Ask HN: What should I learn next? Python or Ruby/Rails?

#1

Post by kloncks » Thu, Dec 10, 2009, 5:20 AM UTC

I have been doing PHP for a long time now. I know some C/C++ through college.

I have started dabbling in Python but was told by many that I should instead consider Ruby/Rails

One important note: I do intend to, at some point, learn both of them. Just wondering which one you would recommend I start with.

Thanks :)

Re: Ask HN: What should I learn next? Python or Ruby/Rails?

#2

Post by shippingcomps3 » Thu, Dec 10, 2009, 5:26 AM UTC

You should start with Perl.

Then think about doing Python or Ruby.

Re: Ask HN: What should I learn next? Python or Ruby/Rails?

#3

Post by kloncks » Thu, Dec 10, 2009, 5:33 AM UTC

shippingcomps3 wrote: post #2

You should start with Perl. Then think about doing Python or Ruby.

Why Perl?

Re: Ask HN: What should I learn next? Python or Ruby/Rails?

#4

Post by [deleted] » Thu, Dec 10, 2009, 5:40 AM UTC

kloncks wrote: post #3

shippingcomps3 wrote: post #2

You should start with Perl. Then think about doing Python or Ruby.

Why Perl?

[deleted]

Re: Ask HN: What should I learn next? Python or Ruby/Rails?

#5

Post by yr » Thu, Dec 10, 2009, 5:41 AM UTC

kloncks wrote: post #3

shippingcomps3 wrote: post #2

You should start with Perl. Then think about doing Python or Ruby.

Why Perl?

why not perl ?

Re: Ask HN: What should I learn next? Python or Ruby/Rails?

#6

Post by boggles » Thu, Dec 10, 2009, 5:41 AM UTC

When you were advised to consider Ruby over Python, what reason were you given?

Also, you may not be aware but this is an almost daily question on StackOverflow so I would advise looking there also.

Re: Ask HN: What should I learn next? Python or Ruby/Rails?

#7

Post by Kliment » Thu, Dec 10, 2009, 5:59 AM UTC

I find Python easier to get started with, because there is much less syntax to learn when coming from another language, particularly the ones you have been working with. Ruby does more out of the box for webapps, and does more with less characters, but only marginally, and it has a slight perl aftertaste that makes it a tad annoying at times when you're starting. In summary, I'd recommend you start with Python because you can learn essentially all of the language in very little time from the basis you already have. Ruby is definitely more hyped right now than Python, and it is awesome for web stuff, but starting with Python and then learning Ruby should be easier than the other way around. Or maybe it's just so for me.

Re: Ask HN: What should I learn next? Python or Ruby/Rails?

#8

Post by shippingcomps3 » Thu, Dec 10, 2009, 6:33 AM UTC

kloncks wrote: post #3

shippingcomps3 wrote: post #2

You should start with Perl. Then think about doing Python or Ruby.

Why Perl?

Because Perl is the "glue" or "duct tape," if you will, of the internet.

Re: Ask HN: What should I learn next? Python or Ruby/Rails?

#9

Post by andrewcooke » Thu, Dec 10, 2009, 6:39 AM UTC

either is fine. they have much more in common than they are different. choose which ever makes most sense practically (for examples: if you know someone who would give you help + support, use the language they use; if you already use a certain host and they only support one of them, use the one they support)

Re: Ask HN: What should I learn next? Python or Ruby/Rails?

#10

Post by sailormoon » Thu, Dec 10, 2009, 7:38 AM UTC

As a fairly experienced Ruby on Rails developer I am receiving a couple of phone calls a week from recruitment companies (in Sydney). They are desperate for people.

That should tell you all you need to know. Web is where it's at. Django has much less penetration. Rails is still fairly rare but it's gaining momentum in business (finally) and IMO it's a very good thing to know right now. Your PHP skills will be a big plus, too.

That said, I have nothing against Python, it's a great language, so if you're not doing it for employability reasons, why not. It just seems to me that the Rails hype has made it a big deal for businesses currently. Get on that train and you'll be well-compensated. Python .. love it, but doesn't pay as well, simple as that.