Re:Ask HN: Okay okay, I'll learn to program...now what?
by dstein on Tuesday August 17, 2010 @12:01AM
(#1610208)
I'll be "that guy" and say start with JavaScript/HTML5 plus a NoSQL database system like CouchDB.
The reason is, this combination (like it or not) has a very good chance of completely taking over a wide spectrum of applications within a couple years (web, mobile, tablet, server, and desktop). Java and especially Ruby might be trendy now, but I am starting to believe the days of mega-sized application layers are numbered. JavaScript + HTML5 + touchscreen stuff on the iPad is already hot, and not to mention really fun to play with and learn.
The reason is, this combination (like it or not) has a very good chance of completely taking over a wide spectrum of applications within a couple years (web, mobile, tablet, server, and desktop). Java and especially Ruby might be trendy now, but I am starting to believe the days of mega-sized application layers are numbered. JavaScript + HTML5 + touchscreen stuff on the iPad is already hot, and not to mention really fun to play with and learn.