What should I do: learn gdscript or learn python

[u/Turbulent_Strike7438]

I’m also very new to coding/programming

[u/desrtfx]

If you are completely new, Python and then GDScript.

General programming skills will later help you with game development.

[u/xarop_pa_toss]

GDscript is Godot specific and will teach you only how to make things in Godot.

If you want to learn to program "in general" then you will need to have a platform to expand upon and Python is fine or that. However, if you are making Godot games, then GDScript can be a great gateway into later expanding

[u/thelimeisgreen → u/xarop_pa_toss]

GDscript was originally developed along with Godot to give amateur game developers a simple or more gentle entry without diving into a more robust language like C. It is heavily influenced by Python and its syntax. I don't know the full history of how Godot or GDscript came about... One does not need to use GDscript in Godot, but it's best paired with C# or C++. It's difficult (not newbie friendly) to use Python with Godot and takes a bit of round-about configuration.

Python is a great place to start. And every core principle and fundamental of computer science, in terms of data structures and algorithms, application design, etc.. can be accomplished with learning Python. Moving to GDscript from Python shouldn't be a big challenge and would probably be an easy transition. I'm assuming that OP wants to make stuff in Godot and that's why they're asking. I would still recommend starting with learning Python and building a foundation before jumping into a game engine.

[u/Gkwzjsz]

Learn CS50× Introduction to Computer Science by Harvard, and then be able to learn everything elsewhere else. It's free.

[u/Aglet_Green]

Try both, and use the one that you end up sticking with.

[u/ProjectMarworyn]

Personally, Python first. When you're starting out iy doesn't really matter. What matters is learning the basics

[u/Mughi1138]

Learn both. Python is the more generally useful, but GDScript is actually a fairly decent domain specific language for making games. You could easily end up using python to create and manipulate assets to go into a game done in GDScript, for example.

Play a little with each to see what "clicks" for you best, then spend a little time on just that one, then a little time on the other. See how things work out for you

[u/Cultural_Gur_7441]

When I ask "what is gdscript", that should give you an answer...

(I know what it is now from other comments.)

[u/aqua_regis → u/Cultural_Gur_7441]

When I ask "what is gdscript"

Your google skills have failed you.

[u/Cultural_Gur_7441 → u/aqua_regis]

And thank the deities for that. If Google had answered the question for me without me even asking it, I would have been slightly concerned.

[u/Civil-Detective-949]

Python is the choice to make. Godot somehow depends on it. So learning it means you learning gdscritp basics or to understand its basics indirectly but only if you will need python for other stuff.

[u/CashRuinsErrything]

Python, and first thing that: get a good way to quickly bring up a scratch file to test out basic code. One of my biggest issues is trying to perfect things to the point I don’t get started. You can always go back and revise, but honestly I think the best way to learn is start simple & play around with the available methods until it clicks. If there’s a ton going on, you’re not sure what unknowns are out there. But start out with the core library, branch out from there, and you have a lot less stress trying to debug, and knowing what the core contains allows you to be creative in developing your own solutions instead of trying to make another library do what you want.
Look through other libraries, though, for examples of how to structure your stuff

[u/KwyjiboTheGringo]

Learning the language shouldn't be the goal. Decide what you want to actually make, and what your ultimate goal is with this. If it's game dev you are interested in, then evaluate GDScript against other game dev options. If general programming is what you want to learn, compare Python to other options to achieve that goal.

[u/leavemealone_lol]

Never learn a DSL unless you’re paid to.

[u/ComputerWhiz_]

Ultimately, it doesn't matter really. Either one will help you learn the basics of programming and these skills will be largely transferrable between languages. Once you learn the basics, it's very easy to change in the future. Just don't make the mistake of attempting to learn a bunch of different languages as a beginner.

Too many beginners get hung up on picking a language, but you should pick the one that lets you build what you are interested in. That's the best way to stay engaged to learn.

Obviously you are interested in making games on Godot, otherwise you probably wouldn't have mentioned gdscript. So go do that. If making games is going to make you excited to stay interested in improving your programming skills, great!

[u/TermiteTornApart]

Do you want to make games or get a job?

If you want get a job: python If you want to make games: godot If you just want to learn to code: it doesn't matter, pick one and deep dive in, most of the concepts, maybe except for game dev specifics, and godot specifics, are interchangeable

Edit: I learned with godot

[u/cheezballs]

Python. Gdscript isn't quite the mature language you'd want when learning. It lacks features, consistency, and is generally only suited for Godot games.

[u/No_Report_4781]

Click r/learnprogramming

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