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You'll understand how things work more if you start with C. But, at the end of the day, programming is usually a way to get something done. You're going to get

You'll understand how things work more if you start with C. But, at the end of the day, programming is usually a way to get something done. You're going to get a lot more done in Python than C as a beginner. I have a good amount of experience working on real world embedded applications in C, and I would only recommend it as a first language to people who have a specific interest in real-time embedded electronics, drivers, and operating systems. You can actually emulate a lot of what other programming languages do in C, but you won't until you know it's there to emulate. Additionally, the "Compile/Run/Rewrite" cycle in C isn't as good for learning as the "Rewrite/Refresh" cycle in Python. I've actually been recommending HTML, Javascript, CSS, and git (specifically with github's "GitHub Desktop" application) to my friends/family that want to start programming. But of the two you'd mentioned, I'd vote for Python.

philonoist 9y ago
Interesting that you recommend Javascript. I was under the impression that beginners have impressionable minds and it goes long way of how good a programmer is with first programming language itself. Maybe that is why Java is not recommended as a first programming language(i.e. "every solution needs hammer" mentality is hard to unlearn in the future I guess). I am not intimidated by REPL/compile methods per se, but what path of learning these languages bring to the table. As emphasised in question details - "gaining efficiency of data structures and thinking abstractedly in algorithmic rollercoaster of fun.",for it, I will have to learn both. I will have to go through one door to another anyway, its just the order. Python-to-C or C-to-Python?. Yes, I have operating systems in my bucket list. I must know the nuts and bolts without fail. I see your point. Thanks!

philonoist 9y ago

Interesting that you recommend Javascript. I was under the impression that beginners have impressionable minds and it goes long way of how good a programmer is with first programming language itself. Maybe that is why Java is not recommended as a first programming language(i.e. "every solution needs hammer" mentality is hard to unlearn in the future I guess). I am not intimidated by REPL/compile methods per se, but what path of learning these languages bring to the table. As emphasised in question details - "gaining efficiency of data structures and thinking abstractedly in algorithmic rollercoaster of fun.",for it, I will have to learn both. I will have to go through one door to another anyway, its just the order. Python-to-C or C-to-Python?. Yes, I have operating systems in my bucket list. I must know the nuts and bolts without fail. I see your point. Thanks!