Python or Perl?

Question

I'm about to start learning computer programmation.
Which language is mostly to be understandable for a beginner like
me. It could be any other language than Python or Perl; feel free to suggest me one.
If you have gone through the same experience, you're welcome to talk about it.

Answer 1

Great question! You need to learn many languages to be a fully functional programmer. learn the similarities and the differences. Once you learn structured programming you can learn dozens of languages! We used to teach pascal first, then teach C. those days are long gone.

You can start with any language; whatever your friends know! but keep reading and learning others.

Perl is the king of web dev languages.
Python is one of the apparent heirs! so is ruby. But Perl is being re-incarnated as Perl 6, a new language with the benefits of the new kids.

while learning your choice, I recommend also learning javascript (not java). it is a major player on the web. about 50% of pages (99% that I hit) have javascript in them!

Good Luck & Good Programming

Answer 2

I wouldn't choose either. They both began their lives as scripting-only languages, and although Python has matured into other roles much better than Perl, neither is really similar enough to "standard" languages to be a good foundation.

What I mean is, the two most important languages today, Java and C#, have their foundation in the C family of languages. If you learn C, C++, Java, or C# you have skills that you can transfer easily to other languages. Perl and, to a lesser extent, Python don't offer this advantage.

Having said that, it still depends on your goals. If you are hope to be a sysadmin at a traditional unix shop, then definitely learn Perl. If you want useful skills for your own use, and maybe more, go ahead with Python. Python is definitely one of the newer--some might say more exciting languages, like Ruby--that are so-called dynamic languages and changing the way things are done in some circumstances. But it is highly unlikely that any language will unseat the C-family domination any time soon.

Answer 3

I would go with C++ it gives you a basic of computer and the low level stuff as well. Python is cool but there era easy ways to do stuff in it and it doesnt give you that understanding of computers. Perl is cool but it can be a little confusing and it was made for string manipulation so its not as strong as a C++. Thats my two cents

Answer 4

Python is solid. It is compact, extendable in C++, very high level, mainstream, and versatile (desktop to web programming).

I recommend you start with a high level language. They are very easily learnt, and you will have to learn one anyway if you intend to progress as a programmer. Might as well start with Python as your first choice, and go on to C++ from there.

Have you considered Ruby. It is another (very) high level language, and extends to web programming as well.

Also, have you looked at C#? It is Microsoft only, but very versatile. It isn't as high level as Python, and not as low level as C++, so it's very effective as a RAD tool. Besides, because of good JIT compilation, it matches C++ in all but the extreme cases.

Answer 5

C++ but I would suggest being specific as what direction you are taking this. Web, software, game or whatever?

Perl would be my pick out the two.

Answer 6

Out of those two - Python.

Unless you like programs that look like this:

http://perl.plover.com/obfuscated/

;-)

Though, if you're really just starting, then Pascal is great. Its not a real programming language - it is designed purely to teach the basics of computer programming.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pascal_programming_language

Once you've got through the basics, then move on to something more beefy - like C++, for example.

You'll also have a good basis for doing web-oriented langauges, such as PHP.

Answer 7

I would go with python.