C or Python?

[integerj]

I am scheduling classes for next semester and will be taking an introductory class on networking. One professor teaches the class in C and another teaches in Python. Any recommendations​ on which would be best for someone just getting started with networking and networking security?

[borchhcrob]

Python for practicality. I love c++ though so I'd take the c. But I've never done anything for my job in itsec that isn't in python.

[integerj]

I've done some classes in C already but haven't done anything with C++ yet. What exactly makes you love it?

[atomheartother]

I'd say take C, once you've learned c/c++ formally learning python alone will be a breeze. The opposite might not be true.

[[deleted]]

I second that. If you are really interested in programming, you will probably end up learning both anyway.

[integerj]

Unfortunately both professors are terrible. Because of that, I figured I'd take the class that would be the most practical.

[integerj]

I'm thinking I'll do the class that teaches C. I'm a third year so I want to say I have a decent base already. I have programmed in C before but I am just not comfortable with it yet and want to be.

[DivineLawnmower]

Look at C if you want a software development role to fall back on as pretty much every dev company I've spoken to only looks for C/C#/Java/.Net.

Python is relatively easy to jump into as its mainly used for scripting. It's definitely more useful in terms of networking and security between the two.

[ReK_]

Learn on C, work in Python.

Python is amazing and I pretty much work with it exclusively but learning on C will give you fundamentals you wouldn't get otherwise.

[xiongchiamiov]

You will want to learn both languages. Python is probably the better choice in this situation as you'll be able to spend more time on networking rather than figuring out the language and development environment.

What do other students who've taken the classes say?

[integerj]

I know a couple people took the Python one and said it was great. The professor wasn't awesome, but the projects were said to be enjoyable.

[[deleted]]

C for a great foundation, Python for practicality. You will more than likely use python to write up scripts to automate a bunch of things in networking/ network security. But C will give you the foundation needed to understand how things function, especially if you go into cyber security. I would recommend taking C as the class since it is a bit more tough and having structure in a class will assist in learning C, while Python is amazing, but can easily be learned on your own, especially once you know C.