Where do all of you suggest someone to start who is new to programming and interested in web development? I am beginning with Ruby, but would like to know what some of you think. Python would be my second choice.
Web development will expose you to the worst parts of programming: bug-compatibility, broken non standard-compliant systems, bad layering of one type system over another incompatible one (session management over state-less HTTP), and finally primitive edit-and-reload development process.
If you start with desktop application programming, even console programming, you will see what the fuss is really about. Once you have had your few years of honey moon doing stuff for fun and learning proper systems engineering, you can move on to developing web applications.
Ahhh fuckit, just learn PHP and you will be gainfully employed for a very long time, plus you will make useful things for other people. Also, avoid talking to people like me :-P
Python is more widely used which is a pretty big pro. The semantical differences between the two are pretty arbitrary and not worth debating. One nice thing about Ruby though is it has this great learning IDE available: http://hacketyhack.net/.
I always find that the easiest languages to learn are ones I can get up and running with quickly, and that can solve problems I have. This made Python quite easy for me to learn, and I imagine Ruby would allow for similar ease.
Any pros/cons in your opinion?