Hi!

I have recently started to learn some programming, and for the moment I am learning some python. The plan though is to eventually learn some Qt and starting to develop a little for KDE, especially developing for plasma mobile seems interesting. I have some questions though that would be nice to have answered so I can get some idea of where to begin:

1. As I have understood it, please correct me if I'm wrong, there exists two main languages that can be used when working with Qt, C++ and QML. It would be interesting to hear some comments on what the different uses are for these languages, and also some thoughts on which one I should learn. One argument I have seen for learning QML is that less people in the community knows it so there is bigger need for people who need QML rather than C++. Does this argument hold any merit?

2. I have seen that there are some KDE extensions for python, and I wonder how much python is used in the KDE community? I do really like the language and I wouldn't mind being able to work a little with it.

3. Lastly I wonder how much programming knowledge I need to be able to be at least somewhat helpful to the community? I get that it's difficult to give a clear answer to this question, but some form of estimation would be appreciated.

That was all, any answers would be greatly appreciated!

Best wishes
August

I haven't code for Qt for a while and I've never coded using QML, but here is my thoughts.

C++ is a programming language, Qt is a framework built using C++ that you can code using C++, but there are other language binding for Qt. QML is very Qt specific and I don't consider it a programming language, it's more of a mark-up language for the Qt UI.

Possibly you would want to use QML with javascript, while with C++ you would code using the old QT widgets but can also code using QML Widgets with C++, QML Widgets seem to be more visually appealing!

I would say pick any language and stick with it, don't try to learn everything at once, get confused and frustrated.

Programming in C++ is a lot of effort, but the pay-off is worth it as this is an industry recognized programming language that could land you a handsome paying job down the road. However C++ takes a lot of time to learn, there is also a lot stuff that gets in the way for a beginner with stuff like learning to craft a Makefile, learning about compiling and linking. I personally swear by CMake which is a cross-platform Makefile generator worth looking into. Also as a C++ coder you will become one with the debugger which will save you time. A debugger is not something people from the scripting domain use much until they are forced to, in C++ is will become 2nd nature like breathing.

Program in a language that fits you, learn to code and then evolve slowly. After stage one, learn data structures and algorithms which will improve how to design your solutions. Next, learn and apply design patterns which will again elevate you to another level. These are things to consider once you are good with a programming language and know its syntax and idiomatic way to code well.