I am working towards a BS in Computer Science and I have a problem.?

I am currently working towards a BS in Computer Science. The problem I am having is they offer plenty of programming languages to learn. I want to learn what is most suited in today's programming society and jobs. What are your opinions on what languages I should learn? Is there one language that will help me with others?





Also, this is most embarassing, I find that most of my time is spent learning math. I find it difficult to remember formulas unless i spend hours studying them. I know this is a crutial part in programming. Do you have any suggestions on how I could learn them easier or remember them?

I am working towards a BS in Computer Science and I have a problem.?
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Firstly, the math stuff:


There are a lot of 'study methods' to help you retain information like formulas, but what really helped me was trying NOT to memorize formulas. Instead, try to figure out the logic/math behind the formula. Once you understand what's going on, you don't need to remember the formula (yeah, I know, and yes, it can be a lot of work). The nice thing about this is it makes the class dramatically easier; it can also improve your CS skills. Once I had 'figured out' a formula, I would usually write a program for my graphing calc to do the work for me (of course, we were allowed to use calcs on tests, you may not be).





As for the language you choose, just keep in mind that you are not learning it for the sake of learning the language. You are learning it so it can be used as a tool to teach you about computers. It is unlikely you will be exposed to just one language in school, but if forced to choose only one, I would go with C++. It can be low-level enough to let you see (basically) what is really happening on the machine, but high-level enough to let you get an understanding of objects, advanced data structures, etc. Furthermore, whatever language you choose, it is unlikely you will be prepared for 'real-world' work unless you spend time working with it independently. For example, say you learn C#. You will learn the core language, but you will only use a small subset of the .Net framework, and probably not much if any of the Win32 API, etc. (similar themes if you learn language X and go on to develop for Linux/Mac/etc).





Finally, if it is not a requirement, make sure you take a machine organization class. (generally starts with transistor-level logic, then logic gates, ends with writing (small) programs in machine language and assembly). If you get through this class, you shouldn't have any problem with the rest of your degree. If you actually ENJOY the class, you'll have a great career. (you can make a lot of money whether you enjoy it or not. you'll like your work, and thereby life, a lot more if you enjoy it.)


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one last thing... If you are looking for a little obscurity/something to make you stand out from the crowd, learn an older language (like COBOL). You'd be surprised at just how much 25-30 year old code is still running out there (usually on mini's (and sometimes even mainframes) that are even older). You'd also be surprised at how much you can make if you can work with this stuff, especially if you can make it talk to newer systems.


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Reply:1) Popular languages right now are Java, C++, and the .Net framework languages (C#, VB.net) - however they all have different applications w/in the industry


2) As long as you learn an object-oriented language (any of the aforementioned) you'll be good to pick up other languages.


3) Flash cards. The only reason you take math / physics for a degree in computer science is strictly for the problem solving logic. It's not because you'll definitely use calc, differentials, etc, it's because it teaches you how to THINK so that you can see a problem, and figure out how to get from Point A to point B to solve the problem.
Reply:i m ranking


0.c++


1. java


2. c#


3.ASP.net


0,1and 2 for application development


1,2 and 3 for web based technologies
Reply:Learn PLC programming. its the language of programming industrial computers and quite frankly its booming. I have 3 control programmers at my work and each of them make well over $75k a year plus additional benefits/pay incentives when they have to work over their normal hours. Talk to a college guidance counselor to see if they offer PLC programming as a option and what the outlook in the field is for the next 3-5 years. I bet you will be surprised.





and Math, well its a necessary evil and practice makes perfect.
Reply:C++ is the most common programming language right now. It depends on what platform you wanna program for, as well as where you want it deployed.
Reply:You should learn whatever languages you find interesting. If you don't like your work, you won't want to do it. There is plenty of work in every language.





You will almost certainly need a good understanding of SQL, regardless of what other languages you learn, if you want to be a successful programmer.





Generally speaking, you do not have to be good at math in order to do well in programming. You do need to have a logical mind, and you do need to be able to break problems down into their basic parts, and you do need a general knowledge of basic mathematical ideas and geometric rules, but on the whole, most programming with higher-level languages involves single-variable linear math, the kind they taught you in junior high school.





http://www.dougv.com/blog/2007/08/23/an-...





http://www.dougv.com/blog/2007/05/26/the...
Reply:Java is a pretty good hot topic right now among employers. What math are you currently taking?