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Comment by Jun8 | Hacker News Reader

This is a little like going to IKEA and saying "I need to furnish my house, what should I buy"? Without knowing more about the intended use of the language, it's hard to give a good answer.

However, if pressed, I would say Javascript. It starts simple (but is not a simple language), you can build slick web pages with it, and you can even build native mobile apps for Android and iPhone (e.g. with using PhoneGap).

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I don't have a specific app idea in mind for which I want to learn programming. Mostly, I like consumer web apps, and which may require integration with facebook, twitter APIs.

I'm not looking to build a full blown app myself - rather a quick prototype to test it out with users and if there's traction, then it would make sense for me to team up with engineers and build it out.

Regarding Javascript - as you say, I too have heard that it's not that simple. Some folks were suggesting to start with PHP. I though of checking with HN community on what they recommend.

PHP is also good, but if you want to do some heavy integration with service API I stand by my Javascript suggestion. It's not pedagogical, but then neither is PHP.

If you are a little more serious in your desire to learn programming, than you can learn Java. That way, you can go the GWT route when you need Javascript functionality.

Nobody walks into an IKEA and says "Hey guys, I've never used furniture before, what should I buy?" and unlike furniture, some languages are easier to use than others and are more likely to fit with what you discover later you'd like to do.

I also can't imagine ever recommending anyone learns to program in Javascript.

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