What programming language should I choose after learning GML to transition into the IT industry?
I’ve been studying GML (GameMaker Language) and discovered my interest in programming in general, not just in game development. My goal is to fully integrate into the IT industry and change my professional direction in this field.
15 years ago, during my university studies, I knew Delphi and JavaScript and created simple programs, but I’ve forgotten everything I learned since then.
As I understand it, GML syntax is similar to C#, but I’ve also come across information that Python is easier to learn. Which of these languages has better prospects for a beginner in the IT field?
I would also appreciate recommendations for other programming languages with explanations of why they might be suitable for my situation.
Transitioning from GML to Python or C# opens excellent career opportunities in the IT industry. Python is easier for beginners to learn and has high demand in fields such as data analysis, machine learning, and web development, while C# offers stable prospects in game development, enterprise applications, and the Microsoft sector. Both languages are strong candidates for transitioning from game programming to the general IT field, but the choice depends on your specific career goals and interests.
Contents
- Python vs C#: Career Comparison
- Job Market Analysis in 2024-2025
- Other Promising Languages for Transition
- Transition Strategy from GML
- Recommendations for Choosing Your Path
Python vs C#: Career Comparison
Why Python Might Be the Best Choice for Beginners
Python is often recommended as the first language for transitioning from GML to general development. Research shows that Python is at the peak of its popularity in the job market and attracts employers from various IT sectors [source]. This is due to several key advantages:
- Simple syntax: Python has a clean and readable syntax, making it ideal for beginners, especially those with experience in GML
- Wide range of applications: from web development and data analysis to artificial intelligence and automation
- High demand: according to JetBrains, Python is the second most popular programming language in the world, used by approximately 18.2 million developers [source]
Important: Python is particularly in demand in the following areas:
- Data Science and machine learning
- Web development (Django, Flask)
- Automation and scripting
- DevOps and cloud technologies
Advantages of C# for an IT Career
C# offers a more structured path for those who want to focus on corporate development or game projects:
- Strong typing: C# has a strict type system, which helps develop good programming habits
- Integration with Microsoft ecosystem: excellent opportunities for working in the corporate sector
- Cross-platform capability: with .NET 5+, you can develop for Windows, Linux, macOS, and mobile devices
- High demand in game development: especially in Unity, which is the industry standard
As experts note, transitioning from GML to C# is relatively easy, as the syntax of these languages is indeed similar [source]. This makes C# a natural choice for those already familiar with game programming.
Job Market Analysis in 2024-2025
Current Demand Trends
Analysis of data from platforms like LinkedIn and Glassdoor shows interesting trends in the programming market:
- Python maintains its leadership in data analysis, machine learning, and web development
- C# remains in steady demand in the financial sector, healthcare, and enterprise application development
- JavaScript remains indispensable for frontend development and full-stack development
According to research, both languages offer good career prospects, but in different areas [source]. Python shows steady demand growth, especially in emerging technologies, while C# ensures a stable career in traditional IT fields.
Average Salaries and Competition Level
| Language | Average Salary (Global) | Competition Level | Main Application Areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Python | $85,000 - $120,000 | High | Data Science, AI, Web Dev |
| C# | $75,000 - $110,000 | Moderate | Enterprise, Game Dev |
| JavaScript | $70,000 - $115,000 | Very High | Frontend, Full-Stack |
Interesting fact: Python developers can expect higher salaries in specialized areas such as machine learning and data analysis, while C# specialists with narrow specializations in niche industries can also receive competitive compensation [source].
Other Promising Languages for Transition
JavaScript/TypeScript
JavaScript is the absolute standard for web development and offers excellent career opportunities:
- Versatility: you can work on both frontend and backend (Node.js)
- Huge ecosystem: countless frameworks and libraries
- High demand: almost every IT project requires a JavaScript developer
Transitioning from GML to JavaScript is relatively simple, as both languages have similar syntax in some aspects.
Java
Java remains one of the most in-demand languages in the corporate sector:
- Stability: used by large companies and banks
- Cross-platform: “Write once, run anywhere”
- Android development: the primary language for mobile applications
Java has a stricter structure than GML but provides an excellent foundation for understanding object-oriented programming.
Go (Golang)
For those interested in modern technologies, Go presents an interesting alternative:
- Simple syntax: easier than Java or C++ but more powerful than Python in some aspects
- High performance: ideal for systems programming
- Growing demand: especially in cloud computing and microservices
Transition Strategy from GML
Step-by-Step Learning Plan
- Choose your primary language based on your interests (Python for general development or C# for game/corporate fields)
- Learn the basics of object-oriented programming, as this is a key difference between GML and industrial languages
- Practice creating small projects, gradually increasing complexity
- Learn the frameworks and tools used in your chosen field
- Create a portfolio on GitHub showcasing your skills
Avoiding GML Pitfalls
It’s important to understand that GML has its own features that can create problems when transitioning to industrial languages:
- Lack of strict typing in GML can develop bad habits
- Limited object-oriented support in GML
- Game-specific concepts that don’t apply to general development
Recommendation: when transitioning from GML, try to get used to strict typing and object-oriented approaches right away, even if it seems difficult at first.
Recommendations for Choosing Your Path
If You Prefer Python:
- Start with the basics: learn syntax, data structures, functions
- Learn the ecosystem: pip, virtualenv, main libraries
- Choose a specialization: web development (Django/Flask), data analysis (pandas, numpy), or AI (TensorFlow, PyTorch)
- Create projects: from simple scripts to web applications
If You Choose C#:
- Master the basics of .NET: understanding the Microsoft ecosystem
- Learn design patterns: especially important for enterprise development
- Practice in Unity: if you want to stay in the gaming field
- Learn ASP.NET Core: for C# web development
For Maximum Prospects:
Try to learn multiple languages. As experts note, programming is not an “either-or” but a set of tools in your arsenal [source]. A good strategy is to thoroughly learn one language and then gradually expand your horizons.
Conclusion
Transitioning from GML to industrial programming languages is an excellent step for an IT career. Python offers simplicity and broad opportunities for beginners, especially in data analysis and web development, while C# provides stability and prospects in the gaming industry and corporate sector.
For maximum career opportunities, it’s recommended to:
- Choose a primary language based on your interests (Python for versatility or C# for specialization)
- Learn the basics of object-oriented programming
- Create a portfolio with practical projects
- Gradually expand your horizons by studying related technologies
It’s important to remember that the key to success in IT is continuous learning and practice, regardless of the programming language chosen.