I would agree with Python (but not Perl) - for a general purpose language. However, you did say web development. So, with that in mind I would recommend PHP.
I say PHP because it is one of the easier languages to learn for web development (I think Cold Fusion is even easier, but it is proprietary), and includes database access. You can even use PHP for command line scripting. Python is not geared specifically for the web, but is supposed to be a "programmer's language". I don't have any experience with Python, so take this with a grain of salt. The thing about programming is that once you are comfortable with coding constructs (i.e. variables, loops, conditional statements, etc.), then you can apply these to any other language. So learning a new langauge is normally learning the quirks of that language. HTH Shawn -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Cameron Nikitiuk Sent: Monday, August 16, 2004 2:16 PM To: CLUG Subject: [clug-talk] Query - Programming Language Hi All, Was contemplating trying to learn a programming language and Jeff's offer of books kind of inspired a debate within...what language should I learn? I am thinking of something related to web development. Keep in mind I am no programmer but I have worked a bit with SQL, JavaScript and HTML. I would eventually like to play with Java but I think that is a far way off yet. I would like something that ties into databases well, is fairly easy to learn and develop for and has a good grounding in the industry. If it is open source so much the better. I have talked to a few people and they say perl or python or something similar is good. But asking someone the best programming language is liking asking them what the best beer is. Any non-biased or "good case for" arguments or ideas anyone would care to share? You can contact me off list as well at: cameron dot nikitiuk at shaw dot ca Cameron _______________________________________________ clug-talk mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://clug.ca/mailman/listinfo/clug-talk_clug.ca _______________________________________________ clug-talk mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://clug.ca/mailman/listinfo/clug-talk_clug.ca
