I'm considering learning a programming language. Which one should I aim for?

Question

The eventual goal is to be able to build a website where people trade written material on a one to one basis.  For instance:

A user can only request one article before fulfilling a request themselves.
Articles must be accepted by the requester before the system gives credit for them.
After 72 hours, if the article is not declined, it is automatically accepted, and the author is given credit.
The author can then request other articles from others.

Authors are limited by IP (or something?) from creating multiple accounts.

I aim to build this system, but I don't currently know any programming language.  It's hard to know where to start.  I understand the basics of HTML, but usually end up Googling most of the tags.  

What should my ultimate goal be here, and where do I start?

Beau · Answer

Yes, learning C++ and Java is great, but it seems like many people didn't take the time to read the description of what you are trying to make. C++ and Java are great for applications, however since you are making a dynamic web site its really a complete miss on language choice for this project. 

The idea you want to implement really requires several different web technologies:

1. PHP
2. Access to a MySQL or other database server to handle user data. PHP handles the connection to the database server.
3. HTML/CSS/AJAX : A combination of these to make the site look good.

Its good that you know HTML basics, you will need them to start. 

I would probably tackle the PHP & mysql aspect first. This is what would handle adding users, keeping their personal info, and your 72 hours policy. There are plenty of books on using PHP with MySQL. In terms of difficulty, its not bad. Both technologies are free as well as Apache web server which is what you'd want to host your site on your own computer while you test it.

Dirk · Answer

Sounds like your idea is some kind of a social networking website. 
May be you are the next Zuckerberg!
I am pretty sure you don't have to start from scratch.

Use the search function at http://sourceforge.net and look for 'trading' or 'networking' 

There are some interesting software packages, free for download, and you can add your special ideas.

tbshmkr · Answer

C++
=
Programming: Principles and Practice Using C++ by Bjarne Stroustrup
 - - An Introduction to Programming by the Inventor of C++
 - http://www.amazon.com/Programming-Principles-Practice-Using-C/dp/0321543726
=
Code::Blocks == Open Source C/C++ IDE
 - http://www.codeblocks.org/downloads/binaries
 - - codeblocks-10.05mingw-setup.exe
=
Tutorials online:
 - http://www.cprogramming.com/tutorial/lesson1.html
 - http://www.cplusplus.com/doc/tutorial/
-
Free Electronic Books:
Thinking in C++ 2nd Edition by Bruce Eckel
Volume 1
 - http://www.linuxtopia.org/online_books/programming_books/thinking_in_c++/index.html
Volume 2
 - http://www.linuxtopia.org/online_books/programming_books/c++_practical_programming/index.html

That does not compute · Answer

Start with C, then if you want a hard object oriented language to move onto learn C++ if you want an easy object oriented language learn Java or C#.

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I'm considering learning a programming language. Which one should I aim for?

4 Answers