It is a difficult decision to make. Given the rapidity of change in this business, crafting a curriculum for the long-term - IMO - involves first principles.

To anybody wishing to break into the software development world - for sure - I would advise them not to learn VFP or VB as their first language. Going further, I would advise them not to waste time on VFP at all.

My first language was Basic - which was followed up by Pascal - then dBase - then Fox. I dabbled in C and never picked up C++. I think those folks who know and understand C++ have a different angle on things that is - IMO - and advantage to have.

>Quite informative John. Thanks for the post. A great idea for those with teenagers considering this as a longterm goal!
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>>If I were setting out today to learn the art of programming, I would start with C. After that, I would graduate to either C++ or Java. Somewhere along the way, I would make sure to get schooled in Database theory as well. IMO, programming does not mean much if you don't have a good grasp of the "data problem".
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>>From an eductional standpoint - I would tell anybody who wants to go into software development - to get a good background in comp sci - with a minor in business. In terms of analytical skills, you either have them or you don't. I don't believe you can really learn that. i.e., I think there is some innate ability that has to exist.
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>>Long term, I think this is the best appraoch. And, if I had to do it all over again - I would have taken post-graduate work in comp sci. Speaking for myself, I know there are a lot of theorhetical foundational stuff I am missing that would make me a better developer. The fact that I have 13 years in the business, an MBA, and a law degree in 8 months - I would not bother with the effort today. But if I were in this game long term and was pondering educational possibilties - something more formal and more strategic than what you would find in an MSPress book would be in order. In my latest project - I have seen "the other side". i.e., guys with a more traditional theorhetical background along with good analytical skills and a sense of the business. These guys develop on Mac G4's, work with Linux, Python, Java, Torque, Turbine, Apache, Oracle, etc. In terms of quality and methodology - I am VERY impressed by what these guys do and what they bring to the table as well as their approach.
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>> think their skill set, their background, and their approach is what will be seeing the sharpest growth for some time to come. And in the longterm - it is a skill set that will take you a long way.
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>>< JVP >
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>>>One of my support people asked me how to learn to program. I learned to program in 1970 and learned it from machine code up. I'm not sure that is still the best approach. Any ideas on the best tools/books to learn programming?