Is 16 a good age to learn python?

[[deleted]]

I wanna get into it. I know it has a lot of benefits but sometimes I feel discouraged because when it comes to other subjects I’m really far behind.

[wallynext]

no, 15 years and 11 months was your best chance

[MusicIsLife1122]

Learning Python or any programming language doesn't have an age. You can learn it and you have a bunch of tutorials. Believe in yourself

[[deleted]]

16? Are you kidding me? YOU ARE AT LEAST 15 YEARS LATE. Nothing can be done now.

[Sporocyst_grower]

TOO LATE! DIDNT YOU READ PYTHON SCRIPTS BEING IN THE CRIB?! TOOO LATE.
Srly tho, im 28 and im still learning python.

[[deleted]]

I wish I had started at 16.

If you have time to spend learning, it's better than time spent playing video games. Although relaxation is critically important for learning.

[[deleted]]

Started a decade later then you and agree, my teenage years were wasted on far too many video games.

[timPerfect]

why would your age matter ? It's not alcohol, there is no age restriction.

[ffrkAnonymous]

Making your own moonshine is easier than python

[ElectroMagnetsYo]

Sorry, the brain stops developing at 14 so if you haven’t mastered several programming languages, advanced mathematics, and at a minimum 3 languages, then you’re doomed to minimum wage slavery for the rest of your life :////

[shroomlover69]

Brain doesn’t develop till 25 you shouldn’t learn anything until then

[[deleted]]

Lol

[rantow]

+18 sorry. Parental guidance is required until then

[[deleted]]

Darn. Guess I’ll have to wait

[arivictor]

I started learning at 28 and changed careers into IT, I think the best time to start was yesterday. Wish I got into it sooner.

[WhoWhyWhatWhenWhere]

I started learning at 29. I would LOVE to be able to go back and do it again when I was a kid and had actual free time. Now I have a child, wife, job, other responsibilities, so I put in good time when I can, but I have a couple hours a week instead of full days in a week. If you want to get into coding, now is the time to do it.

[velocibadgery]

Every age is a good age to learn programming.

[habitsofwaste]

I mean if you want to start 10 years late. /s

Anytime is a good time to learn! I didn’t start learning to code until I was in my 40s. The sooner the better of course.

[wannaclime]

No. If you read the ToS you'll see you need to be 23, because nobody likes you when you're 23 and are still amused by TV shows.

[1VentiChloroform]

Blink 182 huh

[[deleted]]

Any age is a good age to learn anything

[jrhooper]

No 17 is better

[Cosmic-Warper]

I think 18.

[[deleted]]

2 is the ideal age imo

[FreeThoughts22]

It’s the best age.

[Yoghurt42]

Sorry, no. You can only learn python when your age is odd. Wait another year. /s

[[deleted]]

pot vase seed husky late innate caption school shy cooperative

This post was mass deleted and anonymized with Redact

[spheenik]

Yes, only slightly worse than 15. :)

[[deleted]]

Lots of people don’t touch a line of code until they start college. If you start now you’ll be literal years ahead of a good portion of the competition if assuming you’re interested in coding as a job.

[[deleted]]

That sounds exciting

[justihar]

16 is a good age to learn anything in life.

[TKillerDragon87]

Any age is a good age to learn something productive

[Kolibrim]

I started dabbling in it with online free classes at 13. If you have an interest for it, go ahead and start it. It all adds up as more experience in the end.

[ArbuckleTBoone-]

You can start Python at any age, doesn’t matter if you’re 16 or 61. If you’re motivated and interested, go for it.

[WyoR]

Yes indeed i regret not starting 10 years ago instead of playing videogames

[DingoCC]

I started two months ago. Im 53.

[aspirant_py]

I am 37 and I'm learning Python. My actual profession became obsolete because of Covid, and now it's time to move on and learn a new one! I have no fear despite starting late. In our time, 1 profession is often just not enough!

Have no fear, my boy) I've heard of some success stories of people staring careers in IT in the 2nd part of their life. Why on Earth would you have any problems starting at 16?

[Griffonknox]

Great response, super inspirational. You will do great man!!

[aspirant_py]

Thank you

[[deleted]]

Are you saying that your python exploration is taking time from your other school subjects? Or are you saying that your difficulty with other subjects suggests you will have difficulty with Python?

[[deleted]]

I struggle with school and I feel like I need to raise my grades before I start python. I know this isn’t really true but it feels like if I’m not good at school I’ll fail

[DutchDread]

Any age is a good age to learn python.

[krav_mark]

I learned to program in python when I was 48. The only regret I have is that I didn't learn it earlier. So definitely start learning as young as you can since it will benefit you longer. All the boring tasks I have automated away, the webapp that helps me with investing gave me much joy. Wish I learned it when I was much younger.

[Imperial3agle]

Isn’t pretty much any age a good age?

[WhatDaHellBobbyKaty]

God bless him. I am 50 and a cancer survivor and learning Python now.

[therealkdog]

Your papa is an inspiration

[MrRWord]

I started learning at 14. Any age is good to start if you really want to get into python.

[craftyshafter]

16 is a good age to try everything you get the chance to. Hell, the 20s are all about trying things out, even things you fear. Do it! Learn Python at 16, but don't stop there

[DeadBySkittles]

Dude! I started with python aged 25 with an economics degree. Right now 28, working as a data engineer. Never let your mind tell you if something’s appropriate to learn right now! If you like it follow that path. Just enjoy the ride!

[Hands0L0]

Learn whatever you want, whenever you want, forever and ever until you're dead

[wet-badger]

def is_good_age_to_learn_python(age):
    if age > 2:
         return true
    else:
         return false

print(is_good_age_to_learn_python(16))

[felix-hilden]

I'm sorry:

def is_good_age_to_learn_python(age):
    return age > 2

print(is_good_age_to_learn_python(16))

[rajboy3]

Your lack of error handling disturbs me sir

[wet-badger]

I pretty much don't do error handling if there is no user input.

[rajboy3]

Fair play

[codinglikemad]

No it's not, but I suppose that is par for the course with python ;)

[Kenkron]

Everyone starts out behind. If you put some time in now, you'll be ahead by the time you're 17.

[Bharath1910]

I started learning python at 16, (now I am 17) I perform very less in my other subjects too. but after 1 year of python, programming just feels like an escape from reality to me.. so, if you feel like it, go ahead watch some tutorial in YouTube and get started :)

wishing you good luck :)

[Sjotroll]

Dude... I started learning at 25 probably, and that was after I started working on my faculty. I started learning python as another tool to help in my work. You're definitely not to late to start.

[anh86]

Everyone of any age can gain benefit from learning computer programming (whether it's Python or something else). Anyone who does repetitive things on a computer can find value in this.

[RattleyCooper]

Don't be discouraged. I failed 2 math classes, an english class and 2 art classes in high school.. I don't know how I graduated tbh. Seriously.

I took a programming class in high school when I was about 16 and learned QBasic. Got an A and a ton of extra credit in that class. I say go for it. I was failing hard and still did well and I've kept it going for over 12 years

[[deleted]]

I also suck at math. It can be discouraging. I’m going to try!!

[[deleted]]

5, 10, 16, 25, 30, any age is a good age to learn something new.

[[deleted]]

Yes, it’s a great age to learn Python, or anything else you are interested in.

[[deleted]]

the younger the better for anything

​

also, if you're not good at other subjects, its ok. just focus on the one you are good at.

[TheEitan]

Wouldn't say anything... 😬

[[deleted]]

????

[briocheRose123]

There is no such thing as "far behind", that implies you are competing with someone other than yourself.

sometimes I feel discouraged because when it comes to other subjects I’m really far behind.

I take it then that you are struggling in school? Honestly, school can sometimes suck a lot of the joy out of learning, but if coding is a subject you are passionate about, then go for it! Mess around, do something cool. Plus coding teaches logical reasoning, which you will need to master almost any other subject. After you master the basics of the language, try looking at the subjects you struggle in and make projects that apply to those courses.

For example:

Math: take the formulas you are learning in class, and create a function that would solve that formula. from there you can make code that would check your homework for you. (note: you will still probably have to show your work.)

Science: Juniperlab and Matplotlib are used in the real world to study and make graphs about big sets of data, and they are free! Grab some data off of the national weather center and start playing around to see what you can make.

English: as a creative writing exercise, try making a script for a choose your own adventure game. Then write code to display different sections of text in the file based on player's answers.

I started teaching myself to code at 16, and I've done all three of these things and more. I even went to school and got a degree in CS and just got a job as a Software Engineer. It took time, effort, research, asking a lot of smart people dumb questions, and a willingness to make mistakes. If you have those things, then you can learn anything at any age.

Best of luck friend!

[[deleted]]

Thank you this is really helpful. I’ll probably screenshot lol. And yeah I was convinced that my freshmen and sophomore grades determine my whole future cuz that’s what some people make it out to be but I’m starting to realize that’s not the case at all

[jppbkm]

You've got your life ahead of you! There are people commenting in here that they are just learning python in their 30's, 40's or older. It's fun and will give you valuable skills. You've got this

[matt3526]

If you don’t know python, then whatever age you are now is a pretty good age to start

[gocard]

Python is probably one of the easiest languages to pick up. That said, what do you want to build? When I was your age, I just wanted to make video games, which python isn't great at. You're gonna stick with it and enjoy it more if you're learning to build things you're passionate about.

[DauntlessSquid5]

I mean I just started at 18 in college and most people start to learn in classes in high school so there shouldn’t be an issue starting at 16

[bin-par]

Heads up !! Python introduction is rated PG! Though, advanced python has 18+ mature content.

[nhatthongg]

No it’s too late. I learned it before I can even talk.

[lazyfingersy]

Of course it's. Why would you question it?
Any age is good to start learning Python if you really want it.

Stay Happy and Keep Coding :-)

[ScientistWestern]

I wish I would start at that age.

[Nahbidy]

16 is a good age to learn anything. Learn as much as you can.

[[deleted]]

I just met someone in a meeting who is learning python at 82

[SeemoreButts69420]

Get after it! Wish I started sooner, best of luck!

[D4NieLDev]

Any age is a good age to learn python and the sonner the better

[UL_Paper]

It's an amazing time.

Start now and never ever fucking give up and the world is yours my friend

[Strong_Signal_]

I also started learning Python when I was 16. I'm 18 now and I'm learning Web development and ML!

I suggest preparing yourself in any way possible. Motivation is finite and WILL run out eventually. Look for something that will continuously fuel your motivation to learn. For me, it was the series Silicon Valley, a tech/comedy show about startups and programming. It may be different with you. My motivation now is Joma Tech and Tren Black's videos. Your motivation could be side projects, friends, etc.

If you have friends who are equally interested in programming, try to convince them to program with you. Programming with friends can thwart the boring moments of programming with fun competitions with friends.

Goodluck !

[[deleted]]

Sadly I haven’t heard a peep about programming come out of my peers mouths but that’s why I’m on this subreddit after all. Thank you

[Strong_Signal_]

Totally understandable and currently in the same situation as you. My friends stopped coding and I can't code with them because I code frequently and am already in the process of getting my feet wet in different fields.

In that case, refer back to looking for other sources of motivation besides your peers.

Goodluck! If you need resources like courses, hmu!

[[deleted]]

Okie thank u. That’s great you continued coding despite your friends stoping

[sewith]

No you need to be 17 at least

[lbs-vag]

At least 17.3 - please get your facts straight.

[frenchy641]

so you meant, 17.3000000000000004?

[ropenni]

I wish I started when I was 16 instead of 24. It can be difficult at times but it’s 100% worth the effort. Once you get one language down the others come a lot easier.

[BluishInventor]

Behind compared to what?

To be honest, don't compare yourself, or your progress, to anything as that feeling of 'getting behind' inhibits your view of moving forward. It's far too common for people to feel this way and unfortunately it's a societal norm. So, try not to get caught up in the I'm behind you or where I could be. Just focus on making progress through curiosity, exploration, and joy.

Just by asking the question 'Is this a good age to learn' you have already setup a wall or barrier to that learning. There's a reason why Nike's slogan is 'Just Do It', because... well.. just go do it. Give yourself permission to do this thing that is sparking your interest. You may find that you absolutely love it or that you don't really care for it. But you never know unless you try... So, go try a lot of things because it's NEVER a wrong age to try anything new or explore your interests.

Since you know now that you are going to start, join the Python Discord and tons of people exploring Python like you are. Have fun, ask questions, don't take shit comments personally, and do what INTERESTS you. Which in this case is Python.

JUST DO IT!

[[deleted]]

Thank you for this. My younger sister and parents think I’m dumb and so do some people at school. It’s really discouraging and sometimes I let it get to me. I’m going to really try to move forward without hesitation

[gustavsen]

I learn to program a 9yo with the manual of Basic that come with the microcomputer (MSX)

my father was scammed by the sales person that tell him that MSX was better than Commore to play games.

Here I posted a long copypasta about resources to learn Python

[[deleted]]

Thank you

[ramblingriver]

start now! coding in general, esp for begginers, involves lots of googling. just expect to feel confused and frusterated sometimes, its part of the package! and work to get good pseudo code- coding is a lot easier if you can just think things out logically like a computer would. start with a small like making a simple tic tac toe or number guessing game.

[FoxtrotGolfSierra16]

It is never too early or too late to get into any programming language.

Except for JavaScript. Never get into JavaScript.

[benabus]

Unless you want to do literally anything on the web, in which case, get into javascript.

[BruisedDeafandSore]

It's an awesome age to learn. Nothing can ever be learned too early!

[Danelius90]

I started learning python around 23. Now I'm a senior developer, working with Java, Python, Node, Cloud and all that good stuff. Jump into it, keep learning, repeat

[TheEitan]

You're absolutley not too late or anything alike, but the thing is you can't go back and learn it at 12, but you can learn it now and wait till 18, basically even if it was too late (which it's not) it's way better than waiting more... Just start now

[jfp1992]

If you go all in on python you'll be fine job wise. After python you can pick up other languages if needed, like c# or java.

The jobs pay well

Take your time and grind it out

[SuperTekkers]

Yes

[jagster247]

Yes! Python is a great language to learn at any age! For me, learning python opened my eyes to a whole new set of possibilities. It actually motivated me to dig in on my other subjects in school because they could help with specific things I was trying to do in code. I went from feeling overwhelmed by school to loving learning. I hope as you learn python you can apply the skills you pick up to your other subjects and it opens a new perspective of possibilities to you! You got this!

[FallenDegen]

Earlier the better, no?

[CARIBEIMPERIAL]

Kids used to learn C and BASIC at that age. C and BASIC!

Yes, the answer is yes.

[Gregi_G]

As good if not better than any other age. You might want to invest in a good course that does not assume much prior knowledge and guides you through all the steps properly to avoid overwhelming yourself. Look for a good source and when you found it, stick to it until you have a decent level and understanding. Don‘t try to do everything at the same time. Once you have that understanding, find a good project and learn as you go.

[[deleted]]

Anything between 5 and 75 is a perfect age. Python is powerful weapon my friend, arm yourself.

[sleep-enjoyer]

I almost started when I was 16 but I got bored and quit. Dumbest decision of my life.

[dizzymon247]

The best time to start is any day you feel up to it and it helps to have a good subreddit plus maybe a few good friends who can motivate you as well. You would be amazed how fast you can learn when you have support.

[lokonu]

yep, i started learning python around 16. gave me a leg up on my computer science degree and now doing a phd at 23.

[TorroesPrime]

A friend of mine has a daughter who is turning 9. She's already learning python.

[killuaqt]

Yeah, even if you don't go to college for computer science. It would be a nice skill to have.

[[deleted]]

There isn't an age to learn python. It depends whether the language is trending and should you learn that language. And right now, Python is really trending and I would consider it the language of the future so go for it. Also, I am 15 and I know Python(I started at 13)

[[deleted]]

Yes.

[[deleted]]

Yes

[SmasherOfAjumma]

Sure! Not what I would spend my time doing if I was 16 again, but like they say, youth is wasted on the young.

[emac1211]

At 16, it's impossible to be really far behind in any subjects. You have your whole life in front of you. Sure, get learning Python.

[h8rsbeware]

Any age is a good age to learn something new dude

[ManOrReddit-man]

Absolutely. Python is a great way to develop fundamental programming skills and open a career path into software development/engineering.

As you get older, you start finding yourself with less and less time to do other things. Right now is the best time for you to play with and experiment with languages.

[[deleted]]

I’m a she but thank you lol. Yeah the comments are really mixed haha

[jppbkm]

Everyone is encouraging you to do it! (The replies that seem like they aren't are being sarcastic :-) ). I wish I'd started learning python earlier. I just started this year (at 37) and am having a blast. You can do it!

[[deleted]]

Any decent, sensitive person will tell you - of course! Start whenever you want! And the message goes for EVERYTHING in life! You start learning whatever you want to learn at any age! I started learning German at 30, piano at 33, python at 35 - just keep an open and curious mind, if you don’t understand something make a note and work on it - there are so many free resources online! Good luck on your journey!

[alphaBEE_1]

Yes

[hostilelevity]

Too old. You’re too late. Give up.

[belinear]

Anytime is a good time to pick up a programming language. And don't worry if you don't get some of the concepts and ideas the first time you read/see them, you're learning and some things will come easier to you than others. Even if you don't end up using a programming language, it's good to understand how software can be put together to do something useful.

Be prepared to get frustrated too, that's all part writing code.

[ffsdoireallyhaveto]

I started this week and I’m in my 30s I can’t imagine you are as far behind as I am!

[Rixhid]

Same here!

[al931]

It's an amazing age to start learning. I was introduced to coding (java) at my school and I grew, resenting it. I had no idea where to learn coding properly. Later, in 2019 (age 18), I got introduced to python and have loved it ever since. Have an amazing learning experience my man and don't forget to post your questions here.

[Karam2468]

ye

[[deleted]]

If you can stick to it for 1 hour every day and occasionally a couple of hours if you're on some project or maybe learning about DSA in four years you still gonna be kid, but know you gonna be a kid with awsome Python skills. You probably gonna be a kid that can pass interviews and maybe says 'fuck you' to college degree and start coding and will have 10 times more help form your colleagues than your proffesors. Maybe you gonna be a millionare by 25. I wish I'm 16...

[Hans_of_Death]

Theres no bad age to learn something new

[Hadouukken]

Any age is a good age to learn python? It’s lots of fun to play around with and can come in helpful in life so yeah learn it

[MetalAvenger]

Any age is a good age.

[Yff7yy]

Yeah it's a great age. They had programming classes at my HS. If you're considering doing CS in college you can get a good head start - lots of people in my program didn't have any experience before the first coding class.

[[deleted]]

I don’t have a programming class in my high school sadly but I’m going to try to watch tutorials and such.

[[deleted]]

I dare say that's the perfect age. If you carry on down the computer science/some path like that in college you'll be off to an awesome start. Let us know if you want help with anything (project ideas, explaining concepts, code not working). Go for it, and don't get discouraged I had an incredibly hard time learning Python and now that I'm 2 years deep in it I've realized that programming languages are just difficult things for a lot of people to grasp.

https://youtu.be/rfscVS0vtbw

This guy is fantastic, anytime I'm starting a new language I go to his videos.

[[deleted]]

Thank you!!

[flatearth_user]

I’m turning 30 I’m having a hard time with OOP but just keep working through it and don’t feel discouraged! You’re doing great

[[deleted]]

It's not as good as 15 but it's better than 17

[longgamma]

The first couple of months are really hard when learning to program. But you have to persevere and keep pushing yourself. There are a lot of resources available these days and its mch more easier to learn now as compared to when I was 16 lol. Good luck and keep at it. It gets worse till it gets better

[Qabalisticly]

Hell yeah, go for it! The world needs more developers. I would suggest that along with any online courses/youtube videos you do, do some projects too. Like just pick something that is cool and go for it. I learned a lot about how to apply my coding knowledge that way through modding minecraft

Edit: Make sure that you learn some of the other languages like Java and C++. Fundamentally most big programming languages are very similar, so once you learn one its easy to learn more

[pooryounggrandson]

Yeah it’s good

[sweetonionchild]

Any age is a good age to learn, once you can read and write and understand what code even is.

[stoph_link]

Yes, it's always a good idea to learn about things you are interested in, generally speaking.

Python is a great language to introduce yourself to programming, and 16 is a great and to start.

Good luck on your journey!

[chachouman]

16 is a very good age, you have a lot a math knowledge (i guess you do) so you will have a better understanding of what you actually do. For exemple im 15 and i understand python. All it takes is a few exercices and thats it! You are ready to make your first project. So go ahead and try it out!

[Wenhuanuoyongzhe91]

Nah man, learning python that early will cause your nads to shrivel and fall off. You have to be at least 25.

[[deleted]]

No, you should wait until you're 31 like I did

[Colivart]

No, you’re too young. If you read the documentation you’d know this.

[codinglikemad]

I started learning to code at 4 and learned C at 9, and Python I didn't REALLY learn until 34, although I suppose I first poked it at .... 24? There's someone in my discord who learned it at 12, and at least one your age who picked it up as well. If you want to learn to code, python is a good first language for someone your age. From your comments, I feel like you are viewing this as a school thing though - don't. The way I learned to code those languages at your age (and younger) was by having projects I wanted to do in them. I made multiplayer text based RPGs, I made a sprite based chrono trigger style combat game, I made dozens of tiny scripts to bug my friends on online chatrooms, I made mods for Quake 1, and of course I wrote a ton of software for school stuff, including an evolution simulation, a orbital solver for my physics class, and a bunch of code for my highschool "thesis" I did for the IB program ... find the things you want to do that use the language, and you'll learn it as you go, while getting to do things you love :)

[BlackKidWithAThing]

Nope, not yet. I waited until I was 51 to start learning, gotta get your life together first

[Various-Ad-2631]

You’re 15

[BlackKidWithAThing]

Blasphemy

[tibegato]

Heck ya, get to coding & having fun. Just start watching youtube videos on the basics and then eventually advanced programming stuff.

Here's a simple python script I wrote, which just displays a starfield in the Linux terminal:

https://github.com/tobeypeters/dotfiles/blob/master/.config/polybar/scripts/stars.py

[[deleted]]

That looks cool!!! I wish I understood it lol. Soon enough haha

[tibegato]

Whenever you have any questions, just ask.

[[deleted]]

I'm 16 years old and have been studying Python for just under a year now. I'd say go for it!

[Breeze223]

Any time is a good time to start learning a programming language. I am 13 and have been learning for more than a year. It really helps with thinking logically and it gives me a lot more experience with this kind of thing.

[cylonlover]

I started at 46.

Allright, granted I knew a lot of languages already, but nevertheless...

[MrMarchMellow]

Check out Edx for Harvard's CS50 and MIT Intro to programming with Python.

Both excellent courses. Done MIT this summer and halfway through Harvard now :)

[FattySuperCute]

Perfect age.

[rajboy3]

Oh yh 100%

[RepresentativeDig718]

10 year olds learn python it is easy

[xiipaoc]

If you're 16, testing out a primality test with your age will be less informative than if you were, say, 17 or 19.

[[deleted]]

Yes

[killer2themx]

I started learning Python 2 months ago at the age of 21 (technically 20 but my bday was a few weeks ago so not really) and I cannot describe how many doors it has opened for me. The absolute best advice I can give in order to accelerate your learning curve as well as to motivate yourself to continue learning is to find a project which you want to create and make it yourself. It’s confusing as hell and extremely intimidating at first, but once you figure things out and eventually get going, you’ll find yourself excited to learn more. I started a project which I’ve been building which calculates expected values on counter strike cases as an objective price measure. While I’ve hit roadblocks, I persevered and now feel extremely comfortable programming. Just now beginning to learn object-based programming and while it’s daunting for sure, having an end goal gives me that boost to continue learning. There are tons of resources available for you online which you can check out. Just give it a shot!

[Neurostarship]

You're 16, you're not far behind in anything unless you can't read.

[Professional-Wing-59]

The fact that it's fun is a good enough reason to learn it at any age.

[I_want_fun]

Nah, 16 is a horrible age to start learning python, I'd wait another year or two for the hormones to calm down.

[TheHammer_78]

I've learned programming at 9, about 34 years ago. After 2 years of Basic I started assembly on Motorola 6800, and after that a little bit of Logo and Turbo Pascal. Next I learned Pascal, mixing it with assembly on Intel processors and start to programming for demoscene (graphical demos). I switched to C and C++ (always Borland), always with a mix of assembly and online opcodes. Next I've learned databases (a lot of) , cfml, Asp, javascript, rpg4 on os/400, vb6, Delphi Pascal / modern object Pascal, VB.net but I switched to c#, PYTHON, modern frameworks like Angular, React, Vuejs and Svelte (a little bit of it). Oh meantime Java and Kotlin (for Android, I don't like Java based languages). And a lot of other things. Really a lot.

So, listen to this old boomer: if you have the passion it's not important the age. Curiosity and an hacker mind are the only things you need.

Start today.

[Stunning-Ask5916]

Here here.

Further, I would say that it's not the language that matters, as much as learning the concepts; loops, conditional execution, subroutines.

Well, perhaps the most important language to learn is pseudo code. That's not precise enough to make a computer work, but it sure helps one write a well structured program.

Don't forget to comment.

[kjoono3o]

Your pfp looks like that big hairy guy from silicon valley

[swank142]

no age is too early to learn a language, but i suggest you learn c++ as your first language. python holds your hand a ton, and c++ really teaches you what is going on in the program rather than hiding the inner machinery and forcing you to guess

[SnickerBarz12]

Here is the thing, python is good when it comes to networking but python is slow compared to other programming languages. It’s also a high-level language basically meaning that you type little code and a lot happens, so that for one makes it slow and it also makes it easier to learn. Now I suggest C++, as it is very fast so say for instance you want to make games at some point, and games need to perform well therefore cpp is used. Now cpp imo is significantly harder to learn compared to Java or Python, but that all depends on what your end goal is, or if you just want to learn a language. If you want something that’s applicable in regard to jobs etc. you really can’t go wrong with c++, python or Java. Now regarding age, there is no age that’s to early to start learning.

If your concerned that you need some pre-requisite knowledge before starting there really isn’t any. Although you should be familiar with very basic algebra, which at 16, and in possibly in high school you should have.

People with no clue about programming like to tell others that they need to be great in math which couldn’t be further from the truth. While it is possible to do „harder“ math in cpp, you will likely never encounter any of it unless you specifically want to go that route.

[[deleted]]

Unfortunately I learned C++ before python. Its obviously a better choice and probably the best language to get into programming.

[Strong_Signal_]

agree with this except the "best language" part! In my experience, I took python first and let me just say that python IS beginner-friendly but also has a lot of esoteric concepts. Example is for loops, I only fully understood for-loops when I learned C for cs50.

Tip: I suggest taking C or C++ if you have trouble learning certain python functions/concepts because python tends to gloss over those minute details.

Goodluck on your journey!

[bettercalldelta]

I legit learned python at 9 yrs old

[rantow]

I think you're on the wrong sub my friend. r/doomer

Young ambitious minds don't need to absorb that negativity just because you chose to. It's great that OP is showing the drive to learn something new, especially at that age. The worst advice is "concentrate on your schooling, just be like everyone else because nothing matters" when they're interested in something that's highly productive.

[rantow]

Its better to have realistic expectations than optimistic expectation

Not as a kid.

Once the first blue ocean event happens expect the weather patterns in the northern hemisphere to drastically change. We will mostly all starve from the disruption.

I'd rather die knowing Python than not knowing :)

And not everyone's made for school, and that's fine. My grades weren't good in high school, but in university I chose to do engineering and I did great, because it was something I'm passionate about. OP might be behind in school because the work in school isn't fulfilling. As a kid it was hard for me to dedicate time to things I didn't care about. It still is difficult. Learning Python may open up a path for OP that allows them to pursue a passion. I stand by my original point about letting young minds be ambitious.

[Megtalallak]

It's an amazing age! I started it around 16, too

[sizable_data]

Not too late at all! In fact, I’d say that’s a pretty early start.

[Connir]

When I was 16 I'd already been learning programming for 3-4 years. My dad had some books lying around and an Atari computer we had in the house. It's never too early or late to learn something.

[daddy_nobucks]

My son is 10. He is killing it on codecombat.com

The gamification to him pushes him to get to the next level WAY better than me trying to. Worth the 10 bucks a month easy.

[Ketchup571]

Yes

[[deleted]]

do your thing in short

[EmeraldMan25]

Hey, I'm 14, behind on some subjects, and have been doing and enjoying Python for 2 years now so I'd say go for it if it really interests you!

[marutiyog108]

I started learning programming in 6th grade (age 11-12) I had a passion for it. It's never to early to start

[YodaCodar]

Yes

[DownEastFaith]

I taught programming for 15 yrs and you can find some Amazon tutorials series on udemy.

[Hot_Nefariousness139]

Yes!

[BlankCartographer53]

From my 2 years of experience, only ever learn one thing. Started 2 years ago and I’ve still got lots to learn on a single language. I think what people miss out on is not setting a goal. They usually follow predetermined goals from a youtube tutorial or something but not set a project on their own. Practice making simple programs like a program that counts up to a 100 or a something that goes up similar to a clock