What's the best/most marketable programming language?

I want to learn a new programming language. Which is the best one to learn, earn the most money, easiest to find a job if you have the experience? I have previous programming experience but with none of the below.


C


C++


C#


Java


VB.NET


Other

What's the best/most marketable programming language?
C and C++. If you are really writing C++ then it isn't just a variation on C, it's a whole different paradigm and the syntax does thing which appear really wierd to a C programmer.
Reply:I would say go for Java.


Resaon : More and more enterprise application are being developed these days and most of them uses Java. Java is language of choice for developing server side.I think with the upcoming releases and growing community the Java will rule the programming world.
Reply:With that list, then you my dear sir have no programming experience. Those are the main languages in use today that most companies look for. I talked to Microsoft, NASA, Intel, Texas Instruments, National Instruments, AMD, NSA, IBM etc, representatives and every single one of them told me the same thing.





c/c++





Apparently these are the two fundamental languages that every computer scientist, computer engineer, and programmer must know before thinking about applying for a job. Currently I'm really focusing in Java because one of my classes requires it. But as soon as I have an opportunity I plan to learn the advanced features of c++.





Thus, to answer your question as a computer engineering student, learn c++ and c. If you have free time learn Java as I consider it a very fun language to work in. Hope that helps.
Reply:Personally the only one in your list that has little value is Visual Basic. The syntax is a bit odd to me and in my work I've rarely seen anyone hired to program in it.





The good thing about the others you mention (C, C++, Java, C#) is that they're all very similar in syntax. So if you learn one you'll be able to translate a lot of what you learn to the others as well.





As for marketability, lately I've seen companies hiring a lot of people proficient in C# and/or Java. But I work in the field of web development and these technologies are geared more for that arena. If you're going to be programming games or applications, then "typically" C and C++ will be your focus.





I'm afraid there's no single great answer, but I'd suggest you learn C++ and C#. After that move to Java. As a programmer you should know or be familiar with as many languages as you can. Best of luck.