I want to learn a new coding language but not sure which to

[Ocean knight]

I can code in Delphi but have always know it is a less used programming language. I want to learn another language so i have more opportunities and more experience with different types of coding languages . I was thinking of either C# or Java but i'm open to others as well. What do you guys use and how is it?

[Leeward]

If you only know Delphi I would recommend you start with Python. I started with Java and frankly that was an uphill battle. Python would have been so much easier to learn with, as the syntax is much more forgiving. Java is very long-winded too... I mean compare this:

Code: Select all

// HelloWorld.java
public class HelloWorld {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        System.out.println("Hello, World");
    }
}

to this:

Code: Select all

#hello_world.py
print("Hello, World!")

Python is basically a giant toolbox, you just need to find the best tool for what you want to do. Java is like a library full of books on how to make the tools.

[Leeward]

Also, for your amusement:

[Sev]

The Latex one makes me laugh.

----

I would recommend a functional language, like F#.

Since they are top down, they will probably be more intuitive to new programmers than imperative languages. That, and they are extremely flexible.

[Randall]

At the moment, Java is in high demand.
To a lesser degree, C#

And then, some companies value good C programmers, especially considering that the average banking terminal is still programmed in C. C is also used quite a lot for Linux programming.

[Leeward]

Ultimately, it depends on what you want to do, and whether you want to make a living from it. If you just want to mess around and make games you could look into something like Unity3D. That said, a lot of languages are very versatile. If it's only for learning purposes, I stand by my recommendation of Python.

[Ocean knight]

I completely overlooked Python, sorry its just i don't know anybody who can code python and it didnt come to mind.I should have said that i hope to be able to take this onto a job one day but for now i just want to play around and 'prepare' for the job world. Thanks for the help. I think i should learn Python and see how it goes.

[Ocean knight]

The HTML is so true. I havent used it in a few years but thats how i remember it.

[Sev]

Python is a bit of a toy language. UCT insisted that it's used in scientific research, but big woop.

At least functional devs are in ridiculous demand. My partner is a Scala developer, and he's never lacking in work.

C# and Java are the two de facto "business" programming languages, while C is used for very low level stuff. C++ can just go fuck itself, though...

[Randall]

C++ blows indeed.

It is true that C is used for embedded, but, I also use it for writing device drivers, and daemons on Linux machines.

Since all these modern languages are descended from C, I often tell folks to learn it, because if you're proficient in it, it helps further up the chain, especially when it comes to the solving of security vulns and other stuff.

Now I learnt everything I know, all the way up from machine language... then to C, then to C++, C#, Java, and Delphi.

[Leeward]

The way I see it, learning the lower-level languages first and working your way up may technically be the most complete way that makes you understand it best, but it is also the hardest, and the perfect way to kill a beginner's enthusiasm.

Rather get familiar with the process of programming itself before delving into the technical stuff. Design algorithm > Implement > Debug > Repeat until it works. Then add modular design. Then add abstraction layers. Et cetera. And for that, a general purpose language that is forgiving, flexible, and interactive is perfect. Not to mention that Python has buttloads of very extensive libraries and comprehensive tutorials. Only once you're comfortable with that would I move onto stuff like C.

[Randall]

I agree, it would probably be then that I fought the hardest fight, oh well, at least it pays the bills

[Sev]

It is true that C is used for embedded, but, I also use it for writing device drivers, and daemons on Linux machines.

I still consider those to be low level.

[Tocs]

Eh I just like Java... But I guess that's because I have only been taught how to program in Java... So...

[Sev]

Think about it this way: while your small sample size does diminish the validity of your input, you can at least tell people about your experiences with that language.

[Leeward]

Eh I just like Java... But I guess that's because I have only been taught how to program in Java... So...

I felt the same way when I finished high school, I also had Java. It's nice as far as languages go, but the fact that it relies on a third-party VM is a bit off-putting, and good grief is it verbose. I like things succinct and concise, you don't need a 9000-page stack trace that goes all the way back to the Object class to know it freaked out because you tried to move your knight off the chessboard.

[Sev]

My one friend who has a Master's in Comp Sci once commented that Java is flavorless like off-white paint. I happen to agree with him. Microsoft's version of Java (C#) is a much more pleasant language to use.

[Leeward]

Meh, to each his own.

[rusted hydra]

I've seen some good database designs for delphi.
Nice to see someone else who has learned delphi, but so far I have had no use for delphi >...>

[Randall]

Some company is quite interested in me having done a lot of Delphi work in the past, not too sure if I wanna move...

[Randall]

UPDATE: just been informed at work they are going to pay for my Oracle certification next year.

[Ocean knight]

I've seen some good database designs for delphi.
Nice to see someone else who has learned delphi, but so far I have had no use for delphi >...>

This is what i was afraid of, i want to learn another language besides Delphi because i am worried i that companies aren't looking for Delphi coders but instead for C++, Java , Python etc.
I've started Python its not bad, its easy to pick up but i miss having a form. Also its interesting to see a program run without a compiler. Although i don't think Python is the best, its good to get used to different ways of coding.