Can I learn Dart as my first language?

So, you have decided to step into the world of programming. With one foot in, you quickly realize just how many language options there are, each with its strengths and unique features. Among these is a popular language named Dart. 

What is Dart?#

Dart is a simple, efficient, and powerful programming language. It’s particularly well-known for its role in building Flutter applications. Dart also offers a rich set of libraries and tools, which can significantly enhance your development process. Developers use Dart to create beautiful, natively compiled mobile, web, and desktop apps from a single codebase. Dart’s syntax is clean and easy to learn, making it an excellent choice for beginners and experienced programmers. With a strong emphasis on speed and productivity, Dart’s performance is impressive.

Who can learn Dart?#

Anyone interested in programming can learn Dart, regardless of their current skill level. Dart is designed to be user-friendly. Its clear syntax and comprehensive documentation make Dart an excellent choice for beginners just starting their coding journey. If you’re new to programming, you’ll find Dart’s structure intuitive, allowing you to grasp fundamental programming concepts without feeling overwhelmed. For experienced developers, Dart offers a range of advanced features and tools. Its strong typing system and integration with powerful frameworks like Flutter make it a valuable addition to its programming toolkit. 

Why choose Dart?#

By now you can start to figure out whether Dart is the right choice for programming language as a beginner. Understanding why Dart is the right answer for you is also important. Here are three reasons why:

• For efficient mobile apps

• Easy to learn

• One code

For efficient mobile apps#

A device’s processor best understands native code. When you create a mobile app using Dart and Flutter, the Dart code is compiled ahead of time (AOT) into native code for both iOS and Android. This makes mobile apps fast, responsive, and efficient, which provides a better user experience.

Easy to learn#

While Dart is a great choice for those just starting programming, it is an even better choice for developers familiar with languages like Java or JavaScript. Dart’s approach is similar to defining classes and creating objects in Java. This similarity extends to other common programming constructs such as loops, conditionals, and functions, making the transition to Dart smooth for those with a background in Java or JavaScript. 

One code#

One of the major reasons why Dart should be the first choice when starting with programming is that you can develop mobile, web, and desktop applications using a single codebase. The Flutter framework allows you to write your code once and deploy it across multiple platforms. This significantly reduces development time and effort. Instead of maintaining separate codebases for each platform, you can focus on building features and enhancing the user experience.

Dart vs. other programming languages#

Dart stands out from other programming languages with its unique blend of features designed for modern app development. Let’s explore more on what makes Dart different than Python and Java.

Dart vs. Python#

As a beginner coder, everyone has heard of Python- the most popular programming language, but now, you can’t decide whether to use Python or Dart. So, take a look at the two to make things easier. Dart is a one-stop shop for startups to quickly build and deploy apps across various platforms, while Python is great for web, data analytics, and cloud-based tasks, it doesn’t cover mobile or desktop as well. Dart’s small, efficient binaries are perfect for serverless functions on Google Cloud, whereas Python is popular for cloud functions on AWS Lambda. Flutter, powered by Dart, lets you create high-quality mobile, web, and desktop apps from one codebase, unlike Python, which lacks a comparable mobile and desktop framework but excels in web development with Django.

Dart vs. Java#

Another popular choice for programming language among developers is Java. Dart is versatile for creating desktop, mobile, and web apps. With Dart, you can build server-side apps with frameworks and use Flutter to create native desktop apps for Windows, macOS, and Linux. On the other hand, Java is widely used for server-side applications, Android mobile development, and big enterprise systems. It’s less common for desktop apps and web front-ends but is crucial for backend systems. Dart is perfect for startups where Java suits well in large-scale enterprise environments. Dart simplifies the development process with a single language, whereas Java is preferred for backend systems and large-scale enterprise applications.

Can I learn Dart as my first language?#

Dart is an easy choice as the first programming language. It is designed to be simple and clear, and its clean and straightforward syntax makes it a fantastic pick for beginners. When you’re learning to code, the last thing you want is to be tripped up by complex language rules. Dart keeps things simple, allowing learners to focus on the core programming concepts. 

Another great thing about Dart is its strong typing system. When you make a mistake (and everyone does), Dart catches errors early and gives you helpful feedback. Instead of your code failing silently, Dart will let you know what’s wrong, making it easier to fix issues and understand what went wrong. This feature helps beginners develop good coding habits from the start. 

Moreover, Dart also comes with some awesome development tools. Dart DevTools, for instance, offers features like code updates and debugging support. This means you can see the results of your code changes instantly. Imagine writing a piece of code and immediately seeing how it affects your application. Pretty cool, right? Instant feedback makes the learning process much more interactive and engaging. You can experiment and learn through trial and error. 

Final word#

Deciding to learn Dart as your first programming language is a wise choice. Dart’s clean and simple syntax makes it easy for beginners to grasp fundamental programming concepts without getting trapped by complex rules. With its versatility and user-friendly nature, Dart is accessible to new programmers, which makes it a solid foundation for your programming journey. So, if you’re looking for a language that’s easy to learn and capable of building awesome apps, Dart is the way to go. Check out our course:

Happy coding!