Introduction

When starting on the journey of programming, choosing the right language can be a daunting task. This article is designed to help beginners like you make an informed decision, focusing on the most suitable programming languages based on your learning style. Whether you're a complete novice or someone looking to expand your skill set, this guide will provide you with valuable insights into the features and advantages of various programming languages.

Language Choice

The choice of programming language depends largely on your learning style and the type of programming you wish to pursue. However, it's important to note that most major languages can serve as an excellent foundation for your journey in programming. My personal favorite is Ruby, but you can choose from a range of options depending on what fits your mental machinery best, including JavaScript, C, Swift, Kotlin, SML, and even PHP.

While it is possible to learn programming with any of these languages, Ruby stands out for its simplicity and readability. A good example to illustrate this point is the following code snippet, which demonstrates a conditional check in C and Ruby:

C code:int condition  5;if (condition  4) {    // do something}

Ruby code:if condition  4    # do somethingend

Note how much cleaner and more readable the Ruby version is. This is especially true if you prefer a verbose style, as you can write the same logic in Ruby as shown below:

if condition  4    # do somethingend

The only difference is that you must add the end keyword in Ruby.

Where to Learn

You are in luck! Chris Pine's "Learn to Program" uses Ruby as the language of instruction, making it an excellent resource for beginners. The book is beginner-friendly and takes you from zero knowledge to an advanced beginner level.

After mastering Ruby, you can consider diving into another language to broaden your knowledge. Ada Developers Academy's "Haskell School of Expression" is a great follow-up, as it introduces you to functional programming concepts, providing a different perspective on programming.

The Best Language for Beginners: Ruby

For beginners, Ruby is the ideal choice. It is a scripting language designed with simplicity and readability in mind, making it an excellent fit for programmers. Ruby is highly object-oriented and efficient from the perspective of a programmer's resource consumption and cost. It is also very well documented and intentionally designed to fit human thinking, making it easier to write code that feels natural and intuitive.

There is no perfect beginner language. The key is to find a language that you can understand by looking at some of its code. If you find a language unintelligible, try a tutorial that prints "Hello World." If that doesn't work for you, try another language.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the best programming language for beginners is Ruby. Its simplicity, readability, and object-oriented nature make it an excellent foundation for learning programming. While there are other great options available like C, JavaScript, Swift, Kotlin, SML, and even PHP, Ruby stands out for its ease of use and natural learning curve. Whether you're a student, a hobbyist, or a professional looking to expand your skill set, Ruby is a language you should consider starting with.

Keywords: programming language, Ruby, beginner friendly