What's the best programming language for a beginner to learn?

I'm interested in learning how to write computer programmes but I'm a complete beginner and intend to teach myself, using books etc.





What do you consider is the best to start with. I'm thinking along the lines of C++, Java, Visual Basic.

What's the best programming language for a beginner to learn?
defenetly C++


the best book to have for this language is Ivor Horton's Beginning Visual C++


and you'll need a full Microsoft Visual Studio


don't take C++ Express Edition because it doesn't have many essentials for learning the language
Reply:As usual Learning C++ is one of the best language for beginners. But I will suggest you to learn VB.NET, coz it is one of the easiest language I have ever Learned. And I think this is the only language in which newbies can make windows application like professionals. You can even use SQL without knowing SQL. BBye .
Reply:Client Side, I would recommend C++ for application development; however, I would recommend looking in to some Server Side scripting such as PHP/MySQL. There is so much you can do with both, but I believe as a beginner you could have more fun working with the internet and contributing to its growth.
Reply:C++
Reply:Seriously, take no notice of the C++ and .NET answers, they will take you many, many hours to achieve very little.





The real answer is that it depends on what type of programs you want to write but a very good place to start is one of the current versions of Basic. I would recommend you start with RapidQ. It is free, easy to build console, gui or cgi programs. Easy to learn and lots of samples to practice with.





There is also a pretty active and helpful group here in Yahoo.





Why start with Basic? You can start with writing programs which work rather than having to struggle with just getting a basic window on the screen.
Reply:C++ is one of the most difficult languages to master, but if you find a good tutorial, it can be easy to learn. I'm not a huge Visual Basic fan, mostly because I don't like .NET Framework, but that's just me. Also, Java is relatively easy to learn, except the tutorial at Java's website is just plain s--- for beginners.





Edit: The Express Edition of Visual Studio is just fine for learning C++, don't waste money on the full version. JUST BE SURE to download the header files from Microsoft's site.