(For those that scan read posts, please can you read all of it as it contains stuff to answer my question all the way through)

Well about 3 weeks ago I decided to learn a programming language.

I started off with C++ for a week but after reading some articles I found out that Java was going to be easier for someone that has never programmed before (I only know HTML & CSS).

So for 2 weeks I've been learning Java but I have found it quite hard. I get the jist of it but it does baffle me at times trying to do even the simplest of things.



The above Java code I can easily manage however that is about as far as it goes. So although the above is simple I don't understand anything more complex than that.

So I was wondering...

Should I stick with Java and just keep re-reading the same tutorial/s until I understand it or should I switch to ruby which at a quick first glance seems simple?

OR, should I change to ActionScript as I do have Adobe CS3 Flash, it's just I'm not good in any aspect of Flash from AS to drawing.

If it makes any difference, I want to be able to make online games with it.

P.S. Please don't say a game will take you ages to make and I'm setting my goals far too high. That's my goal and I want to complete it - I just don't know down which path to go.

This post has been edited by Kingbradley6: 16 Aug, 2008 - 07:07 AM

Pick whichever one you like best - there really isn't a 'best' language. If you're working on making a game, the languages that are typically chosen are C++ or Java.

Okay let me re-word it...

Out of Java and Ruby what is the easiest to learn and quickest to develop programs* with a GUI?

* = Doesn't have to be a game

(C++ isn't in it as I find the memory business too hard)

Do you want easy learning and programming or you're just lazy ?

I'm not lazy I just want a programming language that is easy to learn so I can start developing programs quickly.

This post has been edited by Kingbradley6: 16 Aug, 2008 - 11:45 AM

Ruby is easy ot learn, easier to code than Java, C/C++.
But the proccess of learning programming depends on you.

PS: http://www.dreamincode.net/forums/showtopic59830.htm

This post has been edited by MitkOK: 16 Aug, 2008 - 01:43 PM

Java can have a GUI set up and running a lot faster then C++; I can't speak to the ease of Ruby, but python was pretty easy as well.

Ruby GUI Toolkits:
- Tk
- wxRuby(wxWindows/wxWidgets)
- Ruby/Gnome(GTK)
- Ruby/QT
- RubyCocoa ( for Mac OS X, even on iPhone )

and many more.

Aside from GUI Toolkits there's Java implementation of Ruby ( JRuby ) and .NET implementation of the Ruby ( IronRuby ).

This post has been edited by MitkOK: 17 Aug, 2008 - 12:53 AM

Programming is more based on logic. Once you learn one language, it is fairly easy to move to another language simply by learning the syntax. There isn't a better language overall, but some things are more suited for certain development types. You wouldn't use PHP to create a game...

Read a little bit about the logic of programming and you should soon be able to create programs no problem.

The best programmers don't think about the language that they program in before they start programming, they pick the language best suited for the job. If I wanted a simple email script for a form filled out by a user on a website, I highly doubt that I would create a Ruby on Rails application to use a mail function. PHP is more suited for a small job like that, and can be tied in easily without modifying the rest of the website.

What I'm trying to say is that you shouldn't get caught up in one language is better than another. Computer logic is all the same. Different languages, simply put, only change syntax of logic. (there are other differences, but this is the main point I'm trying to make.)


With that said, what are you trying to develop? Desktop application? Web interface? Don't limit yourself to one language.

Cheers

But surely it is better to know one language inside-out than many not very well?

On that note, what is better...

Ruby OR Pascal???

umm, I am new here and all, I do believe that the guy just said, no one language is better.

In, my school I got started out with a book on ruby, so far I think its a pain, but thats cause I don't have logic or something and I am a complete beginner, I don't even know how to ask questions (noone understands me). it just makes me want to smash my brains in.

Perhaps technically no-one langauge is better but then if that was true then I could make the next Call of Duty with Pascal (obviously not possible for many reasons).

Ruby is actually very easy once you understand the simple algorithm of programming. Don't smash your brain just keep on trying. You will get there in the end and just try and ask questions otherwise ask them here!