What language to learn next?

Question

I'm a .Net (C# not VB) developer, with a fair amount of Java experience, I've dabbled in Haskel thought it was pretty cool but haven't found a use for it myself, I've done a little C and C++ and thought they were okay. I've also played with PHP and had some experience with VB6 (Yuck).

I'm thinking of expanding my horizons and learning a new language any suggestions for what I should look at?

I'm considdering Python, Ruby or Erlang, but I'm open to suggestions. I'm not fussed about them being useful to me professionally as for the time being C# is paying the bills.

Answer 1

I was in a position like you and I chose python. I haven't regretted it so far :-)

Answer 2

Considered JavaScript? As webapps and browsers become more and more powerful and pervasive it might be a good idea...

Answer 3

I think it would be a good idea to try a functional language, which will then help you to use C# 3 more effectively.

Erlang, Haskell, ML or F# would be good starting points. F# would have the benefit of a framework you already know supporting it where necessary.

Answer 4

Such questions occur here with strange regularity. All they looked like:

I know X language. What language should I learn next?

Each time I want to ask authors.

Why the Hell you need new language?

Is it for profit, fun or academic research?

How on Earth can someone recommend any language without knowledge of your needs.

I can recommend COBOL - very cool language :)

Answer 5

Between Python and Ruby, choose any one. I personally love Python because it has some very nifty libraries I haven't found in Ruby.

If you've dabbled in Haskell, then why don't you continue learning it? There's even a free book called Real World Haskell that might help you figure out some practical uses of the language.

Answer 6

I would suggest Brainfuck ;-)