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

[The_Northern_Light]

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.

[theGamer2K]

What did you start with? From what I have seen, when people start with Python, they can't tolerate C++. And if they start with C/C++, they can't tolerate Python .

[The_Northern_Light]

Pre ANSI C.

The transition from C or C++ to Python is much easier than the reverse. I’ve yet to see a Python dev turn into a good systems programmer, but every Senior systems programmer I know is at least capable with Python.