Should you learn Python or C first?

When people ask what language to learn first, they often expect a safe answer, something like "it doesn't matter, just pick one." But it does matter. The first language you learn shapes the way you think about programming. It creates grooves in your mind. Later, when you switch to other languages, you'll notice yourself falling back into those grooves.

That's why I think the choice should come down to two: Python or C.

The Value of Abstraction

Most people who start with Python say the same thing: it feels like magic. You can sit down with no experience, type a few lines, and the computer actually does something. That's important. Early on, what you need is momentum. If the car doesn't move at all, you'll give up.

Python gives you movement. It hides the machinery and lets you think at a higher level. You don't need to worry about how memory works or why your program just segfaulted. You write something, and it runs. The faster you can go from zero to "this works", the more likely you'll keep going.

The risk, of course, is that you don't see what's underneath. Abstractions are leaky. If you stay in Python too long, you'll eventually hit walls you don't understand.

The Value of Exposure

C is the opposite. It shows you everything. You don't get the illusion that computers are magic. You learn quickly that they're actually dumb machines doing exactly what you told them, down to the byte.

It's harder, yes. But it teaches you lessons you'll never unlearn. Once you understand pointers in C, you'll understand why memory matters everywhere. Once you've debugged a segfault at 2am, you'll understand why higher-level languages exist at all.

Learning C first is like being dropped into a foreign country with no guidebook. At first it's painful. But once you get used to it, you feel at home anywhere.

Which First?

So which should you start with?

If your goal is to get hooked on programming, start with Python. You'll see results faster, and that's what keeps you going.

If your goal is to understand programming at its core, start with C. You'll suffer more in the beginning, but you'll carry those insights with you forever.

The truth is, if you really want to become a good programmer, you should eventually learn both. Python will teach you to build. C will teach you to understand.

The order just depends on whether you value momentum or depth at the start.