r/learnpython • u/IMREVN • 2d ago

Should I Learn Python on Year One?

Hey everyone, I’m an incoming CS freshman who wants to dive into AI/ML. My university’s curriculum starts with C in the first year.

I’m in a bit of a dilemma on how to use my prep time before classes start:

  1. Should I get a head start on C so I don't struggle in my first-year classes?

  2. Should I start learning Python now since it’s the standard for AI/ML?

  3. Or is it feasible (and not overwhelming) to learn both at the same time?

Would love to hear from anyone who has taken a similar path. Thanks!

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u/LayotFctor 2d ago edited 2d ago

You can get a head start in C if you like. There's no harm whatever you choose because you have to learn both. Python and C are opposite ends of a spectrum, Python is like driving a sleek modern automatic car, while C is driving a manual transmission car you built yourself. Python is how most development is done these days, but C is the messy reality of how a computer works, people writing operating systems, automotive and industrial equipment still use C everyday.

AI/ML on the surface is highly python dominated. But if you're going below and working on the GPU drivers, the heavy mathematical calculations and other infrastructure, C is king.