I am basically  a database guy  but often i have to interact with front end  application and sometimes it makes your life rough. So now i want to take up some application programming so atleast i have the tier knowledge between the applications and the back end database. My confusion though, where shall I start?  ASP.net, C#,java?  Any advise?

Good question. Since namrata shrestha like java cafe in kathmandu java will be good .best of luck

according to me JAVA is pretty difficult, if you dont have a programming knowledge i would suggest you to start with C++,  and next would bey any asp.net or JAVA is you to decide. I wouldnt take up JAVA directly if I were to be you

In my experience, C++ and Java are similar in terms of difficulty, however, I don't know about C#. I would recommend you Java.

go with either java or .net.
java is used in both front end and as well as middleware. .net is mostly used on front end. it'up to you.

 quick question, what database do you work with (oracle, sql server, db2). what applications is you company using, depending on the application, then it is best to learn that no matter how difficult. I think you will be better off, if you leant how both interact with each application and database. for example if you use oracle and java, you need to learn how they interact.

wow java difficult than c++ ??

even though i would say it depends on one's ability and preference!! but imo java is easier than c++!! C++ is very powerful programming language!! and if you have C++ background then java will be much easier for you!!!

go java!! bt learn C++ as well!! its fun!!!

Thanks all for your valuable inputs. I am currently working with SQL  and I  am not bothered about what my comspany uses at  the front end. I am more  of a 'love your job not your company' kinda guy- cause you never know.

i  did some C++,C, Visual Basic programming back in the good old days, jumped into management and back to IT again.