Currently I am only familiar with HTML. While I cannot write code for other web languages I have been very successful in "lightly" modifying existing code to suit my needs in the following languages: &#106avascript, PHP, CSS, MYSQL, XML, and Perl. I am a long time Windows user and care little for cross platform languages like Java. I have nothing against Java, just saying that if I learn a Windows only programming language like C# it wont be a negative thing for me. I only plan on developing programs for my personal "non-profit" needs. I am a quick learner, learn quickly from trial and error, and am looking for the path of least resistance. Currently the project I have my eyes set on is creating a Virtual Game Table. Examples include: MapTool, Fantasy Grounds, and Klooge.Werks. Would C# or Python be ideal? I know C# has Visual Studio and is a very popular language. Any suggestions or feedback would be most appreciated. Generally these programs allow players to connect online to play pen and paper based games (Dungeons & Dragons for example) together. They have dice rollers, macro support, various types of text modifications (color, size, font, bold/italics/underline, etc...), drawing tools (simple like MS-Paint), multiple layers for graphics, fog-of-war, etc... The last two links above link to screen shots of the programs if your interested in what one of these programs generally looks like. Any information, links, or feedback would be most appreciated. [Edited by - modmiddy on April 21, 2008 5:39:40 PM]

C# and/or Python are good choices. Neither of them -- contrary to what you appear to have been told -- are "Windows" programming languages. C# works just fine on non-Windows systems, provided (of course) you stay away from Windows-specific APIs.

Don't get too hung up on what language to pick. When you first start programming, your goal should be to learn how to think like a programmer, not to learn such and such a language. You're not even going to learn just one language, if you have any interest in improving your skills. I would recommend starting with Python, since it will allow you to focus on the fundamental concepts of programming without getting in your way, but C# is an option as well.

I see very few advantages of picking C# over Java for a beginning programmer other than the fact that one of them starts with the letter C.

My vote is for Python or C, as each of them are good examples of the style of programming they support.

I've actually done quite a bit of research on both books. I've got lessons from novice to professional although I think I'll be able to get by with novice to intermediate since most tasks I have in mind are pretty basic in design. I'm not worried about creating something that will work for all people, just for me and my gaming group.

Personally C# and the Visual Suite available for it are extremely tempting and it is my first choice. If there were plenty of Python recommendations I would go that route instead. Last time I researched both of these languages I had a very different programming project in mind. Before I started learning anything I just wanted to touch base with you guys and make sure C# was still an attractive choice.

I greatly appreciate the feedback offered. Thank you very much =)