Ask HN: How did you learn a new programming language as an experienced dev?

Re:Ask HN: How did you learn a new programming language as a... by cweagans on Monday April 18, 2022 @01:25PM (#31073768)

For me, project based learning is the best method for learning a new language. Basically, pick a language and build something with it. Doesn't matter what. Going this route helps you get a feel for the language, how you might actually go about building something in practice, etc., which is much more valuable information than some rando's thoughts about the language in a blog post.

Building a CHIP-8 emulator is a fun first project (and generally very approachable -- there's a C tutorial at https://austinmorlan.com/posts/chip8_emulator/, which is helpful for understanding what approach you might take to get something working in another language). For Go specifically, I learned via https://interpreterbook.com/ (and the sequel, https://compilerbook.com/).

IMO, stay away from Rosetta Code unless you're really, really stuck. You don't want to e.g. write Python in a Javascript-y way. You should learn the Python way as much as possible.

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Re:Ask HN: How did you learn a new programming language as a... by duped on Monday April 18, 2022 @01:46PM (#31074032)

Two easy projects that I think are a good intro to any language are a tiny LISP parser/interpreter and an echo or chat server. They'll get you up to speed on internal libraries, project setup, building and testing (all the boring stuff you need to know) and then are complex enough that you can learn the core syntax and semantics with opportunities to flex the neater parts of a language.

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