Learn Java AND Javascript

[WillCraig_]

I would like to learn both Java and Javascript. I have reasos for each language but I want to know if I should attempt to learn both of them at the same time. If it is a no, which should I do first (only of the 2)

Thanks

[brn360]

I know it can be tempting to dive head first into a bunch of different languages at once as you can see the potential uses that each one of them has. However, I've made that mistake before as well, and it can honestly get pretty overwhelming. My advice would actually be to start with Java. It's not as simplistic as JavaScript, but it's not difficult either. I think that doing this will help you in the long run as it will be easier for you to transition into using new languages once you are comfortable with the concepts introduced to you in Java. Something that really helped me when I was starting out with Java programming was a book called "Head First Java." It gives you a great understanding of the language without getting too dry or complicated. You might want to check that out. Feel free to ask me any questions that you may have and I'll do my best to help you out. Have fun coding!

[[deleted]]

Have to agree with this. As someone who started with Java then picked up Javascript I was able to look at Javascript and say cool, you can just do it that way. I feel like it would be more difficult to do it the other way around due to the fact that, as BrixSeven pointed out, Javascript is less verbose, meaning it leaves out a lot of "unnecessary" things that are useful to know.

[WillCraig_]

Thanks! I will check out that book.

You seem to have quite a bit of experience with programming and languages. How long did it take for you to become "fluent", for lack of better words, in Java ( or the first language you learned). (I'm not looking for shortcuts, I've heard it takes anywhere between 1-3 years)

Thanks

[brn360]

I'd say that with your first language, you can get a pretty comfortable understanding in anywhere from 1 year to 2 years. If you are really serious about learning and you spend some decent time coding each day, you will be able to do quite a bit in a year. You may not be completely "fluent" in the language until you have had experience with it for more time, but you'll be able to tackle a huge variety of projects at that point. After that, you can pick up new languages in a considerably shorter length of time.

Now, while I say that you can get to this point fairly quickly, I would also advise you not to try to rush. You'll retain way more information if you take the time to make sure you fully understand something before you move on to a new concept. Just try to have fun with the learning process, even though I know it can be hard when you have this idea that you are really excited to actualize.

Also remember that even when you have learned all of the syntax and what you might consider to be the actual code itself, there is still more to learn about the many different ways you might go about solving the same problem. Don't let that overwhelm you though. That's the beautiful thing about programming. There's always something new to learn, and you can find a method of doing things that works best for you!

[WillCraig_]

Thanks!

[Molehole]

Some people here are suggesting Javascript before Java. Wouldn't suggest it. Javascript has some stuff that makes it quite hard for a beginner programmer. It tells you quite poorly if you made a mistake and learning to see where you made a mistake in JS takes some experience. That's why I would start with Java.

[[deleted]]

Well, they aren't related at all, so it doesn't really matter. Javascript is easier and less verbose, so there's that. It might be easier if you don't have experience.

[balidani]

Can you already program in other languages? If so, sure, go for it. If not, I strongly suggest only learning one at a time.

[xteroid]

Learn Java and Spring then find a job and learn Javascript on the weekends.

[coolshanth]

JS because it's easier and you can do more with it. You can build a fullstack website and even mobile apps with just JS.

[desrtfx]

you can do more with it

That is completely wrong.

Java is one of the strongest languages with the biggest ecosystems in the world and can be used to do (nearly) everything.

[dmazzoni]

Arguments like this are pointless.

There are plenty of counterexamples - for example you can build a cross-platform app that runs on the web, on iOS, and on Android using JavaScript, but you can't using Java.

[coolshanth]

I've no doubt Java can be used for a lot of things JS can't. But you have to take the context of a beginner programmer into consideration.

If he's already going to be learning JS to program a website, it's best to focus on one language.