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General Discussion

Acero Hsu
Acero Hsu
3,412 Points
Posted by Acero Hsu
Acero Hsu
3,412 Points

First Language to Start?

I do know there is no single answer for this question, I'd try to be as specific as possible. I almost finish the basic digital literacy track, and I'm still trying to figure out where should I go after I finish, I'm not a super fan of either HTML and CSS though. My goal is to work as freelance programmer one day (so the "How to freelance" course here is one of the reason I joined), and so far I am still puzzled over where to start, because I know I can't just browse and try every language then unable to master any.

Rails seems to be the most comprehensive course in Treehouse (by judging the track hour), but most do suggest to start with python. Java seems like something fun, but probably is harder than others.

So, if possible, please suggest where to start, and how can I leverage the resource here to be as prepared as possible, preferably specifying why.

But that would probably be too much trouble for anyone here, so if you feel lazy, do rank all the language provided here in following criteria:

(a) Availability of freelance works (b) Fun (c) Difficulty to be job-ready for said language

Thank you all for just reading the question, I know it's a amateur question, but it's really hard to find the answer, since not all the others need the same thing as I do, I know I need to make this decision after all, but I want to get the facts straight first and do the best possible thing.

So thank you again for being awesome.

AC

2 Answers

Dan Weru
Dan Weru
47,649 Points
Dan Weru
Dan Weru
47,649 Points

Your choice should depend on your personal goals and interests. Ask yourself what you would love to build in the next say 6 months. If you would love to work with IOS, pick Objective C. If it's android apps, pick Java. If it's web apps, you definitely have to learn the building blocks: Html, CSS, and Javascript. For web development, see this video (It will open your eyes and you will be confident going forward): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXqs6X0lzKI ... The video will also tell you which areas have a huge demand in the Industry. I get the impression you think you're lazy; so what? Just about every programmer is lazy, or atleast has been lazy at some point ... What you will realize is that as you begin to grasp the basics of programming, code will turn out to be fun than work (most of the times you will find yourself forcing yourself to move on to other activities). Virtually all courses at Treehouse have awesome content (plus Teachers are great - and so is the community), and even though you will find yourself stuck at time, if you keep at it, you will wow yourself. I say, find out what you would love to build, what is required, and immerse into learning.

Acero Hsu
Acero Hsu
3,412 Points
Acero Hsu
Acero Hsu
3,412 Points

I guess that's it, I don't know what I'd really like to do, so instead I tried to find the one most suitable to my need financial-wise, I guess it's not going to work that way. I am equally attracted to Python, RoR, Java and JS though.

I just don't wanna be a jack of all trade for now, I really want to dive into one, but can't really find that first step.

Thanks for the reply, I'll watch the youtube video you posted, and see if there's gonna be some epiphany.

AC

Dan Weru
Dan Weru
47,649 Points
Dan Weru
Dan Weru
47,649 Points

That's the way to go. Pick a path and stick to it ... but you've got to figure out what is it you would really like to do with code. Once that's handled, it will become clearer moving forward. One of the coolest features about Treehouse is that it gives you several learning structures (paths), so that you don't waste your time playing jack-of-all-trades.