My brother told me to start with Python, not C++

He's a software engineer and said it would be less frustrating for a beginner. I tried C++ first anyway and got stuck on pointers for a solid week. I switched to Python like he said and built a simple number guessing game in an afternoon. For people just starting, is there a 'right' first language or does it not matter much?

3 comments

3 Comments

felixb259d ago

@sandra_black touched on something important with the confidence thing. But the real hidden win with Python first is that it teaches you programming concepts in a straight line without the language itself tripping you up every two minutes. C++ is a beast, pointers and memory management are real barriers that have nothing to do with whether you can solve a problem logically. If you start with Python and learn loops, conditionals, and functions, then later switching to C++ is way easier because you already know the logic part. The syntax fights you but at least the ideas are already there.

cameron3181mo ago

Got stuck on pointers for a solid week" is the perfect example. I read a blog that said the first language should get you making things fast, not fighting the compiler. Python does that.

sandra_black1mo ago

Yeah, your brother gave good advice. Python lets you focus on the actual logic instead of getting lost in memory stuff like @cameron318 mentioned. That early win of building something, even a small game, keeps you going. Starting with a language that gets out of your way is way better for building confidence.