I am a big believer that the Ethical Hacker should know at least some basic programming. The first place to start is with basic Bash scripts. They are so easy and you get results right away. Then go onto to some basic HTML.  Then either Python or Perl and eventually to C. C is the ultimate goal and it is without question the traditional code of the hacker.  Why not just start with C?  You could and some do, but I have seen too many people get stuck because C can be a little obscure for those new to programming.

Python or Perl are good languages to grasp before taking on C. Even when you are well versed in C there are many times you would rather write a quick script in these languages rather than C.  The natural question is, if you had to choose one over the other, Perl or Python, which one would be the better choice?  For me, Python is really the way to go.  I feel its easier to learn, has more readable code , integrates into java better and can port a little easier because it doesn’t lean has heavily to Unix as Perl. I also feel Python makes the jump to learning C more natural than from Perl.
 
I wote this in the opinion area because that is what it is, my opinion. I would be curious if others diifer from this progression .

A often overlooked programming skill I consider essential for ethical hacking is shell scripting. No matter what Unix-like environment you're in you always have the shell the fall back on and you cannot assume Perl or Python are installed. The same could be said (to a lesser extent perhaps) of  Windows batch scripting.

Knowing how to program in a one of the 'lowest common denominator' languages is pretty useful since wherever you have a foothold you have an interpreter you can use.

Jim

I know bash scripting and is trying to learn c .
Thanks for the post .

Try this EH Thread (dive into python)

Read the rest of the programming board threads for some great resources.

And remember, the search box and google are your friend......

LOL!  Well it does show you are spending some time going through the forum rather than just making a quick post for help.  Very cool.  Please forgive my leaning towards python. Python was and still is the "darling" language for linux enthusiast. In reality, once you have a grasp of Python, it wont be too hard to get the "feel" of both Perl and Ruby. If you are wanting to import new exploits to Metasploit, a reasonable grasp of those will be important.

Gert,

Bash is a very common Linux shell, so yes Bash scripting == shell scripting