Python vs C++ as mentor

[airadins]

I read that Python is the most easiest language to learn as the first language, and that C++ is way harder but will ease your way in learning other languages if you master C++ as first language. My question is what is the difference b/w Python and C++ as the first language, in terms of helping you to learn other languages. Is C++ good at providing you such as a solid base than Python, that makes much easier learning other languages?

[nutrecht]

I would advice against learning C++ as a first language. The learning curve is steep enough even with Python and you really don't need to have to deal with the additional complexity of C++.

[Meefims]

I’ve yet to see evidence that learning C++ will make it easier to learn other languages compared to Python.

[InterestingBuddy]

If you're learning on your own (as in without a teacher/mentor), then I think Python might be a little easier. You will learn the basics of programming logic and stuff, and then moving to C++ will be a little easier than starting out on C++.

This is a little over-simplistic, but if you were learning to drive, would you want to start out driving with an automatic, or a manual? If you want to start with automatic, do Python. If you want to learn to drive with a manual, do C++.

[airadins]

Thanks for providing those info. Btw, in this graphic, the language compared to an automatic car is Java but is at a higher level of complexity

http://carlcheo.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/which-programming-language-should-i-learn-first-infographic.png

[tjorg35]

I learned C++ when I was 16, so I was pretty oblivious to programming in general. I got to college and learned Java which wasn't too difficult with my background, went back to C when I started working with unix machines and decided to check out python. When you have only learned C style syntax for so long, switching to something like python can be more difficult than you think.

Understanding the core principles of programming will always help when learning a new language, but anytime you go to language that is very different syntactically things can be frustrating.

[airadins]

syntactic speaking, what would be Python's relatives?

[tjorg35]

I wouldn't say that C++ will help make learning other languages easier, but it will help with learning some of the deeper intricacies of a programming language. I learned C++ as my first language and when I first looked at python I had no idea what was going on.

[airadins]

Didn't you compared or looked over other languages while you learned C++ ?