I'm really interested in learning to program, although I have no previous experience so far. I tried reading "Beginning Programming for Dummies" by Wallace Wang, but got stuck after a while--didn't seem like a very clear book. Anyways, I want to try again, though I don't know what language to learn as a first language. Can anyone suggest a good beginning language?
I would likely be it using for:
Just general programming random stuff for fun
I plan to be an astrophysicist, so I guess whatever I would be doing in regards to using stuff related to that (processing info, or whatever)-however it would come in handy there
Maybe some games for fun later on
I would assume that I could always learn or move to other languages after I've got one down--to cover something more specific that I might want to do.
That's about it, thanks for any help, and remeber I don't know any programming yet!

Well i do not suggest Learning Anything Too complicated for you, If you are Programming illiterate Then i would suggest picking up a Language like Html, And Vb. Html normally is not considered a programming language, but it is nonetheless, it would give you a Strong basis on what you might expect in programming. Visual Basic is also another Strong Begginer style language, You can learn alot. And since you Want to be processing info alot, And Possibly databasing? I would suggest Vb Because i found Databasing Alot easier with it(refer to my Tutorial for Help), Also PHP would also be another alternative but it may be a little more complicated. Depends on how quick you are on picking up languages. I suggest Going to Your local bookstore and Picking up a Book on VB,Html,PHP or another language you have heard of. Also Online E-Books and Tutorials(Check The DreamInCode Tutorial/Code Snippet section, And use Google) For Them. Maybe even Attend a Local Community college Class on Programming(C++ and Java are usually the Languages Tought) I do not suggest Java as a Starting language due to its complexity, If you really want to start with java, Read up on a little C++. Hope this Helped you, Message me with further Questions.

Great! Thanks for the advice. I actually was already planning on taking a semester class at our local junior college in HTML, so I guess that was a good choice! Maybe I will try and pick up another class or a book on Visual Basic afterwards then. What specifically is VB used for? Everything in general, something specific, or is it just a sort of stepping stone language to reach more complex ones?
Thanks for the help.

visual basic is an object based programming language it isn't complicated than c++ or any languages. Your right it is sort of a stepping stone to reach a more complicated languages. HTML is much more open tool for us to learn for.

Great, thanks for the info guys!
I will then learn HTML and probably move on to VB

Glad to have been of some help.

If you want to learn "Programming" im not sure that HTML is going to help a whole lot. I learned BASIC first and it worked out fine for me. I've heard that Python has easy syntax that is good for beginners. If you're interested in programming and are fairly smart (since you said you are planning to be astrophysicist I assume you are) then I don't think you would have any problem learning C++ first. That is what I would recommend doing.

I think you should start with Python. It's beginner to start with an actual programming language. HTML is just used to "format" a webpage. That's not programming. That's web design. If you want a good, strong, very popular programming language with having fun. Learn Python.

Here is a great ebook, which is free, so you can learn Python.
http://greenteapress.com/thinkpython/

From a programmer to a beginner, go with it! Trust me!

Python?!..is their an IDE for it.....I started with c then java..without programming backgrounds..It is quite hard....but i manage it...well the trend will be HTML for web programming and then commit to VB....just will be a preparation.

I think the reason I disagree is just because of the fact that I hate VB with a passion.

Aye, back when i was 12 i started to learn Python and i admit it was a VERY good starting language but HTML had more of a Feel to it like i could 'Enjoy' coding in it, I put HTML>Vb from personal experience. I have no Doubt a Dedicated Learner could learn Python/C++ as starting languages.

HTML is a markup language, it is not a programming language and has no programming functionality.