Just as title says I am loking to be a programmer and would like to get people opinions on what language I should learn 1st, Java, C++, or XNA/C# .

I was looking to get the video tutorials from 3d buzz but didnt wanna waist the $$ on a language that will be obselete/suck/ or not be good later on

My opinion is to give it up.  Too much work.   Think about relaxing and becoming a beach bum instead.

Nah, I'm just kidding.  I don't know anything about programming.  I hope you work hard and are successful at it.  Good Luck.

It doesn't matter where you start just that you do with the least frustration.   This means you'd probably want to go with C# or Java,  however if you have access to a "real" teacher Visual basic(would be a horrible language to teach yourself from due to horrible and inconsistant self documentation).

C# with XNA this will probably be the quickest way to actually get in and see stuff "done".   This is do from Microsoft providing documentation that lets you "quickstart" to games.

Java if you want to learn programming theory a bit faster due to the community that supports it and how it's taught. 

edit:   Java is the most widely deployed "business" language.   C# is the fastest growing business language and easy to use in games.   C++ is a langauge that won't die because of it's nature.

You should read some of the posts we have over in the Developer section of the boards, there's many a threads with years of posts on this very topic.

I echo what paulscott said above, except I'd say definitely start with C# if your interest actually lies in XNA. If you have no particular interest in XNA, then find something you're interested in. C# is used in everything from web development to RIAs, and other languages similar. Figure out what you want to develop, then choose a language for it so that you're associating what you learn with something you have an interest in.

with C# and mono going to be on the Ipod; not to mention it can do so much and once you learn C# you're a weekend away from knowing Java.

I'd go C#... Once your comfortable go nuts with C++, but I really dispise it lol.
I know C++, but unless I absolutely _HAVE_ to, I will never use it :P

C# also has visual studio 08 which is a free compiler with all the bells and whistles you'd ever need at your level as well as ample documentation; no pointers (for the most point... pun intended) garbage collection, beautifuly easy handling of accessors and mutators and overall just fun times.

ALICE

Originally posted by Munki

with C# and mono going to be on the Ipod; not to mention it can do so much and once you learn C# you're a weekend away from knowing Java.

I'd go C#... Once your comfortable go nuts with C++, but I really dispise it lol.
I know C++, but unless I absolutely _HAVE_ to, I will never use it :P

C# also has visual studio 08 which is a free compiler with all the bells and whistles you'd ever need at your level as well as ample documentation; no pointers (for the most point... pun intended) garbage collection, beautifuly easy handling of accessors and mutators and overall just fun times.

The Express editions of Visual Studio are free, not the Professional, but yeah: http://www.microsoft.com/express/gamedevelopment/Default.aspx

Java is a great language to learn object oriented theory. You do not need to focus on the advanced items as you do in C++ (i.e. pointers, pointer math, garbage collection, etc). Instead you can focus on learning theory then move to C++.

VB, I agree, is not a good language to start on. VB.NET in particular, is the "monkey can do it" language.

Originally posted by sepher

Originally posted by Munki

with C# and mono going to be on the Ipod; not to mention it can do so much and once you learn C# you're a weekend away from knowing Java.

I'd go C#... Once your comfortable go nuts with C++, but I really dispise it lol.
I know C++, but unless I absolutely _HAVE_ to, I will never use it :P

C# also has visual studio 08 which is a free compiler with all the bells and whistles you'd ever need at your level as well as ample documentation; no pointers (for the most point... pun intended) garbage collection, beautifuly easy handling of accessors and mutators and overall just fun times.

The Express editions of Visual Studio are free, not the Professional, but yeah: http://www.microsoft.com/express/gamedevelopment/Default.aspx

My point being that nothing you get in professional would really be useful to him at this point :P

Oh and incase I didn't get it across; I'm a strong supporter of not starting with C, C++... I started with Java and my second language was actually Lisp... followed by Prolog, then PHP...Then Actionscript 3.0 finally C and C++.

Unless you want to go into computer science or higher level maths, don't bother with Lisp or Prolog :P