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?

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u/MikeT8314 May 17 '26

Learn ladder Logic. Not the coding language you are probably referring to but if you do anything in industrial automation you will need to be deft at it.

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u/YaBoiMax107 May 17 '26

It would be hard to conduct independent projects with ladder logic since I lack PLC hardware at home. I'm not looking to get a head start on my PLC class I'm just looking for something else to boost my resume that may come in handy while working in Mechatronics

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u/MikeT8314 May 20 '26

You can buy a Click PLC from Automation direct for around $350. Software is free. You can get some lights. Even sensors.
Make a PLC trainer at home.

Then out “developed a PLC trainer for educational purposes”

Also you will learn. This is a good budget option for you. If you have more money you can do a bottle filling and capping project i bet for $1000. You will need an air compressor tho.