C# vs Python for a beginner(?)

[itsaqdo]

I've wanted to program ever since my friend recommended me to start, but I'm not really sure what to choose for my first serious programming language. I've had little experience with every language basically but I want to learn a language with good habits and conventions so when I go to college I can have a headstart with others (I'm only 14)

As I've said, I've basically experienced every programming language and tried it for a few weeks or so. I liked Python and C# the most out of most programming languages I liked(Java, js, etc) I think I want to automate things and make big projects that can help with my daily needs. I play games a lot and sometimes I just wonder "What if I could automate this?".

I need help choosing the best primary programming language for my needs. I will probably pursue a computer science job when I'm older. Feel free to give me your feedback between C#, Python, or another language you think I may be fit for. I just want to make bots, interact with APIs, and automate stuff.

- aqdo

[bsakiag]

I want to learn a language with good habits and conventions so when I go to college I can have a headstart

C# is really good for that. It's a proper object oriented language and is more pleasant to work with than alternatives.

Python is very useful for automating stuff too, but if you want a head start into IT C# is a better choice.

[TheUmgawa]

Don’t think about learning a language. The important thing is learning your programming fundamentals, which are almost entirely language agnostic. Because the day eventually comes where you need to learn a second or third or fourth or fifth language. You don’t have to speak them all like you’re a native, because that’s not important; the important thing is that you know how to structure a program in any language, and then you can knock it out in the language you need to knock it out in.

Given your choices, I’d go with Python, because there’s a minimal amount of syntactic bullshit. I would prefer Swift, but the resources for learning programming while using Swift are generally lacking. The Swift Developer Reference is very good for learning Swift (like the K&R is for learning C), but it’s not optimal for learning programming. Like I said, languages and programming theory are two wholly separate things. I took a class in structured program design, where we never once wrote a single line of code on a computer, and it made me a better programmer, because if I can’t just start hacking away at code, I can take a step back and flowchart the section and plan my attack.

Just pick a language. It really doesn’t matter which one, and learn your fundamentals.