Hey everyone! I'm just starting out in programming and I'm not sure whether I should learn a language like Python or JavaScript first, or dive right into a full-stack framework like Rails or Django. My goal is to build web applications quickly and I'm hoping to avoid getting overwhelmed with complex stuff like servers and databases initially, though I do plan to learn those later. So, do you think starting with a framework is the best way to speed up my app development process? And if so, how much faster could I expect to build an MVP using a framework compared to coding it from scratch? Thanks for your input!
3 Answers
While frameworks can help you skip some of the repetitive coding parts, you can't bypass the need to learn programming fundamentals. If you jump into Django or Rails without knowing how to code in Python or Ruby, you're setting yourself up for a tough time. Maybe consider starting small with something like Flask first to get your feet wet in web development? You’ll learn a lot in the process!
I suggest learning a programming language first. Some people even recommend starting with C to really grasp the core concepts. Once you have that down, moving to something like Python or JavaScript will be easier, plus you'll be better prepared to understand frameworks. You might even want to experiment with creating a simple web app without a framework to see how it all works beneath the surface before diving into frameworks. But keep in mind, with no-code platforms on the rise, you might find yourself able to create something without coding soon!
Totally! Skipping coding sounds tempting, but without the basics, you'll miss out on important concepts that can help you grow.
It's important to remember that frameworks are built on top of programming languages. If you kick off your learning with a framework, you might struggle because you won't fully understand the underlying language. It’s generally advised to start with a language like Python or JavaScript so that when you move to a framework, you get the full picture and save yourself from confusion later on.
Absolutely! Learning the language first gives you the foundational knowledge you need to actually leverage the framework effectively.
Great point! Starting with something simpler lets you build confidence before tackling bigger projects.