adaliabooks: No problem. I love C++ myself, although I struggle to find engines and libraries to use with it... hence working with Python at the moment.

But to be honest most languages still work on the same basic ideas and principles, I've found it's generally quite easy to switch between them (with a bit of relearning).

Java might be a good place to start, especially if you have an Android phone. Programming some half decent games and apps for Android isn't too hard, but gives a visible reward quite quickly. Plus there are loads of tutorials and good documentation for it.

j0ekerr: There are very strong opinions about what the best language for someone dipping their big toe into the programming pool should be. In fact, whole crusades and holy wars have been fought in the battlefieds of the usenet forums.

I, however, am far less opinionated and would recommend something different depending on what the person in question wishes to attain.

If you want to explore and dive deeply into the darkest complexities of programming. I would recommend C or C++. The learning curve is that of vertical rock wall. But once you reach the top, you find a flat expanse to navigate. If you know C you will find every other programming language much easier to learn. And the languages themselves are easier. C has extremely powerful, but very dangerous programming techniques and tools (pointers), and very strict rules, which many other languages do away with for simplicity's sake.

If all you want is to wade around in the kiddy pool, most interpreted languages are good enough. I would recommend python, since you can choose to stay in the shallow part where you will only get wet up to your knees. Or move gradually towards the deeper end, in which you can dive freely once you become confident enough with the language.

VisualBasic has no deep end.

l0rdtr3k: I'm going to try to convince my brother to join us. I'll install Duke Nukem 3D and Dungeon Keeper on his computer and if he likes them,I'll tell him to join GOG to get more.

Stilton: Woo-hoo, the more the merrier ;-)

adaliabooks: Java might be a good place to start, especially if you have an Android phone. Programming some half decent games and apps for Android isn't too hard, but gives a visible reward quite quickly. Plus there are loads of tutorials and good documentation for it.

j0ekerr: ...snip...
VisualBasic has no deep end.

j0ekerr: I would never recommend Java to a complete beginner. Java is a relatively powerful and complex language that sells itself as simple and easy to learn, yet is everything but. I would only endorse it, if the person in question is convinced that java is the best choice. In which case my opinion is moot.

I think of Java as a lazy C++. And it promotes bad habits. Personally I think it is better to go into java knowing about things like pointers and forced variable declarations, then choosing wether to use them or not, than never learning about them at all. Then switching to another language and stepping on the local equivalent of a garden rake that hits you squarely in the face.

Perl is the equivalent of the black tongue of Mordor. Ugly and infinitely evil, but used to craft powerful dark artifacts.

EndreWhiteMane: Help! It's snowing like mad and my car won't start and it's cold and I'm hungry.
Somebody send pizza! :-)

Grargar: I thought that rep was unspeakable only when someone was complaining about losing it. :P

Stilton: What, you've never been in a relationship..?

IAmSinistar: ...

EndreWhiteMane: Help! It's snowing like mad and my car won't start and it's cold and I'm hungry.
Somebody send pizza! :-)

adaliabooks: Here you go, have one of mine ;)

ddickinson: Hi, Sinistar! I hope you had a happy New Year? Welcome back to the forum, we missed you. *welcome back hug*

EndreWhiteMane: Help! It's snowing like mad and my car won't start and it's cold and I'm hungry.
Somebody send pizza! :-)

ddickinson: You didn't say what toppings you wanted, so I thought you might like to try something new. :-)

http://vipmedia.globalnews.ca/2014/05/scorpion-pizza-pizza-on-a-stick-1-550x731.jpg