Yah... I found my old C++
Turbo 
textbook (
Structured C for Technology by Tom Adamson --1990)... I assume the language is still similar to what it was 20 years ago, correct?
In fact, just scanning through it, it's very similar to the Arduino programming language.
I figured Java was important, too... thanks for the input...
You at the end of the era. The world is moving to the C-2011 standard, but, not a big change. And being in compiler science for a living, I can tell you the hot new thing is called the Lambda function. It allows a function to be stated on the fly. Like inside a loop, so all the variables are declared local by default. Mem alloc can be tight, etc.
But, yes, one language is the same as the other really, in that there is a finite number things that can be done, or need to be done. And that is based on usage. Many, many languages still exist in the corners but these are the clear winners. Remember, coding is a concept. Which language is the tool choice.
C11 for everything but tied to one processor type, only
C++ if you need objects, to keep big code organized, for native processor consumption
Java for everything, all processors, but not as swuuuft as native compiled code
I find Arduino ridiculously powerful. It is reduced instruction set C syntax. BTW, The problem with engineers is engineers...don't I know it.
All languages are just stupid full of overlap and slight variations. Beyond UN-necessarily complex for very good reasons. Job Fair for PhDs.
If you can't figure it out with the few loop constructs, no INDEX and a minuimun of put and get actions, you are not thinking, keep it simple. You don't get a roomful of supercomputer in the palm of your hand. So, you don't have the luxury of bells and whistles. OTH, the simple frame work can lead to outstanding solutions, easy to code.
Go play with the IDE and code samples. I have one running a PID loop that reacts to room temp by changing the direction on a fan. Maybe 40 lines of code.
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