What is the best way to learn programming languages?

I am 28, an industrial engineer by training, and I have work experience in production/ inventory planning %26amp; control, and also supply chain. But I have been taking IT courses for about 2 years, and now also doing my further study in IT, because I want to switch to IT. I have learned few programming languages before, such as Java, C++, SQL Server, VB.NET, etc., but since I never use it in workplace I forgot them (though I can refresh my memory by re-learning). Now I am learning C#. I feel my programming background is still not enough for a professional job. What programs I need to understand (especially widely-demanded ones), and what is the effective way to learn?

What is the best way to learn programming languages?
The best way is to learn the basics then dive right in and make something. Think of what you want to make, if it's web then do create a web page. Build yourself a program... Anything. Go for something intermediate so you push your skills and have to research stuff as well.





As for where: www.lynda.com is a great resource, check it out.





Also, you're kind of all over on what you're learning. You have some web coding languages mixed in with some application code. You might want to go specific. I'd recommend web, as there's always a need for talented web developers. Which you might want to learn Ruby on Rails for. It's becoming very big with a lot of demand but not many people are good at it.
Reply:I would think doing a big project you will learn better. Create a storefront with N-tier design.





The problems you run into will help you learn it.
Reply:When learning Programming languages,


It is indeed self studying,


I mean after learning the basics u gotta find some books and tryout ur self.





Although u r not working on that field, u have to think of several projects on ur own and try to implement with a language u have learnt.





It helps very much not only to brush up ur knowledge, also helps to make decisions when u find bugs, further when u r interviewd to hire, u can say abt the projects u have done in addition to ur qualificatons.