I would second James' reccomnedations.

Learning bash scripting gives a tool for knowing and controlling your system.

Once you learn one language the others come easier because you understand the principles.

Python, java, ruby and the plethora of new languages will give you more options.

I am not sure if Awk is technically a language or not, and it is a bear, but you can use it to make your system whistle Dixie. I am constantly astounded with what some of the PLUG people do with it.

Harold

On 03/02/2015 12:01 AM, James Mcphee wrote:

If you use linux as your desktop, I'd recommend learning bash. That will give you a good grounding on basic things like conditionals, loops, variables, etc. Eventually that will run out of steam and I'd recommend picking up a more powerful language that has nice things like solid libraries and isn't saddled with trying to be interactive. Examples would be python, ruby, or groovy.

I would stay away from C, etc unless you want to deal with hardware eccentricities. It is ABSOLUTELY worth it once you have a good grounding, but speaking as someone who learned C, but couldn't code his way out of a paper bag until he learned other languages and then came back to C, I highly recommend not picking it up until you've mastered one of the higher level languages.

On Sun, Mar 1, 2015 at 10:47 PM, Michael Havens <bmike1@gmail.com> wrote:

I am tackling a hard task. I was talking with someone on IRC and this is part of the exchange we had:

<bmike1> I've decided I need to learn scripting before I do the other wargames

<bmike1> what do you think? BASH or Python?

<doskop> both have their applications

<doskop> although I hardly use advanced bash scripts to solve challenges

<doskop> so I'd go for python

<doskop> if you're interested in the other overthewire wargames... understanding php is pretty much a requirements for natas

<doskop> for the other OTW wargames, some understanding of C, C++ and/or assembly is very useful

So I need to learn a few things.

Does anyone have any personal experience with learning any of these on your own or have you gone through a book and thought, 'Gosh, I wish they would have taught me that way.' If so please, share with the class.

:-)~MIKE~(-:

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