Is it a good idea to start with learning C and then proceed to other C-like programming languages?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of adopting such an approach?

Starting with learning C and then proceeding to other C-like programming languages can be a good approach in many cases. Here are some advantages:

1. Strong foundation: C is often considered the mother of all programming languages due to its low-level nature and influence on many other languages. Learning C first can give you a solid understanding of fundamental programming concepts like memory management, pointers, and basic data structures.

2. Versatility: C-like programming languages, such as C++, Java, and C#, have a similar syntax and share many concepts with C. Once you grasp C, transitioning to these languages becomes easier, as you already possess a good understanding of the basics.

3. Performance: C is known for its efficiency and performance, which can be critical in certain domains like system programming, operating systems, real-time applications, and embedded systems. By starting with C, you gain an appreciation for performance considerations that can be applied to other C-like languages.

Despite these benefits, there are a few disadvantages to consider:

1. Steeper learning curve: C is a relatively low-level language compared to more modern languages. It requires understanding concepts like memory management and manual pointer manipulation, which can be challenging for beginners. This might make the learning process more difficult and time-consuming.

2. Complexity: C is a powerful language but lacks some high-level features found in newer languages. When transitioning to other C-like languages, you may need to learn additional concepts and techniques that are not present in C, which adds complexity.

3. Modern best practices: C has a different programming style compared to newer languages. It may teach you certain habits or practices that are not recommended in newer languages, such as explicit memory management. Unlearning these practices and adopting modern best practices can be a significant adjustment when moving to other languages.

In summary, starting with C and then progressing to other C-like programming languages can provide a strong foundation and make it easier to learn related languages. However, it is important to be aware of the potential challenges and differences in programming styles that you may encounter along the way.


Here are a few more advantages and disadvantages of starting with C and then moving on to other C-like programming languages:

Advantages:

1. Portability: C is widely supported on various platforms and architectures. Learning C can give you the skills to write portable code that can be easily adapted to different systems, making it easier to transition to other C-like languages that share this portability.

2. Community and resources: C has been around for several decades, which means there is a vast amount of resources, dоcumentation, tutorials, and open-source projects available. This can be advantageous when starting out as a beginner, as you can draw on the knowledge and experience of the C community.

3. Debugging skills: As a lower-level language, C forces you to pay close attention to memory management and other details that can lead to bugs. Mastering C can enhance your debugging skills and improve your ability to troubleshoot issues in other C-like languages.

Disadvantages:

1. Syntax differences: While C-like languages share similarities in syntax, they also have their differences. Moving from C to another C-like language may require learning new language-specific syntax, libraries, and paradigms, which can take time and effort.

2. Object-oriented programming: C is a procedural language and does not support object-oriented programming (OOP) features directly. If OOP is a primary focus for you, starting with a language like Java or C# might be more beneficial.

3. Rapid language evolution: C has seen fewer language updates compared to other C-like languages. Therefore, if keeping up with the latest language features and advancements is important to you, starting with a more modern language could be a better choice.

Starting with a language that has static typing is a good idea.

C often meets this requirement.
Furthermore, there is abundant literature and resources available for studying C.
However, one downside is that you not only have to learn the language itself but also deal with different standards and their implementations. What works in the Clang implementation on Linux may not work in the MSVC implementation on Windows or the GCC implementation on FreeBSD. Is this something you really need?
Another drawback is that it's easy to make mistakes in C that can have serious consequences.
Additionally, the true value of C lies mainly in weak microcontrollers (as powerful models can handle entire operating systems) and developing operating systems. In other areas, people have either already switched or are gradually transitioning to other languages.

In my opinion, Go would be a suitable choice.

It offers static typing.
It combines power and simplicity.
It adheres to a strict standard and can be easily compiled on different operating systems.

For beginners, scripting dynamic languages like PHP, JavaScript, Python, Ruby, Perl, and Lua might not be ideal as they can foster a careless attitude towards variables.

On the other hand, Rust, D, Java, and Dart have too many concepts, which can overwhelm newcomers who don't know where to focus.

Haskell and Erlang are functional programming languages that are more specialized and less commonly used in mainstream programming, which is primarily imperative.

Currently, C/C++ serves not only as an industrial language but also as a valuable language for educational purposes. In my perspective, it is crucial to have knowledge of the C language due to several reasons:

1. Enhanced comprehension of memory management: Unfortunately, individuals who have never delved into low-level programming seem to lack awareness of where the memory originates from and where it goes. This language consistently reminds you about memory, which forms an invaluable foundation regardless of the future language you choose to pursue professionally. It is best to grasp this concept from the beginning rather than facing challenges later on.

2. In-depth understanding of hardware functioning: Languages like C provide a glimpse into multi-point programming and shed light on operations like forwarding two bytes over a network. Other languages merely build upon this foundation.

3. Development of attentiveness: Low-level languages do not tolerate any errors. Unlike higher-level languages where you can often overlook variable declarations, C demands a clear understanding of memory allocation and referencing. It teaches you to remain meticulous and mindful of every aspect, including clearing memory when necessary.

4. Cross-platform compatibility: C is one of the pioneers in cross-platform languages, and its strength lies in this versatility. Even today, it enables the JVM to function across numerous platforms. However, implementing something that works seamlessly on both Windows and Unix systems may not always be straightforward, but it undoubtedly aids in grasping the core concepts.

5. Essential understanding of how systems work: This is paramount; otherwise, one may fall into the trap identified in the joke about Delphi programmers believing tasks to be unsolvable if they cannot find a pre-existing component.

6. Relevance in the Internet of Things (IoT): As the IoT continues to advance, there is a growing demand for proficiency in embedded devices. If this field interests you, then knowing the C language becomes even more important.

After five years of programming, you will realize that the fundamentals remain constant while languages are transient. As one book wisely stated, "If you have implemented a transaction mechanism in COBOL, then it doesn't matter which language you use to implement it again."

Starting with C is a recipe for disaster, especially for beginners. The language's outdated syntax, lack of modern features, and low-level memory management make it a daunting task for new programmers. Moreover, C's focus on performance and efficiency can lead to bad coding habits and a lack of understanding of higher-level concepts.

I would advise against starting with C, instead opting for more modern languages like JavaScript or Python, which offer a more forgiving and dynamic environment for learning and growth.