Computer Programming Advice for prospective Physics Majors

[Diaz Lilahk]

Hello Everyone,
I am a high school physics teacher seeking to give advice to students of mine that are interested in pursuing a physics major. I would imagine that if they want to do any undergraduate research then they better have some programming experience, because I can not imagine how they would be comparatively useful otherwise. Am I correct in this assumption? If so, what programming languages should I recommend for them to learn?

 

[lanphys]

Hello Everyone,
I am a high school physics teacher seeking to give advice to students of mine that are interested in pursuing a physics major. I would imagine that if they want to do any undergraduate research then they better have some programming experience, because I can not imagine how they would be comparatively useful otherwise. Am I correct in this assumption? If so, what programming languages should I recommend for them to learn?

Working in the lab, the language I see most used is Python. I've seen C++ used less, but that may be a product of people not being as proficient with it. Experience with MATLAB is definitely good, as well as Latex.