Introduction
Are you having trouble deciding which best programming language to learn first? It’s easy to feel confused by the number of alternatives. Beginning programmers may find it challenging to select between many programming languages like( Python and JavaScript) due to the distinct functions of each language. Think about your goals when choosing the best programming language to learn. Do you have any interest in game design, data science, or web development? Your decision will be based on your aims.
In this age of artificial intelligence, some may question whether learning to code is still necessary. The answer is yes. The need for qualified programmers who are capable of understanding and building complex systems remains strong, even with the evolution of AI tools. A computer language can help you solve problems more effectively, which is beneficial in a job market that is changing rapidly. Learning a computer language also provides you with other essential abilities.
As you start this journey, you might want to start with programs like Python or JavaScript that are easy to use and can do a lot of different things. Start by looking into well-known online classes that offer organized learning paths and real-world projects. You will be able to learn a Programming language that helps you reach your goals if you take the first step.
What is a Programming Language?
A programming language is a set of rules and code that programmers follow while developing a web application or website or app. Programming languages are like human languages in that they let us share our ideas and thoughts by turning human logic into directions that computers can understand. We can use this to fix problems, make tasks easier, and make digital experiences.
There are numerous types of coding languages, each intended for certain uses and applications. Below is a list of programming languages widely used:
C
C is a simple computer language that is used in system software, embedded systems, and apps that need to run faster. People call it the “mother of all languages.” This language is basic coding language but hard to understand because it lets you get into hardware and memory at a low level.
C++
C++ adds object-oriented features to C that let you make more complex programs. It helps make games, desktop apps, and system programs, and lots of people use it. It’s quick and adjustable, which makes it useful.
Java
Java is a flexible language that can be used on any device. It is commonly used for building enterprise apps, websites, and Android apps. It is used for cross-platform development and is popular with its “write once, run anywhere” feature.
Python
Python is best for beginners students because it is easy to read and understand. It is used in web development, data science, machine learning, and automation. It is a popular programming language with many uses because it has a large library and a pre-built community.
JavaScript
JavaScript is the most important language for web development because it lets them make web pages that are interactive and change over time. It’s necessary for building the front end, and tools like Node.js are using it more and more on the server side.
Swift
Swift is the main language for making apps for iOS and macOS. It was made by Apple. It is made to be safe, quick, and flexible, which makes it easier to make apps for Apple devices that work well and are strong.
SQL
Structured Query Language (SQL) is used to run queries and keep track of databases. It’s necessary for backend programming because it lets developers work with big datasets, run complicated queries, and take care of relational databases.
Rust
Rust is used for system-level programming and is becoming more popular in many other areas. It is known for putting safety and speed first.
Go (Golang)
The language Go is used in online services, distributed systems, and high-performance apps because it is fast and efficient.
You can see how these computer languages are used to make the technology that runs our world if you know what they are and how they work. People choose a language based on the needs of the project or business. Each language has its own strengths.
Types of programming language
Even though there are a lot of different ways to classify various programming languages, they usually fall into four main groups. Remember that some languages may be more than one type:
1- Procedural languages
A procedural language achieves a desired outcome by means of a series of instructions or statements. Every set of actions is known as a procedure; so, a program developed in one of these languages will have one or more procedures. Typical cases of procedural languages consist in:
- C and C++
- Java
- Pascal
- BASIC
2- Functional Languages
Functional languages highlight the output of mathematical functions and evaluations rather than the way statements are executed. Every function, a reusable block of code, carries out a certain chore and generates a result. What data you provide into the function will affect the outcome. Popular functional programming languages include
- Scala
- Erlang
- Haskell
- Elixir
- F#
3- Object-oriented programming languages
This kind of language views a program as a collection of objects made of data and program elements—that is, characteristics and methods. One might make use of objects within another application or inside a current one. For complicated projects, this makes it a common language choice as code is more scalable and simpler to recycle. Among common object-oriented languages are:
- Java
- Python
- PHP
- C++
- Ruby
4- Scripting Language
Scripting languages let programmers automate tedious chores, control dynamic online content, or assist bigger systems in support of processes. Among the often used scripting languages are:
- PHP
- Ruby
- Python
- bash
- Perl
- Node.js
Top Programming Languages to Learn
What language should I learn to code and program in? People are looking for people who know JavaScript and Python, which are two of the most famous languages in the business world. Most new businesses use server systems that are based on Python, like Django (Python), Flask (Python), and NodeJS (JavaScript). Also, these are thought to be the best computer languages for people who are just starting out.
Below is a list of programming languages that will be in demand in 2024.
1- JavaScript
JavaScript is a high-level programming language and a key Web technology—a client-side programming language utilized by 97.8% of websites. Server-side website deployments and non-web browser apps now employ JavaScript, which was initially developed for web browsers.
JavaScript was initially created in 1995 and was called LiveScript. But at the time, Java was a very famous language, so it was marketed as Java’s “younger brother.” JavaScript grew into its own language as it was used more and more.
Many businesses want to use JavaScript because it is the most popular computer language in the world. Almost all Javascript developers make around $117,000 a year.
| Skills | HTML and CSS to define the content and layout of web pages |
| Platform | Cross-platform (desktop, mobile, web) |
2- Python
Many beginners may learn Python, a popular programming language that is simple to understand. It is a free, open-source coding language with excellent support modules, community development, online service integration, user-friendly data structures, and GUI-based desktop applications. Machine learning and deep learning applications use this programming language.
Python is utilized in scientific and computational applications like FreeCAD and Abacus, as well as popular websites like YouTube, Quora, Pinterest, and Instagram. Python developers make an average yearly salary of around $112,382.
| Skills | Problem-solving, abstract thinking |
| Platform | Desktop & Mobile |
| Degree of Use: | Coding skills widely used; popular in both technical education and business use |
3- Go
Google created Go in 2007 for APIs and web apps. Go’s simplicity, ability to handle multicore and networked systems, and enormous codebases have made it one of the fastest-growing computer languages.
Go, or Golang, was designed for large-project programmers. Simple and contemporary structure and syntactic familiarity have made it popular among big IT firms. Google, Uber, Twitch, Dropbox, and more use Go. Data scientists are also adopting Go for its agility and performance.
Go developers can earn an average annual salary of $132,773, and hitting up to $165,010.
| Skills Needed: | If you know another programming language, it’s easy; otherwise, you need patience and a desire to learn. |
| Platform | Cross-platform mainly for desktop |
| Degree of Use: | Widely used, particularly for Google applications |
4- Java
Oracle Corporation’s general-purpose programming language with an object-oriented structure has become a standard for cross-platform applications due to its Write Once, Run Anywhere (WORA) features. Thus, Java is known for its mobility from mainframe data centers to smartphones.
Java is utilized in large data, web, and application development. Google, Amazon, Twitter, and YouTube use Java in their backends. Hundreds of apps utilize it. Spring, Struts, and Hibernate are prominent new Java frameworks.
Java is harder to learn, but Java professionals are in demand. Average Java developer salary is $120,000.
| Skills | Problem-solving, knowledge of the object-oriented structure |
| Platform | Mobile, Desktop & Web |
| Degree of use | Widely used; highly applicable |
5- Kotlin
JetBrains introduced Project Kotlin, a general-purpose Coding language, in 2010. The initial version was launched in 2016. It works with Java and functional programming languages.
Kotlin is popular for Android, web, desktop, and server-side app development. Kotlin users believe it’s superior to Java. Most Google apps use Kotlin. Coursera, Pinterest, PostMates, and more use Kotlin.
Kotlin developers earn an average of $130,000 a year, with the potential to earn up to $160,000.
| Skills Needed: | Prior experience with programming languages, particularly Java |
| Platform | Web, Mobile, Desktop, Server |
| Popularity Among Programmers | Increasingly popular; used for Android applications |
6- C#
C#, developed by Microsoft, became popular in the 2000s for enabling object-oriented programming. One of the most popular .NET programming languages. According to C# founder Anders Hejlsberg, the language is more like C++ than Java.
Windows, Android, and iOS apps benefit most from C#’s use of Microsoft Visual C++. Bing, Dell, Visual Studio, and MarketWatch employ C# for their back ends. C# developers make $112,097 annually.
| Skills | A basic understanding of how to write code |
| Platform: | Cross-platform, including mobile and enterprise software applications |
| Popularity Among Programmers: | Not as popular as Java, but still pretty popular |
7- Swift
Swift ranked 10th in the monthly TIOBE Index of popular programming languages. Apple created Swift for Linux and Mac in 2014.
Swift, an easy-to-learn open-source Coding language, supports most Objective-C features. Swift is easier to code than other languages and may be used with IBM Swift Sandbox and IBM Bluemix. WordPress, Firefox, SoundCloud, and Flappy Bird utilize Swift.
Swift developers will take home average annual salaries of around $96,485.
| Skills | No prior experience with programming languages required |
| Platform | Mobile (Apple iOS apps, specifically) |
| Popularity | Gaining in popularity, especially among Apple iOS application developers |
How Are Programming Languages Used?
There are tools called programming languages that let us talk to computers. Computers can understand and follow these directions, which let us make software, websites, and apps. To make something digital, you need to know how they work.
Coding languages find employment in many different disciplines, each fit for a particular need. For instance, C++’s speed and efficiency help it to be extensively employed in high-performance applications and game development. A fundamental language, C is essential for designing embedded devices and operating systems when hardware control is required. Because of its simplicity and wide-ranging libraries, Python is flexible and popular in disciplines like web development, data research, and automation.
1- Python — Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
This Coding language, Python, can be used to create almost anything. However, it works especially well with AI, machine learning, and data analytics. Python is also helpful for building websites, making business apps, and making window managers for apps.
For more usage visit official site- Python
2- JavaScript — Rich Interactive Web Development
If you want your app to work on many devices, like smartphones, the cloud, containers, microcontrollers, and hundreds of platforms, JavaScript is the best choice. For server-side work, there’s Node.js, a tried-and-true JavaScript engine that lots of businesses use right now.
3- Java — Enterprise Application Development
Java is used to make powerful business apps, and it’s also used a lot in Android, which is why Android writers need to know how to use it. Java writers can also make apps for banks, e-commerce, computer trade, and other fields. They can also make apps for distributed computing.
4- C/C++ — Operating Systems and System Tools
C and C++ have been used to make a lot of different apps and platforms, like system apps, real-time systems, IoT, embedded systems, games, the cloud, containers, and more, because they give you full access to the hardware underneath.
5- Golang — Server-Side Programming
Go is mostly used for back-end technologies, cloud services, distributed networks, and the Internet of Things (IoT). However, it has also been used to make desktop tools, GUI apps, and web apps.
6- C# — Application & Web Development Using .NET
Developers can use the coding language C# to make games, server-side code, websites, web forms, mobile apps, and more. It’s also been used to make Windows apps, mostly for Windows 8 and 10.
7- PHP — Web Development
A lot of businesses use PHP these days to make tools like web apps, eCommerce platforms, and content management systems (CMS). PHP also makes it very simple to make web pages right away.
What Is the Difference Between Programming and Coding?
Coding language and programming language, while closely related, have distinct roles in software development. Here’s a clear breakdown:
| Aspect | Coding | Programming |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Writing specific instructions in a programming language for a computer to execute. | A comprehensive process that includes coding, as well as planning, designing, testing, and maintaining software. |
| Primary Responsibility | Translating logic into syntax that computers understand. | Managing the entire software development lifecycle, from concept to deployment. |
| Tasks | Writing code, fixing bugs, and implementing features. | Designing algorithms, writing and testing code, debugging, maintaining software, and ensuring efficiency and scalability. |
| Approach | Typically focused on specific tasks or features within a project. | Follows a structured approach including planning, analysis, design, coding, testing, and maintenance. |
This comparison shows that programming is more general than code. Even though writing is an important part of programming, programmers look at the whole process and make sure that the software meets its goals quickly and correctly.
What Programming Language Should I Learn First?
Prior to create any code, you must select a computer language. This holds true whether your goal is to learn to code for fun, to gain a new career, or just to improve on what you already know.
Naturally, there is no correct response. Depending on your preferences for individuals and projects to work on, as well as how simple you want the language to be to learn, will determine all of this.
For website development- The most well-known computer language in the world is JavaScript. This is because it can be used for many things. It’s a good choice for beginners because it’s easy to learn and there are lots of tools available.
For other things- A Coding language called Python can be used for many different jobs. People love it because it’s clean and simple to learn and read. It’s very famous, and people want to hire people who know Python.
- If you’re looking for something easy: Python
- If you want a solid foundation to make you a master developer: C
- If you’re looking for a job or want to make mobile apps: Java
- If you want to try front-end development: Javascript
- If you’re programming for your startup’s website: Ruby
