Does the Programming Language You Choose Affect Your Problem-Solving Skills?

The language you use does shape your approach to solving problems, but the core solution often translates across languages. For platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank, JavaScript and Python are great because they are simple and effective. However, remember that these platforms only cover a fraction of programming skills. Building actual projects is a whole other ballgame.

Go with whichever language you feel comfortable in! Fundamentals are what matter most. I find JavaScript a bit tricky on HackerRank, but if it works for you, stick with it. Flexibility is important; use the language that makes you productive.

If you ever want to try another language for the same problems, that could be worth experimenting with!

You're right, the type of application you are building does matter when picking a language. If it's for things like iPhone apps, go with Swift; for Android, Kotlin or Java are better choices. But if your focus is solely on algorithms and data structures and not on app development, just stick with what you’re comfortable with for now.

For serious projects, yes, the choice of language can be crucial. For instance, you wouldn't build a frontend app with C, and while JavaScript can handle a lot, for some applications, languages like C or Rust can save you a lot on performance costs when scaling.

But for practice, especially with hobby projects, use the language you like best. It's more about the experience you gather than the specific language you use for problem-solving.

Honestly, the basics of programming don't change much from one language to another. Switching just for the sake of it won't magically make you a better problem solver. It's more important to choose a language you enjoy and can stick to, as that's key to improving. Sticking with one language instead of frequently switching can really help you stay focused and learn better.