VB or C++
 

I've been thinking about learning how to program but I dont know what I should use to start. I only know of those two programs for it so I'll just ask here. What is the best software to learn how to program?

start with VB if you have never programmed before.. ever.
Be forewarned though, it's fairly simple and easy to use.. a little too easy. I frequently had functiones called 'fuckingshit' because i got really bored with the class i was taking because VB was so easy.

as for C++ i'd proally start with C first, but C, C++ and VB are all good languages to begin with.. If possible.. try to take some courses (or read some books) about all three.

I could take a course I just wanted to see which was the best program.

C++ is more powerful, and I think more people use it. I personally think it's a good way to begin programming, as well; the basics aren't too hard, and once you understand object-oriented programming you have a mighty tool under your belt. Wow, that sounded porny.

Thanks for the advice and sledge that actually did.

In my opinion, it really depends what you want to do. VB is very easy to get right in to, and you can make very professional-looking applications with the greatest of ease and minimal amount of time. It is a great tool for rapid application development because of its interface with windows controls, which you can pretty much just drag and drop.

C++ is the better choice in my opinion if you want to go further with programming and learn other languages, because it is object-oriented, and is also the basis for several other languages. It may be frustrating, because, at first, all your programs will be in console. You need to be fairly comfortable with the language before you can make a GUI.

VB would be great to start learning with and using.

C++ makes you a sloppy OO-coder (or it can) because it's not strict on rules. I'd pick up Java or C# (pretty similar). They may have a slightly steeper learning curve than C++, but at least when you want to move on (to C#, most likely) you won't have to change your style.

I'll look into that Latch. Thanks

If I were starting out today I'd learn C#.

C# will allow you to learn OOP and the C syntax. Once you master the language you can move into "unsafe" C# code (pointers and direct memory manipulation and management). Then you can work on the trickier aspects of C++ (templates, generics, etc...)

C#, C++, Java, all the same thing on one level. I learned C++ first, and of course I wasted many hours getting pointers working in all sorts of applications (Red Black trees in C++ OOOOUUUUCCCCHHH), but You will have trouble with pointers no matter when you learn to use them. The truth is it doesn't really matter.

Once you know one you can jump right into any other once you learn all the support libraries.

While I'd prefer C++, VB would probably be the way to start, as others have mentioned.

VB is fairly simple to learn, and you actually design a GUI early on. In the C++ courses I've taken, it's all text based until you've got the basics hammered into your head.

With .NET platform the two of them are less different than before.
Still VB is easier to pick up, but VC++ will give you more control/power in how you want your program to work & behave.