5 answers
Nathan
Student
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Questions
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What programming languages would you recommend starting with for a career in Computer Programming?
I am a high school student looking for information for a career project on Computer Programming.
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5 answers
Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
Electrical engineer, researcher and Software Developer
154
Answers
Ethiopia
Updated
Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
Starting a career in computer programming can be exciting and rewarding. Begin with Python or JavaScript, as they are great for beginners. Focus on understanding basic programming concepts like variables, loops, and functions. Practice by creating small projects. Remember, programming is about solving problems, thinking creatively, and using tech to make life better and solve real-world issues.
If you're curious about web development, start with the basics: HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. These are the core of the web. Once you feel comfortable, explore data structures and algorithms to boost your problem-solving skills. After that, dive into popular tools like React for frontend and Node.js for backend development. These will help you create dynamic, full-stack web apps that are in high demand.
For those keen on software development, try building desktop or mobile apps. For desktop, C# with .NET or Java are excellent choices. For mobile, Swift for iOS or Kotlin for Android are great options. Also, learn about databases and APIs, as they are key for creating data-driven apps.
If game development excites you, look into C# with Unity or C++ with Unreal Engine. These are perfect for making 2D and 3D games. Start with small projects and gradually tackle bigger ones as you grow more confident.
Besides technical skills, join the programming community. Use platforms like Stack Overflow and GitHub to ask questions, learn, and share knowledge. Engage in coding challenges on sites like LeetCode, HackerRank, and Codeforces to sharpen your skills, especially for technical interviews. Update your resume and LinkedIn to highlight your skills and projects.
Keep learning, stay curious, and work on projects that thrill you. With dedication and regular practice, you'll be on the path to a successful programming career. Good luck!
If you're curious about web development, start with the basics: HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. These are the core of the web. Once you feel comfortable, explore data structures and algorithms to boost your problem-solving skills. After that, dive into popular tools like React for frontend and Node.js for backend development. These will help you create dynamic, full-stack web apps that are in high demand.
For those keen on software development, try building desktop or mobile apps. For desktop, C# with .NET or Java are excellent choices. For mobile, Swift for iOS or Kotlin for Android are great options. Also, learn about databases and APIs, as they are key for creating data-driven apps.
If game development excites you, look into C# with Unity or C++ with Unreal Engine. These are perfect for making 2D and 3D games. Start with small projects and gradually tackle bigger ones as you grow more confident.
Besides technical skills, join the programming community. Use platforms like Stack Overflow and GitHub to ask questions, learn, and share knowledge. Engage in coding challenges on sites like LeetCode, HackerRank, and Codeforces to sharpen your skills, especially for technical interviews. Update your resume and LinkedIn to highlight your skills and projects.
Keep learning, stay curious, and work on projects that thrill you. With dedication and regular practice, you'll be on the path to a successful programming career. Good luck!
Kavyashree A
Resource Management Analyst
21
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Kavyashree’s Answer
Starting with foundational programming languages is an excellent way to build a solid base for a career in computer programming. Here are my top recommendations:
1. **Python**: It's beginner-friendly, versatile, and widely used in web development, data analysis, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. Its simplicity allows you to focus on learning programming concepts without getting overwhelmed by syntax.
2. **JavaScript**: Essential for web development, JavaScript lets you create dynamic and interactive websites. It's also growing in areas like backend development with Node.js and mobile app development.
3. **Java**: Known for its versatility and compatibility across platforms, Java is used in web applications, enterprise solutions, and Android app development. It's also a fantastic way to learn object-oriented programming.
4. **C/C++**: Learning C helps you understand how programming interacts with hardware, and C++ introduces concepts like object-oriented programming. Both are excellent for systems programming and game development.
5. **SQL**: While not a traditional programming language, SQL is vital for working with databases, which is critical in most software applications.
6. **Ruby**: Known for its readability and simplicity, Ruby is great for web development, especially if you dive into frameworks like Ruby on Rails.
7. **Scratch** (for younger beginners): If you're new to coding entirely or want to explore programming in a visual and drag-and-drop environment, Scratch is a fun starting point.
As you explore these languages, keep in mind your career aspirations. For example:
- Web Developers focus heavily on **JavaScript**, **HTML/CSS**, and **Python**.
- Data Scientists lean toward **Python**, **R**, and **SQL**.
- Game Developers often work with **C++** and **C#**.
Start small, master the basics, and let your interest guide your next steps. Which of these sparks your curiosity?
1. **Python**: It's beginner-friendly, versatile, and widely used in web development, data analysis, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. Its simplicity allows you to focus on learning programming concepts without getting overwhelmed by syntax.
2. **JavaScript**: Essential for web development, JavaScript lets you create dynamic and interactive websites. It's also growing in areas like backend development with Node.js and mobile app development.
3. **Java**: Known for its versatility and compatibility across platforms, Java is used in web applications, enterprise solutions, and Android app development. It's also a fantastic way to learn object-oriented programming.
4. **C/C++**: Learning C helps you understand how programming interacts with hardware, and C++ introduces concepts like object-oriented programming. Both are excellent for systems programming and game development.
5. **SQL**: While not a traditional programming language, SQL is vital for working with databases, which is critical in most software applications.
6. **Ruby**: Known for its readability and simplicity, Ruby is great for web development, especially if you dive into frameworks like Ruby on Rails.
7. **Scratch** (for younger beginners): If you're new to coding entirely or want to explore programming in a visual and drag-and-drop environment, Scratch is a fun starting point.
As you explore these languages, keep in mind your career aspirations. For example:
- Web Developers focus heavily on **JavaScript**, **HTML/CSS**, and **Python**.
- Data Scientists lean toward **Python**, **R**, and **SQL**.
- Game Developers often work with **C++** and **C#**.
Start small, master the basics, and let your interest guide your next steps. Which of these sparks your curiosity?
Elliot Jordan
Web Developer
102
Answers
Indianapolis, Indiana
Updated
Elliot’s Answer
How about HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to get started? After that maybe Python and you have a career. Really those 4 right now (possibly with SQL for a database) would set you up very well. Those are all very popular and widely used languages. Nothing wasted on those.
Luning Wang
Master's student at Electrical and Computer Engineering
8
Answers
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Updated
Luning’s Answer
I would recommand Python if you are trying to build something exciting quickly. Learning Python would really reward you with a sense of accomplishment. However if you are seriously considering to take CS as your major in the future, I'd recommend that you start with C/C++ as they are very low-level languages that provide you with many essential concepts in the field of CS (like pointers, gc, etc), although they are more difficult to learn than Python.
Raj Desai
Software Architect
13
Answers
San Jose, California
Updated
Raj’s Answer
That’s a great question—and a smart one for your career project! Here are the top beginner-friendly programming languages that are also super useful for real-world jobs in computer programming:
1. Python
Why: Easy to read, beginner-friendly, and super versatile.
Used For: Web development, automation, data science, AI, and more.
Fun Fact: Many schools and universities use Python to teach programming.
2. JavaScript
Why: It’s the language of the web.
Used For: Websites, interactive features, mobile apps, and game development.
Pro Tip: If you want to make websites, JavaScript is a must.
3. Java
Why: Popular in big companies and used for many computer science courses.
Used For: Android apps, enterprise software, and backend systems.
Bonus: Many job postings still ask for Java knowledge.
4. C or C++
Why: Helps you understand how computers really work.
Used For: Operating systems, game engines, and performance-heavy applications.
Heads Up: Slightly harder to learn, but great for deep understanding.
5. SQL
Why: Essential for working with databases.
Used For: Reading, writing, and organizing data in almost every industry.
Quick Win: Learning basic SQL doesn’t take long and is very practical.
Where to Start:
If you're just starting out, Python and JavaScript are awesome choices. They're widely used, easy to learn, and help you build real projects early on.
1. Python
Why: Easy to read, beginner-friendly, and super versatile.
Used For: Web development, automation, data science, AI, and more.
Fun Fact: Many schools and universities use Python to teach programming.
2. JavaScript
Why: It’s the language of the web.
Used For: Websites, interactive features, mobile apps, and game development.
Pro Tip: If you want to make websites, JavaScript is a must.
3. Java
Why: Popular in big companies and used for many computer science courses.
Used For: Android apps, enterprise software, and backend systems.
Bonus: Many job postings still ask for Java knowledge.
4. C or C++
Why: Helps you understand how computers really work.
Used For: Operating systems, game engines, and performance-heavy applications.
Heads Up: Slightly harder to learn, but great for deep understanding.
5. SQL
Why: Essential for working with databases.
Used For: Reading, writing, and organizing data in almost every industry.
Quick Win: Learning basic SQL doesn’t take long and is very practical.
Where to Start:
If you're just starting out, Python and JavaScript are awesome choices. They're widely used, easy to learn, and help you build real projects early on.