I want to pursue computer science but I am debating on doing C++ or Javascript. I have some experience with Javascript but I read online that most websites, search engines, and video games mostly use C++. For example, Facebook, YouTube, Google, Wikipedia, and Twitter, all use C++. And for video games, 99% of game engines are completely written in C++, such as Minecraft, Fortnite, Pac-Man, etc. So which programming language do you prefer and why?
What are you looking to do, and why? If you go into CS, you’re certainly going to learn multiple languages. Both of these are useful for different types of problems.
JavaScript is easier to learn - with these two, I’d learn JS and then dive into the complexities of C++ later.
(Honestly, Python, Java, and C would be my first choices. But you’ll get many, many, many different opinions).
I don’t know exactly what I want to do with coding but I know I love it. Currently, I just want experience with programming before college, since I will most likely major in CS or systems engineering like my dad. I will take your advice and learn JavaScript first.
Java and Javascript are two different languages. Javascript is easier to learn, and mostly used for web pages.
RichinPitt mentioned both, but just to clarify.
Java is the language used in AP Computer Science, so learning that could help you have an equivalent programming background to many incoming CS majors.
JavaScript was what my D used in AP Computer Science Principles. She’s now learning Java in a dual enrollment class our school requires before CSA, and learning Python on her own.
Those are all good learning languages - not overly constrained/difficult.
C, C++, C# are more powerful, next step languages to learn the nuances of computer science (as opposed to “programming”)
(Back in my college days, we hard-core folks did it in Assembler. Though I just missed out on punchcards…)
@OhiBro @RichInPitt Thanks.
why is C++ harder?
@moonlitpoems Yes. It’s not necessarily harder, it’s just more complex.
@dutko4 While I spent most of the last twenty years of my life programming in C++, I strongly advise that you start with something else. Imho Java (not JavaScript) is best as it will teach you essential concepts and force you to program in an elegant manner.
Do you have a Robotics team in your school that you could join?
PS: I didn’t know but apparently there are two different AP Computer Science courses. That explains why some people report different experiences…
Starting from the ground floor, it might be best to start with Java. You can learn all the basics. After you feel comfortable with Java, you might want to dabble in a little C. There are many excellent online tutorials for C where you can actually edit and run code in your browser. I’d avoid C++ for a while because it brings in even more complexities.
@NJEngineerDad Yeah my highschool does have a robotics team I can join. Does robotics have anything to do with programming? I thought it was just electrical engineering and using hardware to make things work. I could be wrong though.
@dutko4 If your high school competes in FIRST Tech Challenge or FIRST Robotics Competition, building a winning robot will require extensive programming (typically in Java). You should consider joining the team.