Hi everyone! I'm excited to dive into programming as a hobby and I have a few questions to help me get started. First off, I'm wondering how challenging it might be to learn coding entirely on my own using online resources. I'm considering which programming language to start with, and I want something that allows me to have fun, solve problems, and create cool things. For example, I've thought about possibly creating my own Minecraft server, which I believe runs on Java. But honestly, I'm not sure how that works! I do have some experience with Python from high school, and I really enjoyed it, so I'm open to starting with Python or Java—or even another language; I just need more info on what they can do. Also, since I already have a desktop, can I expect any costs to incur in this hobby? Is the software typically free? Lastly, how user-friendly is the language you suggest for a beginner like me? Thanks for any advice you can offer!
4 Answers
I suggest starting with Selenium to automate browser tasks, and then exploring HTML and JavaScript since you can do that right in the browser without complicated setups. For a solid programming language, Python is perfect for beginners. If you want to explore further later, C#.net is also a good option!
Welcome to your new adventure! Don't worry; you won't need extra gear, just dive into a Python tutorial and start learning. It's a great way to get going!
You mentioned Python and Java, but you might also consider C#. Setting clear goals is key, especially since it can be tricky to gauge what's reasonable when you're just starting out. Don't be afraid to ask questions! It's fine to create whatever projects you think are 'dumb'; just have fun with it.
If you're into web development, JavaScript and Node.js are great for browser-related projects. Python is versatile, but it might be slower for complex tasks. For game modding, Lua is popular, and if you're aiming for performance, C++ or Rust could be good options.

Thanks! So, you recommend Python?