I have experience with HTML (I say this because its considered a prog language...but I dont) and I have the chance of taking one of two programming classes at a local university. I can choose between Java or Visual Basic. Thoughts, comments, advice? Thanks

HTML is not a programming language, it is a markup language. The class you should take would depend upon what it is you want to do with your programming skills. Michael J

In your case, you may want to go with Java. It would compliment your HTML skills quite nicely, and you can definitely take web pages to the next level with some nice web applets and so forth (assuming that this is what you may be interested in). Of course, the drawback to Java apps running in a browser is the fact that it's usually slow... As for VB -- if your college is teaching VB with .NET, I'd recommend the VB course as highly as taking the Java course. You can create some cool stuff (Windows applications) with .NET. In addition, the .NET IDE may also expose you to other languages such as ASP, C++, C#, and J# (does anyone use J# anymore?) in addition to VB. In then end, it's all up to you. Good luck with your endeavour. - Rolos

Rolos! Hasn't it been a year or so since you darkened the e-doorway of computing.net? Welcome back. Rolos is right on...If they're teaching classic VB, then go for Java. If they're teaching VB.NET (which has very little in common with classic VB), then it's pretty much a tie. VB.NET is, IMHO, a superior language for both starters and experienced users than Java, but for the most part, only runs on windows. Moving from VB.NET to the more popular C# would be an exercise taking somewhere between a day and a week. Good luck, -SN

I started on Java and am very thankful for it. It's allowed me to spread to other languages (C# included) and basically gave me a really good base to start on. But I really think it depends on the teacher. If there are rumors of one prof beign particularly dull and boring, try to stay away. Go for the younger more active profs. My teacher (in high school) actually managed to make learning to program fun (and not just in a really dorky/nerdy way). Eventually you'll probly learn both, but I'd start with Java. -Matt

VB.net is much lighter to be learned esp. for beginners. For the first step, go on with VB.net to learn the concept of OO and if you already got the basic OO concept, than jump to Java. The market for Java developers is huge and Java guru is much more respected than VB guru (with Java you'll get more $$$$$). If you want to stick with .net technology, than C# has more worth than VB.net.

Hey, I suggest learning them all! I started with HTML markup in the late 90's and fiddled with javascripts - but didn't really grasp programming until I took a C class. C syntax is sprinkled everywhere in modern languages. .NET makes me angry, despite the cool and wonderful things it can do. Few things microsoft designs are backward compatible - which means planned obselesence. The day will soon arrive when .NET is a crusty old has-been - and people will still be compiling C and C++ executables. Sorry for the rant - but I guess the whole .NET thing is fine if you don't mind learning their new programming suite every 4 to 6 years. Oh, if you're really into HTML, get into CSS, PHP, MySQL, ASP, SQL Server, Javascript DOM, XML, Flash, oh and yeah --- Java :)