   Need A New Language To Play With
  I've been feeling bored lately and decided I want to try to learn a new language. Unfortunately I only know a small subset of all the languages out there, so I figured a quick post of what I've used along with a small idea of what I like/dislike might get me a few suggestions.So first, languages I know to one degree or another:- C- C++- C#- VB.NET- Java- Objective-COk. Things I like. I definitely like the C-style syntax of using curly brackets ({ and }) for closing things in. I have always preferred having something that isn't line dependent. The C-family uses the brackets to separate classes and methods and semicolons for the ends of logical lines. This has always made sense to me. But since this is just something for fun, I'm willing to get over these things if the language itself is fun and interesting.As a bonus, I would definitely prefer something that has compilers/interpreters for OS X as well as Windows, but I will live if it doesn't.So I want something fun to play with. Preferably something I can make some small games with without too much effort (things like Tetris and Pong). I gave Python a look, but I'm a little put off with it's syntax. I looked at Ruby a long time ago, but haven't looked at it since. Is it worth learning? What other ones might you all suggest?Thanks!   
  What about PHP for browsergames?Its syntax is ver C-like nice language to play with.Or Delphi / Pascal nice languages too.   ;  If you're searching for something fun to learn, why not give  Brainfuck  a go? It's turing complete, but I'm not certain I'd try to make tetris in it :)Apart from that, how about one of the ECMAScript languages? &#106avascript for a browser-embedded script, or AS3.0 for flash-scripting?Allan   ;  Unless you are looking for a more mainstream language: D has a C-style syntax and  compilers for Win32, OS X and Linux.edit: fixed broken link[Edited by - WanMaster on December 21, 2007 4:13:26 AM];  Looking at the languages you already know, I would say you should go for something different to train the mind.What about a scripting language, like python (ok, it's more than a scripting language) or LUA?Also you may benefit from toying with a functional language like Ocaml. I don't really like functional languages, but I must admint that learning a couple of them really made me a better programmer (i.e. heavy use of recursion).As already said, also a more net oriented language like asp or PHP my be a good idea...Yust to tell some that I used at least for a few weeks. There are more exhotic languages, but those are quite commonly used and would be a powerful tool for the future.   ;  Have you ever thought of learning Lisp or something similar (Scheme?).  They're really interesting to look into for a bit, although when I got into Lisp it was a very temporary thing.  It'll probably keep you occupied for a couple days though.   ;Quote:Original post by NickGravelynSo first, languages I know to one degree or another:- C- C++- C#- VB.NET- Java- Objective-CThey're virtually the same language...Probably the best thing I can suggest to you if braces are so important is &#106avascript. At least you get to play with prototypes that way.   ;  ActionScript 3.0 is cool. It's used for Flash or Flex and is like a grown-up version of &#106avascript. It's quite nice.   ;  I'd second the &#106avascript recommendation. Don't learn any more imperative-only languages... it won't teach you anything you don't already know. Also, ActionScript 3.0 is a Java-fied version of &#106avascript which means it replaces the (somewhat interesting) prototype-based object orientation with boring class-based OOP (the prototype stuff is still there, but most people don't use it anymore).&#106avascript has- Higher-order functions- Closures- Prototypes- Constructor functions- Dynamic typingall of which is quite different from the languages you already know.   ;  AS does allow you to insert arbitrary properties and methods into an object, which is pretty cool. I can't see any reason to recommend JS instead of AS unless you want to do make fancy websites. Learning AS after JS was wonderful, JS is a crippled mess by comparison!   