Coding languages I would learn (if I could start over)
Not all coding languages are practical and industry-relevant. If I could go back in time, I would learn these programming languages to maximize my career potential. 👑
A Plethora of Languages
Hey, Pirates 🏴☠️ PK here. Today, I want to talk to you about the coding languages I would learn if I could start over. With so many options, like C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, Python, Swift, etc., it can be overwhelming to decide which ones to focus on, especially if you're a beginner. But fear not because I've got you covered. 😎
Number One. Python
The first programming language I would learn is Python. According to the Stack Overflow Developer Survey, Python was the second most popular programming language in 2022 after JavaScript. With the rise of machine learning, AI, and data science, it's quickly becoming the go-to language for modern applications. Numerous conglomerates like Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Amazon have adopted Python for years. Python's also one of the easiest programming languages to learn. For those starting to learn to code, I recommend it as your first language. Its syntax is so simple and easy that it's considered the most beginner-friendly language. If you want to learn to code, I recommend the Crash Course on Python offered by Google on Coursera. You even earn a Google career certificate you can put on your resume and LinkedIn after course completion. Use my link to enroll for free. Python won't disappoint you if you want an easy-to-learn high career-profile language. If I could go back in time and learn to code from scratch again, I would definitely learn Python.
Number Two. JavaScript
Next, we have JavaScript. According to the Stack Overflow Developer Survey, it's been the most commonly used programming language for ten consecutive years. That's because JavaScript is virtually used everywhere. For example, most software engineers are involved with web technologies in one way or another, and JavaScript is the dominant player in that space. Look at the most commonly used web technologies list; the top six are all JavaScript based. You can pretty much say that everything you do on your web browser also runs on JavaScript. JavaScript is also versatile. For instance, you can become a full-stack developer with JavaScript alone. ReactJS is the most popular frontend framework. NodeJS, a backend framework, is the most commonly used web technology. What's more, React Native allows developers to create Android and iOS apps with native capabilities using the React framework (check out my FREE web development curriculum). If I were to look for my first job again, I would learn JavaScript to break into the industry.
Number Three. C#
C# comes in third on my list. According to Stack Overflow Developer Survey, C# is the second most commonly used strongly-typed programming language after Java. Despite C# coming in second place, I still recommend C# over Java because it's easier, simpler, more practical, and more convenient on multiple occasions. For example, you can build Windows applications, backend servers, cloud apps, native Android and iOS apps using Xamarin, games with Unity, the Internet of Things, etc., with C#. That's why DotNet, a C#-based framework, was voted the most popular library in non-web domains. As a former Microsoft engineer, I know that learning C# will broaden my career spectrum.
Number Four. Java
Java comes in fourth place. According to Stack Overflow, it's the most popular strongly- and statically-typed language. C# falls behind Java in popularity mainly because Java has a log of legacy code. It's also worth noting that big guys like Google and Amazon use Java, but only Microsoft uses C#. Despite slowly losing its dominance, Java's ubiquitous, with over three billion devices running on it. Many server applications are written in Java using frameworks like Spring. Java's no longer the official programming language for Android development but remains relevant in the industry. Nonetheless, Java is still one of the core programming languages I would learn to deepen my computer science fundamentals.
Number Five. C++
The fifth on my list is C++. It's actually an essential programming language if I were to become a game developer again. However, C++ is probably one of the most convoluted and difficult-to-write programming languages in the world. Even the senior operating systems engineers at Microsoft with decades of experience still confess they spend more time fighting its syntax than the logic; that's how bloody complicated C++ is. I absolutely have no clue why some schools teach introductory programming courses with C++. It pains me to hear students give up on coding because they couldn't keep up with the language. Coding is not for everyone, but C++ is the language with the steepest learning curve. But then, why C++? What is C++ for? As I mentioned, I would learn it if I were to become a game developer again. C++ is powerful. It's one of the fastest and most efficient programming languages out there. Most high-end games, like PlayStation, Xbox, and Unreal Engine, rely on C++. Pretty much any software that requires heavy computing power on limited hardware, like virtual reality headsets and smart glasses, is written in C++. Having said that, I wouldn't learn C++ as my first language due to its complexity. Learn it only if you are serious about it.
Number Six. SQL
Lastly, I have SQL. SQL (pronounced sequel) stands for Structured Query Language, a programming language used to communicate with databases. It's also the language required for building the backend. There are two types of databases: relational and non-relational; the latter's also called NoSQL. Both have pros and cons, but if I must choose one, I would learn NoSQL as it's easier and more flexible.
My thoughts on C
Before I close off, let me share my thoughts on C. C is a great programming language; it's, after all, the father of all programming languages. I have nothing against it, and I have used it before. However, I wouldn't learn it as a beginner, like C++. Hear me out. C can be confusing for beginners due to the concept called pointers. C is probably the only high-level programming language with pointers still intact; others, like Java and C#, have abstracted them to make it easier for developers to focus on the logic. In fact, that's how Java was born! One of Java's primary goals was to evolve into a C-like language with greater simplicity by removing pointers. Learning C will indeed help me better understand low-level computer systems, but at the cost of adding extra complexity. If I could start learning to code over, I would rather revisit C after mastering the fundamentals with easier languages like Python.
Become a Software Engineer: Springboard
So, there you have it, pirates, the coding languages I would learn if I could start over. If you're looking for a career with a high earning potential, you might want to consider becoming a software engineer. I recommend trying Springboard if you're looking for an affordable online tech bootcamp with a job guarantee. As a former Springboard mentor, I can attest to the effectiveness of its programs. You can also get a $1000 DISCOUNT on ANY program with my coupon code, PIRATEKING.
Free until you’re hired: Pathrise
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Final Thoughts
Whatever language you decide, try to stick to it; don't give up midway. As a software engineer, perseverance is essential. I promise you; if you master one language, you'll realize that all programming languages are virtually the same. Don’t forget to subscribe. Happy coding! Bye. ✌️
“Master one language, and you’ll realize that all programming languages are virtually the same.”
Related
🥾 Springboard Bootcamps - $1,000 DISCOUNT
⬆️ Pathrise: 1-to-1 Professional Mentorship (FREE until you’re hired)
📃 My Recommended Courses (Google’s Python Crash Course)
▶️ How I would learn to code
📖 PK's Software Development Curriculum
📖 PK's Web Development Curriculum
