Best software language for personal use

I would appreciate suggestions and recommendations for a modern programming language. It would be for personal use for things like scoring a duplicate bridge event, financial calculations, keep track of games, tracking pro sports odds, and simple simulations. But I also want to learn AI.

I did a little research. Several sites recommend Python as a good language for writing AI software.

Is Python a good choice for my needs? If not, what is?

I am a retired software engineer. My degree is from way back in 1970 (yikes). I worked for a major software company for almost 30 years. I have experience with several programming languages including Cobol, Fortran, Basic, assembler language (several), PL/I, PL/S, and REXX (an interpreted language originally developed for use on IBM mainframes.

I have been mostly out of the field for 20 years working at something completely different. The only software I write now is VBA code for Office apps (Word, Excel, Access) and I occasionally write little programs like the ones mentioned above for personal use in REXX.

Thanks for any help.

-cm

You can use the free Visual Studio Community

It has C#, Visual Basic, F#, C++, HTML, JavaScript, TypeScript, Python and more.

https://visualstudio.microsoft.com/vs/community/

You should also put into consideration whether or not Cross platform is something you need and whether you'd like the flexibility of a GUI.

Python is by far one of the stronger programming languages. for AI it is without a question the better language to learn. It's also cross platform supported (Linux, Mac, and Windows) as well as Mobile support (Android/iOS). Your limitations are going to be the ease of use with GUI interaction. You can create GUI applications it's just not as friendly in comparison to say C#, VB, etc.. 

Over the last few years I see C# gaining a ton more traction. Comparing C# and Python I think is personal preference as you can do just about anything you want with either. 

One thing to note though; Do not confuse C# with .Net Framework. You do not have to program C# in just the .Net framework as there is Cross platform support with Mono and ".Net Core" now which are supported with C#. (This can also be utilized with Mobile Development Android/iOS)


My personal go to choice is Python due to it being so widely used and supported and C# being a very close second.

Edited by TazzyOpz, 23 February 2021 - 10:24 PM.

My preferred general use language is C++, hands down.

However, the type of problem I'm working on largely guides the language I choose to use.  Often times it is C++, other times it's C, Assembly, C#, Javascript, Python, etc.

If you're interested in playing with AI, you'll likely find Python to be a good choice; Not that other languages can't also do amazing AI, but when you're learning you want to choose a path that readily allows you to find examples & explanations for the language you choose.

If you're interested in playing with AI, you'll likely find Python to be a good choice; Not that other languages can't also do amazing AI,

AI is nothing more than storing every english sentence that ever came out of the mouth of a person on Earth and running data science on it.  it's nothing more than predictive analysis.  AI is all about databases, NOT programming languages.  without historical data, a programming language isn't going to do anything for you.

I would appreciate suggestions and recommendations for a modern programming language. It would be for personal use for things like scoring a duplicate bridge event, financial calculations, keep track of games, tracking pro sports odds, and simple simulations.

ANY language can do all of that.  it does not matter.  here are all of them that I know of that will do it, given you DL the right packages:

PHP

JS

C#

C

Python

Ruby

probably others that other people have mentioned too.  obviously no doubt.  stay away from JS frameworks though.  they are not innovative.  they were created to curb the fear of the world blowing up due to over-use of energy (or supposed so, that is).

Hi, it is very interesting question. I am learning Python. It was interesting to read your thoughts.

I know this is an old question but I hope I may respond anyway.

You have used REXX? You have used IBM technology, perhaps a former IBM employee. You have programmed in PL/S? Then you are definitely a former IBM employee.

I know what a PSW and TRT are. I have read the 370 Principles of Operations.

So what is your choice? What are you using?

I assume you continue to use REXX.

Since you are experienced with VBA, VB.Net is an option. Otherwise I suggest C# or C++.

Visual Studio might be too intimidating for a beginner but you are not a beginner. Eclipse is a good IDE, whether in Windows or Linux.

You could get a Red Hat Enterprise Linux developer's account and use RHEL for free.

Hi CM,

As you already worked in VBA, you can learn vb.net with c#.

Yes, you are right. Python is a good language for writing AI software. you can go for that also.

and about current trends, you can learn mobile app development related any framework like React Native.

Python is a comfortable language for software engineering, but to me, it's handicapped. I would recommend you to use something besides python.