How to Choose A First Programming Language

Summary

The script discusses the challenge of choosing the first programming language to learn, emphasizing that there's no one-size-fits-all answer. It suggests considering the user's environment and goals, such as developing a WordPress site with PHP or working with Ruby at Shopify. The key takeaway is that learning the fundamentals in any language makes picking up subsequent languages easier, encouraging beginners to start with PHP as an example.

Takeaways

• 🤔 The choice of the first programming language to learn is a significant decision that can be influenced by various factors.
• 📊 Usage statistics and developer satisfaction reviews can be considered when choosing a programming language, but they are not definitive answers.
• 🌐 There is no universally correct programming language to learn, similar to spoken languages, it depends on the individual's environment and needs.
• 🛠 If the goal is to work with platforms like WordPress or WooCommerce, PHP might be a natural choice.
• 💼 Having a mentor or friend who can guide you in a specific language, like Ruby for Shopify, can influence your language choice.
• 🔑 The importance of the fundamentals of programming is emphasized, suggesting that the initial language choice is less critical.
• 🔄 Learning one programming language makes it easier to learn subsequent languages due to the transferability of programming concepts.
• 📚 The script implies that the focus should be on learning the basics rather than getting caught up in the choice of the first language.
• 🚀 The speaker encourages learning PHP, suggesting it as a good starting point for beginners interested in web development.
• 🌟 The transcript highlights the idea that once you've grasped the fundamentals in one language, the next one becomes significantly easier to learn.
• 💡 The overall message is that the choice of the first programming language is situational and should be based on personal goals, environment, and available resources.

Q & A

Why is it difficult to choose the first programming language to learn?

Choosing the first programming language can be challenging due to the multitude of options available and the lack of expertise to differentiate between them.

What factors can influence the choice of the first programming language to learn?

Factors such as the specific development environment you're interested in, like WordPress or Shopify, or personal connections with developers who can guide you in a particular language, can influence your choice.

What is the significance of usage stats or developer happiness reviews in choosing a programming language?

Usage stats and developer happiness reviews can provide insights into the popularity and satisfaction of developers with a language, but they are not the only or definitive factors in making a choice.

Is there a 'correct' programming language to learn as a beginner?

No, there is no one 'correct' programming language to learn as a beginner. The choice depends on various personal and environmental factors.

Why is PHP recommended for those interested in WordPress development?

PHP is recommended for WordPress development because WordPress is built on PHP, making it the primary language for creating and managing WordPress sites.

How does having a friend who works at Shopify influence your choice of programming language?

If you have a friend who works at Shopify and they offer to show you the ropes, you are likely to work with Ruby, as Shopify's primary back-end language is Ruby.

What is the importance of learning the fundamentals of programming regardless of the language chosen?

Learning the fundamentals of programming is important because it provides a solid base that can be applied across different languages, making it easier to learn additional languages in the future.

How do programming concepts transfer between different languages once you've learned one?

Programming concepts such as loops, conditionals, and functions are universal and transferable, making it significantly easier to pick up a new language once you've learned one.

What does the speaker suggest as the initial approach to learning programming?

The speaker suggests focusing on learning the fundamentals of programming in any language, emphasizing that the specific language chosen at the beginning is less important.

Why is it said that the next programming language is easier to pick up after learning the first one?

After learning the first programming language, you become familiar with programming concepts and paradigms, which makes learning subsequent languages easier due to the transfer of knowledge.

What programming language does the speaker decide to learn and why?

The speaker decides to learn PHP, likely because it is a popular language for web development and the speaker wants to demonstrate its learning process in the context of the discussion.