Why Personal Choice Isn’t Enough When Choosing a Programming Language
When it comes to choosing a programming language, many people ask, 'Why do people ask which language they should learn? Shouldn't personal choice be enough?'
While personal preference does play a role, it is not merely a matter of picking any language at random. Instead, your choice should align with your goals, whether it be developing for a specific platform, working in a certain field, or even ensuring job security and lucrative salaries. Each language serves a different purpose, and understanding these can help guide your decision effectively.
Aligning Your Goals with the Right Language
For example, if you're interested in mobile app development, you might need to learn Swift for iOS development and Java for Android. If you're more interested in web development, JavaScript is a solid choice. Perhaps you're keen on building a social media platform or video game—different languages are tailored for these purposes.
However, the choice becomes more nuanced if your primary goal is to impress friends or delve into a specific niche. For instance, learning Lisp could be a great way to stand out in a group of geeks. Alternatively, if you want to work in the financial sector, Erlang might be more appropriate. It's all about matching your interests with the right tool for the job.
Popular Languages and Their Career Implications
While personal choice is important, understanding market trends and job opportunities is equally crucial. In 2018, JavaScript, Java, and Python were among the most popular choices. However, they also differ in terms of pay and applicability.
C and C remain highly popular and often offer the highest paying jobs. On the other hand, Python is a great starting language for those who need a language that can be used in various tasks, often due to its simplicity and versatility. If you're looking for an easy-to-learn language that can be applied across different areas, Python might be the best choice.
The Role of Personal Goals in Language Selection
When you're just starting to learn programming, the limited awareness of different languages makes them stand out. Commonly asked questions include:
Why should I learn programming? Will learning programming make me rich? Can I still learn programming at any age?It makes sense to seek advice on which language to learn, especially if you plan to develop software for specific operating platforms or areas of development, or if you're looking for platform independence. Knowing your goals will help you choose a language that aligns with your career aspirations.
The right language should be guided by the field in which you intend to apply programming. For instance:
Python is excellent for machine learning and artificial intelligence. JavaScript is ideal for web development. Java is suitable for systems-level programming. R is a good choice for statistical programming.By aligning your personal goals with the appropriate language, you can ensure that your skills are relevant and valuable in the job market. Remember, the path to mastery in programming begins with choosing the right tool for the job.