I'm considering a degree in computer science but have no prior coding experience aside from some basic block coding in Scratch back in middle school. I'd like to know which programming language I should focus on learning before I start uni in 2027-2028. What are the main functions of different programming languages, and what kinds of jobs do they typically lead to? Thanks for any help!
3 Answers
Honestly, instead of stressing about which language to choose, just dive into one and start learning. By the time you graduate, you’ll likely pick up 3 or 4 languages anyway! But if you need some suggestions, here are a few beginner-friendly languages:
- **Python**: Great for data science and AI; very versatile.
- **JavaScript**: Essential for web development.
- **C / C++**: Useful for embedded systems and OS programming.
- **Java**: Widely used in enterprise software.
- **C#**: Popular for enterprise applications and game development using Unity.
If I had to pick one, I’d say learn Python. It’s simple and widely used for many applications!
Good advice! Each language has its strengths; some are better suited for specific tasks, like Python is great for data work.
If your priority is landing a job, check your local job market for in-demand programming skills. Generally, picking from the top programming languages should serve you well. I recommend learning:
- **A low-level language**: Helps you understand memory management and efficient code (think C or C++).
- **A high-level language**: Perfect for quickly building applications (like Python).
Both will give you a strong foundation, and you can mix them with projects that excite you!
Python is fantastic for getting quick results and is great for data science. I also recommend C for a deeper understanding of programming concepts since it's quite close to machine operations.”},{
Thanks! I dabbled in Python a while back but forgot most of it, so I’ll get back into it more seriously.