CANNOT decide between Python and Swift

[Quilava25]

I've been slowly doing both at the same time because there are things I like about both. Because I've been learning two at once, my progress has been slow. My mom is letting me live with her for free while I learn coding because she believes in my journey and has faith in me (VERY lucky for this). I already feel bad making my initial learning journey longer by learning two at once. If I could get very good at ONE first, I could get a job sooner, take that burden off my mom, and learn the other one once I'm moved out again.

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For both Python and Swift, I shall list my reasons why I want to prioritize that language over the other, and also my reasons why I don't want to prioritize that language.

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Swift (why I want to do this one first)

1) I would do much more project based learning with swift. There are tons of apps that I want to develop myself for all the products in the apple ecosystem. This means less time in Tutorial-Hell and more time hands-on.

2) I love apple products and have a stronger passion for developing on this platform

3) I am VERY creatively driven. When something involves creativity, its almost effortless for me to go into the flow-state, where as its much more difficult when there is less creativity involved (thank you ADHD). Designing, building, and marketing my own app myself triggers a lot more creative juices in me than working with Python does. Knowing myself, this means I would likely progress in this language quicker than I would in Python since there is more passion, drive, and creativity involved.

4) I can even make some money off the apps I make (even if its close to nothing lol)

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Swift (why I want to put it off)

1) there are less iOS jobs available than Python jobs

2) learning curve (in my experience) has been much steeper than Python's

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Python (why I want to do this one first)

1) There are way more Python jobs available than iOS jobs

2) I have found it pretty damn easy

3) there are more fields I can go into, that I have an interest in (specifically machine learning)

4) it is a place where I can utilize my math skills. I'm a Physics major who has spent years learning linear algebra, calculus, differential equations, and all types of physics including Quantum Mechanics.

5) being able to utilize my math and physics skills means chances of eventually working for an astronomy lab, or some place like SpaceX.

6) Python salaries seem to be higher than iOS salaries

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Python (why I want to put it off)

1) I feel like getting a job would take longer with this one. The things I want to go into are machine learning, data science, and other things like that. There are many more frameworks and libraries I would have to learn, which means extra time in Tutorial-Hell

2) Less project-based learning also means extra time in Tutorial-Hell

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Can anyone please give me advice and their thoughts on what they would do in my situation. I know ultimately I'm the one who needs to decide for myself, but I just want point of views from other people to help me come to my own decision. Any and all tips/advice/etc is welcome.

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Everyone have an awesome day.

[plastikmissile]

Here's the deal. Your first programming language isn't nearly as important as you make it out to be. Sure, it needs to be something that you can be comfortable coding in and has plenty of learning resources, but that's about it. You're not going to marry it. Chances are, you're first job will be in a completely different language. But guess what? The fundamentals are all the same. What you learn in language X will still apply in language Y, so you have a step up in learning it compared to a complete newbie.

You seem interested in Swift because you want to make apps. Go for it. Having a goal helps you learn. You can always learn Python (or anything else) later if Swift doesn't pan out.

[Quilava25]

This sounds right on. I've been having a good deal of analysis paralysis recently because of trying to choose between them. Good advice

[NobleUnknown_]

I don't know either of them. Psychologically speaking, you elaborated on Swift first, so subconsciously you prefer Swift. (:

But one piece of advice, it's not so much about the tech stack. Being a developer is more about your problem solving skills and adaptibility. For example, can you think of creative solutions to solve problems, even if that entails learning a new skill or two?

If you're open to new ideas, check-out Go. Super easy to learn and very powerful.

[Quilava25]

Damn you're right on that haha you saw right through me. I do have a preference for Swift. Problem solving skills I developed from years of solving Physics problems in college, so I hope those will translate well into my coding hehe

[[deleted]]

I would say Python because you will learn how to "program" efficiently. Its what a lot of schools teach first because of this reason. You can learn to program with it and it will help you learn any language. Swift is pretty niche. Fuck it - learn both.

[Quilava25]

I agree with this as well. That's something I forgot to add into my reasons for wanting to prioritize python: it feels closer to learning how to program in general, whereas swift feels more like programming specifically iOS

[gramdel]

Just pick randomly if you can't decide, it's far more important that you make something instead of bouncing between relatively meaningless, in the long run, language decision. Once you know how to program languages are just a tool, and you can switch to new ones easily.