What programming language should I learn?
Discover which programming language aligns best with your goals and aspirations.
In the past decade, internet usage has soared, surpassing 4.95 billion users worldwide. Alongside this growth, the number of websites, applications, and games has risen significantly. Each of these creations began as an idea that was transformed into reality through computer programming. Whether you want to kickstart a career in programming or turn your own ideas into functional projects, learning a programming language is the first step. Choosing where to begin might seem overwhelming, but this guide is here to simplify the process and help you make an informed decision.
How to Choose the Right Programming Language
When deciding which programming language to learn, consider the following factors:
1. Your Current Skill Level
Some programming languages are easier to learn than others. If you’re a complete beginner, it’s best to start with a beginner-friendly programming language like Python or JavaScript. These languages have simpler syntax and plenty of learning resources to help you get started.
2. Your Goals
Think about why you want to learn programming. Are you interested in creating a video game, building websites, or starting a career in programming? Your goals can point you toward specific languages. For instance, JavaScript and HTML/CSS are great for front-end development, while Python is versatile for web applications, data analysis, and machine learning.
3. Popularity and Demand
Some programming languages are more commonly used in the industry, which can make them a better choice. Popular languages like Python, Java, and JavaScript not only offer in-demand skills but also provide access to extensive resources, active communities, and plenty of tutorials to guide you as you learn.
What Programming Language Should You Learn First?
If you’re new to programming, it’s a good idea to start with a beginner-friendly programming language. These languages are often high-level, which means they are easier to read and write. Many beginner programming languages are also versatile, allowing you to use them for various types of projects. In the following sections, we’ll explore some popular options to help you make an informed choice.
Java
Java is one of the oldest and most popular object-oriented programming languages, known for its widespread use and demand in the tech industry. Due to its popularity, there are plenty of Java tutorials and resources available, making it an excellent choice for beginners looking to start their first programming project.
You can use Java for various purposes, including:
Website development
software and Mobile applications
Server-side development
Large-scale or enterprise-level application development
Internet of Things (IoT) projects
Big data analysis and processing tools
🔷 View the list of Java courses.
▶️ View Course: Java 17 Masterclass: Start Coding in 2024
JavaScript
JavaScript is one of the most widely used scripting languages in the world. Major tech companies like Meta, Google, and YouTube rely on JavaScript as a core part of their software. It’s incredibly versatile, used for everything from server-side scripting to gaming, web applications, and mobile apps. JavaScript enables dynamic and interactive features, such as menus, animations, and background color changes.
JavaScript is commonly used for:
Front-end development and building graphical user interface (GUI) desktop applications
Web-based application development
Game development
Database development and maintenance
🔷 View the list of JavaScript courses.
▶️ View Course: The Complete 2024 Web Development Bootcamp
Java vs. JavaScript
Java is an object-oriented programming language, which means it focuses on organizing code into objects and classes. On the other hand, JavaScript is a scripting language, which is interpreted at runtime. Scripting languages tend to be easier for beginners to learn, as they are generally less complex than full programming languages. Despite their differences, both Java and JavaScript are considered beginner-friendly and are great choices for those starting their programming journey.
Python
Python is one of the most popular programming languages, known for its simplicity and versatility. As a general-purpose programming language, Python offers a wide range of libraries, tools, and frameworks, making it ideal for beginners and experienced developers alike. Its easy-to-read syntax makes it particularly appealing for those just starting to learn programming.
Python is commonly used for:
Website and software application development
Task automation, machine learning, and artificial intelligence (AI)
Data analysis and visualization
🔷 View the list of Python courses.
🔷 Read more: 10 Essential Books for Learning Python: From Beginner to Advanced
▶️ View Course: The Complete Python Bootcamp From Zero to Hero in Python
More Advanced Programming Languages
If you’re an experienced programmer looking for a challenge or need a language suited for specific types of applications, there are several more advanced languages to explore. Here’s one language that could be a good fit:
Kotlin
Kotlin is a general-purpose programming language, primarily used for building applications for Google platforms. It is interoperable with Java, making it a versatile option for developers familiar with Java. Kotlin also supports functional programming, which adds flexibility in how code is written. Due to its complexity and features, Kotlin is an excellent choice for intermediate to advanced programmers.
C#
C# is an intermediate to advanced programming language developed by Microsoft. It is widely used for developing applications on the .NET framework, making it one of the top choices for building software on Windows, Android, and iOS platforms. C# is a powerful language often used in game development, enterprise applications, and web services.
R
R is a specialized programming language designed for data analysis, statistics, calculations, and data visualization. It’s widely used in fields like data science, research, and academia, where handling large datasets or complex statistical models is required. R is often integrated with databases and large data structures for advanced data processing and analysis.
Programming Languages for Specific Use Cases
Once you have assessed your skill level, think about your interests or career goals. Deciding whether to focus on front-end, back-end, or full-stack development can help guide your language choice. Below are some programming languages commonly used for specific projects and job roles.
What Programming Language Should I Learn for Cybersecurity?
While knowledge of programming languages is not always a strict requirement for cybersecurity professionals, it can greatly enhance your skills and make you stand out to employers. Learning a programming language can help you excel in entry-level roles and ease your transition into more advanced positions. Here are two widely-used programming languages in cybersecurity:
Python. is commonly used in cybersecurity for tasks like penetration testing, vulnerability scanning, and automating security tasks. Its simplicity and large selection of libraries make it a popular choice for cybersecurity professionals.
C. is frequently used in cybersecurity for cryptography, data encryption, and low-level systems programming. It’s essential for creating firewalls, securing data, and preventing unauthorized access to sensitive systems.
What Programming Language Should I Learn for App Development?
When it comes to app development, the programming language you choose depends on the platform and the type of app you want to create. Here are two popular languages for app development:
Swift is the go-to language for developing iOS apps. Developed by Apple, Swift is highly interactive and designed for ease of use. In development environments like Xcode, you can see your code output immediately, which is especially useful when working on front-end components. If you’re looking to build apps for iPhones, iPads, or Macs, Swift is an excellent choice.
C++ is a general-purpose, object-oriented programming language often used in mobile app development, particularly for Android. It’s highly respected for its speed and performance, making it ideal for developing resource-intensive apps like games, banking applications, and cloud-based apps. C++ is also widely used in game development due to its ability to handle complex calculations and graphics.
What Programming Language Should I Learn for Web Development?
For web development, Python and Java are practical languages that are widely used. Both offer simple syntax, are platform-independent, and provide extensive libraries that can be helpful in building web applications. Python, being open-source, has a large community and a wealth of resources to support developers. Java is also a robust, versatile language with powerful tools for web development.
Front-End Web Development
To build the front-end of websites, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript are essential. HTML is used for creating the structure of web pages, while CSS is used for designing the layout and appearance. JavaScript, on the other hand, is crucial for adding interactivity and dynamic features. JavaScript is not only useful for front-end development but can also be applied to back-end programming, making it a versatile language for web developers.
Back-End Development
When it comes to back-end development, Python, PHP, and JavaScript are powerful choices. JavaScript has become a reliable language for server-side programming, offering rich interfaces and online availability, and its popularity is on the rise. PHP, known for its simplicity, is widely used in server-side web development and integrates seamlessly with HTML, XML, and JavaScript. Python is an object-oriented language that excels in web automation, data scraping, and handling complex data, making it ideal for managing data in web applications.
Full-Stack Development
As a full-stack developer, you will need to work with both the front-end and back-end of web applications. HTML and CSS are essential for the front-end, as HTML provides the structure of web pages and CSS defines their appearance. HTML5 also enables offline web applications and graphic integration. To complement your skills as a full-stack developer, mastering these languages is crucial for developing both the user interface and the underlying structure of web applications.
