Re: Which language should I learn?

Op 2005-04-28, Jam Pa schreef <anonanon@xxxxxxxxxxxx>:
> 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

Simple in what sense? Simple to learn or simple in what you can do with
it? As far as I know a lot of application are written in python.
Including GUI applications.

> - 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.

Ruby is just as much a scripting language as python. In the end you
choose the language that seems best to you but if you doubt python
because of its scripting nature, I don't understand why you should
go with ruby.

> 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)

The more abstract a language the more it will be considered a scripting
language. So you will always fear that it will be just a scripting
language.

--
Antoon Pardon
.

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