C or Python?

[PhantasmagoricalTech]

I am relatively new to programming, and am wondering if I should stick on my current path. I started with C language, but every time I look up code for it, I only get C++. Also, I've been hearing that Python is a way better starting language, and that it is very difficult to transition to most non-C based languages out of C.
I wouldn't have a problem with switching to Python or C++, but for some reason, unlike most others, I find C the easiest to understand... I really love the way it's working for me and would actually be kind of sad to have to leave it.... What do you guys think? Should i just forget about C for now because the cons are so high, or stick with it because i like and understand it more than the other languages?

[Huntondoom]

you're not leaving C, you're just adding a launguage to what you already know, it doesn't mean you'll directly abandon C

[Phage]

If you are so happy about C and find it easy, so why choose another language? I would say, stay with C and when you are ready proceed to another language.

[lucid]

and that it is very difficult to transition to most non-C based languages out of C.

I don't think this is true. Most people who code in C who I talk to say that learning C first, or C at all, is a good idea because most other languages after that you can pick up on easier because C is perhaps a bit harder than other languages. Python and C are very different languages and I think it is beneficial to learn both at some point.

However, as Phage said, if you like C and it works for you I'd say stick with it. C is arguably one of the most useful languages out there and I think every coder should know it.

[techb]

Going from C to other languages is eaiser. With the exception of ASM. For example, you will  know the difference between strings and string literal. Plus knowing memory management and pointers is always a plus.

Learn Python after your comfortable with C. Because if you know Python, you'll be a parsletoung like Harry Potter.

[PhantasmagoricalTech]

OK, thanks guys, i think i'll stick with C then. My only problem with it is that there seems to be very little source code out there for C. Are there any good resources for C? My favorite way to learn is to copy source code and then see how everything works by modifying it and such. However, whenever i look for things like that, I only get C++ source code... any ideas?

[techb]

OK, thanks guys, i think i'll stick with C then. My only problem with it is that there seems to be very little source code out there for C. Are there any good resources for C? My favorite way to learn is to copy source code and then see how everything works by modifying it and such. However, whenever i look for things like that, I only get C++ source code... any ideas?

http://www.daniweb.com/software-development/c/118
Also look at the snippets section on daniweb.

http://stackoverflow.com
Look for C tags.


http://evilzone.org/ebooks/o'reilly-secure-programming-cookbook-for-c-and-c/

http://evilzone.org/ebooks/c(not-)primer-plus/

[PhantasmagoricalTech]

http://www.daniweb.com/software-development/c/118
Also look at the snippets section on daniweb.

http://stackoverflow.com
Look for C tags.


http://evilzone.org/ebooks/o'reilly-secure-programming-cookbook-for-c-and-c/

http://evilzone.org/ebooks/c(not-)primer-plus/

Thank you Tech B! I appreciate it.

[hmm]

Also if you google Harvard CS50, they have video lectures on it.

[somegrass]

Take a look at an open source operating system. Your bound to find a ton amount of pure c.

[bluechill]

Take a look at an open source operating system. Your bound to find a ton amount of pure c.

Yes that's because kernels are harder to write in C++ because you'll basically be using C until you implement the new and delete operators which requires malloc and free.  To get to that point requires a lot of work in C anyways..... basically C++ is great for everything but kernel level dev.  C has less run time support necessary.  This is why OSes are written in C.

@OP

My advice is learn C then learn C++.  Then move on to languages like Java, Python, PHP, etc. all of which copy heavily from C++ and C in one way or another.  C is the hardest language in that list and then C++ introduces all the concepts to C that you will find in all other modern day languages.  C++ also introduces concepts which are not found in every language, virtual objects, multiple inheritance etc. and so if you do decide to learn more languages later on it will be easier as C++ pretty much has every feature of all the other modern programming languages (at least C++11).

[iTpHo3NiX]

The OP isn't here anymore -_-

Last activity: August 28, 2012, 11:05:20 PM

Bump old topic much?