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/sci/ - Science & Math

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4317010 No.4317010 [Reply] [Original]

/sci/, what's the best programming language to learn?

I just completed an intro to programming class last semester, and surprisingly I enjoyed it (it was MATLAB). I want to continue coding, but I was wondering if it was best to continue in MATLAB or start a more general language.

I might not be doing this for a major, I'm not sure yet. Right now I'm just a guy interested in it.

>> No.4317014

Stick with MATLAB

>> No.4317028

matlab isn't really a programming language, it's what's called a "high level langauge". A real programming language is something like Java or C/C++. I suggest picking up a Java book, the language is really easy to learn and the way it's made you can easily make some complex programs. If you want something more abstract then read K&R ( C book).

>> No.4317218

>>4317010
Depends entirely on what you want to do, sonny.

>> No.4317227

Any of the standardized languages. C/C++, for obvious reasons. Java for web applications, scripting, and that a lot of mobile apps (like Android) are written in them. HTML for web development (even though it's a renderer and not a programming one).

And ASM if you want to be hardcore about programming.

>> No.4317254

>>4317227
>Java for web applications

WHY.jpg

>> No.4317268

>>4317254
Because it's the most common scripting language for web-sites. Why not? It's not a trend for you 16-24-year-olds that get lured into a false sense of independence by using something less people have heard about. Especially from a business perspective, one needs to be experienced in which is more standardized and more commonly used. Every good programmer should at least know the languages that are most commonly in use among the others they care to learn.

>> No.4317276 [DELETED] 

>>4317268
>Because it's the most common scripting language for web-sites.
That would be Javascript.

>> No.4317285

>>4317268
I don't think most people would consider a statically typed language whose programs can run at the kind of speed Java programs do a "scripting language." Are you sure you're not thinking about Javascript (used for client-side scripting)?

>> No.4317294

Python if you just want to play around and get going asap

C# or (equivalently) Java if you want to make real programs.

Maybe start with a C/C++ to get into the basics, but not too much, since it's for the most part completely obsolete, and no modern language will make you trudge through half the painful, evil shit C++ does just to do minor crap.

Also, get a copy of Visual Studio (from TPB, or I think Microsoft will actually give it to you for free if you're a student) and just play around.

>> No.4317381
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4317381

>>4317285
Yes, he does.

>>4317294
Shitty amateur detected. Do not read this post, OP.

>> No.4317397

Avoid Java and Basic, you be ruined for life if you start with them.
I'll say jump into C++.

>> No.4317528

>>4317268
javascript is the most common scripting language for websites dummy. additionally, javascript has become much more relevant with the advantages of jquery and html5 hype in the past couple years. i'd recommend it just for fun

>> No.4317561

Go with javascript and screw java.

>> No.4317565
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4317565

Lisp is always great.

>> No.4317583

y combinator in javascript. is awesome and easy to understand

http://blog.jcoglan.com/2008/01/10/deriving-the-y-combinator/

>> No.4317662

I like C#, but it's really up to you.

>> No.4317684
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4317684

i say python. its a newer language but it will help you understand other languages better. theres even recorded MIT classes u can watch that can help you learn python. after learning python it should only take u a few weeks maybe a month to learn any other language. http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/electrical-engineering-and-computer-science/6-00-introduction-to-computer
-science-and-programming-fall-2008/
go there it has video lectures along with assignments you can do etc... its great and its only about 24 hours worth of videos. only took me about 14 days to get through with the course

>> No.4317689

not phyton.

>> No.4317706

>>4317689
pythons one of the best languages you can learn to really help you get a grasp on what programming is.

>> No.4317716

>>4317706
well, yes. It's good for an introduction to programming and novices; besides, it's pretty simple to grasp. Eventually, though, you completely wear it off when you move to other languages.

>> No.4317720

>>4317010

OP are you from Delft by any chance?

>> No.4317724

>>4317720
I'm not op. But I did my matlab course last year. I study aerospace engineering. (2nd year now)

>> No.4317726

>>4317720
>>4317724
In delft. forgot to say that.

>> No.4317733

go balls deep with python. learn everything about OOP, design patterns, working with databases, web shit...

it will take like 6 months to learn all of that if you just casually do a few hours a week. but then you know basically everything about programming at the high level & and can pick up any other languages in a few weeks.

so many kids learn the fundamental syntax of like 5 languages and think they're leet without knowing shit about actual programming.

>> No.4317743

In most schools (SOCAL), compsci people start out with Java ans most of the upper division classes are in Java.

For engineering or applied math, Matlab is an excellent language. Where I went to school electrical/civil/mechanical/chemical all learned Matlab first.

>> No.4317800

>>4317743
>java and matlab?

your schools are screwy.

Matlab!!!! hahaha, come on there are tons of beginner languages that is more useful than that shit. At least if you're gonna learn a beginner language, learn the one that is most current and useful. Oh, I remember the days they made kids take fortran.

>> No.4317828

>>4317726

Cool, never thought there would be other people from Delft around here at /sci/. I'm a MSc student doing Biochemical Engineering there.