Choosing your first language isn’t life or death. But here’s how to choose smartly.
Choose by Goal, Not by Popularity¶
- Web → JavaScript
- Data/AI → Python
- Mobile apps → Swift or Kotlin
- Systems/performance → Rust or Go
- Enterprise → Java or C#
- Games → C# (Unity) or C++ (Unreal)
- Don’t know → Python
Characteristics of a Good First Language¶
- Readable syntax
- Large community and documentation
- Lots of tutorials
- Immediate feedback
- Wide applicability
Python — Safest Choice¶
Readable, universal, huge community, AI/data boom. If you don’t know, start with Python.
JavaScript — For Web¶
Immediate results in browser. Frontend + backend (Node.js). Biggest job market.
Conclusion¶
Language is a tool. Learn one properly — basic concepts are transferable between languages. The worst choice is no choice.
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