A Simple Guide to Choosing Your First Programming Language

The only way to learn a new programming language is by writing programs in it.

-Dennis Ritchie

Before you write your first line of code in your first programming language, you must understand that:

• There is no such thing as the 'best' or 'worst' programming language. Programming languages are tools and every language has its uses, some are just better at carrying out certain tasks than some others.
• No matter the language you learn, there are many concepts in programming that are consistent across almost all programming language. So you should focus on understanding how programming languages work and how you should think as a programmer.
• You don't need to be good at math or come from a science background to be a good programmer.

WHY ARE YOU LEARNING TO CODE?

It is a good thing to know why you want to start programming because it can help you make the right decisions concerning what language you should start with. Are you looking a job? Do you have an application or piece of software in mind that you want to build? Or you just want to try out some new stuff and tech seems fun?

Are You Looking for a Job?

If you're looking for a job, there are various fields within programming that require knowledge of different tools and programming languages. You could quickly do a google search to see the programming languages used in a particular field. After that, do a search of the most popular language required by recruiters and tech companies in your location. This way, you know the most in-demand language that is likely to land you your first role in tech.

Do you want to Build an Application?

If you're looking to build a software application, you should know where your application will run? Is it on your web browser? Mobile device (Android or iOS)? PC or Mac?

• Web development is further divided into Frontend and Backend development. For Frontend, you'll be working with HTML, CSS and Javascript for a start. While for Backend, you'll be working with any of PHP, NodeJS, Python etc.

• For mobile, You'll be working either on Android or iOS devices. You'll be using Java or Kotlin for Android Applications while you use Swift for iOS devices. There is a third option you can use to build for both (cross-platform) apps. For this, you can use React-Native which is built on the Javascript language or Flutter which is built on the Dart language.

• For desktop apps, you'll be working with Objective C or Swift for Mac systems. You can go with either C# or C++ for Windows.

Asides the reasons given above, you can also choose a language based on how simple and beginner friendly it is. This helps a beginner to grasp the basic concepts, know how programming works and how a programmer should think. It would be easier to switch to more complex programming languages this way.

You only become a good programmer by writing code. In the span of your career in programming, you'll be required to learn new languages and tools you never knew existed. Learning how to learn is one of the best tools you can have as a programmer.

No matter the route you choose, you can only get better by consistent practice and determination! Have a learning plan, set realistic goals, stay on track, keep learning, keep building!

Happy Coding 😊 Thank you for Reading!