Good starter language?

Well, I've never programmed before (other than basic HTML) and would like to know a good starting language. Any suggestions?

Learn C.

After C you will be able to choose other languages to study.

Alternatively learn Python, then C.

Don't start with:

1. C++
2. Java
3. PHP
4. Anything that only exists under .Net or does not run under a unixlike system (ex: C#).
5. Anything that exists only as a "scripting language" as a part of a single piece of software (ex: Actionscript).


Avoid like plague unless you have to deal with:

1. SQL
2. Basic, VB, VB.NET
3. Cobol