What Should I Learn First: Python, PERL, or C++?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the choice of a first programming language, specifically comparing Python, PERL, and C++. Participants express varying opinions on the suitability of each language for beginners, considering factors such as ease of use, industry relevance, and specific programming goals.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants advocate for Python as a beginner-friendly language, citing its versatility and ease of use.
  • Others argue that Python may not meet all needs for more advanced projects, suggesting that PERL or C++ might be better suited for certain applications.
  • A few participants mention that Python is not widely used in industry, although others counter that it is gaining traction and is utilized by major organizations like NASA and Google.
  • Some suggest alternative languages such as trueBASIC, Pascal, Java, and JavaScript as potential starting points, each with their own merits and drawbacks.
  • Concerns are raised about the learning curve associated with C and C++, with some asserting that they may be too complex for beginners.
  • Participants discuss the potential downsides of starting with Visual Basic (VB), including the development of bad programming habits and its limitations in mathematical capabilities.
  • There is a call for clarification on the specific goals of the original poster, as this could significantly influence the choice of programming language.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on which language is the best choice for beginners. Multiple competing views remain regarding the suitability of Python, PERL, C++, and other languages, with ongoing debate about their respective advantages and disadvantages.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the industry relevance of Python and PERL, while others highlight the evolving nature of programming languages and their applications. The discussion reflects a range of experiences and opinions, with no definitive resolution on the best starting language.

  • #31
First-off, if you wanted to learn programming instead of letting us decide, you would of searched Google to choose the language that met your needs.

Instead, you took a short-cut and simply asked. Something hackers hate.

You would realize, that Perl cannot do all the things you listed if you researched correctly.

So, in short, I do not have to know you. I simply judge this by the your approach to learning.
 
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  • #32
I wanted to ask people who knew what they were talking about and for your information if I hadn't done research on them I wouldn't have had a hard time deciding which language to do. I have seen what PERL and Python can do first hand (from the programmers I mentioned way back) so I couldn't decide which one to chose. Is that okay with you or should I run all my decisions by you? and by the way, it was an accident that I typed I decided PERL, I really had decided Python I was looking at a link that someone sent me and at the moment I had been comparing PERL and Python. I had just read a little on PERL so it came out as PERL. If you don't believe me here is what I was using to check out a little more on each. http://cgibin.erols.com/ziring/cgi-bin/cep/cep.pl
 
  • #33
All I am saying is that if you did do research you would see that Python was clearly the language to choose.

http://www.hprog.org
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #34
and uh as I made clear in my last post i did chose it.
 

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