Choosing the Right Programming Language for Beginners

When you're considering entering the world of coding, especially with no prior experience, you might find opinions and facts swirling around like a tornado of suggestions. This article aims to demystify the process by exploring the core of the matter: why the choice of programming language is significant, yet not as absolute as it may seem.

Understanding the Core of Programming Language Choice

First and foremost, it's crucial to understand that the core of the matter is simple: languages matter, but not in the way many people think. Experts often assert that the language you start with doesn't have to be set in stone; given enough determination and grit, learning to code in any language is feasible. The key takeaway here is that you should not suffer when you can avoid it. Programming is meant to be enjoyable, and the learning process should be mentally challenging yet fun, much like mastering a new video game.

Criteria for the Ideal First Programming Language

For a beginner, the ideal programming language should meet several critical criteria. It should be complex enough to teach real-world programming concepts, yet simple enough not to overwhelm the learner. It should be pleasant to use, easy to read, and efficient. Furthermore, the language should be immediately useful, allowing the beginner to derive extrinsic motivation from the experience, perhaps in writing their own software or pursuing a career in tech entrepreneurship.

Another factor to consider is the language's openness and support. A language should be free and open-sourced, backed by a solid organization or team, to avoid the risk of the language dying or becoming obsolete. Additionally, having a useful and large quantity of libraries can significantly reduce the amount of effort needed to re-invent the wheel. Nevertheless, learning to do so once for practice is still valuable.

Good compiler messages and well-documented languages are essential. Currently, only Dart, Go, Ruby, Rust, and Cuis meet these criteria. Python's documentation is notably inaccurate, making it less suitable for beginners. Additionally, the language should provide excellent error messages, which are excellent for teaching and learning, as demonstrated by Rust and Dart.

Practical Considerations for New Coders

When selecting a language, you should consider both high-level and practical aspects. Languages that enable deep understanding of algorithmic thinking, such as Haskell or Scala, are strong contenders. However, they often lean more towards language research labs, making them less practical for everyday use. On the other hand, Rust focuses more on practical applications but sacrifices some of the high-level learning opportunities. Scala and F# strike a balance, while OCaml, though recently evolved, is often overlooked despite its numerous advantages.

The compromise in choosing a language is inevitable. Given that the industry predominantly uses Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) and the fact that it's generally easier to learn than Functional Programming (FP), many experts recommend starting with an OOP language. Once you've learned the basics, transitioning to FP can be achieved more smoothly.

Choosing the Right OOP Language

A true OOP language, pure and elegant, is the ideal choice. A language like Smalltalk stands out for several reasons. It is simple and elegant, not academic, powerful enough for real-world use, and deeply practical. Smalltalk has several dialects, such as Pharo and Squeak, which aren't suitable for beginners. The best dialect is Cuis, which also comes with a programming 101 book that not only teaches programming but also Cuis-Smalltalk, essentially bringing the best of Smalltalk-80 with added improvements from other dialects. Writing a game while learning is a fun and engaging way to start.

Transitioning to Functional Programming

After mastering Cuis-Smalltalk, beginners should then dive into Functional Programming (FP) by either starting with Haskell or OCaml. For Haskell, Haskell School of Expression by Paul Hudak is an excellent introductory resource, assuming that you have a programming 101 background from the Cuis-Smalltalk book. OCaml is also a strong contender, especially considering its recent improvements and under-rated status.

Further Learning and Resources

While books are instrumental, programming is a lifelong journey. In addition to the resources mentioned, there are numerous online courses, tutorials, and projects that can help you develop your skills. All the excellent old books teaching programming in Smalltalk-80 run on Cuis, providing a rich learning experience. Exploring a variety of resources can help you build a strong foundation and keep your learning on track.

In conclusion, while the choice of programming language is significant, it is not as daunting as it may seem. By understanding the criteria and making informed choices, beginners can embark on a rewarding journey of learning to code.