Can't decide on a language

[Sniped Sniper]

Well I began learning VB.NET a few weeks ago, I've got a (pretty bad) Book which hasn't really taught me anything, but that doesn't matter.
The thing is, is that even though I like Visual Basic because it's very easy to make Windows apps/programs, it doesn't even feel like a real language.

If you've coded in VB before you should know what I mean... too much fancy GUI's and not much coding. I usually spend much more time changing my fonts/colors than coding. Which is not good.
So I'm thinking of switching to another language, a easy and powerful language that won't let me down. I'll continue learning VB.NET, but not as much.

I'd go for C++, but it's just a little too complicated for now.
Maybe Python? It sounds like a good and easy language to start off with. Other than that I don't know what to do and need some advice.

*I want to create all kinds of windows applications, whatever comes to my head, including Kernel stuff*

What do you guys think?
Thanks

[marwex89]

Lol, I know.. C++ sounds good, but don't think it's easy.. Windows apps could be a bit tricky (using WinAPI etc) for a beginner, but you could get Qt, or a similar library, to help ya on that. You sure do real programming with it, though If you think it's too hard, download a "C++ for dummies" - book.. I'm serious, it always helps beginners Very basic spoonfeeding... Then move on to another C++ book and go wild. I bet you'll manage.

Alternatives? Well, you got C, but that's perhaps not what you're looking for. They say Python is a good language, but I have never tried it and can't comment on that. Good luck

[Sniped Sniper]

Lol, I know.. C++ sounds good, but don't think it's easy.. Windows apps could be a bit tricky (using WinAPI etc) for a beginner, but you could get Qt, or a similar library, to help ya on that. You sure do real programming with it, though If you think it's too hard, download a "C++ for dummies" - book.. I'm serious, it always helps beginners Very basic spoonfeeding... Then move on to another C++ book and go wild. I bet you'll manage.

Alternatives? Well, you got C, but that's perhaps not what you're looking for. They say Python is a good language, but I have never tried it and can't comment on that. Good luck

Ok thanks, well I guess it's C++ then. I keep seeing it EVERYWHERE I look on the Internet. C++ this, C++ that haha.
It's also used for game development, which I'd definitely try some day.

[marwex89]

It is a great language, for sure..

[Jordan]

You can also use C++.NET. You would have VS GUI/IDE that you are use to and learn C++.

[Sniped Sniper]

You can also use C++.NET. You would have VS GUI/IDE that you are use to and learn C++.

Hmm I didn't really know that's possible, thanks. I think I've got one of those Visual C++ on a CD that came with this VB book I have.

[Jordan]

You can download Visual Studio C++ Express edition free. Check the download section here: MS Downloads

[Sniped Sniper]

Thanks. I've already got all of them (Visual C, C++, Java, Basic etc) on that CD though, so it's ok. I'll get it tomorrow - have to go to sleep now.

[KeilanS]

I started learning C++ with this series of tutorials:

Cprogramming.com - Programming Tutorials: C++ Made Easy and C Made Easy

They are very helpful, and better than many books I've read. C++ isn't THAT tricky so far, and I'm told once you tackle C++, you're set for everything else.

Good luck, and don't give up! I started and quit learning C++ about 3 times before I started taking a course on it, and it's a blast.

[WingedPanther]

C++ doesn't have to be absorbed all at once (no one does). You can learn the basics of data processing with little effort, then move on to classes, templates, and finally a GUI toolkit.