Need to take programming, opinions? advice?

[xSauronx]

I need some advice, or guidance or...whatever point of view you want to offer.

Im going to a community college for a Network Technology AS. Part of the requirements are an intro programming class (im in this currently, taking qbasic) and a first-level programming class after that, either C++ or Visual Basic.

I had planned to take C++ in the summer, but the schedule changed to Visual Basic, and C++ won't be available again until spring.

Im not really interested in programming. I don't enjoy it, I have a hard time focusing so I constantly find myself going back over what Ive done, to remind me of what I need to do next. But its required, and I know it'll benefit me, so Ill get it done anyway.

I also spend more time using linux, and Im interested in understanding some things more and maybe being able to do some of my own programming or scripting, but Im not sure how useful vbasic would really be for me.

I know that it wont *hurt* me to end up taking both classes, but which will really benefit me more, or is there really a good reason to learn some of both even though Im not terribly interested in programming at all?

cliffs:
i hate programming
i prefer linux over windows
should i learn vbasic? c++? both? why?

thanks

 

[Cogman]

The only thing that learning vb will teach you is the basics of programming. If you could take another class in its place (C#) then do it. If you have to take it, then take it.

 

[alocurto]

Is that Visual Basic .NET or Old School VB6?

If it's old school VB6 then do C++.

If it's VB .NET you might want to do that since it will get you exposed to the .NET Framework, Visual Studio, ADO. NET, etc. C# is and easy conversion from C# .NET.

You can use MONO on linux to code .net (Although I never have)

 

[KB]

Since you are taking a network track I don't see you doing much programming in your job. If you feel you aren't good at programming take VB, it will be easier for you.

 

[EagleKeeper]

VB will tie you into Windows platforms.

C++ can be used with all OS and stand alone systems.

 

[imported_Dhaval00]

Even though newer languages languages like Java, C#, VB.NET, etc. make your life easier, increase your productivity, and are simpler to understand, I suggest you sign up for the C++ class. Primarily, to appreciate how far we have come, I think C++ is a must... it will explain you the OOP fundamentals (hopefully) and is really a good intro to programming in general. You don't want to get tied down to a specific platform this early in the game. By the way, all this is coming from a hardcore C# developer. I didn't enjoy C++ as much as C#, but I still think it was a good ice-breaker for me.

 

[xSauronx]

Originally posted by: Common Courtesy
VB will tie you into Windows platforms.

C++ can be used with all OS and stand alone systems.

see thats really how I was thinking of it. Im not really interested in even using Windows, nevermind programming for it. A teacher mentioned that VB might be useful later if I wanted to program with linux GUI toolkits...but honestly, Im not likely to want to do much more than some simple programs or scripting to make some things easier on myself, if even that.

ive been leaning towards c++ ever since i looked at the requirements for my degree. which of the two would help me get into programming or scripting with less trouble later on if I felt like that would be a valuable/useful skill for me to have?

 

[Schadenfroh]

Originally posted by: Cogman
The only thing that learning vb will teach you is the basics of programming. If you could take another class in its place (C#) then do it. If you have to take it, then take it.

VB is more widely used than C#. Almost every "market share" chart that I have seen has placed it at or above twice the popularity of C#. Not saying that C# is a bad language, quite the contrary. I program in C# when I need to make a .NET application because its syntax is similar to C++ and Java and I have forgotten most of my VB. VB.NET is certainly a modern language that is every bit as good as other .NET languages (C# included), but it lacks multi-line comments (which I use heavily):|

I suggest you sign up for the C++ class. Primarily, to appreciate how far we have come

I agree that he should take a C++ class, but if he really wants to see how far we have come, go for x86 assembly. But, that will likely not be as useful as higher level languages in modern times.

which of the two would help me get into programming or scripting with less trouble later on if I felt like that would be a valuable/useful skill for me to have?

Of the two, C++ is closer in syntax to many other popular languages (Java, C and C#). You will also learn memory management, amongst other things.

 

[xSauronx]

c++ it is, then. ill have to wait til next spring to take it though, but ill get some other requirement out of the way this summer like a math class or something

thanks for the input everyone

 

[Schadenfroh]

like a math class or something

Be sure that it is discrete mathematics!

 

[Apathetic]

That's just cruel. I'm not saying it's not a good idea - just cruel.

Dave

Originally posted by: Schadenfroh

like a math class or something

Be sure that it is discrete mathematics!

 

[Cogman]

Gah, Discrete mathmatics is all 10 flavors of crazy, Useful interesting stuff, but crazy none the less.

 

[xSauronx]

Originally posted by: Schadenfroh

like a math class or something

Be sure that it is discrete mathematics!

yeah...

look, i can barely do algebra, on a good day. the math class i *require* is 115, which is...well crappy math. basic algebra and a few other things like percentages and something something.

i wish i could take college algebra...but ill fail it. i am not one for the maths.

 

[Madwand1]

Originally posted by: xSauronx
c++ it is, then. ill have to wait til next spring to take it though, but ill get some other requirement out of the way this summer like a math class or something

I would have suggested VB. C++ is hard-core, and pretty much the opposite of what I think you'd like. VB is very useful for scripting and other simple tasks, and can be done by non-professional programmers in a disposable manner. C++ can't really be used casually in the same way, and wasn't ever intended for that. As I said, it's hard-core, and good if you want to be a professional programmer, but otherwise, I don't see the point of going that deep, and if you don't go deep, you're not really all that useful in C++ either.

 

[Lazy8s]

Though it looks like you have decided here is the way that a software engineering major sees it:

If you take C++ you will be able to pick up VB. VB is just an increasingly frustrating framework that allows you to build GUIs easily.

A LOT of networking software is written in C or C++. Likely a networking guy won't work with the software coming from a tech school but if you don't expose yourself to C++ now then in the future you will really be hurting if you have to use it.

VB is used for a LOT of quick and dirty programs (and some larger ones). The advantage of VB is that you will be able to whip up scripts with a GUI whenever you feel like it.

Bottom line: I tend to think "go harder, self-teach easier" but that is just me. While you will lose out on learning .NET that isn't a huge deal. A multi-day traiing class can teach you all you need there, but a multi-day training class on C++ will suck.

 

[Aberforth]

vb.net is more productive and is widely used in the enterprises but C++ knowledge is absolutely essential.

IDE's like RealBasic allows you to write basic code to develop cross platform applications, single-code that compiles for Win, Mac and Linux.

 

[Bulldog13]

Easy A - VB
Hard A - C++