Learn how to use your knowledge of one programming language to learn another. Find out how to compare syntax, concepts, libraries, problems, and community.

Again, knowledge of one programming language will help you explore the librariers of other programming language. Start with the librariers that you use mostly in the first programming language. For example, if you're familiar with Tkinter in Python for building user interfaces, you can explore Swing or JavaFX in Java for similar requirements.

You can enhance your understanding of different programming languages through comparative learning. Consider a piece of code in your primary programming language, one that you understand thoroughly. You could then rewrite this code in the new language you're aiming to learn. This exercise allows you to deeply grasp the differences between the two languages, as you're already familiar with the logic and structure of the code in your native language. After making these initial comparisons, delve into aspects that are unique to each language or are handled differently. Research why one language might implement this differently than another. This investigation can reveal the underlying philosophies and design choices of the language creators.

How can you use your knowledge of one programming language to learn another?

If you are interested in application development, you probably want to learn new programming languages to expand your skills and create more diverse projects. But learning a new language can be challenging, especially if you have to start from scratch. Luckily, you can leverage your existing knowledge of one programming language to learn another. Here are some tips on how to do that.

1 Compare the syntax

The syntax of a programming language is the set of rules that define how to write and structure code. Different languages have different syntax, but they often share some common elements, such as keywords, operators, variables, data types, loops, functions, and comments. You can compare the syntax of your familiar language with the new one to identify the similarities and differences. For example, if you know Python, you can notice that it uses indentation to mark blocks of code, while Java uses curly braces. You can also look for online tools or cheat sheets that show you how to translate common code snippets from one language to another.

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Tornike Gomareli

Swift, Apple Platforms | Engineer | Technical Agnostic | iOS Engineering @ Bank of Georgia, Podcast Host @ Devtherapy
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You can enhance your understanding of different programming languages through comparative learning. Consider a piece of code in your primary programming language, one that you understand thoroughly. You could then rewrite this code in the new language you're aiming to learn. This exercise allows you to deeply grasp the differences between the two languages, as you're already familiar with the logic and structure of the code in your native language. After making these initial comparisons, delve into aspects that are unique to each language or are handled differently. Research why one language might implement this differently than another. This investigation can reveal the underlying philosophies and design choices of the language creators.

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Adolfo Vera

Software Designer
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Siempre es útil conocer lenguajes de programación ya que los conceptos en los que se basan suelen ser comunes en su mayoría, como por ejemplo la implementación de los diferentes bucles, por lo que entender el concepto y su implementación en otro lenguaje servirá para extrapolarlo al que estamos aprendiendo.

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Asim Z.

IoT | Photonics | Cloud Computing | STEM Trainer | Tech blogger and Content Creator
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Familiarity with the syntax of one language serves as a foundation for learning a new programming language, and the comparison allows you to connect and build on your existing knowledge, as the fundamental concepts of programming remain consistent across languages.

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2 Learn the concepts

The concepts of a programming language are the underlying principles and ideas that shape how it works and what it can do. Different languages have different concepts, but they often belong to some common paradigms, such as imperative, functional, object-oriented, or declarative. You can learn the concepts of your new language by understanding its paradigm and how it relates to your familiar one. For example, if you know C#, you can learn that it is a multi-paradigm language that supports both object-oriented and functional programming, while Ruby is a pure object-oriented language that treats everything as an object.

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3 Explore the libraries

The libraries of a programming language are the collections of pre-written code that provide useful functions and features for various tasks and domains. Different languages have different libraries, but they often cover some common areas, such as data structures, algorithms, math, strings, files, networking, web development, and graphics. You can explore the libraries of your new language by finding out what they offer and how to use them. For example, if you know JavaScript, you can learn that it has a built-in library called Math that provides mathematical constants and functions, while Python has a separate library called NumPy that provides advanced numerical operations.

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Asim Z.

IoT | Photonics | Cloud Computing | STEM Trainer | Tech blogger and Content Creator
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Again, knowledge of one programming language will help you explore the librariers of other programming language. Start with the librariers that you use mostly in the first programming language. For example, if you're familiar with Tkinter in Python for building user interfaces, you can explore Swing or JavaFX in Java for similar requirements.

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Adolfo Vera

Software Designer
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Es quizá de las cosas más importantes y útiles que podemos hacer al aprender un nuevo lenguaje, que todos vienen acompañados por librerías que nos darán funcionalidad extra para llevar a cabo operaciones de red, acceso a ficheros, etc. Saber de la existencia de estas librerías nos evitará perder el tiempo desarrollando una solución por nuestra cuenta.

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4 Practice the problems

The problems of a programming language are the challenges and exercises that test your skills and knowledge of the language. Different languages have different problems, but they often involve some common topics, such as logic, data manipulation, input/output, control flow, error handling, and debugging. You can practice the problems of your new language by finding online resources or books that offer problems suitable for your level and interest. For example, if you know PHP, you can practice the problems of Ruby by using websites like Codewars or Exercism that offer problems in multiple languages.

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5 Join the community

The community of a programming language is the group of people who use, develop, teach, or support the language. Different languages have different communities, but they often share some common platforms, such as forums, blogs, podcasts, newsletters, social media, or events. You can join the community of your new language by finding out where they hang out and how to get involved. For example, if you know Swift, you can join the community of Kotlin by following the official website, blog, and Twitter account, or by attending online or local meetups and conferences.

By following these tips, you can use your knowledge of one programming language to learn another. This way, you can save time, avoid frustration, and enjoy the process of learning new languages for application development.

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Adolfo Vera

Software Designer
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Es de las cosas más útiles que puedes hacer, te servirá para ver cómo se enfrentan otros desarrolladores a diversos problemas y las soluciones que se proponen. Eso sí, las interacciones entre los usuarios deben ser en un tono cordial y ameno, evitando actitudes prepotentes que sólo llevan a que el reto de programadora pierda las ganas de participar. Recuerda que nadie nace sabiendo y todos tenemos días en los que hasta las cosas más sencillas nos cuestan mucho.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you use your knowledge of one programming language to learn another?

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3

4

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1 Compare the syntax

2 Learn the concepts

3 Explore the libraries

4 Practice the problems

5 Join the community

6 Here’s what else to consider

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