Beginner Programing

[Ilwrath]

I tend to agree that Pascal is underrated at learning on.  It leads easily into C.  (Which also isn't a bad place to start, if you don't mind jumping in the deep end a bit to learn.)  I've also found I like Java a lot, but I learned it late.  (Well after Pascal and C -- so I can't speak on it as to how easy it is to learn from early.)

Whoever recommended Fortran was obviously trying to discourage the poor person.  Hell, I think I'd choose FoxPro or LISP first.  (And I'd only choose either of those if hemlock wasn't available.)

Most people who don't recommend BASIC for starting with, are like me and DID start with BASIC.  I remember having to "unlearn" all sorts of things you can do in BASIC but really shouldn't do in any other language...  Sure... it's easy to learn.  Sort of like slang.  Just because you know it, and it sometimes works, it doesn't mean you should use it on a report...

[Ilwrath]

@jdiffend -

The AmigaBasic code we wrote didn't have a single line number. It used actual names. It didn't use GOTO either. It's not perfectly structured but it isn't as bad as you imply. I've seen plenty of nasty C code. And frankly, modern Basics including VisualBasic have, at best, a poor implementation of object oriented programming.

Let's face it... bad programmers write bad code no matter what language they use.

Touche' - My early programming was self-taught with a C64.  (Spaghetti, to say the least)  When I got an Amiga, and I used AmigaBasic (for a few months when I first got my 500), my programs looked much more like C64 basic than a higher language.  There's nothing in AmigaBasic to encourage you to use more structured styles.  I didn't really even understand how hideous my early creations were, until I started learning PASCAL and C.  (And then never turned back to look at AmigaBASIC)

If all the guy wants to do is play with mandelbrots (or whatever) on his Amiga who cares what language he starts with and if he uses line numbers or GOTO statements? The point is, people are making all sorts of suggestions without even asking what he wants to do. It doesn't do any good to use objects, compilers, IDE's or whatever if he get's so frustrated learning it that he never finishes a single program.

True, but keep in mind, I was speaking more toward a person who already posted an intention to write a device driver for legacy hardware.  

I was assuming his needs were much more along those lines.  (I probably should have asked if those needs changed.)  

But, I'll agree that BASIC is good for "instant gratification", and for getting over a fear or stigma of programming.  It's novel, it's fun, and it works for small toys and occasionally a quick hack.  As stated, it IS good for a hobbiest language.  Heck, I still enjoy hacking around and generally making a mess of the C64's BASIC V2.  All in all, BASIC is a very enjoyable language, in a rustic sort of way.  (I also like PERL, though, so maybe I'm just sadistic, and like languages that let me make a big mess, if I want to...)

Anyhow, to come full-circle back toward a tad of relevance... If you're posting here looking for advice on how to get started and you're focused on a goal... BASIC most likely would be more of an entertaining detour than a helping start.