Dear don,

I have noticed that this is one of the best forums on InfoSec out there. It is truly our Resource for Forensics, Pen testing and Incident Response.

But don't you think that we should have a forum dedicated to programming ? Don't you consider programming as a must have skill for pentesters. What if one needs to-

=> Modify tools because they don't suit this particular circumstance.
=> Write tool to do a particular thing for which no tool is available.
=> Write, modify and compile exploits.

How can one expect to use a tool for something that it was never intended for if she can't read it source. She has to satisfy herself by just getting a broad overview of the tool available in the manuals. She can't "hack" tools without knowledge of programming.

I have tried to present my point by giving examples related to pentesters, like use of tools etc. There are many more reasons to learn programming. It is an indispensable skill.

I think that it is high time we should have a forum dedicated to programming on EH.

Regards
shakuni

My 2p worth....

I think that a programming board would be a Good Idea.
My experience with programming if fairly limited, I understand assembler to a degree but my only experiences are with Z-80, 6800 and 68000 and a small bit of 8086 back in the mid 80s. Since then, I have only dabbled with a little disassembly/ analysis.
I have used C quite productively, even going so far as to adjusting Linux kernel drivers to support my own hardware. I spent a good while messing about with TurboC under DOS (which I am glad to see that Borland are now giving away!)
Since C++ gained popularity, I have moved away from programming, I found the command set to be so vast as to be off-putting.
I can script to an acceptable level whether bash, csh or dare I say it, batch. I can read and understand to a greater or lesser degree, most scripting languages.

So in short, I can get by, but my skills are lacking and would benefit from some tuition, particularly when it comes to the Windows interfacing side of things.

Modesty.
You are one of few people who understand assembly. When I find some new trick in assembly, I have to work harder to find someone with whom I can discuss it.

Although the most popular languages today are java, C#, python etc. But from security perspective, I suggest one must master C,C++ and assembly. And once you master these languages you can master any of those VHLLs within a week.
(It took me just a week to master java since I knew C and C++ well)

So Guys, lets have a forum dedicated to Programming on EH.net.

I think a programming forum here on EH net would be a great idea.  While I am not a programmer myself, I see myself getting drawn to that area if I want to succeed at being an expert in the IT Security field.  So I would love to have an area on this forum to discuss my short comings with people already knowledgeable  in security programming.