Programming Languages?

[GermainZ]

Not long ago, I went exploring my Calculator's Program function, that allows you to write basic programs using a dialect of BASIC. I found it pretty interesting, and coded a few simple pieces: math related programs, "mini games" (e.g. a "shooter", where you must click [it's a stylus based calculator] white squares before they turn black and harm your life, Tic Tac Toe vs friend or computer [pretty much unbeatable, had fun coding generalities then added exceptions that could lead to the computer's loss]; basic slot machine and other probability based games, etc...), then went to Python, sticking to basics as well.

Now, BASIC has way too much limitations, and I'm not sure if I should keep on learning Python. Note that it will only be a hobby for me. I was thinking about Java, as it's quite easy, yet powerful, but I'd love to hear an expert's / informed person's advice about a language that offers greater possibilities without being unnecessarily complicated.

Thank you

[eric0095]

I'm no expert, just a student. I would agree that you should stop learning Python, as it's a learning language like Visual Basic. Java is probably your best bet.

[five strings]

java definately till you get more experience

[rasterbee]

Python is the main language used in my field of study, but only because the dominant program (ESRI's ArcMap) lets you only Python inside it. You don't have to know Python to do anything, but knowing it saves you incalculable time.

But Java is the first class they make you take if you study at the university level. (Or so it has always been at the schools I've been to and heard about from friends that have attended) so if you already know Java then you can skip a class or two and be ahead of the curve (I have no idea how old you are). I took it last year but withdrew after my advisor told me it really wouldn't help. But now I want to get a real deal computer science degree too so I will have to take it again soon.

So Python isn't a bad language to know. It's easy to learn, but it won't help you in every situation (or most probably). If you use any ESRI products it's vital to know. On their forum they let people freely share new gadgets they build and the best of the best are added into the next upgrade release. Woah how am I replying to a topic over a month old? You are tearing me apart, Revo.

[acer5200]

C++ is far better than Java >.>

[jorbaud]

C++ is far better than Java >.>

Depends on what you are doing. For online and basic desktop apps java is fine. For more complex desktop apps C++ is better. Apparently C# is becoming more popular.

[desk]

Now, BASIC has way too much limitations, and I'm not sure if I should keep on learning Python. Note that it will only be a hobby for me. I was thinking about Java, as it's quite easy, yet powerful, but I'd love to hear an expert's / informed person's advice about a language that offers greater possibilities without being unnecessarily complicated.
Thank you

Depends on what you want to do.

If you want to write simpler programs across possibly lots of different platforms (comp, smartphone, web, etc.) then java really is the better route to take.

C++ would be good to know if you write more complex programs, but if you get to that point then learning C++ is just a matter of figuring out syntax... that's the only real issue that comes up.

Other languages are worth it but for very specific problems/applications.

[GermainZ]

Thanks for the replies; as I've said, I'm only interested in programming as something to fill up free time -I'm only 17, and don't quite plan on choosing programming as my studying field.

Now, can anybody specify what you lot mean by more complex programs, and how C++ is better for such programs (is it because of the functions it offers, how it handles the code, etc..)? Thanks again

[desk]

From an engineer's point of view:

More complex programs imply that you have to consider more factors to do whatever particular task you want done. This also means that there are more calculations that need to be done under certain criteria, etc. etc.

If you go outside of writing programs for your computer, like for any type of ARM processor, then things like interrupts, memory allocations/stack pointers, registers, etc. are all issues that you have to address. You can't really afford to waste cpu cycles or memory inefficiently or have it doing nothing.

I don't know much about writing more complex programs for your computer but that is because that is not what I do. Maybe someone else can provide better insight.

[jorbaud]

Thanks for the replies; as I've said, I'm only interested in programming as something to fill up free time -I'm only 17, and don't quite plan on choosing programming as my studying field.

Now, can anybody specify what you lot mean by more complex programs, and how C++ is better for such programs (is it because of the functions it offers, how it handles the code, etc..)? Thanks again

Well C++ is faster than some languages. It has been around for quite a long time and there are many different books and websites about it. You can also interact more with the actual hardware easier.