I am looking for some advice on the next step to take in development of my programming skills. I was directed here when asking this question on Stack Overflow.
What I know already
Have a solid grasp of xhtml, xml, php, javascript, MySQL, actionscript. Have a working knowledge of vb, and have a slight grasp of java from tinkering with a minecraft server. Some brief exposure to the Unreal Engine in college. Some skills with sql server, ms sql, office integration, etc. Also some knowledge of Asterix and PBX/VOIP. Been coding off and on since the age of 8 but I have no computer science education aside from what I have taught myself or learned from work/freelance. I work in OSX mostly, but can use/troubleshoot windows and ubuntu fluently also. Decent with both UNIX and DOS CLI.
What I'm considering
I'm looking to learn a scripting language to build web apps, help streamline my home server that I am building and run shell scripts. Being able to help code games later is a big plus.
My Question
Between java, ruby, perl, and python, which would be the best investment of my time considering what I already know and what direction I would like to take my skillset? What are good resources for your suggested direction? Thanks in advance.
