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:

• I heard it's kinda Scheme on the inside, and generally has some really good parts
• To do web programming, I need to learn JavaScript for client side anyway; with Node.JS I can utilize (and practice) the same language for server-side programming.
• Node.JS seems to be a great framework for web programming, built with asynchronous/evented paradigm that should be good for doing... whatever stuff they are doing on the web?
• Looks like Node.JS is slowly climbing to mainstream acceptance. I mean, I think I could really get a job with that outside of Silicon valley and Japan!

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.