Ok.

So if I was too start, enjoy myself and get serious, I would learn Java, C++, C and this Objective C (which I hadn't heard of).

So in what order should I learn them? All are agreed I should start with Java?

I'd start with Java (/Python), then C before C++.

Coming from Java, C will break you into submission, but at least when you come to Objects again in C++ you'll know their theory from Java and manage to survive. But then you'll learn templates... Yes, it's that bad ;)

Objective C is another take on doing Object-Oriented programming on the base of the C syntax, and it should go last ( it's a nice language in theory, but only practically used in Mac OS programming )

Learn Java. It's more fun.

Have fun!  Good Luck! :D

Well, no matter which language you chose I can help you out with the concepts. That's the beauty of programming, once you've learned one language you can pick up any of one straight off.

Though I must say, if your looking into going into programming as a career, don't learn loads of language-specific functions, try and learn and master the universal stuff, so that:

a) You don't need to know the language specific stuff
b) You can perform any task in just about any language.

As for learning languages at home: you need to have patience and a strong will, also, don't copy everything from the book the whole way through, experimenting with the code and combining things you've already learned with new concepts is a better way of mastering the language.

Like I said, though, if you have any issues, just sling me a PM and I will try and help you (I can't program in many languages (yet), but I should be able to help with the logic.)

What about Brainfuck or LOLCODE ?

Ok guys.

I'm going to learn Java. Just read the first chapter of Java for Dummies.

It's already bending my head. This is going to be an adventure.

Thanks people.

It'll probably be some time from now while I get into this.

But I've bookmarked this thread and I may take you up on that thanks.

Yeah, sure, I'll probably look up some basic Java stuff over the next week or so, get my head around how it works, etc.

I, too, can help you if you come across some stumbling blocks (and you're bound to, trust me :)

I know Java and C and objective-C, but I'm no master at any of them. I know the basic stuff, but even that is plenty and you can do amazing things with any of the languages.

Also, when you're learning Java, make sure to bookmark the Java API http://java.sun.com/javase/6/docs/api/ as you'll be using that a lot. Also, get a decent IDE to help you on your way, Eclipse or Netbeans are IMO good choices and both are free.

Try C#. It's OO implementation is cleaner than C++ and Java, being a younger language. While you're at it, you can also check out XNA which gives you the opportunity to write game programs for PC, 360 and Zune.

http://creators.xna.com/en-US/

Python is also a nice programming language. It might be *too* easy that it'll spoil you (a lot of converts will attest to their increased productivity). Also, it's not irritating to the academic-types like Visual Basic is (which is unfortunate). If this is the path you choose, check out Panda3D engine, which is designed nicely to work with Python.

http://panda3d.org/

Edit:

In answering your original question, you can learn something from those kind of books. Not deep, but good enough for you to get started, like setting up the proper environment, and a few simple examples. You are expected to expand your knowledge by reading more advance reference books. Programming forums will help greatly.

Don't expect programming something elaborate on your first pass. With enough practice, reading and iterations, you'll be making the building blocks for your dream game. Just don't give up easily.