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Practically speaking, Java or C#, purely for the job prospects. C / C++ if you're looking for something with wide applicability to learning other languages mor

• throwaway2016a 9y ago
  > C / C++ if you're looking for something with wide applicability to learning other languages more quickly. I came here looking for this. I learned C as my first language [1]. And I learned an immense amount about how things like memory management and type casting and things like that work. It is a foundation that has helped me learn other languages much more quickly. Although the question is for learning "only one" and I'm not sure C or C++ is a great "only" static typed language. [1] using "Sams Teach Yourself C in 24 Hours" which I got in an actual bookstore and came with a copy of the Borland C compiler :)... ah the memories.
  • Spoom 9y ago
    C was my first "real" language (BASIC was the one before it). I learned using the great C for Dummies by Dan Gookin[1], which at the time consisted of two massive volumes comprising over 1000 pages. Good times. Nowadays most of my work is PHP and Node.js, but if you know C, you will have no problems learning PHP. 1. https://www.amazon.com/All-One-Desk-Reference-Dummies/dp/0764570692 https://www.amazon.com/All-One-Desk-Reference-Dummies/dp/076...
    • throwaway2016a 9y ago
      PHP is a very close cousin of C. Up until it became Object Oriented it was pretty much a cross between C and Perl.