Ask HN: Which prog. language(Perl, PHP, Python, Ruby) should i learn? | Hacker News Reader

Ask HN: Which prog. language(Perl, PHP, Python, Ruby) should i learn?

3 pointsmpg3312 comments

Wondering what each of these languages are used for and which one would be good to learn. I know these 4 languages are similar in that they are general scripting languages but i want to know some more about what each language is specifically used for when developing. Is it better to start with one vs. another? Is one language easier to learn? I already know some java, sql...

View on HN

In my opinion, Python is the best of those for.

Python is the most minimalist without being cluttered by unnecessary features (Ruby) or too many functions in the default namespace (PHP). The syntax is very elegant and easy to read (unlike Perl).

I recommend that you read Learn Python the Hard Way(http://learnpythonthehardway.org/index).

Depends on your background / intended purpose:

1. if you are making web apps then Google App Engine / Python is a good choice

2. If you are developing Ipod/ipad/iphone touch apps then you should learn obj C

3. If you are more scientifically inclined and working in bio / Chem field then again I would recommend python.

4. If you are you young and have ample spare time at your hand then learn C.

5. if you are just plain beginner with no clue then I would suggest Ptyhon again.

One of Python/Ruby. Just flip a coin and get started.

http://diveintopython.org/toc/index.html or http://www.ruby-lang.org/en/documentation/quickstart/

"what each language is specifically used for when developing"

They're used for all kinds of things. Not worth worrying about IMO.

You can build cool stuff in any language, so it depends what your goals are. If you want to get a job as a web-developer, PHP is your best bet. If you want to have fun coding, Ruby or or maybe Python is best. If you need to maintain servers, Perl is the best to learn. Clojure is worth learning and a lot of fun, but not yet as practical for getting jobs, if that's your goal

python is def more signal to noise

Python is structured, clean. Ruby is too freestyle for a beginner (imho), perl is a shipwreck.. and PHP is too limited in scope

good thing about PHP is it's easy to find web hosting for it.

well i guess mainly to broaden my general programming skills...i feel the if i can learn another language i will have a better grasp on programming(particularly object-oriented)

if you want to do OO, I would advise Ruby or Python from your current list. If you really want to learn OO, I would recommend you learn some Smalltalk.

cool, i am probably going to go through a python book, and i will also look at smalltalk

i am new to HN, but i see a lot of posts about Clojure...it seems like a pretty popular up-and-coming language, no?

it is gaining a lot of popularity right now compared to what it had before.

what are your goals in learning this language?

Reply on news.ycombinator.com