Python, Perl, Forth

Python: Clever. Named after the comedy troop Monty Python, this language packs a lot of power into every function and feature. You find surprises around every corner, but you have to keep your eyes peeled or you won't "get" them. It keeps the amount of stuff you have to type to a minimum, so it's incredibly productive.

Perl: Newbie-friendly. This language combines incredible power and flexibility with a syntax that, although slightly ugly and perhaps even clunky, is extremely easy to pick up. Each function is very well documented, and everything can be done in More Than One Way -- so you can easily mimic the style of your favorite language.

Forth: Powerful. Invented by Chuck Moore in the 60s, this language at it's finest is basically a dictionary, some simple stack-based primitives, and an interpreter. You start at the bottom and work your way up, learning much in the process, especially how to factor your code. In Forth you can tell right away if your code has unnecessary complexity -- it's all right there in front of you.

I initially learned Perl, and still use it for most things involving text processing where my knowledge of Bash scripting doesn't suffice. Then I turned to Python, when I was interested in creating a Multiuser Dungeon (MUD) program, and learned a lot -- but couldn't quite master it. Lately I have spent several months (over the past 2-3 years) learning Forth, specifically RetroForth. It is a real eye-opener when you have to allocate your own memory on the heap, even for simple string manipulation.

This week I went back to studying Python. I think in terms of productivity and fun job opportunities, this likely holds the most promise. But I won't neglect the other languages I have studied, including Scheme, C, C++, and even Java. Each gives useful perspective and teaches one to think like a computer scientist in different yet important ways.