O'Reilly: Which programming language should I learn? “If you read my column, you won't be surprised to see that my final and highest recommendation is Python. It's an easy-to-use programming language with many of the virtues of Perl and PHP–interactive development, RAD, object orientation, and lots of examples of Web use–but it also enforces good programming practices. I wouldn't want you to learn bad habits at a young age (at least, not bad programming habits) that you'll regret when you have to get serious later.”