I didn't know anything about CAD and just bought my first 3d printer. I've spent quite a number of hours over the last weeks evaluating CAD software, and I bought the 50-license version of SelfCAD to check it out.

I have worked with SelfCAD, Alibre, OpenSCAD, CADQuery, CascadeStudio, and OnShape (recommended by Teaching Tech YouTuber). I have seen countless videos of other software.

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TL;DR: SelfCAD is a GREAT program, phenomenally executed, and my first choice IF you have users with no interest in either PARAMETRIC or "Code CAD" modeling. For example, my kids will be using SelfCAD when they are old enough.

It includes a really well-thought-out mix of a "bit of everything", much more powerful than TinkerCAD, a good slicer (for 3d printing and mesh editing), and Blender-type features (surface modeling and painting, shading,etc) (Blender is free but has a steep learning curve, whereas SelfCAD is really easy to learn).

It's the ONLY program you will need for being able to do a LOT of things.

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I, however, am learning FreeCAD because it has parametric modeling and "code cad".

Parametric is where you define (typically a 2D sketch) with "constraints", so that you can later change a number (parameter) and even complex follow-up operations update accordingly.

"Code CAD' is where you can define shapes and objects using computer code. It allows one to create the basic designs much more quickly, as well as do fancy things not included in the default program (such as adding custom mathematical patterns).

It's also not that hard to learn, just takes more time. Highly recommend YouTuber's MangoJelly and Joko Engineering.

Other thoughts:

* Teaching Tech YouTuber is a phenomenal learning resource for 3d printing. He just started a series about OnShape. It's great, except it's really expensive, and the free version is full-featured but your designs can only be public. That was a deal-breaker for me, along with the fact that they could turn around and do a Fusion 360 (start out w/free full-featured, then take away features later on in a money grab).
* Joko Engineering YouTuber is another great teacher. He loves FreeCAD, but also argues that ALIBRE is a good CAD program buy for certain things. But it is $200-$1200. Worth checking out his viewpoint if you want "professional" software in addition to FreeCAD.
* Keep an eye out on PLASTICITY (GitHub - nkallen/plasticity). It's only in beta, but will be only like $50. It could be the bomb. But it's a one-man show. Who knows what will actually happen. SelfCAD seems to be a great COMPANY, with lots more resources and responsiveness, and it's finished proven software.