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Which program is best to start learning coding?

I want to learn to code. Should I start with python, Java, etc. ?
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Thank you comment icon In my experience, Python has always been a good language to start out with. I'd recommend www.codecademy.com for a really fun, free, and interactive experience (especially if you're a fan of Monty Python!) Abby Lupi, Admin
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Hari’s Answer

That's a great question, Ramtin. My short answer is - if you looking for an easy language, pick Python. But if you want a deeper and better understanding of programming concepts, go with Java.


For a novice programmer, Python is a lot easier to learn compared to Java. It has recently become the more popular introductory programming language in colleges. Python gives you so many options to make programming fun and very simple. Having said that, since Python is meant to make programming easy, it also has a lot of magic that novice programmers will get used to without understanding the concept behind why something is done in a certain way.


If I had to pick one language to start with, I would go with Java only because it will really teach you the fundamentals of programming and the reason behind why things are implemented in a certain way. But note that you cannot go wrong with either of the two languages. They are the two most popular and widely used languages in the industry.
Thank you comment icon Your answer is great Hari, thanks so much for sharing your expertise! At this moment there are more than 800 unanswered questions so I wanted to encourage you to keep going! So many students will benefit tremendously from hearing from you. Keep up the great work! Lindsey Manning-Djabbari
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Leon’s Answer


Answer from Vinay Kola


<h1>"Vinay Kola</h1>

Software Developer at Snapchat


I would say Python.


A simple example of why is writing the "Hello, World" program in both languages.


Python:

<code>print 'Hello, World!'</code>


Java:


<pre class="ql-syntax" spellcheck="false">public class HelloWorld { public static void main(String[] args) { System.out.println("Hello, world!"); } } </pre>



Python, as a language, is very simple to learn and a surprising large amount of problems can be solved just using lists and dictionaries.


Also, be sure not to get stuck on decisions like this. The key here is to start learning something. Once you learn one of them, it won't take to learn to pick the other up too."


I would agree with Vinay, Python would be easier to learn and I also agree to learn something. I have been programming for 40 years and I have learned many computer languages. Languages are updated, new languages are added and old ones deleted every year. After you have learned a few languages, just go to google.com with a question about a new language and you will learn how to program that language very fast.


Good article from a Computer Science instructor.

https://www.quora.com/Between-Java-and-Python-which-one-is-better-to-learn-first-and-why


I read my copy of "Bloomberg Businessweek" February 19, 2018 edition and an article about Artificial Intelligence. "The War for AI Talent, And What Counts by Jeremy Kahn" describes the need for AI talent. Looking for AI talent "listed among their skills the programming languages (Python, TensorFlow) that underlie most AI software"

Leon recommends the following next steps:

Learn some computer language. Python would be a good one to start with since it is easy to setup and used for Artificial Intelligence.
Learn a browser language - java script.
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Nicole’s Answer

Hi Ramtin M. I see that you posted this question a little while ago so I hope my answer to you (or others who may read this response) is still helpful.

I agree with the notion that Python is a good language to learn and start with. Some of the benefits of Python include tools that allow you to be interactive with your coding. In other words, there are tools you can use that allow you write and run your code in separate pieces. Those pieces could be one line of code or several lines of code. By running your code in pieces, you get a chance to see the output when your code is properly written and when it isn't :). In other words, there are tools for Python that allow for interactive learning. And there is LOADS of online help for learning and writing in Python.

Another big benefit, in my view, of learning to write in Python are the many, many packages that accompany Python for data visualization. In the year 2021, as I am writing this response to you, the professional space of data analytics and data visualization continues to grow at a rapid pace. I have found many of the packages, that work within Python, to be helpful in quickly and accurately transforming rows and columns of data into visualizations that can help non-programmers understand what matters and what needs fixing.

In general terms, learning Python will be like learning any new language. It will take a little practice and a little perseverance but it will be a good language to learn and grow from.

Best of luck to you!
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