[Coco] What version the of C programing is most used?

[Mark McDougall]

On 2/12/2011 4:52 PM, Brian G wrote:

> I have an opportunity to take a programming class. I have only have
> programming in a class. The jobs I have had never used programming. So my
> question is what version is more often used to run electronics. Would I be
> more employable with C++ or C# ? Or is this there more to consider?

Depends on what sort of programming you want to do.

If you want to learn a language that scales from lowly micros up to 
modern-day desktop PC's, (eg. program your Coco or your desktop 
WIndows/Linux box in the same language) I'd suggest you learn C. C++ is an 
extension that should probably be learnt _after_ you cut your teeth on C.

C# is a Micro$oft creation, in their attempt to produce a 'next generation 
language'. It is intended to be used on platforms that run the .NET 
framework and the associated multi-GB of baggage that come with it. Also be 
prepared to learn about 100 new acronyms and their founding technologies 
before you can produce your first working application any more complicated 
than "hello world".

So if you want to be tied to developing Micro$oft-only products, then C# is 
the way to go. I would warn you that - given Micro$oft's history with this 
sort of thing - you could find C# completely abandoned 5 years down the 
track and you'll have to re-skill yourself again.

[FYI before you paint me as an ivory-tower *NIX fanboy, I routinely develop 
Windows applications and device drivers (much to my dismay), so I do have 
experience with Micro$oft development tools].

As for your employability - I can't comment as I'm (clearly) not in the 
industry that is concerned with the latter.

Regards,

-- 
|              Mark McDougall                | "Electrical Engineers do it
|  <http://members.iinet.net.au/~msmcdoug>   |   with less resistance!"