I would like to ask the commentators: what do you think about learning JavaScript as a "first" programming language? I would like to learn to use modern programming technologies and utilize best practices, but learn something quickly usable in the real world and applicable to web programming.
I was going to learn JavaScript for a while (but haven't got around to it) because:
But I have heard so much advice to learn Python lately that I am thinking: am I missing something and being difficult?
It looks like lsparrish has been around and tried learning different languages before, so did I: I was paid to program in C and Forth. But I am a real beginner actually.
Javascript shares a problem with C++: it is hard to find non-crap documentation and tutorials that won't lead new coders subtly (or not so subtly) into bad habits that are hard to break later. With C++ or Javascript, the first few google results for any newbie question are likely to be pretty bad.
If you have access to a really good Javascript programmer who uses modern techniques and libraries (use of jQuery, prototype, coffescript and/or node.js are all good signs), and can get them to supply you with help or at least review the help you're gtting from others, then that's cool. If not, then stay away from JS until you're a good programmer and you have a direct practical need for it.
Learning to program in a given language requires a non-trivial amount of time. This seems to be agreed upon as a good use of LessWrongers' time.
Each language may be more useful than others for particular purposes. However, like e.g. the choice of donation to a particular charity, we shouldn't expect the trade-offs of focusing on one versus another not to exist.
Suppose I know nothing about programming... And I want to make a choice about what language to pick up beyond merely what sounds cool at the time. In short I would want to spend my five minutes on the problem before jumping to a solution.
As an example of the dilemma, if I spend my time learning Scheme or Lisp, I will gain a particular kind of skill. It won't be a very directly marketable one, but it could (in theory) make me a better programmer. "Code as lists" is a powerful perspective -- and Eric S. Raymond recommends learning Lisp for this reason.
Forth (or any similar concatenative language) presents a different yet similarly powerful perspective, one which encourages extreme factorization and use of small well-considered definitions of words for frequently reused concepts.
Python encourages object oriented thinking and explicit declaration. Ruby is object oriented and complexity-hiding to the point of being almost magical.
C teaches functions and varying abstraction levels. Javascript is more about the high level abstractions.
If a newbie programmer focuses on any of these they will come out of it a different kind of programmer. If a competent programmer avoids one of these things they will avoid different kinds of costs as well as different kinds of benefits.
Is it better to focus on one path, avoiding contamination from others?
Is it better to explore several simultaneously, to make sure you don't miss the best parts?
Which one results in converting time to dollars the most quickly?
Which one most reliably converts you to a higher value programmer over a longer period of time?
What other caveats are there?