   Quick language question?
  Im in search of a language to explore.im looking for one that can program a browser based online game.a sidescrolling shooter in particular.im aware that flash is capable of this. i want to keep any alternatives "if they exist" in mind when making my decision.   
  Flash or Java are the obvious choices. I believe Flash has a way bigger install base - something in the order of 90% of people have Flash where maybe 75% have Java.   ;  Flash, Java, Shockwave, Silverlight, and Unity are all capable of this. As rip-off mentioned, Flash's install base is vastly larger than any of the others (Flash 9+ is 96%.) Flash is also known to be easy to use for outsiders, although I personally think which approach you take to Flash development (i.e. via the Flash IDE/movieclips versus coding in AS3/Flex) makes a big difference.   