You're starting out in software engineering. Which programming languages should you prioritize learning?

I believe it largely depends on your career goals. If you're aiming for a career in Data Science or Data Analytics, Python is an excellent choice. It has a robust community and a plethora of libraries. For those interested in Front-End Development, starting with JavaScript is a smart move. JavaScript is essential for web development, and once you're comfortable with it, you can explore various frameworks like React or Angular and probably Node.js for backend development. For those fascinated by Algorithmic Trading, learning C++ is a good option. Lastly, if your primary goal is to crack interviews and secure a job, Python is often the easiest language for interview-style questions.

Programming is about problem-solving and translating ideas into computer instructions. While algorithms are crucial, mastering at least one language is essential. Start with an object-oriented language like Java or C++ to learn key concepts and design patterns. Next steps depend on your goals: 1. Systems: C, C++, Rust 2. Web Backend: JavaScript (Node.js), Python, Java, Go 3. Web Frontend: JavaScript, TypeScript, React, Angular, Vue.js 4. iOS: Swift 5. Android: Kotlin, Java 6. AI/ML: Python, R The field evolves rapidly. Focus on core concepts and problem-solving skills, as these transfer across languages. Be ready to learn and adapt throughout your career.

Python provides the benefit of clear syntax - making it easy to learn when you are starting out. Also, the applicability and increasing usage of Python in multiple and versatile domains including GUI development, image processing, data analysis and web development makes it a good choice to learn.

I think it is good to begin with C and Python. First is good to develop the logical skills and second to learn the first steps, easily, in OOP. Through botth languages, the future software engineer will learn important concepts and fastly migrate to other programming languages and technologies.

JavaScript is essential for web development. As the scripting language of the Web, it allows us to create interactive websites and is crucial for both front-end and back-end development. With frameworks like Node.js, we can even build server-side applications using JavaScript. Mastering JavaScript will enable us to make web pages dynamic and provide the flexibility to work on a wide range of projects. Whether we're enhancing user interfaces or developing server-side logic, JavaScript is a must-know tool for modern web developers.

JavaScript often finds itself the subject of critique among programming languages. Much of the criticism stems from a misunderstanding of JavaScript's internal mechanisms, particularly how values are parsed and cast. A deeper comprehension of these processes reveals the logic and coherence within the language. JavaScript supports a wide range of applications, including interactive frontend elements, general programming tasks, visual projects (2D / 3D), and even video game development. Its versatility is matched by its accessibility; JavaScript is relatively easy for beginners to learn, making it an excellent starting point for aspiring developers.

Java and JavaScript would be my preferred languages. Java is a robust, object-oriented language widely used for building enterprise-level applications. It's the backbone of many large-scale systems and applications, particularly in banking, e-commerce, and Android development. Learning Java will provide you with a strong foundation in software engineering principles, such as object-oriented design, and enable you to work on a variety of projects, from web applications to mobile apps and large-scale enterprise systems. JavaScript, on the other hand, is the cornerstone of web development. It's the primary language for front-end development, allowing you to create interactive and dynamic web pages.

OOP is the base of the programming. I would prefer first learn OOP and start the journey to the programming. Also the Java is the oldest and most powerful language.

Java is a powerful and enduring language, integral to the industry for decades. As an object-oriented programming (OOP) language, it revolves around "objects" that contain data and methods. Java's platform independence, enabled by the Java Virtual Machine (JVM), makes it versatile for various environments. It's widely used in large systems, Android app development, and enterprise solutions. By learning Java, we also gain strong OOP principles and access opportunities in numerous large-scale projects, from robust backend systems to mobile applications.

If you are looking for Software Engg. then OOPS is must and to work within OOPS, Java will help you. If you want to go for Web Applications then do JS Basics. But for LONG RUN and Stability in IT go for JAVA Spring Stack, build some microservices and Learn AWS then you can go for interview.

Learning java can be an excellent decision if you aim to become a top-tier software engineer. While OOP became popular (allowed data and corresponding methods to be togeather) for modern applications, Java specifically stands out as my personal choice for the reasons reasons such as: 1. Write once, run anywhere 2. Performance (just in time compile , garbage collection) and scalability ( scale both horizontally and vertically) 3. Offers rich libraries, frameworks and enterprise tools. 4. Backward compatibility (older apps can still run on newer versions). 5. SpringBoot framework makes it a strong contender for modern enterprise applications for cloud deployments. By mastering Java, you are ready to tackle a wide range of challenges.

It depends on interest, once you get on track you will find certain domains from your programming language. As developer, I find C# and .NET are powerful tools for Web Development as backend, for mobile development as Xarmarin, for Game Development as C# with unity.

1. C# is a high-level language that's accessible to programmers of all skill levels. 2. C# has built-in security features that help protect applications from attacks and vulnerabilities. 3. Developers can write code faster and reduce errors and bugs with C# tools like IntelliSense and advanced debugging. 4. C# applications can run on any operating system, including Windows, Linux, and macOS. 5. C# is easy to maintain and scale, making it a good choice for building interactive apps, websites, and programs. 6. C# automatically manages memory space and detects and removes unsafe keywords. 7. C# comes with a large library that makes programming faster and more efficient.

C# and .NET are a powerful duo for developers. Think of C# as a versatile tool, like a Swiss Army knife, and .NET as the toolbox that enhances its capabilities. C# is known for its simplicity and strong typing, making it easier to catch errors early. .NET provides a rich library and runtime environment, supporting web, mobile, desktop, and cloud applications. Imagine building a house: C# is your hammer and nails, and .NET is the blueprint and materials, ensuring your projects are robust and scalable. Together, they streamline the development process and boost productivity.

During my university studies, I was introduced to C# and the .NET framework for building Windows applications but it was boring. However, my perspective on C# transformed when I began using it in Unity projects. This is where the real excitement began. As an enthusiast of OOP languages, I found C# to be exceptionally well-suited for game development. The OOP paradigm aligns perfectly with the structure of video games, where virtually everything can be conceptualized as an object. This makes C# a natural choice for crafting games in Unity. Moreover, C# is relatively easy to learn, and Unity provides a wealth of tutorials and resources to help newcomers master both the engine and the language.

If I start again in this field, I will again start learning C#, .NET, and .NET Core because they are widely used in enterprise applications, offer strong performance, and have robust community support. They provide a comprehensive framework for building scalable, high-performance software solutions.

While I am more or less agnostic regarding general purpose languages, it is imperative for the novice programmer to learn SQL and the database management systems based around it. With all the hype about BigData and NoSQL, it is easy to underestimate this technology as obsolete. Nothing further from the truth. While the new paradigms will continue to add value into the Decision Support Systems side of the aisle, SQL will remain the hegemon in Transactional Systems land; and the latter will continue to fulfill both public and private sector needs for structured data worldwide.

In modern Java applications, developers typically don't run SQL or CQL directly in their code. Instead, they use libraries and frameworks that manage database interactions more efficiently, securely, and with less boilerplate code. These tools abstract away raw queries, offering a more structured way to interact with databases. Despite the availability of these powerful libraries and frameworks, learning SQL remains crucial. It provides a deep understanding of database operations, helps with optimization and troubleshooting, and equips you to handle complex or unique database needs. SQL is a foundational skill that enhances your effectiveness as a software engineer and prepares you for various database challenges.

Understanding SQL is crucial for working with databases. It's used to communicate with and manipulate databases, making it an invaluable skill for software engineers. Almost every application needs to store data, which highlights the importance of SQL. Whether you're developing a web application or analyzing data, SQL enables us to interact with databases effectively. It's often used alongside other programming languages, providing a critical foundation for tasks involving data retrieval, updates, and management. Mastering SQL ensures you can handle data efficiently in various tech roles, and its widespread use in industry-standard database systems makes it an essential tool for any developer.

SQL is a fundamental technology used globally across various forms and database engines for one primary purpose: storing information. In the era of big data, the ability to store and manage vast amounts of information is essential. The data collected can be leveraged for numerous advanced applications, particularly in the realm of machine learning. Examples include fraud prevention, personalized recommendations, predictive analytics, and many other innovative solutions. SQL is accessible for beginners, allowing them to quickly grasp the basics of database management. However, it also offers a depth of complexity suitable for advanced data manipulation and querying, making it a versatile tool for both novice and experienced developers.

I believe we should create something that's both enjoyable and practical. Choose a programming language that matches your interests and career aspirations. The best language to learn is the one that will be most valuable for the projects you want to work on or the industry you plan to enter.

Ultimately, the languages we choose to learn should align with our interests and career goals. If mobile app development excites you, consider Swift for iOS or Kotlin for Android, alongside Java. For those drawn to machine learning, Python with libraries like TensorFlow or PyTorch would be beneficial. Remember, the best language to learn is the one that will be most useful for the projects you want to work on or the sector you wish to enter. Choosing wisely ensures you gain relevant skills and can effectively contribute to your desired field.

N?o existe uma linguagem de programa??o que resolva todos os problemas; sempre há escolhas mais adequadas para diferentes situa??es. Quando estou decidindo qual linguagem usar em um projeto, levo em conta vários fatores, como: - Quais linguagens os membros da equipe se sentem mais confortáveis usando? - Como a equipe lida com novas tecnologias e desafios desconhecidos? - Qual é o or?amento disponível para o projeto? - Quais s?o os principais desafios técnicos que já identificamos? - Qual linguagem parece ser a melhor op??o para superar esses desafios? Além desses pontos, outros fatores podem surgir ao longo do caminho, ajudando-me a tomar a decis?o mais acertada.

Choose a language based on its popularity in the domain in which you are interested. You are more likely to stick with it if you’re working in your area of interest and your investment in the ecosystem is relevant to that.

I would say, choose any language you like. There is no restriction on which one to study first. Some people suggest starting with C, as it is considered the mother of all programming languages. Others recommend Python, as it is thought to be simpler. I suggest you try and decide for yourself, experiment with different languages. If you don't have a PC, use an online compiler. Whether it's C, Java, JavaScript, or Python, it doesn't matter which one you try first. Explore as many as you can and choose the one that makes you feel, "This is it! This is the one I should study." If, after some time, you want to reconsider, go ahead! Change the language. After all, it's not the language that matters, but the effort you put into learning it.

I’ve found that if your aim is to become a specialist quickly (in fields like web development, data science or machine learning), taking up higher level programming languages would greatly accelerate your entry into such fields. For a more generalist/versatile approach, learning system-level, lower level languages like C gives a stronger foundation of computer systems and architecture, and will make learning multiple languages feel more natural.

I think what helps answer this question is understanding what field of software industry the person aims for. Embedded development, trading systems, web, data, etc. are different in terms of engineering aspects. Another important aspect is that new languages keep coming up. So at some point one needs to be open to switching languages and what helps in this case is a solid understanding of fundamentals. Perhaps the first language shouldn't necessarily be the easiest but one that gives a person a very good foundation.

Regardless of what others have already said which i mostly agree i have a different take on what language(s) to learn: - Learn 1 language from automated garbage collected category eg: python, javascript, java etc. One common thing with these languages are you shall have a good head-start and high productivity but you shall have to sacrifice performance - Learn 1 language from manual/zero garbage collection category eg: C, C++, Rust These languages are a bit hard to learn and will affect your productivity but they will give you top notch performance and you shall learn lower level stuffs which shall make you more skilled programmer.