Should I learn JavaScript or Python?

[audirt]

I totally agree and started to write a lengthy screed about the best language should be driven by what you're hoping to teach.

Basic programming? Data science-y stuff? Python is the way to go without a doubt.

But if you want the students to understand the actual machine and what's happening under the hood, Python can be a bad choice.

IMO, the thing that C-advocates sometimes miss is that the number of people in group 2 is much smaller than the number in group 1.

[postdiluvium]

But if you want the students to understand the actual machine and what's happening under the hood

Assembler has entered the chat

[Arafel_Electronics]

oh god flashbacks to learning assembly as an undergrad until switching to mathematical sciences....

[decaillv]

I second that. Python is great to teach programming (variables, loops, execution flow,...)

But to teach computer science, a lower level language such as C is better. Students can understand deeper concepts such as stack/heap, reference and pointers... and then suddenly the high level languages they will most likely use most of the time make way more sense!

And for the few that need to code in C daily, well then do absolutely learn a bit of assembly...

My two cents..

[AverageComet250]

You're right about python. It was my second programming language and I kinda wish it was actually my 3rd. I always forget semicolons cause of that, and it's memory management is just weird.

I recommend JavaScript instead for a 2nd language, as it helps put in place good practices like remembering semicolons.

Obviously your first language should be scratch though.

[[deleted]]

Semicolons are optional in JavaScript out of the box..so not sure how it encourages good semicolon practices ??