36 lines
1.9 KiB
Markdown
36 lines
1.9 KiB
Markdown
---
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title: "Choosing Your First Programming Language"
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permalink: /choosing-a-programming-language/
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category: technology
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description: Some thoughts on deciding which programming language to pick first
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---
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When learning programming for the fist time, I believe it is important to decide what programming language you will study first.<!--more-->
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There is quite a lot of programming languages out there, but not all are friendly for beginners.
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So far, there are two programming languages that rise above the rest when it comes to friendliness to first-time programmers: C and Python.
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The main difference between the two as options for learning programming could be likened to your options when learning to drive cars--would you like to try out an automatic or a manual?
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Learning in Python is much like learning how to drive a car with an automatic transmission.
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You don't have to mind much of the what's happening under the hood, and what's happening is often abstracted to you.
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For an example, you don't have to worry about memory allocation. Whereas in C, you have more control: you're driving a manual.
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I learned programming for the first time in C.
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This, I believe, made it easier for me to learn other languages and understand how the computer works.
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For this reason, I find Python a little lacking when it comes to control.
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But I also understand Python is easier to learn and use for beginners who just wants to start coding and doesn't really plan to dive deep into computers.
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This is why, I think, many tutorials and classes for beginners use and recommend Python.
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If you have a particular problem you want to solve, you will have to consider other factors in choosing your programming language.
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Remember, I'm not talking about which language is more powerful (though I would still pick C).
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Rather, I'm just bringing up the difference of the two languages when it comes to friendliness for first-time programmers.
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