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HTML, CSS and JavaScript was what I first learnt almost 20 years ago and I still think it is a great path to beginners

• jomamaxx 10y ago
  I don't mean to sound negative - but the HTML stack is the worst thing on earth to start leaning to program in. HTML, CSS are not 'programming', and both they and javascript are a convoluted, dysfunctional mess. Yes - they are easy - but they are all super quirky and those quirks form bad habits. Python is a great place to learn basic algorithms and syntax. Java is a great way to learn types and basic OO. C is a good place to learn how to deal with lower-level things, but it can be challenging for beginners. Javascript should be a great place for beginners - but it's full of so many oddities, that I think starters will be misled. Every JS environment is different, and it's hard to tell what works where. It's also managed by consensus and varies a lot.
  • meira 10y ago
    Yep, I don't disagree with you. I gave a practical approach, which worked pretty well for me, I think. I also think that the native web stack (HTML, CSS and javascript) will keep growing until it becomes ubiquitous. But as it is a personal bet, I don't always use it as an argument.
    • jomamaxx 10y ago
      'web stack' is a natural entry point for newcomers because 'they can do stuff', i.e. make web-pages that do things they can touch and feel. So it makes sense on some levels ... But for programming proper ... no way. I wish that were not the case.