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by Jun8 5725 days ago
This is a little like going to IKEA and saying "I need to furnish my house, what should I buy"? Without knowing more about the intended use of the language, it's hard to give a good answer.

However, if pressed, I would say Javascript. It starts simple (but is not a simple language), you can build slick web pages with it, and you can even build native mobile apps for Android and iPhone (e.g. with using PhoneGap).
2 comments
rachnaspace 5725 days ago
I don't have a specific app idea in mind for which I want to learn programming. Mostly, I like consumer web apps, and which may require integration with facebook, twitter APIs.

I'm not looking to build a full blown app myself - rather a quick prototype to test it out with users and if there's traction, then it would make sense for me to team up with engineers and build it out.

Regarding Javascript - as you say, I too have heard that it's not that simple. Some folks were suggesting to start with PHP. I though of checking with HN community on what they recommend.

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Jun8 5725 days ago
PHP is also good, but if you want to do some heavy integration with service API I stand by my Javascript suggestion. It's not pedagogical, but then neither is PHP.

If you are a little more serious in your desire to learn programming, than you can learn Java. That way, you can go the GWT route when you need Javascript functionality.

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twymer 5725 days ago
Nobody walks into an IKEA and says "Hey guys, I've never used furniture before, what should I buy?" and unlike furniture, some languages are easier to use than others and are more likely to fit with what you discover later you'd like to do.

I also can't imagine ever recommending anyone learns to program in Javascript.

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