You Should Learn Multiple Programming Languages

The more you know the easier it gets

First of all, I have noticed that the more languages you already know, the easier it is to learn new ones. I guess like with everything, you start seeing familiar patterns and solutions and in general- things start to make sense much quicker.

Numerous languages are also very similar. For example, if you already know Java, learning Groovy is very simple. Knowing many languages may come useful when you suddenly have to start learning a new one for your job.

Mastering a language

You don t have to master every language you come to work with. Sometimes you need to know just enough to be productive.

I have recently worked on a small IoT project where Python made the most sense, as all the libraries and examples I had were using Python.

Beside my advice to try many languages, it is genuinely useful to also master a language or two. If your full-time employment revolves around writing Java, you really should know it in and out. Even all that stuff about nested classes and concurrency. You owe it to your employer (or clients) and yourself!

Java vs C#

Speaking of Java, I have realised that I used to go into arguments about the superiority of Java vs C# or the other way round. The best solution to that problem is to learn both if you already know one.

With Java and C#, you can see subtle (or not so subtle) differences with how things are done. Learning about LINQ or Spring Boot can be a very interesting experience for people from either camp.

I have been looking to refresh my C# knowledge (the last large program I wrote was for my master thesis) as it is used in games development with Unity.

Make sure that something like Java vs C# argument never closes doors for you to exciting technologies, be it game development or big data!

Javascri pt and the brand new world

If moving between Java and C# is a rather gently jump, then going into Javascri pt development with Node.js is a whole new level!

These days there is so much Javascri pt code being written and used, that as a developer you really should look into it. There is a good chance that you will either write or read some Javascri pt in the near future it is also really interesting!

Despite its many flaws (or strengths as some would argue!) Javascri pt is an insanely popular language, that is appearing everywhere. Frontends, microservices, even serverless development or voice assistants like Alexa have some of their core libraries written mainly for Javascri pt.

If you want to learn something super practical, definitely get literate with Javascri pt, Node.js and the NPM ecosystem.

Python is here.

Python is currently the fastest growing mainstream language. The Python recent rise in popularity can be attributed to many factors:

Data scientists love affair with Python

Serverless architectures having a good fit and support

Python being overall a great language

Maybe even IoT

Mysterious workings of the universe

I am using Python for controlling my RaspberryPi and having great fun with it. It is very clean, pretty and expressive language. If you are looking for something pleasant to write in- give it a try.

What about everything else?

I did not mention here learning C++, PHP, SQL or Swift. Does that mean that you should not learn them? Of course not! If you are interested to learn a different language or have a good reason to, you absolutely should.

I wanted to show you how many good reasons are there for getting familiar with different languages. The reality is that once you learned one, you know you can learn anything! Just motivate yourself and enjoy the journey!