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Adam Bader
4,811 PointsCan learning Swift first help me learn C++ later?
My main goal is to learn C++ because it is what is used in the space and defense industry (where I want to be involved). I've read that it's hard to learn as a first programming language.
I thought I'd get into programming by learning Swift through the Techdegree program. Do you think learning Swift will later make it easier for me to learn C++? If not, which of the languages taught at Teamtreehouse that is very similar and will help me learn C++?
I'm interested in Swift because I love iOS and I had already started one of the courses a while ago. I also know that iOS developers have many opportunities and get paid well.
My goal is to dedicate the next 6-12 months to learning Swift and getting the basics of programming in general.
Thanks in advance,
2 Answers
Michael Hulet
47,913 PointsC++ is a very low-level, advanced language, but it still shares many concepts with other languages, like Swift. I think Swift will give you a lot of foundation in concepts, like classes and methods and things like that, but I think Objective-C would be a lot closer (you can actually mix C++ and Objective-C code in the same file). That being said, C (the basis of C++) was my first language, and I taught it to myself when I was 8, so it's not really all that hard, in my opinion. Learning it first will also give you a much deeper understanding of computing in general than if you had learned something like Python or JavaScript (the traditional route) first, and it'll be much easier for you to quickly pick up almost any other language in the future. If you just wanna jump straight in, I followed this tutorial. NOTE: A lot of the build tools in that are outdated, but the whole thing can be followed entirely in Xcode on your Mac.
Source: C was my first language I learned when I was 8, and I won 2 VEX Robotics World Championships with a C++ derivative
Jason Anders
Treehouse Moderator 145,860 PointsHey Adam,
I'm really not that familiar with C++, but from what I do know, I don't think Swift would be you best choice for what you are planning.
C++ comes from C, and has heavily influenced C# and Java, so I would maybe go with one of those instead. From what I have seen, C# would be the closest, but Java would also be very helpful.
While all languages have similarities, you will want to go with one that is heavy in OOP, like C++ is. I would maybe do an intro to Objective-C, and intro to JavaScript (not Java). Then move either directly to C++ or focus on C# or Java.
This is just my humble opinion based on the limited knowledge I have with C++.
Adam Bader
4,811 PointsThanks a lot for the response, Jason.
I'm going to see what other community members think and then make a decision based on everyone's feedback :)
Adam Bader
4,811 PointsAdam Bader
4,811 PointsThis is a great answer, Michael Hulet! I will see if TeamTreehouse offer a techdegree in C. If not, I will do the Swift and Objective-C one and then move into C and C++ on my own later. I feel that for my first programming language, I need to follow a detailed and easy to follow program like the Techdegree and this is why I am asking here :)
Congrats on your success :)