There's no point in only learning one language. If you can only program in one language, you literally can't program.
Ask HN: If I learn one programming language, what should it be?
11–20 of 48 posts
Re: Ask HN: If I learn one programming language, what should it be?
#12I'd have to say Python; while its not always the best choice to use, its a great language to learn, because its used in lots of domains and because it a very good place to learn the basics of lots of different aspects of programming, and it has great learning material available for both general programming and many specific application domains and platforms, so it supports lots of approaches. If you decide to continue with it, its easy to keep learning with it; and if you decide to switch languages, its easy to take the lessons learned in Python to lots of other languages.
Re: Ask HN: If I learn one programming language, what should it be?
#13Re: Ask HN: If I learn one programming language, what should it be?
#14Python 3. It is fairly simple to learn. It is cross-platform. It is suitable for server-side programming. It has an extensive standard library and an active ecosystem for additional libraries. It has IPython. It uses, and therefore helps you learn, but does not force object-oriented programming. It has enough functional programming to let you explore that concept. It is widespread and easy to find support for. It has…
Thank you for the detailed reply! A number of comments here favor Python for ease of entry and utility.
Do I understand correctly that Java is important, but with a much steeper learning curve?
Re: Ask HN: If I learn one programming language, what should it be?
#15There's no point in only learning one language. If you can only program in one language, you literally can't program.
I've had the same thought myself. However, I'm willing to take the risk. Besides, one thing leads to another.
Re: Ask HN: If I learn one programming language, what should it be?
#16Javascript is pretty widely applicable these days, even if it's maybe not a thing of beauty.
I agree. A lot of people have adopted it and there's a large community. Perfect for someone starting out. You will be googling/stack overflowing a lot so its good to know there are a lot of resources behind it. Plus you know th
e language is growing not dying.
Re: Ask HN: If I learn one programming language, what should it be?
#17While I hate actually using it for production tasks, I have to admit that Python is the best language ever to learn. Its syntax doesn't really get in the way at all and it is extremely understandable. It's also widespread.
Re: Ask HN: If I learn one programming language, what should it be?
#18Javascript is pretty widely applicable these days, even if it's maybe not a thing of beauty.
I agree. A lot of people have adopted it and there's a large community. Perfect for someone starting out. You will be googling/stack overflowing a lot so its good to know there are a lot of resources behind it. Plus you know th e language is growing not dying.
I really appreciate the feedback. JavaScript is supposed to be complicated. Let's say I study 20 hours a week for three months. Can I get off the ground with it?
Re: Ask HN: If I learn one programming language, what should it be?
#19While I hate actually using it for production tasks, I have to admit that Python is the best language ever to learn. Its syntax doesn't really get in the way at all and it is extremely understandable. It's also widespread.
Why do you hate using Python for production tasks?
Re: Ask HN: If I learn one programming language, what should it be?
#20Earlier quoted context omitted.
I agree. A lot of people have adopted it and there's a large community. Perfect for someone starting out. You will be googling/stack overflowing a lot so its good to know there are a lot of resources behind it. Plus you know th e language is growing not dying.
I really appreciate the feedback. JavaScript is supposed to be complicated. Let's say I study 20 hours a week for three months. Can I get off the ground with it?
JavaScript is kind of ugly in some ways, but not really complicated. You could easily pick up the basics in that time frame.
I've heard people say good things about this book:
http://www.amazon.com/JavaScript-Good-Parts-Douglas-Crockfor...
But I've never read it myself.