[NTLUG:Discuss] Direction Recomendations

[Tom Zabel]

Randal Brown wrote:
> 
> I am wanting to learn a programing language and would like to hear some
> recommendations of what to look at.  I do not have any prior programing
> knowledge but am looking to the future for a possible career change.  I
> would like to learn a language that will run on Linux.  I guess I really
> am looking for something connected with Linux that I can focus on with
> some hopes of future employment.
> 
> Thanks/Randal

If you're thinking of using this for work (now or in the future), I'd
suggest C or C++.  Both are readily available on Linux.  C++ may
actually be easier to learn if you start with it rather than C, since,
although C++ is derived from C, it is a distinct language.  In order to
take advantage of the object orientation of C++ and use it properly, it
may be better to NOT bring the baggage of an older language to the
table.

That said, there is still a LOT of work in C and a good knowledge of C
is a very useful tool.

As for other languages, almost anything you can think of (except perhaps
visual basic) has a native Linux implementation.

If your goal is to perhaps become a system administrator (either Linux
or UNIX), becoming familiar with PERL may be very useful also.

Good luck.

Tom Zabel
Dallas