Thoughts on Java as your first programming language to learn
Picking your first programming language is an exciting process, given that there are many languages to choose from. While I often hear of Java being a popular choice that universities teach to many beginner college students, is it right for you?
Java is a robust programming language that is great for building big, enterprise-level software systems. This means that it is designed to be scalable and maintainable for developing large applications. By learning Java, you'll position yourself for job opportunities, particularly in sectors where Java is heavily used, such as finance, healthcare, and e-commerce.
Back when I was a student, I had the time to gain a thorough understanding of statically typed languages such as C, which happened to be the first programming language I was introduced to (my first love as a coding student). If you are in a similar boat and have a lot of time to invest in your education, I can see how other statically typed languages like Java would be a good first programming language to learn. However, for beginners seeking a simpler introduction to basic programming concepts, I would probably recommend starting with a different language (more on that later).
As a side note, many beginners mistake Java for JavaScript, which are distinct programming languages with different use cases and syntax.
Now, let's explore whether or not Java is the right choice as your first programming language.
Java has a steep learning curve
Java has a steeper learning curve compared to other beginner-friendly languages like Python. While this can be suitable for college students who have the time and structure to dive into them, I see this as a potential disadvantage to beginners who are starting out on a non-traditional college route. Beginners can feel overwhelmed and challenged when faced with the complexity of Java's syntax and programming concepts. It takes more time and effort to grasp the fundamentals of a language like Java — and I understand that not everyone has that time.
On the other hand, this learning curve of Java can be an advantage to those who do have the time to develop a deeper understanding of object-oriented programming concepts — like college students. When you invest time and effort in learning Java's programming concepts and mastering its syntax, you can develop a strong foundation in programming principles. Because Java is a statically typed language, variables must be declared with a specific data type, serving the purpose and usage of variables.
For example, when I declare a variable that would store a whole number, I would use the 'int' data type.
int age = 5
The 'int' data type specifies that "age" can only store integers. After all, programming logic, at its core, is all about thinking methodically in order to work with computers to solve problems. So by specifying a data type, you are providing clear instructions to the computer about the kind of data it should expect and how it should handle that data.
Java’s write once, run anywhere philosophy could be improved
Java is designed to produce great production code. It embraces complexity given that it's widely used in enterprise-level software development. Java's well-known philosophy of "write once, run anywhere (WORA)" refers to its ability to let developers write code once and run it on any platform compatible with the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) without the need for recompiling.
Compiling is the process of translating written human-readable code into machine code, allowing the computer to run and understand the program. When writing Java code, it is first compiled into bytecode (a compact low-level code that can be executed by JVM). This JVM serves as a translator, allowing compiled Java code to run on any operating system such as Windows, Mac, or Linux. Yet, like most things in life, Java's WORA philosophy can also be improved.
There are compatibility issues between different Java versions and platforms, which require additional effort to resolve. Different JVM implementations may have slight variations or bugs that can affect the performance of the code. Java programs heavily rely on the JVM to execute it, with the possibility that the JVM will fail with an error.
For example, the Android operating system, which uses Java as its primary language, has faced issues such as an app working fine on one Android phone but not working as smoothly on another. This results in developers having to test their Android apps on various devices to ensure they are functional across all devices. Better support for mobile development on platforms like iOS could make Java more versatile.
Java is relevant today, but so are other programming languages
Java continues to have an active and supportive community like Stack Overflow and Oracle's Java Community, providing value for beginners who are seeking help.
But let's not overlook the rise of other programming languages. Languages like Python and Rust have gained immense popularity due to its performance, versatility, and strong community support. Python's readability and simple syntax make it a common go-to recommendation for beginners learning their first programming language.
Java's library serves an ability to build scalable and distributed systems, allowing applications to handle increasing amounts of traffic and data without significantly degrading performance. This makes Java a solid choice for enterprise-scale applications. Java also became popular during the desktop era and was used in many desktop applications, still remaining a relevant and widely used programming language.
With that in mind, feel free to continue exploring other languages that align with your goals and the industry you want to work in.
Employing purpose, patience, and growth as a beginner
Java is a powerful and versatile language with a steep learning curve that can be rewarding for those with the time and dedication to learn it thoroughly.
However, if you're just starting out and seeking a simpler introduction to programming, you may want to consider a language like Python, which has a simpler syntax and is often recommended as a first language for beginners. Plus, you can always learn Java later on and leverage your existing Python programming knowledge to pick it up more quickly.
That being said, here are some of the relevant courses and articles to keep your mind sharp!
