From: Brian McCallister <brianm@...>
Date: 2005-11-29T10:43:14+09:00
Subject: Re: Programming Newbie: Ruby or Java?

This may be anathema on this list, but I suggest neither for a first  
language.

Python or Scheme would probably probably best as a first language.

Python:
	Bondage and discipline is not a bad thing when you are first learning.
	Force good whitespace habits
  	Potentially confusing things tend to be drummed out of the language
		Even if very powerful

Scheme
	Encourages good program design
	PLT rocks
	Very little magic while still being full power

It is kind of like learning to ride on a normal bicycle before  
getting a 24 speed with a suspension and disk brakes.

-Brian

On Nov 28, 2005, at 1:12 PM, Dab wrote:

> Thanks for looking!
>
> I'm brand new to programming and had just decided to learn Java as a
> first language, then stumbled accross Ruby, which seems far simpler to
> learn, but doesn't seem to have as many resources/books etc.
>
> I want to eventually write a Windows program for an Apartment
> Management company that will keep track of their buildings
> tenants....all their info, lockers, parking stalls, rental monies
> owing, that sort of thing.
>
> Will Ruby lead me to being able to do that eventually? I don't want,
> nor can afford, to use any programs like Visual Basic that cost wad's
> of money. And, I especially like the Open Source/Free program concepts
> and community atmospheres.
>
> What do you think?
>
> Thanks so much for your help!
> Dab
>
>