I've just finished my 12th grade and I'm on break right now. I'm interested in learning programming to prepare for college. I have some beginner experience with Python since it was part of my school syllabus and I've also followed some tutorials on YouTube. My question is whether I should focus on mastering Python or if I should switch gears and learn C instead. Which language will be more beneficial for me when I start college? Also, if you have any recommendations for certificate courses that could help me, that would be great!
5 Answers
Honestly, it doesn't matter too much which one you pick at first. Just choose one and dive in! Both Python and C have their benefits. It's all about starting and getting comfortable with programming.
C is a bit harder, but mastering it gives you a deep knowledge of low-level programming concepts. If you can manage to learn C, it’ll make understanding other languages much easier. Meanwhile, Python is much easier for newbies and is widely used in many applications today.
In my experience, learning C really clears up a lot of concepts in programming like memory management. Python can come later since it's pretty straightforward to pick up once you have some programming basis.
Both languages can help you, honestly. If you're not sure, check out what languages your target college focuses on first. That might give you a clearer direction!
It really comes down to your goals. Learning C can give you a solid understanding of how computers work under the hood, which is invaluable in programming. On the other hand, Python is user-friendly and great for productivity. Plus, since Python is built on C, knowing C might actually help you understand Python better. Just be ready: C can be a bit tougher to grasp at first, but if you stick with it, it'll pay off!
Thanks for the advice! I see your point about understanding the fundamentals.
Totally agree! But don’t get discouraged if you find C challenging initially; you can always come back to it later!
Thanks for that suggestion! I'll definitely look up the college requirements.