Think About the Problem First

[wtd]

Quite often I'm asked, quite literally: "what language should I use to code my next big project?"

This is exactly the wrong approach.

Problem-solving benefits from information. Assuming you don't introduce bad information, the more of it you have, the easier a problem is to solve.

Don't ask me what language you should use to solve a problem. First think about the problem. Think about what you need to accomplish, and what the constraints are.

Once you know these things, the language you should use will probably be immediately apparent.

Do feel free to ask questions like: "would language X be suitable for solving problem Y?"