Choosing the Best Programming Language to Learn After C/C : Beyond Simplicity

With all due respect to those passionately advocating for a single programming language, it's essential to approach the decision with an open mind and a wide-eyed view of what the language ecosystem has to offer. Any of the top 10 programming languages, such as Python, Java, JavaScript, or Rust, are highly worth learning, and there are numerous tutorials and resources readily available to help you get started.

However, if you feel like you have fully mastered C/C , it would be wise to showcase some finished projects. Simply stating you 'know' a language without demonstrating practical proficiency is not enough. C and C are incredibly complex and intricate, and further exploration and practice are highly recommended.

Why Learn More C?

Modern C and C are astonishingly complicated and require serious commitment to mastering. If you are still asking questions like 'What programming language should I learn next?', it suggests that you have not dedicated sufficient time and effort to becoming proficient in C.

Exploring Functional Programming

Another way to enhance your programming skills is to explore functional programming, which is inherently declarative rather than imperative. In functional programming, you use expressions to declare what you want to do, rather than how to do it. Functional languages are designed around a few core concepts, such as pure functions and recursion, which can provide a refreshing change from the imperative nature of C/C .

Functional programming languages to consider include Scheme, Haskell, Lisp, and Erlang. These languages offer a declarative approach to programming, focusing on what you want to achieve rather than how to achieve it. The declarative nature of functional programming can lead to more concise and maintainable code.

SQL: A Relational Database Query Language

SQL (Structured Query Language) is another language that is declarative rather than imperative. It allows you to state what data you want to retrieve from a database, rather than how to retrieve it. This declarative approach makes SQL flexible, as queries do not depend on how the data is stored in the database. While SQL is a bit like C in that it has its flaws, it is widely used and plays a crucial role in database management.

Object-Oriented Programming: Smalltalk and Eiffel

For those interested in object-oriented programming (OOP), Smalltalk and Eiffel are two of the cleanest OO languages, despite being on opposite ends of the dynamic/static spectrum. Smalltalk is a dynamic language that emphasizes runtime checking, while Eiffel is a statically typed language that emphasizes compile-time checking. Both languages are highly regarded for their clarity and the clean presentation they offer to OOP concepts.

Smalltalk

Smalltalk is a powerful and flexible language that emphasizes the environment and runtime behavior. It has a unique syntax that is different from C/C , which can take time to learn but is ultimately rewarding. Smalltalk's 'framework' structures consist of keywords, and the program structure is inherent in the environment. This makes it a dynamic language that leaves checking to runtime.

Eiffel

Eiffel, on the other hand, is a statically typed language that emphasizes compile-time checking. Eiffel is known for its 'Design by Contract' approach, which ensures that code is more robust and easier to maintain. The Eiffel tutorial at this link provides a gentle introduction to the language, while the Touch of Class book offers a detailed explanation of the underlying concepts. Additionally, the OOSC Eiffel course provides a more in-depth look into professional software development with Eiffel.

Where to Start?

In conclusion, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to what programming language to learn after C/C . However, considering functional programming, exploring SQL, and delving into Smalltalk or Eiffel can greatly enrich your programming skills. By expanding your horizons, you will gain a deeper understanding of different paradigms and techniques, making you a more versatile and skilled programmer.

Remember, the key is not just to learn a language but to apply it in practice. Whether you choose to explore functional programming, database querying with SQL, or robust object-oriented design with Smalltalk or Eiffel, the journey of learning and applying these concepts will greatly benefit your programming journey.