Should I learn Java or Python?

Question

I'm trying to decide which language to learn first. I'm going to learn both, obviously, but should I pick Java or Python start off with?

Would Java be easier to understand after I learned Python or vise versa? How long do you think it would take me to learn?

After those two I'm planning on learning C/C++ and maybe something else. my goal is to learn about six languages. So...any you'd suggest? If so, why?

I don't know what field I want to work in exactly, but I do want it involve programming...any and all advice would rock my socks ^_^ thanks.

Answer 1

Java is the better choice.
First, Java is a full programing language, you can do anything with it. Python is a scripting language used mostly for Web development.
Second, Java is object-oriented. That is not only the easisest to start with, but you will also learn how to programm right.
Third, Java is a easy language to learn, although it isn't good if you want to build a serious application (mostly because of performance problems).
Fourth, Java syntax is 90% the same as C++ and C#.
Fifth, software markets get standartized and component oriented, you can't deny the future. So you need to learn component developing technologies, and one of them is Enterprise Java Beans, for which you need to know Java. If you happen to work with Microsoft technologies, you will need a .NET language, and Java will help you there (see the fourth point).
Sixth, today more applications are written in Java as in Python.

I hope I could help.

Answer 2

I would say java. It is very easy to create graphical applications. I learned from this book: Sam's Teach Yourself - Programming with Java

Answer 3

java is HOT on the market.

I suggest you to go deep into java.
Learning Python would be a plus, but I would recommend to focus on Java and try to get as many experience in Java.

I've seen so many job postings that were looking for java programmers... and since I've seen many postings that were the same... they need more java developers.


good luck on your studies.