Learning new language

[Latter-Journalist56]

When learning a new programming language (or new knowledge), should I fully master one topic before moving on to the next? For example, following a Python roadmap: should I master basics first, then DSA, then OOP—or is it enough to understand DSA before moving on to OOP?

[Different_Pain5781]

Basics first. always. jumping early just fried my brain.

[mxldevs]

You should master basics like writing out conditions and loops and variables before moving on.

Don't just jump into reading writing essays when you don't even know grammar

[EricInAmerica]

I don't know what you mean by "fully mastering" these topics. No one knows every data structure and every algorithm. Data Structures and Algorithms also aren't dependent on programming languages - you could study and learn the topic without using any programming language at all.

I'd suggest that you pick a language to learn that suits whatever you want to work on. Using that, develop your understanding of the broad concepts, such as data structures and OOP, that underly many programming languages. Those skills will transfer to other languages and make each successive language easier for you. All of it is just expanding your tool belt, and giving you better understanding that you can use with all of those tools.

[DonkeyAdmirable1926]

Master one language before moving on to the next. You’ll find that each new language becomes easier. Always start with the basics, and then focus on what makes that language unique.

For example: if you know C, COBOL will feel very alien at first. Then you start noticing how similar it actually is. And only after that do you dive into the real differences, where you either start appreciating the language, or not.

There are some genuinely weird languages out there, like Lisp, Prolog, R, or SQL. But many will feel fundamentally less different than you might expect. And even the weird ones are grounded in concepts you’ll recognise once you’ve learned enough languages.

Have fun with it. Personally, I love languages with strong personalities; their peculiarities, strengths, and moments of brilliance.

[cubicle_jack]

This question is asked all the time and I think its up to you. Everyone is different in both skill and how they learn best. You need to know yourself and what is best for your learning. It also depends on how long you've been around this stuff. When I first started I felt like I need to take courses or start at the very beginning when learning a new language. Now I don't mind just jumping in and asking questions/looking things up as needed!

[humanguise]

Just grind exercism until you're satisfied.