C# or C++

[EarthMind]

I'm really hesitating on which one to learn, C# is a Microsoft invention but Novell is doing good with Mono development so I'm still hesitating on which one to learn. I already started learning C++ but may change my mind when I hear your opinions.

Please also mention why you voted for that one and I appreciate a detailed response.

Thank you

[geoffro]

If you just want to program for Linux then c++ is the best bet. However if you plan on getting a job programming then c3 is probably better especially in combination with M$ sharepoint as theres skills are an asset. At least here in Sweden where there are plenty of jobs despite the of the market.

/Geoff

[Axeia]

If you go down the C# path and have any way of legally obtaining visual studio (no idea if there are trials out there) I highly recommend it above any other IDE, catch is that you'll also need windows.. as it doesn't seem to run under wine.

[EarthMind]

And what about performance. Isn't Mono/.NET a runtime, which means it's slower than native code?

[EarthMind]

Btw, I voted for C++ so I can see the results immediately and since I started learning it.

[EarthMind]

Well, I should also say this: it's mainly for cross-platform development so in case of C# I'd be programming for Mono so I'd probably be using MonoDevelop.

[Axeia]

Originally Posted by EarthMind

Well, I should also say this: it's mainly for cross-platform development so in case of C# I'd be programming for Mono so I'd probably be using MonoDevelop.

But only if you have the option to use it for free it's great, as I'm sure it's quite costly if you actually have to purchase it.

It's just that it's a great application to work in.. was rather dissapointed by monodevelop. Might also be cause I've only received guidance with visual studio that it is the only application I know how to make proper use of.

[EarthMind]

I was quite surprised to see Mono integration into a Microsoft product but I bet it's an extra plugin you've installed?

I will have a look at Visual Studio but I doubt my interest because I mainly develop in Linux and use Windows just for hacking the result.

[jameswalmsley]

I'm an expert in C programming, which is really the basis of C++. My advice to anyone who wants to get really good at programming is to learn C. Some think you should learn Python first because it hides you from the underlying details.

However, C is small and compact, and you can get really good with it within a couple of years (if you have a natural talent).

Once you know C, you can easily pick up the object-oriented parts of C++, and quickly become adept in using the other features of the language.

It has to be said, that C++ is an absolute beast, and very difficult to master all aspects of the language. C ties very closely to the underlying hardware. It the lowest level programming language aside from machine code, and is great when you need performance, like in the linux kernel. 99.9% C code. Other small part is hand-written machine code.

A good C++ programmer, can learn C# quickly too, because the two languages a relatively similar. They differ in the details.

A tutor of mine once said, there are 2 types of people, those who can program, and those who can't. That means, that if you can program, then it doesn't matter what language it is. You'll just have a knack for it!

All the best,
and enjoy, programming is about solving problems, not necessarily a language itself.

James

[EarthMind]

Thank you for your detailed response.

The reason why I immediately chose for C++ is because of the LGPL license addition to Qt so it looks way more interesting, another advantage is their Qt creator application which focuses on C++ only. To be honest, the LGPL addition to Qt is the reason why I made my decision and go from web development to desktop application development.

As an expert in C, could you tell me what toolkit you use for cross-platform (if applicable) GUI development? GTK, Qt, WxWidgets or another? Please also explain your choice if possible.

Thank you