Which programming language to start with?

[king_23]

I am graduating soon with a degree as an Information Technology Support Specialist. Most of my classes were geared towards troubleshooting and fixing computers.

However, the only programming classes that I need to complete my degree are an intro to programming class and then after that a class on visual basic.

I want to start preparing so I can become certified in other programming languages. Which languages should I start with and also where would be the best source to learn the correct information to pass the certification tests? (What books, websites, etc.?)

Thanks in advance.

 

[carnageX]

Kinda depends on what you want to program in...

Do you want to create desktop applications? For what OS? Web applications? Are you wanting to go more into hardware design and such?

Scripting:
Windows: Batch / Powershell
Linux: Bash

Lower level: C, C++ (C++ is a bit more of a bridge between high/low level)
Higher-level: Java, C#, Python, Ruby

Web: HTML/CSS, PHP, Javascript, possibly AJAX

All I can think of off the top of my head.

 

[MillField]

C# is a great higher level language to study and you can't go wrong with Java. It's very much in demand right now. If mobile development is your thing then Objective-C would also be a useful language to learn seeing as iOS has the current market share.

 

[carnageX]

C# is a great higher level language to study and you can't go wrong with Java. It's very much in demand right now. If mobile development is your thing then Objective-C would also be a useful language to learn seeing as iOS has the current market share.

Just to expand / make it clear:
Java for Android apps
Objective-C for iOS apps

 

[XGC Forsakend]

Just to expand / make it clear:
Java for Android apps
Objective-C for iOS apps

Did not know this lil tid bit..

Looks like I need to start brushing up on my C language.

 

[king_23]

I'm sort of debating on which sector I want to go into. Web design sounds interesting, but I'm not too sure if there is much money in that.

I sort of want to go with C#. Originally, I wanted to have an extremely broad knowledge of Information Technology, but it seems like it is best to focus on one thing and do it very well. Would you guys agree or disagree with this?

Also, if I wanted to start learning C# or any of the web languages listed, is there a specific book you recommend that would prepare me to pass the certification exams?