Perl because it usually works as advertised and
you don't have to fool around compiling it.

1. Pascal
2. C
3. C++

Basic

Not Visual !

Because It's truly simple..

It was Pascal that was used the first time I took programming in a classroom environment

Nowadays if I had I choice I'd go for C for out and out learning programming i.e if,for,while,case back to the good old solid basics

The other day I was reading ESR's `How to become a hacker' and he doesn't seem to like starting with Basic...He says it' s a poorly designed language and VB in particular is awful and teaches bad programming habits( ESR said that, not me ). So, guys, what do you people think? I'm thinking of getting into basic...any suggestions?

Don't ever go into basic. Jump into either C or C++/Java and it will help you more. If you want to become rapidly productive, have a go at perl.

Thanx for the suggestion. I'm comfortable with C/C++/Perl as of now and I can do some basic stuff in python and java. Just wanted to learn basic, hopefully a crazy thought. Now, no more intentions to learn basic. Also started programming Linux with C. And, after reading whay you said, I'll never ever think of basic againl

If you want to go into Linux programming, take a look into Advanced Linux Programming .

I think the scritpt language is best language to begin with,
such as php and javasrcript.C and C++ is so hard to beginer.
hehe just my viewpoint!

where can i get FREE FREE Visual Perl SDK for linux

I am with Python.

I know C/C++ but the ease and power of Python are to be tried to be believed.

I think BASIC is the best language to begin with. Very easy to start with and understand. Best for someone who doesnot know anything about the programming. I did the same and it helped me a lot.

You cannot beat C++. It is the best langauge for everything and anything. It is the 'computer programmer's language of choice'. I think that in about two years time, someone will code the entire linux system to C++ from C.
I do like the 'rawness' of C simplicitor but come on folks - times move on. I also liked the Flared trousers & Starsky & Hutch style of the 1970's ... but we have to accept this is now 2003 (soon 2004!!!
I dont intend to upset anyone.. we all have the same interests - but had to air my view, yet again!!
Thanks

im gonna vouch for the bottom-up strategy used in "Introduction to Computing Systems"

it starts with some basic background knowledge on computers in general, followed by understanding how architectures are built. once you understand how a processor 'processes' information, they start showing you lc2 assembler (lc2 is a system simulator of sorts').. finally they touch on the C language and how various higher level C constructs (pointers, functions, etc..) are implimented. (...also in between they show how binary arithmatic works and how different data types are implimented)

that may seem like the long road..and indeed it is arduous. but greatly helps to understand any future languages you intend to learn and also developing design methods when programming in general.

if you are just interested in programming in some language and have no interest of taking up computer science related studies in the future (say college...), then you have the better of 5 pages to base a decision on. else, the book i mentioned above is pretty good in that it is easy to read and digest the information presented.

hope to help,
--jeremy

Hi Friend... Like I said I did not mean to P anyone off... just was expressing a view (if a bit simple & stupid!!). Im no operating system coder - I guess you are right, but please chill don't blow my head off!!

ps
C++ does the business!!!