Which Programming Language Should be your First

Eric Peralli

Introduction
Main

goal of this presentation will be to help novice programmers choose a starting language. is a popular hobby.

Programming It

can be extremely difficult to get started.

Outline
Deciding

a programming language will be decided by looking at:

Learning Curve Syntax

Real Word Applicability

C: Learning Curve
None. C

is an introductory language.
for programmers not looking to make a quick

Suited

buck.

Allows time to build a library of skills

C: Syntax

Cs syntax is extremely structured and demanding. Requires lines of code to end with a semicolon. You can only use key words like If and Else in C. Multiple professional programming language share a syntax with C

Objective C C++ C# Java

C Example

Source: http://img.viralpatel.net/2009/07/codepad-c-compiler.gif

This is the simplest program in the C programming language. Good example of how easy it is to build a working program in C. All this does is print Hello World to the prompt, nothing more.

C: Real World Applicability

Practical Applications: Casual Applications:

Security Firewall Database Mathematic Calculator

Fitness Tracker Mortgage Calculator Video Games

Snake Tic-Tac-Toe Minesweeper

Java: Learning Curve

Java

is a OOP (Object Oriented Language).

OOPs

can program around 2D and 3D objects to create virtual reality.

concepts taught early on concurrent with advanced concepts.

Simple

While learning basic syntax, concepts like classes and objects.

Java: Syntax
Javas Javas

syntax is similar to Cs in terms of structures.

syntax is very forgiving, and wont completely crash upon running if a problem is present.
can be created to include several data types, and a subclass can be created that will alter the main class.

Classes

Java Example

Source: http://img.viralpatel.net/2009/07/codepad-c-compiler.gif

The Hello World program in java. Notice the differences from C, such as definition the of classes.

Java: Real World Applicability

Practical

Examples:

Casual

Examples:

Boeing Mass Properties Toolkit (A program Boeing uses to balance solutions and analyze costs. A list of numerous programs can be found here.

Video Games:
Minecraft Runescape The biding of Isaac

Python: Learning Curve

Similar

to C

Introductory Suited

Language

for Programmers looking for an easy introduction into OOP

Python: Syntax
Pythons

syntax is very relaxed, free flowing, and forgiving. shares ties with both Java and C, such as object manipulation.

It

Functions

in Python are called using natural words, such as print.

Python Example

Source: http://www.thinkdigit.com/FCKeditor/uploads/file/python-hello%20world.png

This is the Hello World program that we saw before. Notice the extreme simplicity, as opposed to C and Java. Instead of printf to print the statement, it just required the word print, a term universal to everyone.

Python: Real World Applicability

Python

is a relatively new language, not much has been programmed in Python. has been created with Python.

Mailman

Conclusion
For

programmers looking to make a career in computer science, C is the best choice. allows for the learning of concepts without OOP, so novice learners can easily understand syntax and functions without the complexity of objects.

For

programmers looking to start a career in gaming, Python should be their starting language as to learn the concept of 3D and objects.

Sources
"Text

Editor Tutorial." Text Editor Tutorial. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Apr. 2013. Game Programming - LectureOne." Python Game Programming Tutorial. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Apr. 2013.

"Python