C++ or Vb.net

[no steez]

My teacher has given the choice of C++ or Vb.net.
I know basic vb.net and can make simple games and such.
However after researching, apparently vb.net teaches bad programming habits. C++ seems to be the standard for programming and would help me in the future. I currently have the holidays, should I learn the harder c++ or stick with the basic vb.net?

[MJRomeo81]

This is a personal decision and imo it depends on your past programming experience.

Unless you have previous experience with C++ (or any low level language), vb.net is far easier to learn and potentially a lot less stressful. Every language is susceptible to bad habits. Cramming c++ while you're busy with other subjects is likely to lead to you picking up bad habits. I understand that a lot of people are wary when they hear "visual basic", but it's important to note that vb.net is significantly better than VB6 (avoid VB6 at all costs - I unfortunately had to put up with it in Y12). Some quick reasons include:

• VB6 used ‘On Error Goto’ syntax to handle exceptions at runtime. VB.NET uses the Try…Catch…Finally syntax to handle exceptions at runtime.
• VB.NET has much enhanced object oriented support than VB6
• V6 used the VB-Runtime while VB.NET uses the .Net Common Language Runtime (.Net CLR)

Although keep in mind that this subject isn't designed to teach you a programming language. Coding is a small aspect of the entire course. Hardly any time is spent in class teaching actual syntax. Instead, you learn the fundamentals of general programs (namely algorithms, testing, etc.). Personally I would be more concerned about learning algorithms (pseudocode). After all, the exam doesn't evaluate your programming ability in a particular language.

However if you are planning to study programming/computer science after year 12 then perhaps you will be ok with C++ (providing that you already have a solid base of programming knowledge).

[no steez]

This is a personal decision and imo it depends on your past programming experience.

Unless you have previous experience with C++ (or any low level language), vb.net is far easier to learn and potentially a lot less stressful. Every language is susceptible to bad habits. Cramming c++ while you're busy with other subjects is likely to lead to you picking up bad habits. I understand that a lot of people are wary when they hear "visual basic", but it's important to note that vb.net is significantly better than VB6 (avoid VB6 at all costs - I unfortunately had to put up with it in Y12). Some quick reasons include:

• VB6 used ‘On Error Goto’ syntax to handle exceptions at runtime. VB.NET uses the Try…Catch…Finally syntax to handle exceptions at runtime.
• VB.NET has much enhanced object oriented support than VB6
• V6 used the VB-Runtime while VB.NET uses the .Net Common Language Runtime (.Net CLR)

Although keep in mind that this subject isn't designed to teach you a programming language. Coding is a small aspect of the entire course. Hardly any time is spent in class teaching actual syntax. Instead, you learn the fundamentals of general programs (namely algorithms, testing, etc.). Personally I would be more concerned about learning algorithms (pseudocode). After all, the exam doesn't evaluate your programming ability in a particular language.

However if you are planning to study programming/computer science after year 12 then perhaps you will be ok with C++ (providing that you already have a solid base of programming knowledge).

Thanks for the advice buddy, I decided to stick with VB.net simply because I don't want to cram C++ into my skull during year 12. Vb.net still is a great and powerful language yet C++ would be handy. I also read up on the years course and learning C++ wouldn't really help me at all in terms of grades.
Thanks!

[MJRomeo81]

Thanks for the advice buddy, I decided to stick with VB.net simply because I don't want to cram C++ into my skull during year 12. Vb.net still is a great and powerful language yet C++ would be handy. I also read up on the years course and learning C++ wouldn't really help me at all in terms of grades.
Thanks!

No problems In terms of grades you're absolutely correct - C++ will only make it tougher to achieve a high SAC ranking.

If you have any programming queries (or any other questions relating to SD) throughout the year feel free to post here on AN.

[Yendall]

I studied VB.net for Software Development and it was very very easy to pick up. It's a lot more object-oriented and a lot easier to follow than C++. C++ is hard-coding, whereas you can get away with a lot of stuff in VB.net due to the visual structure of Basic.

[xlaiyn]

We're starting with Visual Basic. We didn't really have much of a choice, but I'm glad we're using it because like everyone here has said, it's much simpler to use. 

[mark_alec]

Both are terrible choices to introduce programming.

[xlaiyn]

Both are terrible choices to introduce programming.

That's education for you.

[lala1911]

Here's what I can tell you
Advantages of Visual Basic:
- Fairly easy to pickup
- Won't stress you out during school as it's not too hard to learn

Advantages of C++:
- Better language in general
- Usually can create better programs

A major, major disadvantage for C++ is its complexity. Although you feel as if you may be able to pick it up during the holidays, you'll probably be taking shortcuts to try learn it quicker, which is ALWAYS a bad idea. It's not a subject you can pickup during the holidays really, plus it puts you under the pump as you need to use your time wisely to cater for other subjects.

VB.net may teach you bad syntax habits and such, but it's a good language to learn nonetheless. Even if you were to have a career developing C++, C# or Java programs, you'll most likely end up learning Visual Basic one way or another, whether it's at University. general interest or job opportunity.

My opinion: Do VB

[aandrekun]

Were learning Java in my software development class LOL

[Markkiieee]

C++ if you really want to learn

[MJRomeo81]

C++ if you really want to learn

For a new student, it would be a waste of time (and effort) learning c++ if they knew nothing about data structures, complexity of algorithms, memory management, etc. I say that in the context of a school year. If you want to learn something out of general interest then nothing wrong with c++ (although still difficult).

[Yendall]

For a new student, it would be a waste of time (and effort) learning c++ if they knew nothing about data structures, complexity of algorithms, memory management, etc. I say that in the context of a school year. If you want to learn something out of general interest then nothing wrong with c++ (although still difficult).

Learn VB.net and smash all the sacs haha! C++ is very complex and would take far longer than something like Python or VB.net, stick with the basics for SD, unless you're a crazy freak coder or something.