Yesterday, I discussed What is a programing language, you can read here if you missed out. The next question is, what programing language should I choose to learn.
Almost all modern languages are derived originally from Algol and, more directly, from C.
As a beginner, it’s important to choose a programming language that is easy to learn and has a large community of developers who can help you when you get stuck. Some popular languages for beginners include JavaScript, Python, Ruby, Java, and PHP 1. These languages are easier to read, write, maintain, or learn than other languages. They can also be used for a wide range of applications, especially web development.
Each of these languages has its own strengths and weaknesses, some we discussed in the previous post, so it’s important to choose one that aligns with your interests and goals. For instance, if you’re interested in web development, JavaScript and PHP can be good choices. If you’re interested in data science or machine learning, Python is a popular choice. If you’re interested in building mobile apps, Java is a good choice 1. If you are interested in hardware interfacing projects, robotics, you might have to start from C/C++
In This Post
Steps in selecting your programing language
- Figure out why you want to learn to code: Before you start learning to code, it’s important to understand why you want to learn it. This will help you stay motivated and focused throughout the learning process.
- Choose a language: As a beginner, it’s important to choose a programming language that is easy to learn and has a large community of developers who can help you when you get stuck. Some popular languages for beginners include JavaScript, Python, Ruby, Java, and PHP 1. These languages are easier to read, write, maintain, or learn than other languages. They can also be used for a wide range of applications, especially web development.
- Take online courses: There are many online courses available that can help you learn programming. Some popular platforms include Codecademy, Udemy, Coursera, and edX 1. These courses are designed to be self-paced and can be taken from anywhere in the world.
- Watch video tutorials: Video tutorials are a great way to learn programming. They allow you to see how code is written and executed in real-time. Some popular video tutorial platforms include YouTube, Udemy, and Pluralsight 1.
- Read books and ebooks: Books and ebooks are another great way to learn programming. They provide a more in-depth look at programming concepts and can be a great resource for reference. Some popular programming books include “Head First Python”, “JavaScript: The Definitive Guide”, and “Learning Ruby” 1.
- Use tools that make learning to code easier: There are many tools available that can help make learning to code easier. Some popular tools include GitHub, Atom, Sublime Text, and Visual Studio Code 1.
- Check out how other people code: One of the best ways to learn programming is to see how other people code. You can do this by looking at open-source projects on GitHub or by attending local coding meetups 1.
- Complete coding projects: Once you have a basic understanding of programming, it’s important to start building your own projects. This will help you apply what you’ve learned and build a portfolio of work that you can show to potential employers 1.
Important
What you need to understand and remember is programing is a tool to solve your problems, and if you do not have a problem to solve, the learning experience will become a burden before you know it. now keep that in mind and go back in this post and read from “Figure out why you want to learn to code“
From a discussion between Grady Booch and Tyson
Tyson: Babbage said, “We may propose to execute, by means of machinery, the mechanical branch of these labours, reserving for pure intellect that which depends on the reasoning faculties.” Where are we at in that journey?
infoworld: The philosopher: A conversation with Grady Booch
Booch: Actually, I think his colleague, Ada Augusta, Countess of Lovelace, better understood the potential of computers than he ever did. “The Analytical Engine does not occupy common ground with mere ‘calculating machines,’ she said. Rather, “it holds a position wholly of its own.” Ada recognized that the symbols manipulated by machines could mean something more than numbers. The field of computing has made astonishing progress since the time of Babbage and Lovelace and Boole, but still, we are a very young discipline, and in many ways we have just begun.
read it here if you like..
My Point
Giants of the industry then and now, contradict on what are the limits of computing tools, the limits of what you will achieve will be defined by the problems you attempt to solve with the programing language of your choice.
Recommended Reading List
Some of my personal recommendations on reading before you make your choice:
Introduction to Algorithms, Second Edition 2nd Edition
Programming Challenges: The Programming Contest Training Manual
Object Oriented Analysis And Design
Final Advice
- Read more before you decide
- Decide the tool based on your problem, not your ease or liking
- Learn how problem solving works (you can get started here on problem solving)
- Practice matters (may be I will do a post on this)
- Cheat sheets help, Stack overflow helps more BUT copy pasting form Open platforms, will not get you anywhere, use these is to take advise and suggestions)
- Never be shy of asking for help
- do not use generative chat bots (likes of ChatGPT) for any help
Let me know in comments what you think