PCA Forums

Hello I am beating my head against my monitor, the new semester is starting soon and I can not make up my mind as to weather I should take C+, Java or SQL. This would be my first programming class,and to boot my first online class. I currently am working on getting my A+ and Network+ at home. I have a desire to increase my background with knowlege that will benefit my chances at being more marketable to a larger degree of employers, and to make more money for my family. If anyone has any input I would fully appreciate it .

If you've never dabbled with programming you may find C++ and SQL rather intimidating. JAVA is more accessible so in opinion (for what it's worth and it ain't worth much) is to go with JAVA. It's an excellent first language and will get you used to thinking in the rather structured manner required to do programming.

If JAVA wets your appetite then you might want to try SQL or C++ later.

Long term, though, C++ or SQL is the better mastery to have if you're concerned about your worth to a potential employer and your salary base. Trouble is both are a steep learning curve for someone new to programming.

If it's between C++ and SQL then I'd recommend SQL. SQL is what's powering all the real money making enterprises on the web: proprietary corporate business software. I do IT consulting. Most of my clients (be they accountants, insurance sales people, lawyers, brokers, doctors or whatever) are using office management software powered by an SQL database. Good SQL programmers are worth their weight in gold.

If you've dabbled with some programming in the past (Visual Basic or just about anything else that's at least taught you the concepts of thinking in a logical framework and using algebraic expressions) then C++ or SQL will be easier to pick up.