In my career, I constantly hear the question, "Should I learn this programming language, or this other programming language?" Or maybe straight up they might ask, "Whats the best programming language?" Well, I'm here to tell you that it really does not matter. The most important thing is that if you're seriously looking to learn how to program, that you should just pick a programming language and just stick with it. I don't think the right way to evaluate a programming language should be about which one is "best" since that's hard to quantify. It's hard to even compare languages based upon its features or usage in a particular domain of programming. The thing is, when you're just starting out how to program, you're not going to be building any fabulous apps. Let's just get that out of the way. You'll be struggling with understanding even the most basic things, how to write your logic, design your methods well, create classes, etc. All of that comes with every single programming language no matter if its Java, Python, Ruby, or even C++. (ok, maybe no C and weird functional languages, but you get my point) I think how you should evaluate a programming language when you're learning is on how much support you can get learning it. For instance, I wouldn't recommend any learning Fortran, because most likely, you're not going to be finding anyone who can help you when you're stuck, offline or online. So as far as that goes, pick a language that a lot of people already use, Python, JavaScript, Ruby, etc. Or, better yet, if you have a close friend who's a programmer, pick the language that they know and you can go to them for help you need it. Whatever it is, just be sure to stick with it. Once you know a language under your belt, you should be able to switch between that and a new one in a few weeks. Don't get discouraged! Happy coding!
Well, I completely agree, but sticking to just one programming language will not do so much of good. For example, you gotta learn PHP with Javascript to get the best out of database accessing(MySQL). I mean its so easy to work with databases using PHP because of its in built functions. Going to apps: Android uses Java, Windows uses C# or C++ or VB or whatever Visual Studio allows, while Mac/iOS use Objective C. Trust me, Objective C and C++ are quite different. My point is that if someone wants to learn programming, get familiar with algorithms. As the language might change, but algorithm will be the same. Once you have the algorithm, just sit with reference books or Google and do your job. I agree that someone should only choose a popular programming language rather than something like FORTRAN(hell, I didnt even know the language existed before this). P.S.: I am not expert, just sharing my thoughts
I wouldn't say that there is a "best" programming language. It all depends on what you're trying to do, what you have been taught, your skills with the language, and so on.
There is definitely not a "best" overall language, it all really depends on what you have to do. For instance, web-development requires completely different knowledge than backend software. Some technologies, such as mobile development, require certain languages (like Objective-C or Java). However, for business-logic type of code, I prefer C# over other languages, just because of how great Visual Studio is of an IDE (although I know that's not fair to judge a language based on it's primary IDE, lol). Java, C#, and C++ seem to be very prevalent/popular when it comes to this kind of programming, although I can't speak for front end web-development much, as I don't spend too much time with it, although I do enjoy using PHP from time to time.
It really depends on what you intend to do. If you are going to be working on the web then PHP and MYSQL are important. If you are going to be creating tools to run locally on your computer then you might prefer C++, C# or Java.