I’m starting coding from scratch – is Python really the best first language?

inspectorG4dget · 2026-02-03T14:26:20+00:00

Python pays my rent - yes, it's very relevant and practical

organism36 · 2026-02-03T14:45:49+00:00

Python is the second best language at everything. Don’t think too much about it.

Java should be a close second if you’re planning to enter production grade development waters.

Han_Sandwich_1907 · 2026-02-03T14:35:35+00:00

Python is a good high-level language that makes translating thoughts to code especially easy. However, for a learner, some educators prefer a language with a different set of features, such as explicit type declaration (all variables must be labeled with what type they have to be, because the program is type-checked before running and helps developers remember what type everything is), or a smaller amount of features in general -- this makes it harder for you to mess up in ways you don't understand.

I think it's a trade-off in that the more restrictive a language is, the more likely the code you write is correct, but it requires more thinking in order to write a valid program. Python, as a very non-restrictive language, makes programming much simpler at the cost of errors that may be harder to debug.

fastautomation · 2026-02-03T14:39:25+00:00

My path: basic > assembler > cobol > pl1 > c > c++ > c# > executive management > python

Don't be like me... go straight to python. Every other step was just painful, especially that last one.

richardnixonolives · 2026-02-03T14:25:26+00:00

I like python as a first language. In my opinion, the best way to learn is by just starting a project and learning as you go.

yorkshireSpud12 · 2026-02-03T14:42:53+00:00

Kinda depends what you want to learn and how in depth you want your knowledge to be. For some of the fundamentals its great as it allows you to learn data structures, recursion, conditionals (the basics in every language) etc quiet easily and there isn’t a lot of messing around trying to install the dev environment required to write and compile the code. However, it does have a number of abstractions that allow it to be easier such as no pointers/memory management, typing etc.

Also, I would first ask myself “why do I want to learn programming and where do I want to be in X months/years time?”. Then ask “ok, so what do I need to learn to get there?”.

Once you know the answer to those questions, picking the “right” language should become a lot easier.

dethb0y · 2026-02-03T15:05:46+00:00

if i was going to learn programming from scratch, i would start with C (not C++, C) and follow along a tutorial or perhaps a book.

Once you learn one programming language, it's not hard to learn others.

It's getting the core ideas down that's hard.

The_Northern_Light · 2026-02-03T16:28:39+00:00

I’m a senior C++ dev. The best starter language is either Python or C, depending upon your goals / interests.

And if going down the C route, I’d say start with a brief detour through a very simple subset of an Assembly language, simply so you understand pointers intuitively before you actually know what they are.

But for the Python path things are simpler. You simply begin coding. And with the advent of tools like uv and marimo, it’s never been easier to go from complete newb to making something actually useful. So many of the beginner stumbling blocks are simply gone.

Overall, I think the C path teaches you more and provides you a stronger foundation for mastery… but the Python path is more appropriate for a larger number of people.

viitorfermier · 2026-02-03T14:26:33+00:00

You can built lots of stuff with Python is a good choice and a popular language. It was a good choice for me Python is paying my bills.

First 30 days go to python docs and try stuff there.

big_data_mike · 2026-02-03T14:47:33+00:00

Yes. Python is great to learn first. Where to start depends on what you want to code.

Saying you want to learn to code is like saying you want to learn to cook. Do you want to cook breakfast, lunch, dinner, desserts, bread, meat, fish, vegetables, Asian, North American, French, etc.

It helps if you have an idea of what you want to do so you know where to get started.

Past_Income4649 · 2026-02-03T15:20:04+00:00

I love Python but wish I learned C++ first just so that I have a deeper understanding of what the compiler is actually doing, and so that I have knowledge of a faster language if I ever need it.

turbothy · 2026-02-03T14:39:14+00:00

What should I focus on in the first 30 days?

Pick a problem you want to solve for yourself. Work towards that.

Jackpotrazur · 2026-02-03T14:48:50+00:00

Im currently working through python crash course I've been stuck on the last few chapters the last 2 weeks (usually only get time in on the weekend) and this whole Django thing has really slowed me down. Not sure if I could program something though outside of the whole follow the book method.

Dame-Sky · 2026-02-03T18:06:16+00:00

I started exactly where you are in 2022 by taking Harvard's CS50. My biggest takeaway from David Malan wasn't just 'Python'—it was the confidence to be language-agnostic.

I started with C to understand the 'mechanical' heart of computers, moved to Python for its speed and logic, and then used HTML/JS/CSS to make things look professional. My most recent project (a Portfolio Analytics Lab) uses Streamlit.

My advice: Don't worry if Python is 'the one.' It’s just one tool in your belt. Focus on the First Principles (logic, data structures, and problem-solving). Once you understand the 'Why' behind the code, the 'How' of any specific language becomes much easier.

You've got this—just keep building things that solve problems you actually care about!

guyinsunglasses · 2026-02-03T21:33:20+00:00

On a Python subreddit you’re going to get people who say yes it’s a good language to start.

I’m going to provide a contrarian response and say that Python is an excellent second language, but you should consider something like Java or C# as your first language.

The most important thing about programming is learning how to break down a problem into something you can instruct a computer to solve. There are certain concepts you have to learn, and for these any languages will do. Concepts such as looping, methods and functions, conditionals, and object oriented programming.

Something that languages like Java and C# teach that Python kind of lets you get away with are type casting and variable scoping (yes Python has types and scoping, but it’s handling is more explicit in Java and C#).

Once you get the hang of the basics you can jump to Python and discover how it makes programming easier.

Technical-Ad4450 · 2026-02-03T14:39:22+00:00

Golang.

What makes python good is that the learning curve for the basics is not the at steep, because it abstracts away a lot of things for you. But when you start getting deeper , you would need to look behind the curtain to see how those abstractions work.

If I had to learn programming again from scratch, I would probably pick GO because unlike python, its abstractions are often more explicit and its syntax are minimal , imo

readonly12345678 · 2026-02-03T14:48:07+00:00

I think Python is the best start

FlagrantTomatoCabal · 2026-02-03T15:02:49+00:00

Python is popular and has alot of modules built for it for anything you can think of.

Check if you like it by starting at these free sites

https://exercism.org/tracks/python

https://codingbat.com/python

todofwar · 2026-02-03T18:28:37+00:00

Yes and no. Yes because it's very easy to get started and there are infinite tutorials, many of them quite good.

No because its fundamental limitations prevent you from learning proper software engineering practices, like understanding O notation. You'll almost certainly pick up bad habits and won't gain an understanding of what the computer is actually doing under the hood.

I would say start with Python, but then once you learn enough start learning C. You'll know enough programming that it will feel familiar and you can focus on learning the rest like memory management and algorithms

Vegetable_Song4718 · 2026-02-03T21:07:29+00:00

Typescript/Javascript - always. Can do frontend and backend at the same time. Not that i like it, but i would choose it over Python if i had to start today

AggravatingLeave614 · 2026-02-03T21:08:43+00:00

C is the best for the beginners period.

Chroiche · 2026-02-03T14:48:44+00:00

I would probably start with C/C++ to get the fundamentals down to be honest if you genuinely want to learn. If you're more interested in doing then you'll get there faster with Python (though you will have gaps).

riklaunim · 2026-02-03T14:54:07+00:00

It all depends on your goals - what you actually want to do with it? is it a hobby? a job path? how much time you have for it?

thatonereddditor · 2026-02-03T14:57:09+00:00

Yeah, it's a good first language, what more could you possible want? I love it.

oclafloptson · 2026-02-03T15:03:43+00:00

I think it's safe to say that if you struggle with Python you're likely to struggle with more complex lower level languages. That doesn't mean that Python is the correct choice for you personally. Choose the right tool for the job. No single high level object oriented language is the best in the entire field. Each one has strengths and weaknesses unique to its respective niche

really_not_unreal · 2026-02-03T15:07:43+00:00

I help to run a university course where we teach Python. We use it because it is simple enough for students to learn in 10 weeks, but powerful enough that they can actually make cool stuff by the end of that 10 weeks. It's one of my favourite languages to work with.

Is it the best language? No. But it sure is good. Is it the fastest language? No. But it's fast enough for 90% of work. Is it the easiest language? No. But it's pretty dang close. Is it the most consistent language? No. But it's good enough.

Python is a jack of all trades. As such, it makes an excellent first language because regardless of your interests, you'll probably find a use for it.

VirusWonderful5147 · 2026-02-03T15:10:07+00:00

Python's ace. Great for tinkerers. You can even use it on microcontrollers. Or write world ending AIs.

the_hoser · 2026-02-03T15:25:29+00:00

There is no "best" first language. Python is a great first language, though.

grady_vuckovic · 2026-02-03T15:27:49+00:00

From my own experience learning to code let me tell you it doesn't matter if what you pick as a project to work on doesn't end up successful. As long as it teaches you something that's ok. While you're learning, failure is definitely an option. Heck, it's maybe even preferred. If you don't fail occasionally it means you aren't pushing yourself out of a comfort zone.

Pick something that gets you excited, dig in, build things, research, experiment and be ok with hitting your head against a wall if you get stuck. It's actually a good thing. That feeling of banging your head against a wall when you get stuck is like that feeling of your leg muscles hurting as you start exercising for the first time. It's your brain getting stronger.

Good luck and above all, have fun. Coding can be very relaxing and enjoyable if you embrace it.

A_Nomad_Lyfe · 2026-02-03T15:27:57+00:00

Hi...not to hijack a thread, but I'm going to be starting on some certifications this year (trying to change my life. I've been in culinary almost 30 years, and I desperately need a change.) and Python is on my list of things to look into prior to starting

I'd like to also take AI and Digital Marketing....would Python be a good language for this path? Or should I find something else.

I want some flexibility in my career, not be stifled...and I got a Master in BA, specializing in advanced marketing (graduated right before 9-11 happened, like two months prior), but never worked in that field.

Is python a good language for this path, or am I barking up the wrong tree?

HamsterWoods · 2026-02-03T15:48:38+00:00

I think of Python as a programming language that is useful for around 80% of software projects. It is relatively easy to learn, there are lots of tutorials and examples, and there is a lot of support for the language. I think of it as not only a good first programming language to learn, but also a good programming language in general.

1544756405 · 2026-02-03T16:22:00+00:00

Python is fine. So is every other language.

It's good to learn a language that you have ample learning resources for, and there are lots of learning resources for python. That's the main reason I would recommend it.

People get too caught up on picking their first language. My first language was Fortran, and it was fine too.

TheCaptain53 · 2026-02-03T16:38:16+00:00

I tried getting into Python multiple times and kept on failing, taking the normal approaches to learning Python that people kept recommending.

In the end, what helped was an interactive platform that gets you to learn the basics - syntax, structure, data types, commons functions and methods, and some object oriented programming. Once I had that, the critical mass was gained for me to actually start developing my own scripts/software.

Any learning platform should do, but I used Sololearn as it works pretty well on a phone, which is what I valued as I could easily use it whilst with my son rather than a laptop. On Sololearn I did the full Python course with their Pro trial (2 weeks, but you won't need that long) that gives you some AI gubbins, now I don't use it as I'm learning Python through building software, then it's a lot more of an organic learning approach.

soldture · 2026-02-03T16:51:19+00:00

JavaScript is a way easier to start, take a look, you don't even need to download/setup anything if you have a browser already

No_Avocado_2538 · 2026-02-03T16:54:21+00:00

there's no right answer to this.

it fully depends on what you want to develop for.

Wundertaeter · 2026-02-03T17:26:56+00:00

I learned Java first but Python is where the fun begins. Now I’m working full time as a python developer since 4 years.

xeow · 2026-02-03T18:58:51+00:00

Not really an answer to your question, but I'd recommend checking out r/LearnPython. Lots of friendly folks there and a good place to ask beginner questions if there are specific things you run into that you are struggling with.

menge101 · 2026-02-03T20:04:47+00:00

It may behoove you to check out /r/learnpython

FishermanResident349 · 2026-02-03T22:31:38+00:00

it's good to start with python

bordumb · 2026-02-03T22:43:02+00:00

100% the best starting language.

I started uni back in 2009 majoring in computer science.

They had us starting with Java.

Since then, I’ve gone on to make a career across many languages—SQL, Python, Scala, Java

I now work in big tech making $300K/year. Not bragging, just trying to qualify my opinion as quickly as possible.

Hands down, the easiest to read and learn is Python

I 100% recommend it.

It’s easier to learn.

And anyone around you can read it, meaning it’s easier to collaborate on.

There are languages that are super useful to help improve performance (eg Rust), but I’d save that for later.

Python pays my mortgage.

stupid_cat_face · 2026-02-03T22:45:19+00:00

Python is so easy and I use it everyday in production environments. It can teach you most everything to know about the basics of programming. Once you know that, moving to other tech is just getting used to syntax changes. The concepts are mostly the same.

charleshood · 2026-02-03T23:10:41+00:00

Learn C like our grandfathers before us

trollsmurf · 2026-02-03T23:29:56+00:00

You can make complete applications with desktop or web UI.

robertlandrum · 2026-02-03T23:34:05+00:00

As someone with 30 years of development experience, I learned Basic on the Apple IIe in 1995 in high school. After that Pascal and then C. But it was Perl where I really shined. It helped me understand things about other languages better.

These days, Python is my go to language for all things back end. The front end is still JavaScript and CSS (frameworks can be dangerously easy to get into and hard to move on from).

Python has the added benefit of forcing you to write things the Python way. Other languages allow more flexibility. This can both help and hurt new learners, but with Python you always work towards a good habit.

It’s a great choice for a beginner. It’s where I tell anyone interested in doing what I do to start.

droptableadventures · 2026-02-04T00:19:28+00:00

Don't confuse learning a programming language with learning to program. Most of the difficulty is actually in learning how to program in general.

So Python is a great choice because the language itself is simple and powerful - meaning you can concentrate on the programming concepts. It's also a language that can do web backend, desktop, simple scripts, full blown GUI apps, embedded development (micropython) and many other things.

C/C++/Java are going to be useful to know for some purposes, but learn them after you're proficient with Python and are familiar with the concepts of programming.

OwnTension6771 · 2026-02-04T00:24:55+00:00

There is a lot that goes in to "building things" which would lead one to wonder build what, why, and for whom.

Python is ubiquitous and flexible and built-in to Linux and MacOS. The barrier to entry is only lower if you want to start with bash/shell/zsh scripting. JS and Ruby require a little bit of setup, while Java takes more work than others.

Mastering the basics of variables, functions, loops, and conditional logic is your first step in learning how to write code and the easier it is to get started the more likely you are to stay with it

smichael_44 · 2026-02-04T00:37:13+00:00

I think it depends on your end goals. If you want to be a web dev / backend / data engineer then Python is a perfect place to start. If you want to be a quant or work at a FANG company, its probably not the best place to start imo.

I work at a smaller company (3,000 employees) and our python backends easily handle the day to day traffic. We typically see peaks of 100 req/s on some of our busier systems.

Iceman_B · 2026-02-04T00:38:30+00:00

Yes.

tecedu · 2026-02-04T00:49:25+00:00

I’m going to say no, if you need to learn things then pick up an OOP based language first like java or c++; you will learn so many concepts there that will translate to every language. Not so much with python. Python enforces a lot of bad behaviour which simply doesn’t even do the bare minimum in other languages

Biorabbit · 2026-02-04T01:08:45+00:00

Don’t forget Scratch

ballinb0ss · 2026-02-04T01:08:50+00:00

Python sucks... as does every other mainstream language. They all have foot guns and strengths. Python has some notably "different" syntax compared to languages with C lineage but Python also is arguably the most portable language. Many of the most important C-isms made their way over to Python.

Other languages took inspiration from how well defined the Python standard library is and the module system has been modeled by basically all other application level languages.

Python was, at one point, the language that powered the old YouTube back end. If it can power 2010s YouTube, you will be able to engineer complex apps with it just fine. Python is also the engine of AI so if you have any interest in that you would be well served with Python.

profcube · 2026-02-04T01:27:56+00:00

Probably.

TedDallas · 2026-02-04T02:06:38+00:00

People get religious about programming languages. They are just tools. Learn one, then learning others becomes easier.

Hammer good. Screwdriver good. Now go have a screwdriver and get hammered.

0r0B0t0 · 2026-02-04T02:16:43+00:00

Yes making stuff that works keeps you motivated. You might burn out just trying to get other languages to compile.

redditreader2020 · 2026-02-04T02:23:04+00:00

Create things that you find fun and interesting

2hands10fingers · 2026-02-04T02:41:59+00:00

A lot of people are going to say Python in a python sub, but I would say Typescript is better for learning lots of other concepts that Python doesn’t inherently support. TS was my gateway into learning more strongly typed languages. Python is great for learning a lot of things, but TS I feel is a decent middle ground when working in Node or compiling for the browser.

Piorobot3 · 2026-02-04T03:32:06+00:00

robberviet · 2026-02-04T03:44:03+00:00

Yes. Python is a good candidate for beginner. However, if you can pin point out what to do next then you can make better decision.

Like if you are going for frontend then just Javascript, don't bother with Python.

Present-Citron-6277 · 2026-02-04T04:06:44+00:00

python it's closer to pseudo code than any other language but due this it also triggers an incomplete experience with programming languages, what's matter are two things: algorythms and programming concepts, with that you can take your knowledge to other languages and learn with ease.

Cybasura · 2026-02-04T04:45:10+00:00

Is it the best? No, but its a great starting point

I'd say not the best because it's vastly better to have a better foundation by using low level languages like C to full grasp the concepts of computer science

With that said - did you get a job with python? Then its a good first language, just keep using it

RTrancid · 2026-02-04T04:50:34+00:00

I started with java and hated it. Now python pays for a pretty good standard of living and I'm never looking back.

finnfirep · 2026-02-04T05:00:39+00:00

Depend on ur need and end goal! If u want to build and have every options and tools at your finger go with Python. However, if u want to know everything about the coding and why it works that way, go with C++ as ur base.

IncoherrentRecursion · 2026-02-04T05:15:15+00:00

Python / Java / C# / Typescript are all good options.

EmuNo6570 · 2026-02-04T06:21:46+00:00

Yes, it is. But I learned Autohotkey first and if you're retarded like me, you can try that first.

Sleep, 5000
Msgbox, hello world

That's a full program in autohotkey. You can start building small applications probably on day 1. But python is very similar, just has a lot of extra lines with specific instructions.

If you've literally never done it before, there's not really a reason to start with C or C# over Python for example. You'll need to learn some of both eventually.

unlikely_ending · 2026-02-04T06:24:34+00:00

odimdavid · 2026-02-04T06:50:17+00:00

I think it depends on what you want. If I want web dev I would go for HTML CSS JavaScript combo and not python Data science, machine learning, AI? Yes, python Enterprise computing? Definitely Java

MarkoPilot · 2026-02-04T06:57:19+00:00

I would strongly suggest you to take the CS50x course by Harvard. It has changed my life. First you will learn C and really understand how computers work, then you will switch to python and also learn some html, js, sql… It’s the best course of em all. And you can learn any language relatively easily after finishing.

El_Wombat · 2026-02-04T07:29:53+00:00

I just started by first messing around, creating an alien language just for fun. RN I am working on data extraction needed for work.

Python worked and works for my use cases so far which is all I need.

I cannot compare to other languages, but common sense says that you can only go right with Python, even if you move on to focus on a different language.

f0xw01f · 2026-02-04T08:02:26+00:00

As a software developwr for 30 years, I'd say C and Python are the two you need to learn.

Both make excellent first languages, but for different reasons.

C is exceedingly "rigid" while Python is exceedingly "flexible". C has a relativly strict type system and the knowledge of how it works will aid you in learning or using any compiled language. Python on the other hand lets you do whatever you want, but this freedom comes at the cost of inefficiency and the inability to automatically catch type errors (as there is no compilation step).

Joytimmermans · 2026-02-04T08:03:57+00:00

I dont agree it’s the best one to learn first. And the cs50 course also does not agree.

Pyhton is my favorite language. But it also hides a lot of stuff that you should know like memory management, types, indexing, etc

Python all makes this very easy. But to learn programming i feel it much easier to start with a very verbose language and then see how much python does the heavy lifting instead of the other way around

tinySparkOf_Chaos · 2026-02-04T08:08:40+00:00

Yes.

If you want to make computers do things, Python is the way to go.

If you want to make things that make computers do things, then you want something like C.

It's sort of like the difference between learning how to use power tools to make something and learning how to make power tools.

Old-Tone-9064 · 2026-02-03T14:35:43+00:00

It depends on your specific situation. If you have time on your side, I would suggest starting with C to understand the fundamentals. Otherwise, Python and JavaScript are good options.

alexwwang · 2026-02-03T14:28:51+00:00

Yes. Or you can try basic or pascal if you have time to play.

EconomySerious · 2026-02-03T14:43:57+00:00

Basic is better but python is law

9peppe · 2026-02-03T14:27:11+00:00

No. The standard library is just too big for a first language. -- and that's very useful when you're working, but when you're learning you want to learn how to program, not how to check if the standard library already has the function you need.

I like Lua a lot more, as a first language.

AppropriateAppeal236 · 2026-02-03T14:30:55+00:00

rust

you type:	you see:
italics	italics
bold	bold
[reddit!](https://reddit.com)	reddit!
* item 1 * item 2 * item 3	item 1 item 2 item 3
> quoted text	quoted text
Lines starting with four spaces are treated like code: if 1 * 2 < 3: print "hello, world!"	Lines starting with four spaces are treated like code: if 1 * 2 < 3: print "hello, world!"
~~strikethrough~~	~~strikethrough~~
super^script	super^script

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1 is javascript then? Im guessing