Question:
I am considering learning a programming language.
I'm not a 'programmer' or a computer scientist but an artist, but I do have
good understanding of java and php, of several different programming
methodologies like OOP, of server-client programming, simple UI
programming, usability factors, etcetc..
Which language I should learn?
My wish list:
* The language should be available for both Windows and GNU/Linux.
* The language should be advanced enough to build complex programs for GUI
apps, graphical visualization and what not (ie. not only a scripting
language).
* The language should have a ready set of XML tools for parsing XML files,
preferably manipulating DOM trees.
* The language should have a future - learning a new language takes time
for me and I dont want that time to be wasted after only few years.
* The language should be as easy and take care of as many things for me as
possible (like garbage collection, automated memory handling..)
I have initially looked into Python and Ruby.
Python seems simple, even too simple - I am not convinced that it is more
than just a scripting language, and am wondering if it will be around in 4
years. Ruby seems sweet, but I am not convinced on its maturity level or
future.
I am wondering if there are nice, 'abstract' programming languages for
humans out there already, or do I really have to become a half-human half-
computer-scientist? (j/k)
Answer:
This gets asked about 3-4x a month here. The google archive is
filled with responses.
There are bunch that fit that description. If you mean that the
code for the GUI is identical on both platforms, the list is a
lot shorter. Probably Java, C++ with QT from Trolltech, are
prime examples if you want to stay clear of scripting.
You'd be surprised what some "lowly" scripting languages can do wrt
GUI development. Anyway, Java is an obvious place to start.
I'm not up to date on the latest gizmos for Java, but I'd be shocked
if there wasn't a bunch of XML support for it.
Now you're into the religious wars category. :-)
It will probably never go away completely. It's open source. :-)
You have to grow a beard, wear birkenstock sandals, drink extreme
caffeine beverages, ordered by the case via the internet of course,
drive a volkswagen bug, buy all your clothes from thinkgeek.com, cut
your hair no more than 4 times per decade, bathe no more than one
order of magnitude more often, and swear off women, unless they are
uglier than Ann Richards. Otherwise, you will never reach the path
to enlightenment grasshopper.
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