STOP Learning These Programming Languages (for Beginners)

Summary

This script advises new programmers on which languages to avoid when starting out, emphasizing ease of use and the ability to quickly build projects. It discourages C#, Java, C++, SQL, PHP, Swift, and Kotlin due to their complexity or specific use cases. Instead, it recommends JavaScript and Python for their accessibility and flexibility. The speaker also offers a free PDF guide for self-taught programmers to enhance their learning journey.

Takeaways

• 😀 Programming languages are tools, not collectibles, and new programmers should focus on learning rather than collecting many languages.
• 😟 Avoid C# and Java for beginners due to their complexity and setup requirements, which might be demoralizing for new programmers.
• 🚀 JavaScript is recommended for new programmers because it's easy to start with and allows for quick project development in web applications.
• 💪 C++ is a low-level language that requires understanding of memory management, making it unsuitable for beginners despite its benefits for seasoned programmers.
• 🔍 SQL is a query language, not a full-fledged programming language, and is best learned after gaining some programming experience.
• 🌐 PHP is widely used but not recommended as a first language due to its setup challenges and the availability of other, more beginner-friendly languages.
• 📱 Swift and Kotlin are great for mobile app development but are not recommended as first languages due to the difficulty of getting started and the need for foundational programming skills.
• 🔑 Python and JavaScript are excellent choices for first programming languages due to their ease of use and wide applicability.
• 🎯 Success in programming depends on discipline, grit, and commitment rather than the choice of the first programming language.
• 📚 The speaker offers a free PDF called 'The Self-Taught Programmer Study Manual' for additional guidance on self-teaching programming.
• 👋 The speaker emphasizes that the choice of the first programming language should not be overly complicated and encourages sticking with one language for a few months to gain proficiency.

Q & A

Why should new programmers avoid collecting many programming languages like Pokemon cards?

Programming languages are tools for building software, not collectibles. New programmers should focus on mastering a few languages rather than trying to learn a multitude, which can lead to confusion and slow progress.

What are the main drawbacks of starting with C# and Java for new programmers?

C# and Java, while popular and useful, have a steep learning curve for beginners due to their complex setup processes, including the need to download frameworks and IDEs, and the limitation to console applications in the beginning.

Why is JavaScript recommended as a first programming language for new programmers?

JavaScript is beginner-friendly because it only requires a code editor and a browser to start building web applications, allowing for quick progress and tangible results.

What is the primary issue with recommending C++ as a first programming language?

C++ is a low-level language that requires understanding of memory management and other complex concepts, making it unsuitable for beginners who should first learn the fundamentals of programming.

Why is SQL not recommended as a first programming language for new programmers?

SQL is a query language, not a full-fledged programming language, and is primarily used for interacting with databases. It's better suited for programmers who already have some programming experience.

What are the main reasons to avoid PHP as a first programming language?

PHP, despite its popularity, should be avoided by beginners due to its complexity in setup and the difficulty in starting projects. It's better to learn a more accessible language first.

Why might Swift and Kotlin not be the best choices for a first programming language?

Swift and Kotlin are primarily used for mobile app development and have a steep learning curve. They require navigating through many tutorials and setting up development environments, making them challenging for beginners.

What are the recommended first programming languages according to the script?

Python and JavaScript are both excellent choices for new programmers due to their ease of use, wide applicability, and the ability to quickly see the results of their coding efforts.

What is the importance of discipline and grit in learning a programming language?

Discipline and grit are crucial for success in learning any programming language. Committing to consistent learning over a long period, even with a language not typically recommended for beginners, can lead to mastery.

What resource is offered for self-taught programmers to enhance their learning experience?

A free PDF called 'The Self-Taught Programmer Study Manual' is offered, which contains wisdom and strategies on how to be an effective self-taught programmer and maximize study efforts.

What is the main advice for choosing a first programming language?

The main advice is to pick a language, stick to it for a few months, and learn as much as possible. Overthinking the choice can be counterproductive; the key is to start and persist.