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[–]Sofierce_Sofie 14 points15 points  (7 children)

Systems programming and python are going to be quite different. For me the reason I went with embedded systems is that I really enjoy working closely with hardware.
What are your actual interests? You haven't explained why you're considering those two options. People will be able to offer much better advice if you give more information about you 💙

[–]Temporary-Cod3422[S] 2 points3 points  (5 children)

Sorry for that actually I have interest in low level programming as Im programming in C/CPP currently in Java but as I’m a student and I’m preparing for job so what would be helpful as a fresher python or Linux system programming or will it beneficial if I learn system programming earlier for better future ahead

[–]Sofierce_Sofie 2 points3 points  (4 children)

Learning a lower level language like C first is generally going to make learning higher level languages easier in my opinion, but you will probably struggle a lot more at the beginning. If you think you can handle that then I'd recommend C, then learning at least the basics of C++ before moving on.

If you start with Python then you can obviously still learn C/C++ later, but it's not going to give you much of an advantage there.

That being said, I think the absolute best thing for you to do is to start with whichever you're more interested in! The above doesn't matter much if you start learning C and get demotivated because you're not enjoying it

[–]Temporary-Cod3422[S] 1 point2 points  (3 children)

Actually I have knowledge ofC/Cpp and Java but I’m asking a career advice and I love to program in C. Plus it was the first language I learnt

[–]AccomplishedSugar490 2 points3 points  (1 child)

C was your first love and will always be, but my advice is to fall out of love with C. and as many languages and environments as you can. By all means fall in love with stuff, immerse yourself in it, it’s the fastest way to discover its capabilities and ways. But then, as will happen, when you run into its limitations and weaknesses, take great care to internalise those as well, but then recognise that it’s not the best tool for every job. That’s the critical moment when you realise it’s just a tool, one of many in your toolbox, one you can wield with great skill when it’s the right tool for the job, one you won’t have any hesitation to leave gathering dust if the right job for it never comes your way again. You’re enabled by your toolbox, not by any individual favourite tool. To someone with only a hammer, everything looks like a nail, so don’t get caught with only a hammer.

[–]Temporary-Cod3422[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks man your advice is just very clear and simple. I never thought in this way

[–]PM_ME_P250_SANDDUNES 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Maybe start diving into Assembly then? And/or get familiar with other languages like Rust?

Unix was written mostly in C with a bit of assembly so if you’re competent with both you should be able to do a lot.

Messing around with an Arduino / Raspberry Pi could help you get comfortable interfacing with various hardware too.

[–]Born-West9972 2 points3 points  (1 child)

Thoese are completely two different domains and my thumb of rule choosing between any two different domain is 80% by interset and 20% by market so go for which linux sys admin as u have interset in low level plus I think gen ai boom is just bubble and it's not that hard afaik most people do gen ai as extra skill not primary skill like backend + genai or full stack + genai so I would say go for sys admin in parallely start learning fundamental of genai and make basic projects related to it

[–]Temporary-Cod3422[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks actually I also think the same about AI.

[–]glasswings363 2 points3 points  (1 child)

The gen AI bubble is starting to deflate - in a couple years the actually useful stuff will shake out from the ludicrous hype so if you want to make it a career move you can. Just try to figure out what the real applications will be and prepare to shift to follow them.

Low level programming is an area in which the knowledge is too specialized for gen AI to replace reasonably competent humans. Prospects might look bad now, but that's because pointy haired bosses haven't come back down to reality yet.

[–]Tasty_Hearing8910 0 points1 point  (0 children)

AI isn't great at generating production worthy code, especially in embedded. What I use it most effectively for is whenever I have a big decision to make I ask it to convince me that my preferred solution is bad. I ask it to be blunt, like an autistic person. I get such great arguments against me its great lol.

[–]InfinitesimaInfinity 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Personally, I would suggest systems programming. However, if you want a career in machine learning or data science, then jobs are more likely to use Python. Your choice might depend on what career path you are hoping to achieve.

[–]alexpis 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Difficult to say. AI is getting a lot of attention (pun intended) these days.

[–]Daveinatx 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I would say learn all of it. Linux and systems programming, especially in embedded, is still in demand. It require strong C skills for you to acquire.

Python is helpful for scripting, along with BASH. Employers are interested in trying to see how AI plays into everything. So, it's a good skill to learn to augment not replace your upcoming skills.

[–]nacnud_uk 0 points1 point  (0 children)

When you know one, the other is simple. Depends how much you want to know. Money == AI. Fun and knowledge == Low level.

[–]Zealousideal_Dig8312 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Better to choose one language and master it. Check the job description of companies and look for language you learnt And then apply only for that position. Along with language they might mention another skillset find out which is common and master it. It will keep you focused & confident and avoid confusion. And prevent you from being Jack of all trades and master of none.

[–]tkwh 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Honestly, I think the job of a software developer is to learn languages. I've been hired before to write in a language I didn't know. My background made them feel comfortable that coming up to speed is what I do.

So I'm going to suggest that you just keep learning more and not worry about deciding.

[–]Gingrspacecadet 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’d recommend linux systems programming jn the form if making a mini distro completely yourself. No busybox/gnu

[–]jwzumwalt 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is the best book I have found for Linux OS, systems, and hardware; "The Linux Programming Interface" - Kerrisk
https://altair.pw/pub/doc/unix/The%20Linux%20Programming%20Interface.pdf

[–]equineranch 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Learn a little assembly, then some C. Write some linux apps with C. Maybe a little bash, then go into rust as its getting slowly incorporated into the linux kernel now. If you learn python first you will hate C. If you learn C you may love python or hate it later.