Now that Stack Overflow has a space for subjective content—Discussions—we want to occasionally highlight the great conversations happening on site. Personally, I love hearing about different people’s perspectives on software and technology issues. With the answers to so many technology questions tending towards “it depends” as one gains experience, more perspectives reveal additional factors that “it” could depend on.
For today’s “it” question, I want to highlight the discussion happening in “What language would be the best beginner language?” User Mr Quibbles, relatively new to programming, asks:
I started learning programming about a year and a half ago and I started with Python 3.10 as my first ever language. I was advised to do so by friends of mine due to its English-like syntax, however, about a month ago I heard friends of mine discussing that C might be a better language to start.
I have been learning C++ for the past 3 months in my free time and I can see their point, C++ syntax has a lot more in common with other programming languages than Python does. So I wanna hear what others here think, which language do you think would be best to start with, and which language did you learn first?
As you may guess, much of the conversation compared C/C++ and Python as starter languages.
Rupesh Kumar wrote - C, C++ is for learning basics building blocks and learning to applying logic. Python, java like languages is library rich and used to create live application and solve business problems.
You can start with your preference,
For the record, your humble correspondent started with BASIC, then took some computer science classes in C and Java. Of course, it is debatable whether I know programming or not. That’s why we have discussions like this.
Most of the votes for Python talked about how easy it was to understand.
Techguy wrote - Python is a great language to learn, as it's considered very "high level" - meaning close to English in its syntax.
jfleach wrote - There is a reason Python is the most popular programming language in the world.
- It's an open source higher-level language.
- It's very easy to learn and use.
- It can be used for advanced projects.
- You can import third party libraries with ease and is a huge time saver.
- It can be used for full-stack development.
- Employers love people who know Python which pays off.
The C/C++ fans, on the other hand, thought you should get the deeper understanding of CS concepts from the get-go:
wyzarddoc wrote - I vote for C++. Bottom line C++ gives you full control down to the single bit, but also requires you to reinvent the wheel when learning. By this I mean just to print something on the terminal requires you to learn the contents of libraries and how to incorporate them into your code. Python is much easier, but is extremely inconsistent in it's coding application. For instance string handling can be disguised as a list if your not aware of when your function changes input from a list to a string.
One absolute madlad came in with this suggestion:
LemonCool wrote - Assembly!! lots of people started from it for a reason, in the end it all gets translated to low level so would be really beneficial to your dev journey. In my opinion you don't want to skimp on your education and learn to walk. Assembly will humble and reward your journey. If you don't want to go that low, probably C is the best starting point, that won't hide too much away from your keystrokes-composed-code with glue-up-behind-the-scene magic.
There’s plenty more on this about the benefits of each, including which languages will help you get a job (not the assignment, but definitely a good factor to keep in mind). Are you team Python with the easy syntax, or do you think everyone should start with `malloc` on their mind? Or are you a secret third thing, Haskell or death, recurse me eternal sort of programmer? Head on over to the discussion and chime in.
FAQs
Techguy wrote - Python is a great language to learn, as it's considered very "high level" - meaning close to English in its syntax. jfleach wrote - There is a reason Python is the most popular programming language in the world. It's an open source higher-level language. It's very easy to learn and use.
What is the best language for a beginner programmer? ›
Python is always recommended if you're looking for an easy and even fun programming language to learn first. Rather than having to jump into strict syntax rules, Python reads like English and is simple to understand for someone who's new to programming.
Should I learn JavaScript or Python first? ›
Should I learn JavaScript or Python as my first language? If you're new to making websites, starting with JavaScript might be a good idea since it's used for the visual parts of a website. Python is better if you're more interested in the behind-the-scenes work or dealing with data.
Which language to choose for programming? ›
Python and Java are languages that are practical for web developers. Python and Java both have simple syntax and support multiple platforms. Python is open-source and has a huge community that provides support. These languages have tremendous libraries that are useful for web development.
Is C++ a good first coding language? ›
Both Python and C++ are popular, beginner-friendly programming languages. For some, choosing which of these general-purpose languages to learn first is a matter of personal preference. For others, one may be more beneficial to learn for a specific project.
Should I learn Java or Python? ›
In summary, if you're a beginner or interested in areas like data science and web development, Python may be a better choice due to its simplicity and extensive libraries. If you're targeting performance-critical applications, enterprise development, or Android app development, Java might be the better option.
What is the easiest language to start coding? ›
HTML, CSS, and JavaScript are fairly among the easiest programming languages to start coding. Afterward, you can take up coding Bootcamps or certificate courses to learn more deeply.
Which pays more, JavaScript or Python? ›
As to the salary comparison, Indeed states that the average salary of a Python developer is $51 per hour in the US, while a JavaScript developer earns $48 correspondingly.
Is Python harder than JavaScript? ›
4. Python vs JavaScript: Learning Curve. JavaScript has a steeper learning curve and is not very easy to learn, whereas Python is the most beginner-friendly language and hence, a lot simpler to grasp.
Will Python replace JavaScript? ›
Python will not be able to replace JavaScript because: (FRONT-END) JavaScript is browser-native, whereas Python is not. (BACK-END) Neither JavaScript nor Python are web-native programming languages. As a result, they will work in tandem.
As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of technology, the question of whether learning programming is worth it in 2024 looms large. With digital transformation accelerating across industries and the demand for skilled technologists on the rise, the answer is a resounding yes.
Which coding language has the highest salary? ›
Highest Paying Programming Languages in 2024
| Sr No. | Language | Salary |
|---|
| 1 | JavaScript | ₹6.1 Lakhs |
| 2 | Python | ₹5.6 Lakhs |
| 3 | Java | ₹5.8 Lakhs |
| 5 | Kotlin | ₹4.6 Lakhs |
4 more rowsMar 6, 2024
Best Programming Languages to Learn For Your Career Goals
- Front-end web development: JavaScript, TypeScript.
- Back-end web development: JavaScript, TypeScript, Python, Go, Elixir, C#
- Mobile development: Swift, Java, C#
- Game development: C#
- Desktop applications: Java, Python, JavaScript, TypeScript.
If you're just choosing which to learn, it is recommended that you start with Python before trying your hand at using C++, as it's a much more beginner-friendly language that you can easily build on over time.
Is C++ too hard for beginners? ›
C++ is somewhat difficult to learn, especially if you have never programmed before or you have never used a low-level programming language before. If you are a beginner with no programming experience, you should expect it to take at least three months to learn the basics.
Is Python beginner friendly? ›
Answer: Python is a great first language for beginners because it is easy to learn and has a simple syntax. It's also a versatile language that can be used for a variety of applications, including web development, data analysis, and artificial intelligence.
What programming language should I master first? ›
As of 2023, JavaScript earned the top spot in the Stack Overflow survey as the most commonly used programming language by all respondents, beginner and experienced. It's a scripting language that runs in web browsers, making it fundamental for front-end development.
What programming language should I learn first to get a job? ›
Because it is such an essential language, Javascript is often taught in beginner coding courses. Entry-level Javascript positions can pay anywhere from $50,000 to $60,000. HTML - this is probably the type of code that you have heard the most about if you are just starting out in the coding world.
Is Python coding hard? ›
Python can be considered beginner-friendly, as it is a programming language that prioritizes readability, making it easier to understand and use. Its syntax has similarities with the English language, making it easy for novice programmers to leap into the world of development.
Should I learn Python first? ›
Python is often recommended for beginners because of its simple syntax and versatility, while JavaScript is more commonly used for web development. Consider your interests and career aspirations before deciding which language to learn first.
