I think you're looking for a different kind of "Hacker News". The word "hacker", as used around here, has more to do with the creative process. Often one of u

I think you're looking for a different kind of "Hacker News". The word "hacker", as used around here, has more to do with the creative process. Often one of us might say we're hacking rackspace or we're hacking rails -- but that doesn't mean we're breaking into those things -- it means that the legit work we're doing is focussed in that area. However, the answer to your question on programming language is: it doesn't matter. Just pick one. Python is pretty easy to get started with -- so that's a thought. But I'd encourage you to use whatever skills you learn for the greater good (not that it's any of my business).