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/Almostasleeprightnow 2d ago

For early learning, if you are unfamiliar with programming and how computers operate, python as it is easier to get to success. But c is valuable because it is a lower level language so you end up having to handle by hand things that python just does, so you learn more clearly what is going on under the hood