TTewell,

depends on your skills and purpose. I've been playing with Python lately and have found it really usable and simple to learn (but still powerful). Alternatively, I'm considering switching my attention to Ruby so I can try my hand with some of the Metasploit goodies. Decisions, decisions...

Andrew

In that case any language should suit your purpose. Last bit of advice, which I've mentioned in similar threads; pick a project to learn with. Personally I find it really difficult to learn a language for the sake of it, learning the little bits as and when I need them seems to make the whole process more natural.

If your sticking with Python I'd suggest http://www.diveintopython.org/, was originally introduced to it through this site and it hasn't let me down yet.

I'll add my $.02.  I have a pretty advanced programming background and find that once you know how to program, its just syntax to pick up 80% of a language (the other 20% comes from learning the nuances of the language itself, how to do things more quickly with builtins, etc). 

I can't speak for Ruby because I don't know a line of it.  I do know PHP very well and did some large scale web development (> 20k lines of custom code) on a contract a couple of years ago.  Its handy for the web, but not much for anything else (despite the fact that a PHP GTK module exists among others).  I'd stay away from it if it is going to be your only strong language.  OTOH, if you already have another language and want to sell yourself as being able to deliver web solutions to problems as well, then maybe its the ticket.

I'm a Perl person when it comes to doing admin stuff.  I find they have a great user community at perlmonks.org.  For three years, I prototyped most of my code in perl (for proof of concept/rapid deployment of a stopgap solution) before writing a final product in C++.  As you know, sometimes the software life cycle doesn't work out and you never get around to a final solution.  Some of my perl code is still out there and has scaled VERY well.

I'm just now having to learn Python to incorporate functionality into a client's existing application suite that is written in python.  I can't speak for it either.

I agree with Andrew that you should definitely learn with a project rather than for learning's sake.  That's been my key to learning anything was to put it into application.  There are plenty of open source projects out there that need help, even scripting help.  If you are looking to learn the language for a resume builder, get involved withe one of the projects and contribute while learning the language or build an add-on (like ndiff for nmap).  Pick the project you contribute to by the community you want to work in and possibly by the time you are job searching your technical interviewer will have heard of (or used) the project you contributed to.  That's a resume builder.

A project can be any size. I think his point is more along the lines of having a useful end goal as opposed to just doing some exercises in a book, web site, etc. So even if it's just a program to take 2 files and compare them, that's a project, too.

BTW - My vote goes to Python. I'm reading, "Hello World! Computer Programming for Kids and Other Beginners." Loving it for anyone, even 30 year IT vets who want to finally learn programming. It uses Python. Review coming in a couple weeks.

Don

Thanks for the book suggestion Don.  I didn't know that book focused on Python.  I'm going to have to pick it up now!

Thanks for the suggestion of subnet mask to CIDR, apollo!  That is genius yet simple.  I love it   

I figured I'd get some people who say that learning it just to say that you know it is a bad idea.  I want to learn it because I know that I'll need it at some point down the line.  And it would add to my versatility.  Right now I have a strong understanding of TCP/IP, servers, operating systems, and cisco devices.  Call me crazy but I don't think adding another dimension to my skill set is a bad idea, especially in these economic times.

I have already started downloading video's of python, CBT python, from Demonoid, I think I have an invite, if someone wants an account then let me know, i can send you an invite.