- #1
blynxGT
- 8
- 0
Hello,
I am a second year Mech Engineering student. I was co-oping this past spring and was introduced to programming/embedded systems in real life situations. Among this, simulation caught my attention as well. Have decided that it would be great to learn a language so that I can use it for both as a hobby and for augmenting my work skills. I know that the point of any language is to learn the concept and art of programming but I have various interests so I want to know a good programming language that can serve this purpose. I have narrowed it down to three choices personally: C++, Ada, and Python. I've already had a course in MATLAB but wanted to add something else. Well here is my reasoning behind the three:
Python: good easy language to "learn". multiple modules for both scientific and even some plug in graphics engines. Seems to have the best of both worlds since it seems to be well respected both as a hobbyist language and in the scientific community
Ada: I love aerospace and to me Ada seems like a really neat language to learn (not just because of aerospace). It can and is used for embedded systems but has OO capability and similarities to C++. I have seen a couple of 3D engines such a globe 3D written in Ada. It has applications for real-time, embedded and even simulation. Don't know how good it is as a number cruncher though. Also it seems to have not gained any momentum since it was introduced. Mainly used for ATC control, communications, and transportation safety systems.
C++: general all around programming language. Used for simulations and gaming as well as large software apps that Ada is used for. More widely accepted than Ada however. Combines low level memory access with higher level functions. Seems like a good choice but have heard mixed feeling about it in the engineering and science community (i.e. too bloated, design by committee, steep learning curve).
Honestly I have been doing some searching and talking to fellow colleagues at school but I still have yet to decide. I've used Python (well Vpython to be specific) in physics and python seemed cool enough to me. I would really like some input from people at the physics forum. Honestly i think learning how to do a bit of electronics and programming for electronics as well as simulation could go a long way in the future with my Mech Eng degree.
I am a second year Mech Engineering student. I was co-oping this past spring and was introduced to programming/embedded systems in real life situations. Among this, simulation caught my attention as well. Have decided that it would be great to learn a language so that I can use it for both as a hobby and for augmenting my work skills. I know that the point of any language is to learn the concept and art of programming but I have various interests so I want to know a good programming language that can serve this purpose. I have narrowed it down to three choices personally: C++, Ada, and Python. I've already had a course in MATLAB but wanted to add something else. Well here is my reasoning behind the three:
Python: good easy language to "learn". multiple modules for both scientific and even some plug in graphics engines. Seems to have the best of both worlds since it seems to be well respected both as a hobbyist language and in the scientific community
Ada: I love aerospace and to me Ada seems like a really neat language to learn (not just because of aerospace). It can and is used for embedded systems but has OO capability and similarities to C++. I have seen a couple of 3D engines such a globe 3D written in Ada. It has applications for real-time, embedded and even simulation. Don't know how good it is as a number cruncher though. Also it seems to have not gained any momentum since it was introduced. Mainly used for ATC control, communications, and transportation safety systems.
C++: general all around programming language. Used for simulations and gaming as well as large software apps that Ada is used for. More widely accepted than Ada however. Combines low level memory access with higher level functions. Seems like a good choice but have heard mixed feeling about it in the engineering and science community (i.e. too bloated, design by committee, steep learning curve).
Honestly I have been doing some searching and talking to fellow colleagues at school but I still have yet to decide. I've used Python (well Vpython to be specific) in physics and python seemed cool enough to me. I would really like some input from people at the physics forum. Honestly i think learning how to do a bit of electronics and programming for electronics as well as simulation could go a long way in the future with my Mech Eng degree.
