title: Linux programming - getting started, how?
body: <p>I've taken the plunge and installed Linux (Linux Mint 9 if that's important) on one of the boxes - and I'd like to start some small-time programming... but where to start.</p>
  
  <p>My background:</p>
  
  <ul>
  <li>Mostly LOB-applications in C#/WPF</li>
  <li>Some XAL-basic</li>
  <li>A wee bit of VB/VBA and SilverLight</li>
  </ul>
  
  <p>I would like to turn to a new programming language - but still focused on desktop applications.</p>
  
  <p>What I need: </p>
  
  <ul>
  <li>An editor - preferably with good intellisense </li>
  <li>A programming languages and the resources to get started</li>
  </ul>
  
  <p>If anyone can point me in the right direction, I'd be happy for a little push...</p>
  
  <p>EDIT:
  Thanks for all the advice - I've come up with the following:</p>
  
  <ul>
  <li>I'll start out with Python - and use Vim for the editor</li>
  </ul>
  
  <p>I'll definetly try out Vala and Perl later and have MonoDevelop as backup editor - and if all else fails, I'll turn to C++. I've upvoted all answers as they all helped me.</p>
  
  <p>EDIT2: 
  Okay - Vim was a bit too hardcore... Installed Cream on top.</p>