Re: Programming?

[Bruce Smith <bruce@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

> If I should use something for my workplace then I
> should be looking at Visual Basic. The only thing is
> I'm looking for personal interest and not to further
> my standing in my place of business.

Visual Basic is a good starting place IMO.
It's simple enough to make your productive quickly,
and powerful enough to learn some serious programming.

> What language would you suggest Bruce?

I thought about suggesting basic, but I don't know of
any _good_ Linux Basic systems.  (but I haven't looked
for a long time either, maybe that's changed?)  If you
don't mind running windoze, VB is okay.

C is okay, but (IMO), a little higher on the frustration
factor for a new user (or anyone) compared to Basic.
(but still beats the hell out of APL :)

If you're an Eric Ramond fan, he recommends Python as a
first programming language (if I remember correctly).
I don't know Python, so I can't comment on it personally.

My first programming language was Fortran.  It's okay,
not so popular no a days (still beats APL :) but at least
has common statements (like, "for" "goto" "if") most of which
are common in other programming languages (except for APL!).

> I'm still leaning towards APL
> and have found some interesting Websites but nothing
> with anything of substance on it. That and the book
> aspect has been severely lacking, atleast on-line 

That's because nobody uses it (almost)!   :{)

How many other people on this list have ever used APL?  Anyone?

--------------------------------------------
Bruce Smith                bruce@armintl.com
System Administrator / Network Administrator
Armstrong International, Inc.
Three Rivers, Michigan  49093  USA
http://www.armstrong-intl.com/
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