I would recommend learning C first. Learn some simple procedural programming then move to C++. I think this approach will make it easier to learn other languages. I would stay away from Java for the first language. Too much to learn and one can get lost in Java. ------------------------ Keith Smith --- On Tue, 5/19/09, Gerald Thurman wrote: > From: Gerald Thurman > Subject: Re: Best first programming language > To: "Main PLUG discussion list" > Date: Tuesday, May 19, 2009, 6:36 AM > Learn to use a Unix system at the > command-line along with a text editor and start writing BASH > program. The command-line provides exposure to the Unix > philosophy, files/directories, options/arguments, variables > (environment), I/O, meta-characters and documentation (via > manpages). First programs are written in BASH. BASH > supports structured programming (sequence, if, while, > functions) and an introduction to data structures/algorithms > via arrays. After BASH I'd move onto C (using Ritchie > and Kernighan for the text) with extensive coverage of the > STDC Library. From this point there are numerous forks in > the road. > > > The "hello, world" program writtin in BASH. > > $ echo hello, world > > > -----Inline Attachment Follows----- > > --------------------------------------------------- > PLUG-discuss mailing list - PLUG-discuss@lists.plug.phoenix.az.us > To subscribe, unsubscribe, or to change your mail > settings: > http://lists.PLUG.phoenix.az.us/mailman/listinfo/plug-discuss --------------------------------------------------- PLUG-discuss mailing list - PLUG-discuss@lists.plug.phoenix.az.us To subscribe, unsubscribe, or to change your mail settings: http://lists.PLUG.phoenix.az.us/mailman/listinfo/plug-discuss