Member Avatar for brown23

Hey Guys!

I'm really wanting to start learning a beneficial, but fairly easy-to-use programming language. I've tried to discuss this at other online communities and have also asked this question at a few seminar's I've been to recently.

My objective is to create more advanced software that interacts with the Internet. As software programming is a difficult learning curve, it's been suggested that I learn either vb.net or python. I know the very basics with VB.net, and am slowly getting more comfortable using Visual Studio - but with all these suggestions and my knowledge lacking I just wanted to ask for your opinions?

I think I would enjoy creating something visual stunning, and still have the most powerful option at hand - so do you think I should go with Python? I mean, I've heard that Python is the dominant language in gaming, and it's ability to adapt is awesome ... with its similarities with C++, do you think that's my best option?

Thanks for all your input guys, your advice is really appreciated!
Brownie.

  • 2 Contributors
  • 1 Reply
  • 1K Views
  • 16 Hours Discussion Span
  • Latest Post Latest Post by vegaseat

Dani AI

Generated

— For building internet-connected software both choices will work, so pick by goal and what keeps you building. Quick note about gaming: Python is useful for tools and scripting, but high-performance game engines are typically written in C++ or C#; Python is not the dominant engine language.

Trade-offs in practice: Python gives very fast prototyping, a large set of networking and web libraries, and strong cross-platform support. It is great for writing scrapers, APIs, automation, and backend services. VB.NET ties you into the .NET world and Visual Studio, which can be a huge productivity win for Windows desktop and enterprise integration. If you want to target cross-platform servers or iterate quickly, lean Python. If your main target is Windows GUIs, COM, or existing Microsoft systems, VB.NET is practical. If you later plan to work broadly in .NET, consider learning C# as well.

A short, concrete plan: pick a small internet-focused project (a simple REST API, a scraper, or a task automation), learn the basics of HTTP and JSON, use a package manager and version control, and deploy a tiny proof of concept. Follow that loop until you have a working app — the language you enjoy will carry you farther than the one other people tell you is "best." was right that personal preference matters; pick one and start building.

Member Avatar for vegaseat

The only language that has similarities with C++ IMHO is Java.

VB.Net has the power of Microsoft behind it and is a well established language.

Python is open source and supported by an innovative group of people.
It's syntax is easy to learn, but it is a modular language and its power
is in those modules and learning how to use them.

IronPython uses the syntax of Python and the Microsft.NET framework.
It leans somewhat on the C# language.

To be honest, I have dabbled with all those languages, and find Python to be the most appealing to my taste. That could be just a personal preference of a scientist with a square head.

Edited by vegaseat because: n/a
Be a part of the DaniWeb community

We're a friendly, industry-focused community of developers, IT pros, digital marketers, and technology enthusiasts meeting, networking, learning, and sharing knowledge.