Hi all! I have done no programming before except batch files that dont really count. I would like to learn a proper language just for a bit of fun really and I was thinking about VB. If I understand correctly you can make small programs and moving graphics etc. What else would I need to get to be able to start except for a good book :) ? The actual VB program is quite expensive I think so is there any other languages you would recommend for a total novice which is cheap and reasonably versatile? I'd like to hear any views or advice you may have. Many thanks, Davros

I would start off with C++, Java, or C#... something that will force proper technique and structure on you. I'm not 100% sure about VB, but I know for sure perl is not a good language to learn on.

I'm pretty sure you can download a free version of VB that is basically fully functional, it just doesn't allow you to compile your programs to .exe (you have to load them into VB and run them). Visual Basic is good if you want to make simple Windows type programs. It's OOPL (object oriented programming language) so its pretty easy to use. You do need to know a little bit of regular BASIC syntax to use some features though. If you've never used QBASIC, download a copy of Quick Basic 4.5 and try it out first. Visual Basic is basically built off of QBASIC. But that's like saying a Ferrari is built off of a model-T. Visual Basic is more advanced in many ways, but QBASIC would give you a better starting point into programming. It will also help you to understand how Visual Basic works a lot better when you decide to 'upgrade'. I took a Visual Basic class in college and it was easy because I had been programming in QBASIC for several years, but others in the class were totally lost when it came to doing the 'command line' type stuff. I don't know why they don't give you a short introduction to QBASIC first in a class like that, but they like to jump right in to Visual Basic for some reason. Anyway, you definately picked the right language to start out in. I wouldn't try jumping into C++ or anything like that as your first programming language. Try QBASIC out and then Visual Basic. Do a search for them on Yahoo and you should be able to find a website to download both for free. I mean, I dont know the copyright laws on distrubution of those programs, but I know I wouldn't run out and go pay $300 or whatever it is they want for VB6 when you don't know if you will even like it/be any good at it. Anyway, hope this helps. Best of luck with programming. Lloyd

Visual Basic can be used to make any kind of program that another language can, but gpp is correct is stating that c++ or another structured language would help you learn proper coding techniques. c++ has a pretty steep learning curve, tho, so it might be hard for you if it is your first language. On the plus side, there are tons of books and you can download borland's compiler for free, as well as openwatcom. i am really partial to the black book series of books ( i have about 7 of them all for different languages). There is one called Visual Basic 6 Black Book. You might be able to pick up a copy of VB6 standard for fairly reasonable price, try www.programmersparadise.com or mysimon.com. Finally, be prepared if you decide to learn c++, most books start off by teaching you the language and how to create console applications. It will probably be a long time before you are comfortable enough with the language to start using mfc and creating windows applications. If you want to learn windows applications along with c++, I suggest picking up a copy of Borland C++ Builder Standard. It is not too expensive and allows you to make windows and console apps. The windows apps are created in a RAD environment very similar to vb, but with the power of c++. And, some of the regulars here at this forum have started a tutorial website http://www.evolutionsoftwarellc.com/tutorial/index.asp to help with learning languages. Good luck, Chi Happens

Since I started out in a UNIX environment, C was what we had... so I guess I'm a little Biased. Still, if you're serious about programming, you should look into C sometime down the road just to get a feel for programming with a lower level language.

I started with GW-BASIC or some derivative thereof... QBasic would put you at the same point I suppose... I started in a earlier DOS environment. I actually learned Visual Basic after I learned C/C++. I personally don't think C/C++ is impossible to learn although it is slightly more complicated than Visual Basic. The problem with Visual Basic is that you will only have programs that are functional within a windows environment. The university that I went to starts CSC majors off with C then into C++... for non-majors they start off with Pascal. Before you buy a book for what ever language you ultimately decide on, I suggest a web-based tutorial first. They are free and convey the same information... In my personal opinion, and out of bias I would suggest a language that is currently in demand (at least locally)... that would be C/C++, Java, or Visual Basic... It seems to me that once you learn the syntax of one language, the others seem fairly easy to grasp... (although Lisp threw me for a loop). Good luck with which ever language you decide to use. Infinite Recursion

It all comes down to one question: How deep into the the principle theories of the system do you want to go? C/C++ will take you pretty far. VB will stop at Windows. Java will stop you at the VM (not necessarily a bad thing). "Lisp threw me for a loop" Don't feel bad. http://www.ai.mit.edu/docs/articles/good-news/subsection3.2.2.html