i want to know what computer programme i should learn? - (Jan/29/2008 )

I am going to take the course on Bioinformatic, i want to know what computer programme should i need to learn?

thanks

-peggybee1-

Try Perl to begin with.

-string-

I'd definitely learn Matlab. i think the next version of Matlab is even going to wash the dishes!

-emiliania huxleyi-

QUOTE (emiliania huxleyi @ Jan 30 2008, 02:48 AM)

I'd definitely learn Matlab. i think the next version of Matlab is even going to wash the dishes!

CAn u explain more in detail?? Since I am weak in PC programming...What is the different between the Perl and Matlab programme??Which one is more worthy to learn? THanks alot

-peggybee1-

MATLab isn't a computer language - it's a package.

If you are serious about bioinformatics I would suggest perl - it teaches you loads of bad habits and will make certain that you never program properly .

There are loads of language that are used - you need to make sure that you cover a script language (not including BASH and/or C-shell). A scripting language would be (perl), python or ruby (these are the major languages) and all include nice model-view-controllers (MVCs) like perl catalyst and ruby on rails - both of which are used at the Sanger center and EBI.

For doing some more 'hardcore' programming you should learn C/C++ (I found starting with C++ was better as I didn't have to learn MALLOC and ALLOC !!!!) or Java... both are great but I find it easier to use Java.

An important thing is to get a good editor. For the scripting languages I suggest emacs or xemacs. For more indepth programming use ECLIPSE. Both are free...

If you are going to learn a mathematical language (MatLab) learn R ... it's free (the biological community lives on the work of such project) and appears to hold larger datasets than matlab.

-perlmunky-