"It doesn't matter what language you start with."

Each time I read that on some blog I would grit my teeth. It's easy advice to give after you've learn a few programming languages.

When you're looking down the barrel of a couple hundred hours of learning, you need more info than that.

The way I see it there are two key components to the choice:

What is easy to learn and what is useful to learn.

Easy enough to not get in your way

When you're choosing your first language you aren't just trying to learn that language.

Want you really want to learn to solve problems with code.

The language you choose can help or hinder that process, even though it is only syntax.

Since you're learning to think in a new way it is best to choose a language that lets you focus on that.

Beware of languages that are known for being:

• Complex

• Verbose

• Strongly constrained

• Particularly difficult

"Easy" as in "easy to find answers"

Target a language with a large community and plenty of beginner material.

Where will you be able to turn if you need help? Forums? Friends? YouTube?

This is much more important than choosing a language that is new and hot.

"Useful" depends on your context

If you're targeting a certain role or company there may be a language that is the de-facto standard in that field. It's likely worth learning that language regardless of ease.

Otherwise, useful might mean hireable, or good at solving your problem.

What I would do if I was starting over

When in doubt go with the hits:

Python - My first lang! Learn this if you are looking to work with data. Ease of use is high, it's popular and there are tons of great learning materials.

JavaScript - It's everywhere. Learn this if you are interested in Front End Engineering. Immensely popular, not known for being easy but for having a huge community.

Ruby - A language built with developer happiness in mind. Clear, simply syntax. Also, closely tied to the excellent Rails web framework, which makes it a great choice for aspiring web engineers.

There is no wrong first language. Follow your interests, work consistently, and remember that what you're really learning is a new way of thinking. Eventually the syntax will take care of itself.