First Programming Language?

Question

I've been over the internet asking people which is the best programming language. A predominant portion of the people replied "Python". However, there's always that one person who derails the conversation by saying "it depends on what your desire is. If for a job, go for C, C+, Java, etc".

None of those people are helpful. I took Java in college [I remember NONE of it] so I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that it is NOT the easiest language. So please, if you're going to reply, do NOT say Java because I know you're lying.

Now, my gut says "Python." People seem to corroborate this. And I know BASIC was the language that was supposed to teach people to be programmers back in the earlier days of computers, but from what I gather, BASIC isn't even relevant nowadays.

Now I'm asking people myself because no seems to be helpful on the tech forums I went to to ask. Which programming language is the easiest for someone to just "pick up"? And I don't need to know which has better access to a wider array of whatever. If C/C+ is easier for you because you've been at it for a while, you're not the slightest bit helpful. I want to know just what I asked.

What is the easiest programming language for a beginner with absolutely no experience to pick up?

Answer 1

There is no "easy" language. I started right with C++ for my first language, and I still don't know Python at all. I had no issues learning C++, just like I know I wouldn't have issues learning Python or any other language since learning to program is more than learning a language; learning to program is learning concepts that can be applied regardless of programming language used. Java actually is rather simplistic for how complicated a language it can be, and is actually quite easy to learn (despite you not remembering any of it, which is most likely attributed to the fact that you most likely have not used Java at all since you took those Java course(s)). I don't program hardly at all in Java and can still write in it just fine once I remember a few things. You're right, BASIC (and any form of BASIC) is pretty much useless nowadays, including Visual Basic.



There is no such thing as just picking up a language...it will take months and years to become fully proficient in any language, including Python (I'm still learning quite a bit about Ruby, and I've been developing with that for a couple of years now). Just pick one language and start learning how to program with it. My recommendation is always C++, but if you wanted to, go with C# if you're going to be writing on Windows; there's nothing wrong with Java, Python, Ruby (if you want to play with web programming), PHP (if you want to play with server web programming), or even ActionScript (if you want to learn Flash/Flex, even though both technologies suck).

Answer 2

In all fairness, Python is a pretty good choice. It's simple enough to write small scripts, and powerful enough to actually do useful stuff with.



What makes programming easy or difficult mostly isn't the language itself though. The hard part, for the most of it, is the problem-solving. Python has many of language features built-in that solve issues that you'll have to code yourself in other languages, so you spend more time on your program and less time on nitty-gritty things such as pointers, memory management, and things that some languages force you to do.



If you want to get started, here's a link I'd like to share with you -

http://www.khanacademy.org/science/computer-science/



which is python based. (I'm not affiliated with that site whatsoever by the way). Make sure you do the exercises yourself, and you'll be up and running in programming land in no time.



Over time, once you know one language well enough, others will automatically become easier to pick up. Don't limit yourself to just one. But that's long-term advice. If you're going to land a job in programming, you'll likely learn several languages anyway.

Answer 3

I find C++ to require the least experience. I'm 15 and about two months ago i started in on C++ and it's really simple and straightforward. As for the contradiction between Python and C++, it depends on how you learn. Take these two examples:



(python)

print "Hello, Python!";



(C++)

cout << "Hello, C++!";



Personally, i find Python to be more arbitrary and abstract, and, as defined as a high level language, Python is indeed more abstract.



C++ is straightforward and easily followed by someone with no programming experience whatsoever. However, if you want to gain a better understanding of programming before you jump into high level languages, i suggest learning Batch, VBScript, HTML, and Javascript/CSS (in that order). Once you get to Javascript/CSS, you'll be able to determine which branch of language is easier for you. Javascript will lead you to C/C#/C++/Java, and CSS will lead you to Perl, Python, PHP and so on.



Hope this helped!

Answer 4

If you remember no programming at all I would recommend settling yourself back into it with some simple C programming. There are lots of tutorials online. After you get more comfortable with the basics like for loops, variables etc you can then move onto more object oriented languages like C++ or Java.

Answer 5

"C+" - I've never heard of this language, perhaps you're referring to "C++"?



"What is the easiest programming language for a beginner with absolutely no experience to pick up?"

I started with C, followed by Lisp. They are the only two programming languages I use; I have no desire to learn any others at this moment.



For learning C I suggest reading K&R2. For Lisp (Scheme) I suggest reading SICP. Scheme is probably a far better choice for a beginner due to its simplicity and minimalistic nature. C is more useful than Scheme due to its wide use for most practical programs. Since you seem to care more about *learning* programming, Scheme might be the way to go.



Of course, you might decide to learn neither of those two languages. I'm sure there are many others out there which make better first languages. Your goal should be to start learning one language and stick with it for a few years until you've mastered it.



edit:

I suppose, if you decide to learn one of those two languages, your next concern after finding a reference will be to find a compiler/interpreter. I suggest one of following:



C: GCC or Clang

Scheme: Chicken or Guile

Answer 6

all of the programming languages you bring up are extremely similar so there isn't one that's really easier than the other... the only difference in most programming languages is slight syntax changes.... BASIC is the easiest to learn but no one really uses it or desires it... honestly if your gonna learn programming, spend time learning a useful programming language that's well used like Java or C+

Answer 7

Pascal language can help you!

You can start programming in Pascal easily. Download and install Lazarus(a free RAD Pascal available for windows 32/64 and linux 32/64 ), then go to new-->program.

Answer 8

they all only have minor differences in the syntax but python is pretty good choice

Answer 9

As those few smart people tell you, it depends ENTIRELY on what kind of programming you want to do.