I'm completely new to programming, aside from briefly using Scratch in elementary school. I'd like to create a project that organizes my university's resources in one place, but I'm unsure whether I should build it as a website, a mobile app, or both. I've seen JavaScript, TypeScript, C++, and Dart recommended. Which technologies would be a sensible starting point, and what should I learn first?
5 Answers
First decide whether you’re building a website or a mobile app, since they use different tools. For a basic website, start with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. HTML provides the structure, CSS handles the appearance, and JavaScript adds interaction. If you later want a more structured approach, you can move to TypeScript and a framework such as React. C++ generally isn’t used for ordinary web development.
Don’t focus too much on picking the perfect language before learning the fundamentals. Learn basic programming concepts such as variables, conditions, loops, functions, data structures, and debugging, then learn how web pages work with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Build a small static version of your university resource hub first, and add features gradually. That will teach you more than jumping straight into a large framework.
There are many valid technology stacks, including JavaScript or TypeScript with React, Python with Django, and C# with ASP.NET. The important thing is choosing a beginner-friendly course and completing a small project. For your idea, I’d start with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, then add a framework or backend only when the simple version is working.
If you specifically want a mobile app, the choice depends on the platform. Swift is used for iPhone apps, Kotlin is the usual choice for Android, and Flutter uses the Dart language to create cross-platform apps from one codebase. Dart isn’t a bad option, but it is mainly useful when you’re committed to Flutter. JavaScript or TypeScript has a broader beginner ecosystem and can also lead to tools such as React Native for mobile apps.
For a beginner, a website is probably the most practical version of this project. If the resources are mostly links, documents, contact details, and schedules, you may only need HTML and CSS at first, with a little JavaScript for search, filtering, or other interactive features. Avoid adding accounts, databases, and complex user submissions until you understand the basics, because those features introduce backend development, security, and data storage.
The idea is a university project that puts different school resources in one place, so I’m still deciding whether a website would be enough.