Top 10 MUST KNOW programming languages if you want to be a programmer!
DISCUSS
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Anonymous2008-05-04 20:40
I've tried a LOT of different languages and starter programs, and I have to give my total support behind C# and Visual C# Express. Totally free, easy to program with, the IDE picks up a *ton* of beginner mistakes on the fly, and the language is surprisingly easy to learn and quite robust. Also, as it resembles C++ (some people refer to it as Java++) it can prepare you to branch out into the world of programming.
As far as actually learning the language, you can try to learn from a book. I however have had *terrible* luck learning from books. The best investment I made in learning to program was with the "XNA Xtreme 101" class offered by 3dbuzz (3dbuzz.com). Vol. 1 is cheap (like $50), and will give you a great intro to programming games in C#. Vol. 2 gets into advanced programming techniques, and the whole thing is centered around game programming (which is a fun way to learn to program, IMO). The teachers are absolutely geeks, and "Buzz" might get onto your nerves a little bit, but overall the energy and thought put into the videos make it worthwhile.