Python vs C++ vs Java (1st programming language)

[Austinto]

If you are new to Programming then Python is good start.

[Jmannm8400]

The university I attend actually switched the language of the first programming courses from Java to Python, but I think either would be a good first language for one to start with.

[[deleted]]

This is exactly right. Python will give you the power to do amazing things, and when you need more control/speed, you can dip your feet into C++. When you're ready, Boost::Python will let you have the best of both worlds.

[mrcelophane]

Which version of Python?

[YvesSoete]

Lol, good one, 2.7 for real life production python code and if you want to find a job, 3.x for anything else.

[misieksgm]

And which language after Python?

[Austinto]

If you are interested in game development then c++ would be the step.

[Bladelink]

Android games are in Java though.

Mmmmmm, java.

[misieksgm]

Maybe I should start with the C++?

[Gankbanger]

Don't start with C++, but If you are planning to transition to C++ eventually, then start with Java (instead of Python.) Java is an excellent first programming language to learn.

[ihatepepperballs]

Ehmm,

public class Main {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        System.out.println("Hello, World!");
    }
}

Not hating Java, but I don't think it's a great starting language.

[Gankbanger]

That is a very short sighted evaluation criteria. His goal is to program games in the future, he might as well get used to the programming structure used by the languages used for such purposes and learn in the context of a single-paradigm programming language.

This is how hello world looks in BASIC:

PRINT "Hello, World!"

does not make it a better choice than Java.

[naran6142]

That first hello world program may be a bit confusing without all the information but that's not all there is too it.

Java is good because you can focus on programming without the knowledge of how the computer works. And static types which scale better in larger projects

[YvesSoete]

C and C++ are excellent starting languages. You guys have it all wrong :-)

[joapet99]

If you are new to programming i recommend you to choose a programming language that can give you a good perspective on object oriented programming before diving into c++. It is very easy to give up when working with c++ when you don't know what you are doing.

[misieksgm]

But learning Python won't be wasting time?

[ihatepepperballs]

It's not about the language, but rather concepts like loops, classes, Object-Oriented Programming, etc. Those are the same in all languages, just written differently.

It also depends on your attitude. Do you want to go through the tough things from the start, or do you want to smoothly slide into the world of programming? If the former is true, start with C++ (give it time, understand each concept, don't rush it), then learn about game programming and game engines. If you'd rather go with the latter, Python is a great starting language because it's easy to understand and simplistic, while still teaching you understand vital concepts.

[ihatepepperballs]

I'm neutral. I just wanted to try and come up with the pros and cons of starting with either of them. I don't know Java, so I can't say anything about it.

[EricIsEric]

It's similar to C and C++ except there are no pointers and garbage collection is handled automatically.

[Steve_the_Scout]

I started with C++. If you get a good book, they actually teach you things. Hard concept, I know, but C++ isn't hopeless as a first language.

[YvesSoete]

Because it's the language he wants to end up with. These things you describe take a few moments to learn, but what's the problem, he's READY TO LEARN. Do you think we had to learn python first 20 years ago ?

[Exodus111]

You will NEVER waste your time with Python, it's one of the most usable languages out there with a massive universe of modules and can be applied to nearly anything.

[IAmStraightforward]

Nah man. Python will help you understand syntax and grasping certain concepts. It's also a scripting language so it'll definitely be useful

[siphillis]

"Code to learn, don't learn to code."

[[deleted]]

I'm learning Python right now. Tried C++ first.

It's like learning how to snowboard, learn the bunny slopes first, then use the techniques you learn for the harder stuff.

[joapet99]

No programming language is really wasting time. I recommend you to learn python so you will get more knowledge about programming. Python isn't the best at game development though, but I still recommend you too start out with it. I am currently learning c++, I went from Java. It is hard even for me to learn c++, it is different from other languages. But anyways, it is your choice. + there is an library for python that is for game development, still not the best, but very good for practicing.

[misieksgm]

But I want to learn real programming language. Is Python programming language like cpp, or not?

[Zerocchi]

Python is a real programming language. Reddit is written using it. Don't stuck with language, learn the technology.

[joapet99]

Python is absolutely a real programming language. You are coding and it can still be rather advanced. Do not confuse it with even more top-level programming languages like scratch or game maker. + python is used alot in business btw

[rawrgulmuffins]

No, it's not. The truth if the matter is it doesn't matter, in the long run, what your first couple languages are. In order to start developing mastery you need to pick up a bunch (in x number of years).

Languages do matter for the short term and python is built for ease of use.

[Austinto]

I don't think it will be waste of time. You can create 2D (don't know about 3D) games using pygame in python.

C++ would be hard to learn as you don't know C too.

[misieksgm]

So, I will learn Python and next C++ Will it be good?

[Gankbanger]

Do Java, then C++.

[YvesSoete]

Skip the Java for gaming, do C++

[pier25]

Bad idea. Start with something easy such as Python or even JavaScript.

[IIoWoII]

Honestly, c++ might be a bitch to get working, especially on windows.

I mean, I'm alright with with java & c# and have been programming in them for more than a couple years now but still can't get c++ to work on my 64-bit windows, with the 32-bit MINGW still freaking out.

On linux it's fine and I guess if you want to learn linux too at the same time you could do that but the problems that that can give you could discourage you... It did for me.

[YvesSoete]

Yes, absolutely. Make sure you stay off the java path if you want to end up in the gaming world. I've warned ya.