The Art of Programming Languages: Which Ones to Learn and Why

Are you overwhelmed by the sheer number of programming languages out there today? Wondering which ones you should invest your time in learning? While the idea of mastering every programming language might seem tempting, the reality is more nuanced.

The Purpose of Learning Programming Languages

Learning programming languages isn't an end in itself; it's a means to an end. The true value lies in applying these languages to solve real-world problems. The magic only truly begins when you start working on projects that require you to use these languages effectively.

As a professional programmer, the choice of languages is often determined by the task at hand. For example, you might be assigned a project that requires a specific tech stack, like JavaScript, React, and Node.js. Familiarity with these tools is crucial for success. Anything beyond this is likely to be irrelevant, unless you genuinely need to use it.

The Importance of Practical Experience

The best way to learn programming is not by sitting in your living room reading books or tutorials. While this might provide some foundational knowledge, true learning happens when you dive into actual projects. You'll encounter messy, poorly written code and need to figure out how to make sense of it. This experience will teach you essential programming habits such as clarity, traceability, simplicity, and task-oriented thinking.

Choosing the Right Languages to Learn

There are countless programming languages, and not all of them are worth studying. While it's beneficial to understand where certain languages went wrong, it's important to focus on the essentials that are common to most languages. Learning the fundamental principles and concepts will provide you with a “big picture” understanding of programming, allowing you to ask the right questions and approach new languages more effectively.

As a piece of classic advice goes, ‘nobody knows every existing programming language. It’s too easy to invent obscure new languages.’ However, every serious programmer should be exposed to a few different languages. For instance, learning Lisp can introduce you to concepts like linked lists, recursion, and self-modifying code, even though Lisp might not be as popular today. The value lies in the mind-expanding qualities of the language rather than its market demand.

Gaining a Breadth of Knowledge

When you start learning a programming language, you need to understand both the concepts and the syntactic details. With each subsequent language, the learning curve becomes less steep. You'll likely find common concepts and only need to learn new syntax. Moreover, you'll discover that learning a second, third, fourth, and even fifth language becomes progressively easier.

By the time you know a dozen or so programming languages, you'll realize that they are just tools to be used. This realization can help you approach new job postings with confidence. When a job listing mentions a set of skills you know well but includes a language you haven't learned, you won't hesitate to apply for it. Every time you change jobs, you'll have to learn at least one new language. This adaptability is a valuable skill in the ever-evolving world of programming.

Staying Current with New Languages

Programming languages continue to evolve and new ones emerge. Staying current is crucial for your career growth. Start learning a few new languages now to get accustomed to the process of picking up new tools. Embrace the challenge and enjoy the journey of becoming a versatile programmer.

Remember, the key to mastering programming languages is practical experience and a willingness to learn. By focusing on the essentials and staying curious, you'll become a more valuable and adaptable programmer in the long run.