Languages
Well, the blog title should tip people off, but my primary language (the one I use at work) is CFML, or ColdFusion as it is more commonly known. I learned C and C++ in school, but I've found web languages such as PHP and ColdFusion to be a much more rewarding programming experience.
Traditional languages like C and C++ lack an easy-to-use system to create user interfaces, while web languages like CF and PHP have the build in combo of HTML and CSS for interface design. Add JavaScript to make the interface sing and wrap it in an AIR application, and you have a slick looking desktop application with half the work it would take in C or C++.
That said, I'm teaching myself some Java so I can use custom Java Classes in CF, ActionScript so I can get deeper into Flex, and a smattering of other things as I need it.
On-the-Job
- HTML/XHTML - These go without saying... and despite what any one says, I'm a big fan of XHTML over HTML. Anything that makes me code cleaner is a good thing.
- ColdFusion 7.X - My work is exclusively ColdFusion for everything: internal systems, client work, server management, etc. Basically, if we could make it wash our cars, we would.
- JavaScript - I'm practically the only JavaScript enthusiast in my shop. Some of the others like AJAX, but few of them understand what JavaScript can really do for a user interface. I love getting down and dirty with DHTML.
Personal Use
- PHP - PHP was the first web language I learned, but now I'm using it a fair bit for personal projects. Its a little clunky in parts, but it does what I need to do for most projects, and you can find hosts for like 10$ a month, unlike CF.
Currently Learning
- Flex / ActionScript - Flex is an amazing environment to program for, but I just keep getting away from learning it. If you want to see some Flex coolness, check out my fiend Kevin Kazmierczak's site.
- Adobe AIR for HTML and JavaScript - While Flex is probably the prefered Air development environment, the lure of being able to use JavaScript for desktop apps is too high. I've not come up with a good use for it yet though...
- Java - I learned C and C++ back in the day, but it seems that Java is all the rage these days. With ColdFusion and ActionScript being variations or wrappers on the Java language, it seems relevant that I learn something about it... we shall see how this goes.
Not Since College
- C and C++ - Awesome for hard-core OS programming, but like I say above, the UI aspect is too hard to find it useful in rapid development.
- VB - Any one still use VB? Didn't think so.
Testing YouTube Video content.
If it proves too annoying, I'll get rid of it.
