Is It a Good Idea to Learn Two or More Programming Languages at the Same Time?
We all like to think that we can multitask and do multiple things at once. At some point, we might be able to, but it takes a lot of practice.
What about learning multiple things at once? At once, in this case, doesn’t it mean both at the actual same time, but within the same time period, perhaps interchangeably? Depending on the complexity of the knowledge we want in our heads, it may or may not be doable.
What about learning two or more programming languages at the same time? Is that doable and is it a good idea? It might be, and here is why.
Different Strokes for Different Folks
It is as simple as the fact that not everyone will like the same programming language. Since that is the case, we should always strive and learn more than a single language at a time, to see which one works better for us. Most programming languages are tools, meaning that they serve a similar purpose.
However, not all of them can do the same job as easily or as efficiently. A larger and heavier hammer will help you nail something down in concrete while a small screwdriver can help you handle precise objects. Both objects go into another object, but the tools are vastly different.
Programming languages have different syntax and a different way of using code. You have to find out which ones work for you and trying two or more languages at the same time is a good way to discover that.
Different Syntaxes and Purposes
JavaScript is a great language for the web, as well as some other tasks. However, C is also a good language, but probably not for the web. It isn’t efficient when it comes to web tasks, but it is when it comes to managing resources very tightly. It is great for embedded systems and things which need to be very efficient, like operating system kernels, for example, Linux.
Both languages have extensive use in the modern world, but are almost entirely different when it comes to what they are used for. This is why knowing and learning two languages at the same time will give you a good perspective of how programming works.
More Knowledge = Better
The more you know, the better you will be as a programmer. Programming languages are tools and as such, you should be able to use as many of them as possible. Why limit yourself to learning one language when you can be learning two at the same time. You save on time and you position yourself better to work in multiple industries, and not just a single one. The more languages you can use, the better your career will be.
Concerns Regarding Quality
The problem with learning multiple things is the overall quality of things. Can you guarantee that both languages will be the same quality when you start learning them, or even better, that they will be the same quality as if you were learning only one language?
Learning two languages is probably better than learning only one. You could do more with more, which is great in this case when you are learning to code.
