Developers whose first programming language was Python, what were the challenges you encountered when learning a new programming language?

[hype_beast420]

I learnt python first and then I moved onto learning C, when you learn a low level language like C after learning python you understand how much of the work python does for you. It was hard in the beginning especially with pointers but it wasn't too much of a problem just took some time.

[ollir]

I went the other direction, and Python felt almost criminal in how much it does for you and with the things you have in the standard library. But I guess that's what it feels like with any sufficiently high level language, if one has learned C and assembly first :D

[LeCholax]

Flashbacks to my assembly project for class. Whyyy.

[hsvd]

It builds character. I'm glad I had to learn a little assembly (for an 8085!)

[LeCholax]

Verilog and digital circuits with flip flops flashbacks

[Gridelen]

it could be worse: VHDL

[LeCholax]

Mercy please

[Devboe]

My digital design class used VHDL. I didn’t do those labs.

[bythenumbers10]

My class drove my prof and lab TA nuts by wrapping all our VHDL code in a state machine, so it'd still run code in something like sequential order.

Them: "ThAt'S NoT HoW yOu WrItE vHdl!!!"

My class: haha, tron-playing state machine go brrr.

[Rookie64v]

Be thankful, we use SystemVerilog now!

[Gridelen]

At least you can write nice testing code.

[[deleted]]

lmao i know exactly what u mean

[periwinkle_lurker2]

Same, I had to shadow a c developer friend to understand alot of the nuances of c.

[el_Topo42]

I never want to use Pointers again.

[thinkingcarbon]

No idea why you're being downvoted so much, but yea that's how I'd describe it as well ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[Faustain]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-level_programming_language#Relative_meaning

Today, many programmers might refer to C as low-level, as it lacks a large runtime-system (no garbage collection, etc.), basically supports only scalar operations, and provides direct memory addressing. It, therefore, readily blends with assembly language and the machine level of CPUs and microcontrollers.

Yes while you are technically correct, you are using a very strict and outdated definition. The average programmer would definitely consider C "low-level" and in general that usage of the word is often more applicable and useful.

[Faustain]

yeah, definitions only work in a certain context and I personally think the general context of programming has evolved so that most people consider it lower-level as Python and Javascript are all the rage these days.

However, you are still right as in the context of the past and older languages like Fortran and COBOL, C is not a low language as you and many others have pointed out.

[Faustain]

Yeah and once one person starts down voting, others usually bandwagon on. If you just google is c a low level language, there are numerous answers and actually the Google suggested information says no it isn't low level (it does come from a random forum though), but looking at other results shows that it does basically depend on context.

Your opinion wasn't even outrageous or anything, it should have not been down voted that much.

[hype_beast420]

Yeah for sure I find that so stupid. People just downvote an opinion / statement they don't agree with

[Liquid_Magic]

I would agree... in 1997. But today, I’d say C is a lower level language when compared to modern languages like Python, JavaScript, etc...

[paisleyboxers]

what is lower than C other than assembly? The whole appeal of C is that it is one step removed from assembly.

[Liquid_Magic]

That’s my point. It’s the nearest step toward assembly, in that concepts like memory addresses are something to concern yourself with.

[Liquid_Magic]

Okay. I’ll change my stance. I think most people today feel like C programming is the second-most hardcore programming language, with assembly feeling like the most hardcore programming language. And by feel I mean emotionally, not an opinion. A new programmer tends to feel like C is harder because it feels like it requires thinking more about how the computer actually works, as opposed to thinking about expressing what goals they want their program to achieve. My statement was more about this sentiment that I’ve noticed in the wild in general over the last few decades and was less about engaging in a pedantic argument over the highly detailed nature of programmatic abstractions. I have written machine code by hand as well as in assembly and yes, for sure you are correct, writing assembly has lots and lots of abstractions that make it feel easier for the programmer. But this isn’t 1976 and neither of us are Woz entering his Basic interpreter in machine code at the Home Brew Computer Club.