What Code Should I Learn First? Choosing your initial programming language can be daunting, but it’s a crucial decision that impacts your coding journey. At LEARNS.EDU.VN, we guide you through factors like job market relevance and project feasibility to help you select the best starting point for a successful career in tech. Explore how JavaScript offers a fast track to web development and beyond. Discover valuable insights and resources at LEARNS.EDU.VN. Consider leveraging JavaScript skills and career prospects when making your decision.
1. Understanding the Programming Landscape
The journey to becoming a proficient programmer often begins with a single search query, such as “Learn [Programming Language]”. However, the sheer number of languages available can be overwhelming. Deciding which language to start with requires careful consideration of various factors, beyond just popularity or novelty.
It’s easy to get caught up in trends, such as the jokes about Java in the TV series “Silicon Valley” or the fleeting popularity of languages like Haskell, or even the allure of a cute programming language mascot.
Instead, consider these critical aspects when selecting your first programming language:
- Job Market Demand: Which languages are employers actively seeking?
- Long-Term Prospects: What is the likely future relevance and growth of the language?
- Ease of Learning: How steep is the learning curve for beginners?
- Project-Based Learning: What kinds of projects can you build to stay motivated and engaged?
Each year brings new programming languages to the forefront, along with academic research and even webcomics poking fun at the industry. When choosing a first language, it’s essential to look beyond the hype and focus on practical considerations.
1.1. Popular Programming Languages Over Time
Looking at Google search trends over the past 12 years reveals some interesting shifts in interest regarding programming languages. Java has seen fluctuations, while Python has steadily gained popularity. Another notable trend is the consistent rise of JavaScript.
While it’s important to note that no single language is universally superior, and developers should ideally learn multiple languages over time, it’s best to start with one and learn it well. For many, that first language should be JavaScript.
2. Traditional Computer Science Education
Universities often teach programming within the broader context of computer science, which is frequently linked to mathematics or electrical engineering. However, it’s important to remember that:
“Computer science education cannot make anybody an expert programmer any more than studying brushes and pigment can make somebody an expert painter.” — Eric S. Raymond
Many universities still approach programming as a theoretical subject, similar to computer science or mathematics. Introductory courses often focus on low-level languages like C or mathematically oriented languages like MATLAB. Department heads often point to annual programming language leaderboards such as the TIOBE Index or the IEEE rankings.
While these rankings provide a general overview, they may not accurately reflect the languages most relevant to the current job market.
2.1. Shifts in Academic Curricula
Despite the slow pace of change in academia, shifts do occur. In 2014, Python surpassed Java as the most popular introductory language in top US computer science programs.
However, the languages actually used in the workforce often paint a different picture.
2.2. The Dominance of JavaScript in the Real World
According to surveys, JavaScript is by far the most popular language among developers. It is essential for front-end web development and increasingly relevant for back-end development, as well as rapidly expanding into areas such as game development and the Internet of Things.
Job postings reflect this trend, with JavaScript being mentioned more than any other programming language except Java.
LEARNS.EDU.VN has built its curriculum around JavaScript because it offers a direct path to a first developer job. Choosing the right language to start with is a personal decision, it is worth exploring the factors that make JavaScript a strong candidate.
3. Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a First Language
3.1. Factor 1: The Job Market
If your goal is to secure a job as a developer, the job market is a critical factor. While Java is frequently mentioned in job postings, JavaScript is a close second. However, the demand for JavaScript developers is high, and the supply is relatively low.
This creates a favorable environment for JavaScript developers, as there are fewer developers competing for each open position compared to languages like Java, PHP, and iOS. According to data, there are 2.7 Java developers competing for every Java position, while there are only 0.6 JavaScript developers for every JavaScript position.
3.2. Factor 2: Long-Term Prospects
The JavaScript ecosystem is vibrant and constantly evolving. JavaScript projects receive twice as many pull requests as the average Java, Python, or Ruby project. The language is also growing faster than any other popular language.
JavaScript’s ecosystem benefits from significant investment from companies like Google, Microsoft, Facebook, and Netflix. TypeScript, a statically typed superset of JavaScript, has numerous open-source contributors, including employees from Microsoft and Google who are paid to work on it.
This level of inter-company cooperation is less common with Java. Oracle, which owns Java through its acquisition of Sun Microsystems, has a history of suing companies that try to expand upon it.
3.3. Factor 3: Difficulty to Learn
High-level scripting languages like JavaScript, Python, and Ruby are generally considered easier to learn than languages like Java and C++.
While universities may still teach Java and C++ as first languages, these languages have a steeper learning curve.
3.4. Factor 4: Projects You Can Build
JavaScript’s versatility makes it ideal for building a wide range of projects. JavaScript runs in any browser on any device, making it easy to share your work.
Jeff Atwood, the co-founder of Stack Overflow, famously stated that “Any application that can be written in JavaScript, will eventually be written in JavaScript.” This has become known as Atwood’s Law.
While Java once promised to run everywhere with Java Applets, Oracle has since discontinued them. Python also faces challenges when it comes to distributing projects, as noted by James Hague in “Retiring Python as a Teaching Language.”
JavaScript enables you to build and share projects easily. Here are some examples of apps built by members of the LEARNS.EDU.VN community using CodePen:
Star Wars-themed Wikipedia Search
A rougelike dungeon crawler game
4. Mastering One Language Before Moving On
Jumping between languages can hinder your progress. It’s crucial to master your first language before moving on to others. Once you have a solid foundation, learning subsequent languages becomes much easier.
4.1. Expanding Your Skill Set
After mastering your first language, you can broaden your skills by learning additional languages:
- C: Useful for understanding memory management and high-performance computing.
- C++: Excellent for game development.
- Python: Ideal for science and statistics.
- Java: Important for working at large tech companies.
While these languages have their merits, starting with JavaScript can provide a strong foundation for your programming journey.
5. Addressing Common Objections to Learning JavaScript First
5.1. Objection 1: Isn’t JavaScript Slow?
For most practical purposes, JavaScript is as fast as high-performance languages. JavaScript (Node.js) is significantly faster than Python, Ruby, and PHP. It is also nearly as fast as high-performance languages like C++, Java, and Go.
5.2. Objection 2: But JavaScript Isn’t Statically Typed
JavaScript is dynamically typed, which can be convenient but also lead to errors. For example, if you intend for a variable to be an array but accidentally assign it a string, you may encounter unexpected behavior.
exampleArray = [<span>1</span>, <span>2</span>] -> [<span>1</span>, <span>2</span>]
exampleArray.length -> <span>2</span>
exampleArray = “text” -> “text”
exampleArray.length -> <span>4</span>While these types of errors can occur in dynamically typed languages, most developers implement checks and write tests to prevent them.
If static typing is a must-have for your first programming language, you can still learn JavaScript first and then quickly pick up TypeScript.
“Typescript has a learning curve, but if you already know JavaScript, it will be a smooth one.” — Alex Ewerlöf on TypeScript
5.3. Objection 3: But I Really Want to Make a Mobile App
You can still learn JavaScript first.
- JavaScript offers tools for building native mobile apps, such as Angular Cordova and React Native.
- For your mobile app to be functional, it will likely need a back end, which you can build with a web development framework like Node.js + Express.js.
It’s also worth noting that mobile app development may be past its peak. While people use mobile apps, web development accounts for a significantly larger percentage of developer jobs compared to mobile app development.
The vision of “there’s an app for that” has not fully materialized. Most smartphone users have stopped downloading new apps and primarily use a few popular apps like Facebook and Google Maps.
Many aspects of developing, maintaining, and distributing mobile apps are easier with JavaScript. Companies like Facebook and Google are investing heavily in tools for building mobile apps using JavaScript.
5.4. Objection 4: Isn’t JavaScript a Toy Language That Was Written in 10 Days?
JavaScript does have a quirky history. You will undoubtedly hear jokes about it. However, like C++, JavaScript has succeeded despite criticism and is now widely used.
As Bjarne Stroustrup, the creator of C++, famously said:
“There are only two kinds of programming languages: those people always bitch about and those nobody uses.”
6. FAQs About Choosing Your First Programming Language
6.1. What is the best programming language for beginners?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but Python and JavaScript are often recommended due to their readability and extensive resources. Python is great for data science and general-purpose programming, while JavaScript is essential for web development.
6.2. Is JavaScript a good language to start with in 2024?
Yes, JavaScript remains an excellent choice. Its ubiquity in web development, along with frameworks like React, Angular, and Vue.js, makes it highly relevant. It also has a large community and abundant learning resources.
6.3. Should I learn HTML and CSS before JavaScript?
Yes, it’s beneficial to learn HTML and CSS before JavaScript, especially if you’re interested in web development. HTML provides the structure of web pages, CSS styles them, and JavaScript adds interactivity. Understanding HTML and CSS will make learning JavaScript in the context of web development much easier.
6.4. What are the long-term career prospects for JavaScript developers?
The career prospects for JavaScript developers are excellent. With the continued growth of web and mobile applications, the demand for skilled JavaScript developers is expected to remain high. Additionally, JavaScript’s versatility allows developers to work on both front-end and back-end development.
6.5. What type of projects can I build as a beginner in JavaScript?
As a beginner in JavaScript, you can build a variety of projects, including:
- Simple web pages with interactive elements
- To-do list applications
- Basic games like tic-tac-toe
- Interactive forms and surveys
- Data visualization dashboards
6.6. How long does it take to learn JavaScript?
The time it takes to learn JavaScript varies depending on your learning style, dedication, and prior experience. However, with consistent effort, you can grasp the basics of JavaScript in a few weeks and start building simple projects. Mastering the language and its frameworks may take several months to a year.
6.7. What are the best resources for learning JavaScript?
There are many excellent resources for learning JavaScript, including:
- Online courses on platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and Codecademy
- Interactive tutorials on websites like freeCodeCamp and Khan Academy
- Books like “Eloquent JavaScript” and “You Don’t Know JS” series
- Documentation on the Mozilla Developer Network (MDN)
6.8. Is it necessary to learn frameworks like React or Angular?
While not strictly necessary, learning frameworks like React or Angular can significantly enhance your skills as a JavaScript developer and open up more job opportunities. These frameworks provide structure and tools for building complex web applications efficiently.
6.9. How can I stay motivated while learning to code?
Staying motivated while learning to code can be challenging, but there are several strategies you can use:
- Set realistic goals and celebrate small achievements
- Work on projects that interest you
- Join online communities and connect with other learners
- Participate in coding challenges and hackathons
- Seek out mentors or experienced developers for guidance
6.10. What are the common challenges faced by beginner programmers and how to overcome them?
Beginner programmers often face challenges such as:
- Understanding complex concepts
- Debugging code
- Staying motivated
- Knowing where to start
To overcome these challenges, break down complex concepts into smaller parts, practice debugging techniques, set realistic goals, and seek out support from online communities and mentors.
7. Conclusion: Embark on Your Coding Journey with Confidence
Choosing the first programming language to learn is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your coding journey. While various languages have their merits, JavaScript stands out as a versatile and in-demand option for beginners. Its ubiquity in web development, along with its extensive ecosystem and abundant learning resources, makes it an excellent choice for those looking to enter the world of programming.
At LEARNS.EDU.VN, we provide comprehensive resources and guidance to help you master JavaScript and kickstart your career in tech. Whether you’re interested in front-end development, back-end development, or mobile app development, JavaScript can serve as a solid foundation for your programming endeavors.
Ready to take the next step?
Visit LEARNS.EDU.VN today to explore our JavaScript courses, tutorials, and community forums. Our expert instructors and supportive community will help you gain the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in the world of coding.
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