VB.NET vs C#.NET

I want to learn a real programming language and was wondering which would be best to learn as a starter language VB.NET or C#.NET

both are pretty easy, but i'd recommend you to first learn another language, probably C, C++ or Java (id personaly recommend you c++). what's cool about both VB and C# is that they have really cool libraries and creating some things are just so easy…. like for a hash breaker id recommend C#, for a game or buttin thigy prog VB, because it's so easy making them! i know that C# is in sandbox mode but i dont know for VB.

I'd recommend starting with Python and moving on to C/C++. VB and VB.NET are Microsoft based and enforce bad programming practices. Starting with Python helps to ease you into "real" programming in an easy way, and allows you to see fast results, which is what you want if you are new. It may be too lightweight, but it is a good primer. Once you know the general program structure, I recommend moving onto C/C++ as they are more powerful.

These are my recommendations, but it's all down to personal choice. Try all of them, and see which ones you like, I just think VB is too easy and sloppy. I started with C and then moved onto C++ btw.

Have fun

ChristmasCelery

What I mainly want to do is program stuff with GUIs and still be fairly powerful, but i also want it to be portable and work for both linux and windows, I was thinking about learning Java, is it easy or hard?

I think Java is an excellent choice then. It is powerful, it can be used to create GUI's with ease, and is multi platform. I myself have not programmed in Java yet, but it has a C style syntax, which makes it a million times better than VB for a start :D

It is not neccessarily a beginners language though, and if you want SUPER EASY GUI apps, VB is descent for an absolute beginner, though it is Windows only.

C# is more powerful, but again, windows only.

C/C++ are cross platform, powerful, but more difficult.

As long as you stick with 'em though, programming languages are usually not that hard. Read a lot, code a lot and you should get them in no time. ;)

It's always good to know several languages and which you should know depends on what your planning to do. If you want to have total control then it's C/C++ but it requires a bit more work. VB is very good if you have an idea for a pretty ordinary program, want a visual interface and don't want to spend lots of time on that. C# is like a simpler and I think weird version of C++.

Go for either VB or C++. I started with VB and am now learning C++.B)

My favourite language is C, but C++ is quickly growing on me. I just like the syntax of th C's ;)

Choose whatever language takes your fancy to learn first, just try some. :D

lol if you really wanna first learn the basics of programming, so to open your mind start with GW BASIC. in half an hour you'll master it ;) you can do really cool things with BASIC, but it's all too simple for real proggies.

I have decided to learn C++, I have read about how many people have started with C++ for a first language, I have purchased a copy of C++ for dummies 5th and will start learning thanks for the advice

Good luck