I’ve spent the past month and a half learning MAXmsp, the ride has been somewhat frustrating at times considering I have absolutely no background in scripting/coding etc. but overall it has been quite enjoyable.
I could potentially see myself learning an actual programming language with hopes to change my career in the years to come but i’m very undecided as to which one I should begin investing time.
I feel like my best bet would be Java or C based on the research that I’ve done but I would really like the opinions of the members of this forum as well… Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
I’m in love python. Doesn’t have to do a lot with max though.
Really depends on what you want to do, eg. if you want to do web programming you might go into another direction.
Many Programmers say a good programmer doesn’t know only one language.
A bit of c++, Java, maybe python, max, pd, vvvv :) uhm I don’t know.
My favorite programming aphorism: “You can write bad Fortran in any language.”
I take this to mean that it’s about the clarity of thought and clean expression of thoughts, more than the specific language constructs. I think that while C has a lot of pitfalls, it is probably the best thing to know. It might not be the best thing to learn on, though. There are still some fairly good embedded programming jobs, and they usually require C experience.
From C, it’s a short(-ish) jump to Objective C (as used in iOS. OS X), and a longer jump to C++.
So, just to resurrect this question, as someone with fairly extensive MaxMSP experience (5-6 yrs), and a little background in DIY Arduino coding, should I pursue C or Java to develop and extend my MaxMSP skills and to enhance my dusty old CV? Of course, the chosen language will need practical knowledge too, so I’m gonna scrape together the cash for Eric Lyon’s book on this subject, so probably C then? Or will the learning curve deter me? Should I get more fluent in the Wiring/Arduino language first? OOP scares me a little . . .
