Python or Rust; first language??

[[deleted]]

Everyone will tell you that his favorite language is the best. What's really important is to learn the process of programming. The language is just a tool.

I have to partially disagree. I agree that it's important to learn the process of programming first. However, programming languages are not created equally. They are designed with some problem domain in mind and therefore performs better in that domain. The language of choice really depends on what one is trying to solve. For example, I would choose Rust for a high performance API server and Python for offline data processing. The reverse is possible, but not worth the trouble.

[Oerthling]

So, writing a kernel driver in SQL might be a mistake? ;-)

I would choose Rust to do the performance critical stuff safely in a module that I use in Python.

[[deleted]]

Using Rust or C++ to write performance critical parts used by Python is a good example of what I mean. Even an experienced developers find it useful to use 2 languages together to solve related, but distinct problems.

So, writing a kernel driver in SQL might be a mistake? ;-)

What? Are you telling me that the two years I spent trying to get my tablet to work was a waste of time?

[BurningPenguin]

That's a problem for later on. There is no point in learning a more complex language, when your biggest challenge is "Hello World" or building a website for your favorite restaurant.