[ForgottenCode]

Alright, I figured this would best fit here. I'm looking to switch careers back to computers. I graduated in Computer Science in 2002, worked a bit in that field and then went back to school in Civil Engineering in 2004, and since then, what programming I have done has been in Visual Basic. I need to refresh myself in C#, Java and C++ and I'm not sure what the best way to do that is. So I was wondering if you guys had any suggestions.

[Cujo]

I would check out any college that offers Continuing Education courses. The class length shouldn't be that long and hopefully won't cost more than a couple of hundred.

[Shluey]

What I do when I want to learn a new language or go back to an old one is decide on a project I'm going to complete in that language. Write a program that'll catalog DVDs or something that's pretty easy but also encompasses the basics like user and file I/O, database access, and object manipulation. If it's something you can actually use all the better, but it doesn't have to be.

[Flu]

If I where you, I would program, just random crap really, then when you want something to do something that doesn't do the thing you want it to do, look it up. Thats how I've learned all of my programming

[Shintogara]

What I do when I want to learn a new language or go back to an old one is decide on a project I'm going to complete in that language. Write a program that'll catalog DVDs or something that's pretty easy but also encompasses the basics like user and file I/O, database access, and object manipulation. If it's something you can actually use all the better, but it doesn't have to be.

I agree completely.

Since all you need is a refresh, pick a simple project that goes trough most of the basics, and built it in the languages you want to learn. There is no better training

[J_A_X]

Definitely start your own side project for fun, especially in the domain you want to work in (like games, enterprise solutions, etc). It's either that or contribute to an existing open source project. It's retarded how many people are impressed if you worked on an open source project that they know.

[mikoto]

If you like math I would definately suggest Project Euler. Its mostly programming with the math just making some of the problems easier.

[Antonius]

What I do when I want to learn a new language or go back to an old one is decide on a project I'm going to complete in that language. Write a program that'll catalog DVDs or something that's pretty easy but also encompasses the basics like user and file I/O, database access, and object manipulation. If it's something you can actually use all the better, but it doesn't have to be.

If I where you, I would program, just random crap really, then when you want something to do something that doesn't do the thing you want it to do, look it up. Thats how I've learned all of my programming

I can easily reccomend this course of avenue. It is easy to do, (You already know how to program, its just the language syntax you need) its not college - believe me after doing 2 courses in college, the last thing I want to do is go back for more...
And most importantly, you'd be doing it at your own pace. While motivation might be a problem, if you're doing it for you, then you'll find it easier to be motivated than doing it 'cos its college and you need a degree for a job kind of thing.

[Shaken]

Code, you might want to figure out what area of "computers" you want to get back to and maybe even get a short list (or not so short list) of companies you'd like to work for.

It will help you focus on the skills you'll need to refresh or learn. You might want to work on website development, in which case C++ won't help much, but PHP or ASP will. If you want to get into gaming C, C++ and math would be a better focus. If you're doing anything with a business, you'll want to develop some database skills (SQL is almost a must, regardless of the DBMS you are using).

Do you have an idea of what area you want to get into?