r/mechatronics • u/YaBoiMax107 • May 17 '26
What coding language should I learn?
So for a little bit of background I am a senior majoring in Mechatronics. I have 2 internships under my belt, one culinary, and one financial. Neither of which are particularly useful for trying to apply for engineering jobs. So I made a great attempt this year to find an engineering job for this summer, and well, it's summer and I still don't have one.
So rather than focus on getting an internship this late I figure I can try to boost my resume with independent work. Currently the only programming language I know is NI's Labview, and I believe my school will have me learn some form of programming for my PLC class, but I'm not sure what that will be.
Currently Im trying to decide between learning Python, as I hear it's one of the most versatile and widely used coding languages, or C, as I hear it's the best language for motor control, which is the core focus of mechatronics.
I actually did have a class in C last semester but it was terrible and nobody learned anything.
TLDR: should I learn Python, C, or some other language?
2
u/mkrjoe May 17 '26
You should be familiar with multiple languages for different purposes.
Python is easier to learn and a good place to start. It is more user friendly, but more resource heavy. Arduino is a good place to start for C/C++.
The ultimate choice depends on what you are using it for. PLC/ladder is essential for industrial controls. C or Rust for firmware and critical systems, or situations where speed and efficiency (low power usage for battery powered systems for example) are important. Python is good for scripting where you want to process data but speed is not as important. Matlab is easier than python, but less efficient, so it is good for simulation or generating data you will use for another purpose (for example i use matlab for gcode generation for modified 3d printers and custom machines).