You're looking at Less Wrong's discussion board. This includes all posts, including those that haven't been promoted to the front page yet. For more information, see About Less Wrong.

DSimon comments on What is the best programming language? - Less Wrong Discussion

4 Post author: lsparrish 26 May 2012 12:58AM

You are viewing a comment permalink. View the original post to see all comments and the full post content.

Article Navigation

Comments (98)

Comments (98)

You are viewing a single comment's thread. Show more comments above.

Comment author: listic 27 May 2012 01:08:27PM *  1 point [-]

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.

Comment author: DSimon 31 May 2012 07:52:32PM *  0 points [-]

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.

Powered by Reddit Powered by Reddit