{"id":16682,"date":"2023-08-09T09:40:03","date_gmt":"2023-08-09T13:40:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lpi.org\/articles\/\/"},"modified":"2023-11-15T02:49:36","modified_gmt":"2023-11-15T07:49:36","slug":"pick-your-first-programming-language-for-web-development","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lpi.org\/pt-br\/blog\/2023\/08\/09\/pick-your-first-programming-language-for-web-development\/","title":{"rendered":"Pick Your First Programming Language (for Web Development)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Choosing your first programming language feels a bit like navigating a labyrinth with 9,000 passageways. Yep, that’s the staggering number of coding languages out there, as reported by the Online Historical Encyclopaedia of Programming Languages. Even if you narrow it down to the 265 languages analyzed by the TIOBE index, it\u2019s still an incredible figure. Perhaps you could whittle that down further to a more digestible top 30, as per the PyPl Ranking? Better, but still it’s like being surrounded by a buffet of choices.<\/p>\n

But fear not, this article will streamline the selection for you and whittle that number down to five, based on what the TIOBE and PyPI indexes agree is most popular. So, ladies and gentlemen, here come the top 5 contenders: Python, JavaScript, C#, Java, and C\/C++ (yeah, yeah,I know that C and C++ are actually two languages\u2013apologies to Bjarne Stroustrup).<\/p>\n

While popularity ratings may rise and fall faster than viral Internet trends, you must ask yourself an important question: “What do I want to do?” Are you drawn to the world of web development, want to create mobile apps, or more inclined towards crafting desktop software? How about delving into the realms of space-age software? Or maybe you fancy diving into the thrilling worlds of AI, data analysis, or game development?<\/p>\n

Your choice of programming language should align with your aspirations and the complexity level you’re ready to tackle. Here\u2019s my advice: Blend a healthy dose of self-reflection, research, and self-assessment into your decision-making process. That is, take a methodical approach.<\/p>\n

What do I want to do? \u2014 The Methodical Approach<\/h2>\n

Create for yourself an evaluation survey that will let you answer some of the important questions that go into choosing your first language. What exactly is your goal for learning to program? Is it simply a casual hobby, a way to bust boredom, or a career aspiration?<\/p>\n

Rank these factors by importance. If you expect programming to be a crucial part of your job, rate it a 5. If it’s just a neat party trick, maybe a 1 or 2. Investigate which languages are commonly used in your target industries (for example, data analysis doesn\u2019t tend to employ the C language, but Python may be a popular choice for that task).<\/p>\n

Consider the factors that are important for you, and include them in your analysis. What are your learning needs and how much time are you able to spend on learning? Include everything that makes sense for you and rate it.<\/p>\n

In the end, you\u2019ll come up with a handy survey tool that will guide you on your coding adventure. The language with the highest score will likely be your perfect first choice. Here’s a possible breakdown:<\/p>\n

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  1. Your programming motivation: If you’re looking for a fun experience, Python takes the lead with its simplicity and versatility. JavaScript still scores highly as the go-to language for web development. Java, C#, and C\/C++ require a bit more brain power, so the fun factor assigns them lower scores.<\/li>\n
  2. Your area of interest: Different languages shine in different contexts, so consider what you want to specialize in or what kind of projects you want to undertake. Web development, data analysis, testing, or maybe something else?<\/li>\n
  3. Your language learning needs: If ease of learning is your priority, Python is likely to come out on top once again. But a strong community, support network, and abundant study resources make JavaScript a great choice too. For job opportunities, all languages offer prospects, but JavaScript and Python sit at the top.<\/li>\n
  4. Your available time: With dedication, you can learn any language, but if time is limited, Python and JavaScript are generally quicker to grasp.<\/li>\n
  5. Future demand for the language: While the future is as predictable as a cat on a keyboard, growing languages are more likely to offer a healthy job market down the line.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    So all you need to do is gather all these factors (or whichever ones are important to you), crunch the numbers, and unveil the winner. The language with the highest score could be your best first step in the world of programming.<\/p>\n

    Sample Evaluation Survey<\/h2>\n

    Now that you\u2019re familiar with the methodical approach, I\u2019ve prepared an example of what your survey can look like.<\/p>\n

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    (Keep in mind that the scores I\u2019ve assigned are subjective and should be regarded as flexible guidelines rather than rigid rules. The scores are based on my personal experience and knowledge of the industry. It\u2019s crucial that you take into account your own individual circumstances and goals when considering these scores. Even if you find yourself walking the same path as others, always remember that your programming journey is uniquely yours.)<\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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    Why do you want to learn programming?<\/h3>\n
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    Are you interested in learning programming as a hobby, to learn a new skill for personal or professional development, or maybe with some other professional aspirations where programming knowledge could play a role?<\/div>\n
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    For fun or to learn a new skill. (Python is highly regarded for beginners and fun projects due to its simplicity and readability, which is why it receives a high score of 5. JavaScript, although slightly more complex, is crucial for web development and offers a wide range of applications, earning a score of 4. Java, C#, and C\/C++ are more specialized languages and can be more challenging to learn, resulting in lower scores for fun and acquiring new skills.) (Python: 5, JavaScript: 4, Java: 3, C#: 3, C\/C++: 2)<\/div>\n
    I want to become a professional programmer. (All the languages I\u2019ve highlighted in this article receive a score of 5 for those aspiring to become professional programmers, due to their extensive use in the industry.) (Python: 5, JavaScript: 5, Java: 5, C#: 5, C\/C++: 5)<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/fieldset>\n

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    What is your area of interest?<\/h3>\n
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    Different languages are better in different contexts, so you need to consider what you want to specialize in or what kind of projects you want to work on. Choose the one that\u2019s most important to you right now, or run a separate analysis for other fields:<\/div>\n
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