> ## Knowledge Base Index
> Fetch the complete knowledge base index at: https://support.alphastar.academy/sitemap.xml
> Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further.
> Pure-Markdown content can be obtained by appending a '.md' suffix to the content URLs listed in the sitemap (without the trailing slash).

# Which programming language should I learn?

It is based on your goals. Here are some scenarios:

1. **If you don't have a programming background and want to start programming quickly**, it's recommended to start with Python.
2. **If your goal is to help AP Computer Science A course**, you can start learning Java.
3. **If you have long term plans for USACO**, C ++is recommended. In USACO Silver and above contests, some problems are not solvable with Python in the given time limits. Starting medium/hard USACO Gold problems, C++ have some advantages over Java.