I'm trying to choose between learning rust or not learning rust. I'm not in a CS related field, and I do not have any ideas on what I would use the language for.

Choosing to learn a programming language like Rust can be a big decision, especially if you're not in a computer science field and don't have specific projects in mind. Here are some factors to consider that might help you make your decision: ### Pros of Learning Rust 1. **Safety and Performance**: Rust is designed for high performance and memory safety without a garbage collector. This makes it an excellent choice for system-level programming, game development, and applications where performance is critical. 2. **Growing Popularity**: Rust has been consistently rated as one of the most loved programming languages. A strong community and increasing demand for Rust developers in various domains could open career opportunities for you later. 3. **Learning Opportunity**: Learning Rust can deepen your understanding of programming concepts, such as memory management, concurrency, and systems programming. It's a good language to learn how computers work under the hood. 4. **Versatile Applications**: Rust is not only for systems programming; it also sees use in web development (via WebAssembly), embedded systems, and even as a backend language. You might find unexpected use cases that could interest you. 5. **Good Documentation and Resources**: Rust has a reputation for excellent documentation and community support, making it easier for beginners to get started. ### Cons of Learning Rust 1. **Steeper Learning Curve**: Rust might be more challenging to learn than some other languages like Python or JavaScript, especially if you're new to programming. You might find its strict compiler and concepts like ownership and borrowing quite complex initially. 2. **Limited Immediate Use**: If you don’t have a project or use case in mind, you may struggle to find motivation for learning it. Without practical applications, learning can sometimes feel like a chore. 3. **Time Investment**: Learning any programming language takes time and dedication. If you're not sure how you'd use it, you might prefer to spend your time learning a language that has a more immediate application to your interests or career. ### Alternatives If you're uncertain about Rust, consider starting with a language that has broader applications or may align more closely with your interests. For example: - **Python**: Great for beginners, widely used in data science, web development, and automation. - **JavaScript**: Essential for web development and has a lot of resources for beginners. - **Ruby**: Known for its simplicity and readability, often used in web development. ### Conclusion If you find the challenge of learning a new language intriguing and have some curiosity about systems programming or performance-oriented applications, you might enjoy learning Rust. However, if you're looking for something more straightforward or have specific interests that align better with another language, it might be worth exploring those first. Ultimately, consider where your interests lie and what you hope to achieve with programming. Starting with a language that excites you can lead to a more fulfilling learning experience.