I'd like to start learning programming on my own because I really like the idea of web development. I've watched some tutorials on YouTube but I'm not sure where to start. What would you recommend as my first language?
Python is definitely perfect for starting from zero because the syntax is super readable and intuitive, like when you watch a TV series and you immediately get the plot without needing complicated explanations. I'd suggest you follow a structured course on platforms like Codecademy or freeCodeCamp instead of jumping from one YouTube tutorial to another, because that way you learn progressively and don't get lost along the way. Once you've grasped the basics (variables, loops, functions) maybe do some small projects that interest you, even simple stuff like a calculator or a basic game, because that's where you really understand how it works. If you want to do web development, then you move on to learning HTML and CSS along with a framework like Django or Flask for Python, but not at the beginning otherwise you'll needlessly complicate things for yourself.
Python is genuinely the best to start with, it's super logical and readable so it won't drive you crazy while you're learning the basics. i'd tell you to find a structured course like on Codecademy or freeCodeCamp (they're free and interactive), because YouTube videos alone are kinda chaotic when you're starting from scratch. once you've got the basics down you can do small projects like automating stuff on your pc or making simple scripts, that way you actually learn instead of just watching people code. and if you want to do web development later, python with Flask or Django is perfect for the backend so you're already going in the right direction.
I agree that Python is a solid choice to get started, but I want to add something that often gets underestimated: choosing the language isn't enough, you need to understand clearly *what* you want to do with web development because the path changes quite a bit. If you want to do backend, Python with Django or Flask is perfect. If you want to do frontend, you'll end up having to learn JavaScript anyway, so maybe starting directly with that could make sense too. That said, if you want a less frustrating progression, Python is definitely more forgiving for people starting from scratch.
As for study method, forget about random YouTube tutorials with no logical thread. Find yourself a structured course (like the ones on Codecademy, freeCodeCamp or even Udemy if you pick one with good reviews) that guides you step by step from basic concepts to something concrete. What bugs me is when people start programming without doing exercises: you need to *write code*, not just watch. And make mistakes. A lot. It's the only way to actually understand what's happening.
Once you know the basics of Python (variables, loops, functions, maybe a bit of OOP), you can start getting your hands dirty with real stuff like a small web project. At that point you'll see if backend actually interests you or if you'd rather do something else. Anyway, don't expect to get good in a few months: programming is a skill you build over time, and in 2026 like it's been for the last 16 years, it's always been that way.
Python is definitely the right choice! I'm a firefighter so I don't really know much about programming, but what my job has taught me is that you gotta build a solid foundation before you start running too fast - so really start with the fundamentals, don't skip the programming logic! After YouTube try a structured course like suggested, or FreeCodeCamp on YouTube is also amazing, free and well organized. The important thing is don't give up because at the beginning everything seems confusing but then there's this moment where it clicks and you understand how all the pieces fit together, I swear! Once you've got a grip on variables, loops and functions, the rest pretty much comes on its own.
Log into answer.
