Member Avatar for Marc_2

I'm a 30 year old full time worker trying to learn programming late in life. I just wanted to know what programming language is the best to start learning. And is it best to get a degree or home school?

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Marc_2 asked (January 2014) whether starting at 30 is too late and whether a degree or self-study is best. Replies from , and raise the right questions: focus, practice, and verifiable work. Below is a compact, goal-first roadmap that complements those replies and fills gaps they left—no single “best” language is enforced; the important part is finishing useful projects.

Begin with a clear first project (a personal site, a small CRUD app, an automation script, or a data-cleaning tool). Pick whatever tool makes that project achievable so the first deliverable gets shipped quickly. Learning priorities are universal: basic syntax and control flow; core data structures and common algorithms; reading/writing data and talking to services (HTTP, files, DBs); version control (git) and basic testing; and deploying/running the finished project in a real environment. As suggested, contributing to an open-source project accelerates real-world learning.

A realistic 12-week, part-time plan:

  • Weeks 1–4: fundamentals and short exercises to build confidence.
  • Weeks 5–8: a first working project + git + basic tests.
  • Weeks 9–12: add persistence or an API, deploy it, write a clear README and a one‑page case study for hiring.
    Post the code and case studies where employers can see them; the forum’s Software Development / Web Development sections (as noted) are good for examples and feedback.

Degree vs self-study: degrees give formal CS foundations and remain useful for roles that require theory or when employers screen by credential. Self-study or bootcamps are faster and cheaper but must be backed by a demonstrable portfolio, references, and network. A hybrid strategy—MOOCs or community-college courses for core theory + hands-on projects + open-source contributions—is often the most pragmatic route. Final tips: aim for a T-shaped skillset (depth in one area, breadth elsewhere), get code reviewed, avoid chasing every language, and plan for months (not weeks) of steady, project-based work to reach hireable readiness.

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Member Avatar for Stuugie

I started programming at 35, 5 years ago. There will no doubt be many different opinions regarding which language to start with but I'll suggest Java. In saying that, once you understand one, picking up other languages will not be as daunting as you would think. As for learning on your own or getting a degree (or diploma), I think a school setting is best and it makes you more hireable than saying "I learnt this on my own".

My 2 pennies.

Member Avatar for ddanbe

Hi Marc 2 welcom here!
I don't know what the best computer language is.
But have a look on this site under Software Development or Web Development for languages where most members here talk about.
To find out what the most popular laguages are, have a look at this site.
Try out a language you feel confortable with.

Member Avatar for phorce

It really depends on the things that you are wanting to do. Programming in general is a very broad subject.

If you are into web development then it might be an idea to choose something small, such as HTML.before tackling more dynamic and sophisticated languages such as PHP.

If your into hardware languages, complex systems that power intensive calculations and processes then might be an idea to take the C/C++ line.

I personally find that to get a grasp on both types of environments, python is an ideal candidate. The syntax is also very simple to understand and get to terms with it as this is one of the main reasons the language is being taught to children. Once again, it totally depends on your interests

One thing I do suggest, many will not agree with me.. Do not be one of those who state "I want to know every language" because it will just be like chasing the rainbow (so to speak!) The chances of knowing EVERY languag even if starting at the age of 2 would not be possible, IMO. Things in this industry change daily.

Also when it comes to learning; the saying "don't re-invent the wheel", which, to some extent is true. Don't do something that has already been done, unless you want to see the inner workings of it (come on, how many times have you took or wanted to take your PC apart)? Same principle.

Truth is, you can learn more about programming by taking part in an open source project that you are likely to learn by any book or reference site out there (although, these are good!!) I would personally recommend github.com - see if there are any interesting projects on there.

Anyway, welcome :)

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