Let’s talk about a classic dilemma every beginner faces: Which programming language should I start with?
I’ve always had a soft spot for C++. It’s fast, powerful, and has stood the test of time. But this post isn’t about my journey—it’s about my good friend Jimi, who recently reminded me why C++ might not be the best place to start if you’re new to programming.
When Jimi first got into coding, he was determined to go all in. Naturally, like many ambitious beginners, he chose C++ as his first language. The promise of building high-performance applications and understanding “how computers really work” was too tempting to resist.
But after a few months of struggling with pointers, segmentation faults, and cryptic compile-time errors, he hit a wall. He wasn’t learning—he was just frustrated. Projects went unfinished, motivation dropped, and the learning curve felt more like a cliff.
Eventually, he gave Python and JavaScript a try… and he was shocked at how quickly things clicked. Within weeks, he was building real projects and finally enjoying the process.
That experience inspired this post—thank you, Jimi.
Why C++ Might Not Be the Best Start
🧠 High learning curve: C++ demands a deep understanding of how computers work. Not ideal for beginners.
🪓 Low-level control: Great for optimization, terrible for newcomers who want quick wins.
🔥 Easy to shoot yourself in the foot: One bad pointer or memory leak, and you're doomed.
🧬 Strict typing & verbose syntax: Newbies often get stuck on syntax instead of learning core concepts.
So, Where Should You Start?
If you're just stepping into the world of programming, start with something beginner-friendly.
Languages like Python, JavaScript, or even Ruby offer:
✅ Clean and readable syntax
✅ Fast feedback loops (you see results quickly)
✅ Tons of resources and helpful communities
✅ Real-world applications you can build early on
Once you’re comfortable with core programming concepts—like variables, loops, and problem-solving—you can always come back to C++ with a stronger foundation (and far less frustration).
At the end of the day, it’s not about choosing the “hardest” language. It’s about choosing the one that keeps you curious and motivated to keep going.
Start smart. Learn fast. Build cool stuff.
