What programming language to use?

90% of the chess engines are programmed in c or c++. So that if you know these languages, no problem, use them for your engine, as you will find plenty of exemples and people to help you during your long quest. The remaining 10% are divided into the other languages (i.e java, c#, basic,...). Here I suggest visual basic or c# if you are a strong beginner (i.e. you are not starting from zero). You could download SharpDevelop which is a free programming interface using c# and visual basic, equivalent to MS visual studio (having also a free version). Once downloaded and installed, as well as the MS Framework 2, open a new visual basic console project (create it in

a new directory with a nice name (the same as your engine). You are on the good way if you are here ;-)