If you’re diving into smart contract development, start with Solidity—it’s the main language for Ethereum and most other blockchains. Another good one to check out is Vyper, which is simpler and more secure but less popular than Solidity. If you’re exploring blockchains like Algorand, Teal is the way to go, and for Solana, focus on Rust.

Since you're already familiar with Python, transitioning to Vyper might feel more natural. But Solidity is the dominant player, so it’s worth prioritizing that. Once you’re comfortable with the basics, tools like Truffle or Hardhat will help with development and deployment. Good luck with your blockchain journey!

For smart contract development, Solidity is the go-to programming language, especially for projects on the Ethereum blockchain. Since you have a background in Java, you'll find that Solidity's syntax is somewhat similar to JavaScript, which should help you get up to speed quickly.

In addition to Solidity, consider looking into Vyper for its focus on security and simplicity. If you're thinking about cross-chain development, Rust and Go are becoming popular for platforms like Solana and Hyperledger.

Given your experience with Python, you might also want to check out Brownie, a Python-based framework for Ethereum. I recommend starting with Solidity first, as it will give you a solid foundation in the blockchain space. Good luck on your journey!