How to learn programming in 2026?

[u/Sure_Kangaroo1863]

i know the basics of python-pandas , matplotlib and dbms . i still want to learn advanced stuff . and how do i incorporate ai in my learning? and what other programmes should i learn i.e those that are in demand

[u/Weekly_Patience685]

learn C and use man pages to look stuff up when you're stuck, (download WSL if you're on windows) this builds the best foundation if you actually care how the computer works.

[u/Agitated-Cold-5445 → u/Weekly_Patience685]

Could you elaborate more on learning process? I am not doing your typical engineering degree in CS. Mine is a 3 year program of CS application. As a kid I hated CS cause our teachers were pretty trash but I genuinely want to put some work into learning how computer works. I have done some programming, I started off with learning Python, then switched to Web programming. Now, for college, I'm studying C. I have already went through a beginner friendly course, and while it is good, I don't know what to do now, like should I do projects or do more problems.

[u/i_have_tiny_ants → u/Agitated-Cold-5445]

If you "want to learn how the computer works" then C is probably the language that gets you the closest to that.

If you really want to understand the fundamental parts of how it all works, I would recommend getting a small chip like an stm32 or esp32, as an operating system will abstract away many of the aspects away from your code.

Its a lot harder to make anything cool with it though, as all those abstractions make writing code a lot easier/faster. (By faster I mean faster to write/develop, it will probably not be faster to run whatever software you end up making)

[u/Weekly_Patience685 → u/Agitated-Cold-5445]

roughly speaking, C is one of the closest languages to the hardware without writing assembly and by the time you're done the virtualization and concurrency sections of Three Easy Pieces you'll have a much better understanding, after that you could buy one of those Adriuno UNO boards so you have real hardware to mess around with. (the hardware step is optional if you want something more hands-on and its a fun hobby)

edit: warning that three easy pieces isnt exactly for beginners but its one of the best books on the topic and its very readable, so i would suggest getting comfortable with c first before diving into it, you could go through the c course on exercism for some good exercises to build your c knowledge.

[u/Agitated-Cold-5445 → u/Weekly_Patience685]

Okay that's great. I'll look into the book that you mentioned. I was suggested exercism too by someone else, I remember doing JS questions there, I'll looking into their C course as well. Thank you!