Comparing Programming Languages
Social media never runs out of memes that compare programming languages. But memes are not just funny, they tell stories and promote ideas. Their popularity represents the collective opinion of social media on a given subject. What this means is that after having a good laugh some people will adopt what was meant to be a joke as truth, or in a better sense, let it shape their world view on the subject from memes.
“Python is obviously better than C. What will take 100 lines to do in C, can take just 5 lines in Python.” For the first two months in software engineering bootcamp, we were introduced to computer programming with C. Python was the next language to learn and the memes we used to laugh at had taken root in the minds of students. Comparison became a recurring agenda whenever we got together to talk about our learning. It is an unavoidable topic really, but when beginners take it seriously, it can be misleading. Comparison is the thief of joy, even in programming.
Instead of focusing on learning various tools and technologies, exploring the merits and demerits for themselves, beginners are sometimes sucked into old rivalries whose origins they probably don’t even know. This article of Linus Torvalds’ early opinions on C++ was one of the first materials I read when the bootcamp began. Being a subject matter expert (we are talking about Linus Torvalds here), reading through this at the time of writing must have influenced some people’s opinions about C++. But reading through it today will make you laugh for two reasons. Firstly, because of how strongly worded it is. Secondly, C++ has evolved so much from that era and gained wide acceptance in the tech industry, that piece didn’t age well. Can anybody fathom what the gaming industry would be like today without C++?
Generally speaking, programming languages are tools created to either address specific problems and/or create new problems (products) altogether. Engineers are fond of solving problems when they exist and create new ones when they don’t. Undeniably, rivalries are great for marketing. But food doesn’t always taste as good as it looks on tv.
Beginners should focus on learning first, before comparing. Competence helps you to make informed assessment of things and sets you up for a better career trajectory. This tweet from Gergely Orosz embodies the importance of multi-tool competence in the real world.
I hope this article helps at least one person out there to straighten out their software development career and helps them focus on getting what they really want and providing value to the world.