrong section :P oops

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Microsis

What i did to learn C++ was to design a simple text-based RPG and learn as I go. C++ is very powerful but they may decide to teach you java (they do at my school). They are fairly similar, so either one should get u some experience.

Oh and http://www.gamedev.net/ is a great website / community for learning programming.

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dangerousHobo

I'd say dive into Java. They have a great API and tutorials on their site.

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rabidgnome229

If you want something to teach you more about Object Oriented programming go for Java. It has a powerful, well documented library and is easier to write for than C++.

If you want something to teach you more about how to work with the computer itself and get your hands dirty with memory management and pointers, go for C. I wouldn't recommend learning C++ just yet because it's in between C and Java and won't teach you either one's strong points as well as the pure language would. Once you understand both sides, however, C++ is excellent because it takes the best from both worlds.

Python is a scripting language, which tends to mean that you can make very compact programs, but they won't be as fast as something written in C. IMO it's better to learn C first, and then write things in python when you're feeling lazy. If you start with something like python a more traditional language can seem daunting

Honestly though, it's best to learn all three. They each have their strengths each will suit its own set of problems best. If you have a specific application you're trying to work towards I can recommend one of them. If you're just looking to learn, each language forms a separate, complementary part of a well rounded tool-set

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SugarySnack

Thanks to everyone for your input. Next question is, does anyone have any good books (link or name) I could learn it from? Thanks!

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skunkstripe

Here is one for Java
http://ocw.mit.edu/OcwWeb/Electrical...Home/index.htm

Here is one for Python
http://ocw.mit.edu/OcwWeb/Electrical...Home/index.htm

Here's the whole list of Open Courseware from the MIT department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.
http://ocw.mit.edu/OcwWeb/web/course...omputerScience

SugarySnack

Thank you sooo much for that! Those lecture notes should be very helpful.

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tensionz

Java is pretty common and also pretty basic so try that first.

onexero

Java tutorials:
http://java.sun.com/docs/books/tutorial/
http://www.programmingtutorials.com/java.aspx
http://math.hws.edu/javanotes/

Python tutorials:
http://www.sthurlow.com/python/
http://www.python.org/doc/2.3.5/tut/tut.html
http://www.dickbaldwin.com/tocpyth.htm

C++ tutorials:
http://www.cplusplus.com/doc/tutorial/

C tutorial:
http://www.cprogramming.com/tutorial.html#ctutorial
(There is also C++ tutorials on this website)

Just don't spend money on programming books. I've done it and I've learned for more on programming on the internet.

rabidgnome229

There's something to be said for online tutorials, but there are often books with far greater quality than you can find on the internet.

If you're going for C, pick up a copy of K&R's "The C Programming Language." You can get a used copy for less than $5 and there is no better reference for the language.

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