Is javascript the most versatile programming language when it comes to building a wide variety of things? (lemmy.world)

submitted 3 days ago by SlayersFan@lemmy.world to c/asklemmy@lemmy.world

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Heyy, I'm learning programming and trying to choose a focus, I saw you can make web/backend w node, desktop (bloatware but discord uses it so if it works it works), games (not AAA and not optimized for performance but it shouldn't matter for indie too much) Is there anything that compares? I wanna focus on one thing instead of spreading myself over a ton of languages, I do feel js is interesting for this, but I'm just starting out, so looking to hear some thoughts of people more familiar with programming.

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[-] NoLemurs@lemmy.world 5 points 2 days ago

Learning more programming languages isn't the hard part of becoming a decent programmer. You're optimizing for the wrong thing here.

You should choose a language that works well for the specific projects you think you're going to do in the near term. Depending on exactly what sort of projects you want to do, Python, Typescript, C++, and Rust are all languages I might recommend. I wouldn't recommend raw Javascript for anything other than doing some tutorials before learning Typescript.

Without more information, I'd recommend Python.

[-] SlayersFan@lemmy.world 1 points 2 days ago

While it might not be the hardest part, I do feel it is a factor, so all things being equal i think it can help to choose a good first programming language that will help out the on-boarding process.

[-] NoLemurs@lemmy.world 5 points 2 days ago

What I'm trying to say is that you should choose the programming language that will make your learning and early projects easiest.

Learning a new language later is not hard. Trying to use the wrong tool for the task when you're just learning is hard, and will teach you the wrong lessons.

[-] SlayersFan@lemmy.world 2 points 2 days ago

I appreciate the tip, I might end up on python, seems interesting and fast (to write not run lol)

this post was submitted on 29 Oct 2026

41 points (87.3% liked)

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