Re: Which language should I learn?

Jam Pa wrote:

> 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?

The regulars here know my answer, and I was going to let them reply, but you
mentioned art.

Dig in:

http://flea.sourceforge.net/

> My wish list:
> * The language should be available for both Windows and GNU/Linux.

Check.

> * The language should be advanced enough to build complex programs for GUI
> apps, graphical visualization and what not (ie. not only a scripting
> language).

Check. From Tk to OpenGL.

> * The language should have a ready set of XML tools for parsing XML files,
> preferably manipulating DOM trees.

Absolutely. REXML is bundled with the distribution, and it puts all the Perl
XML library to shame.

> * 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.

Check. A huge, growing user community, including many of the Smalltalk gurus
who invented things like Design Patterns and XP.

> * 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.

I have been describing Ruby. (Python has a longer head start but a poorer
technology base.)

What didn't you like about Ruby?

--
Phlip
http://www.c2.com/cgi/wiki?ZeekLand


.

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