Best programming language

[AnotherUser]

Thanks, I've decided to go ahead and start with C, and branch from there.  Any particular free tools y'all recommend for learning C?

Here's the setup I would recommend:

• Use a text editor of your choice which has good Syntax Highlighting, code folding, etc. Text editors that allow opening multiple files in multiple tabs are a good idea. A few examples I would recommend are Kate, KWrite, vi (or any of its derivatives), emacs (or any of its derivatives)
• You should use GCC for your compilation and linking
• I would strongly encourage you to make use of a Makefile to drive GCC even from the get-go
• If you need to start debugging your code, GDB is your best bet. There is a decent GUI for GDB call DDD, so that may be the best place to start

[ruel24]

Hey guys, I am going to learn programing this year, where do I start?  Which language and tools do y'all recommend?  Thanks.

I'd start with C and move to C++. From there you can learn whatever you want.

[The Chief]

Thanks, I've decided to go ahead and start with C, and branch from there.  Any particular free tools y'all recommend for learning C?

There are several web sites with free tutorials.   Just google "language tutorial," and you'll get several.  It's hard to recommend one, since I'm not sure of your current level of expertise and what would be most appropriate.

If you're going to learn C, you really need to get a copy of K&R.  Also known as The C Programming Language, the bible for C.  Not sure it's worth the current price (nearly $50), though - hit the used book stores.  Back in the day, I got mine new for less than $15.  Free PDF versions are floating around out there, too, but I expect those are all pirated copies.

[P38Lightning]

What is the newest edition of The C Programming Language?  All I have found so far is the 1988 edition, is that the latest?

[The Chief]

I think there is a 1995 edition, although I'm not certain of that - maybe it was just a re-print.  Shouldn't matter - the language hasn't changed.

[P38Lightning]

Ok, thanks, now I'll get to work learning. My oldest brother is a programmer for Red Hat, guess I am kinda following in his footsteps except that I am going to stay independent if I can, though I have to say, as a manager now, he makes a lot of money, sooo....

[muungwana]

you should also see if you can get a mentor,somebody you can go to to ask questions when you get stuck because you will get stuck soon and often.

There is nothing more annoying than creating a function that take two numbers and return their result and then it gives you "7" when you give it "2" and "3" and you dont see why you are getting that from your code.

one of the most annoying output you will be getting is "segmentation fault". It basically say,you made a serious mistake,fix it" and it may take you a really,really long to know where the mistake is.

Sometimes,asking somebody could solve a problem in minutes where it could have taken you days and days of frustration to solve.

[The Chief]

A technique I've used over the years, is to comment out segments of code.  Sometimes even entire functions to make the body blank.   Sure, you'll get results that won't be correct, but if it eliminates the crash or seg fault, then you've narrowed down the possibilities considerably.