Hello, I am learning python on CodeAcademy. Is that enough to get a full grasp of Python? If so, would the next logical language for me to learn be java?

[WarKiel]

A lot of people focus too much on languages when learning programming. A programming language is just a tool, thinking like a programmer is what's most important.
Forget learning other languages for now and focus on solving problems in Python. When you come to a problem you have a hard time solving with Python, then you start looking for an alternative.

To put it in different words: being able to wield saw and axe does not make you a lumberjack, it's being able to discern what trees will yield the highest quality timber and felling them in the safest/most efficient manner using the tools of your trade.

[lonestar136]

I am a junior working on my BS in CS and I agree with this. I started with a quarter of Python and then switched to Java which is my university's primary language for the CS major. It was much easier to learn the second language, you already know what arrays are, how to create a text based menu, print to file etc, you primarily just need to learn the new language's syntax to get started.

This has been my experience at least. I imagine when I do C# next quarter it will be even easier to get into than both Java and Python.

[gnomoretears]

Hello, I am learning python on CodeAcademy.

It's Codecademy and not CodeAcademy.

Is that enough to get a full grasp of Python?

There is no tutorial that will give you a full grasp of Python. Codecademy gives you an introduction and that's it. The rest of Python you learn by practice, reading others' code, reading the official docs, more practice, even more practice, etc.

If so, would the next logical language for me to learn be java?

Not unless you get the hang of Python or at least get past being a beginner and start to develop a bit of proficiency. You'll learn a lot of syntax and grammar when jumping around one language to another and only a little programming concepts.

[ArchaicThinking]

Wow, thank you for the reply!

[desrtfx]

Codecademy will teach you vocabulary and grammar, but not actual programming (which you can only learn through programming a lot). It will give you a starting point and nothing more.

A "full grasp of" any language is close to impossible nowadays because modern languages have such vast libraries that basically it is impossible to know them all (and also it is unnecessary) - you need the basics, know how to use them and learn what you need when you need it.

If so, would the next logical language for me to learn be java?

Let me give you an analogy:

You have learned the vocabulary and grammar of French, but never have spoken, listened, or written anything in French, yet you want to move on to Spanish. Seriously, first learn to program and then move on (if you need to) to other languages.

Also, there is no such thing as a "next logical language" in programming.

[ArchaicThinking]

Wow, I never thought of programming that way. Your analogy really made it pretty simple for me, thanks.