What is the best way to go in the long term: C, Objective C, or C++? [closed]

Question

One thing I've really been meaning to get back into is C++ programming but I am not sure if I should go back to C++ (which I have some basic console programming knowledge) or should I look into C or Objective C? I'm looking at the long term as well as ease of coding such as good editors, compilers, etc as well as which would be the quickest to get set up and running.

To go along with that, what software would you suggest for working with a suggested language?

[EDIT]

Some people mentioned that it is hard to suggest something when it is not known what I am doing. I don't have any specific program in mind at the moment, I'm just looking at starting with one of these three languages for either long-term investment and work or as a jumping point to something else.

Answer 1

If you're working primarily on Windows, I'd suggest C++. Microsoft is putting a lot of work behind the new C++/CLI and the native C++ compiler. With the new TR1 and C++0X additions, a lot of the issues that have existed in the past are being addressed.

Answer 2

I'd say - pick any language you like and stick with it for a while. In the meantime focus on algorithms. These are the building blocks of programs. The language is just a language.

If you've learned/mastered one it's just a question of some weeks to switch to something different, especially if you stay in the same family of languages (e.g. C, C++, Objective C, Java, C# etc..)