A coworker's 15-year-old daughter recently asked whether JavaScript would be a good first programming language. She seems interested in making small games, so keeping the learning process fun and rewarding is important. JavaScript and Python both seem like reasonable choices, while C and C++ may introduce unnecessary frustration with lower-level details for a complete beginner. JavaScript also brings HTML, CSS, and browser concepts into the mix, although tools like canvas could let her focus mainly on programming. Another possibility is learning Lua through game mods, or using an engine such as Godot with its Python-like GDScript. I've already suggested beginner courses on OpenClassrooms and Pluralsight, and someone also recommended CodinGame. What languages, engines, tutorials, or interactive resources would you recommend for helping a teenager get started with programming through game development?
4 Answers
JavaScript is a perfectly reasonable choice for small games, especially with p5.js. Its online editor lets beginners start drawing and animating without having to set up separate HTML and CSS files, so she can focus on experimenting and seeing results quickly.
Scratch is still worth considering, even at 15. It removes syntax and setup frustrations, making it easy to learn loops, conditions, variables, and game logic. She can move to a text-based language once she has a project idea and understands the basics.
Godot is probably one of the best fits for this situation. Its GDScript language is beginner-friendly, resembles Python, and the official documentation includes a guided tutorial. She can build actual games while learning programming concepts without dealing with a lot of low-level complexity.
For browser-based games, starting with JavaScript and the HTML canvas is a solid approach. Canvas allows her to draw and animate directly while avoiding most of the complexity of the DOM and CSS. The Mozilla Developer Network is an excellent reference once she needs to look up browser or canvas features. Starting without a library can also help her understand how drawing and animation work before relying on abstractions.
Python with Pygame is another good route if she wants to learn programming directly rather than use a full game engine. It’s especially suitable for simple 2D projects.