Programming languages

[Potatoman]

What is best to learn? Visual C++, Visual C++.net or Visual C#? Is there any difference in speed / performance? Why?

[mattie]

If this is in order to get a job, go to www.jobserve.co.uk and do a search in IT for jobs requiring these skills and look at the salaries on offer, that should help make up your mind.

I can't answer your question about which is the best programming language to learn, but I expect someone else will, although it will probably be a matter of personal preference.

[slimfandango]

java

[QmunkE]

If you can learn C++, then you'll be able to pick up the quirks of C# and the .NET versions of C++. Also, Java is completely built from C++ and you will find it to be an easy language to adapt to - however, it is not a high-performance language due to the fact it is built to run cross platforms using a VM.

[stevie21]

I agree - java has many selling points but isn't as widely used as C++ (which I'd expect would get you a job more easily).

[OBonio]

C++ is the fastest as it isn't managed code like languages under .NET (unless you write unsafe code, but even then C++ will be quicker). This is because C++ gets compiled to machine executable code as opposed to .NET going through the Common Language Runtime. Also, .NET can't use pointers (unless you write unsafe code again). C++ really likes pointers and so doesn't have the overheads of making multiple copies of data etc.

As for which is the best to learn... difficult one that. I use C# in my job and I think that is the most popular language that programmers have moved to when using .NET. It's easier to learn than C++ and would put you in good stead for moving towards C++ (like Object Orientated Programming). Going straight to C++ would be a lot more challenging, but probably more rewarding in the long run.

[slimfandango]

And, as you can see, it's fun!