If you’ve found your way to this post, you’re obviously wondering which are the best programming languages to learn. Of course, that will all depend on your long-term career goals, how much you already know, and how you plan on learning.
After reading this article, you will better understand the most popular programming languages in use today. We’ll also share what these languages are for and the career options available to you if you possess those skills.
Best Programming Languages to Learn
Technology advances at a phenomenal rate. Therefore, the best programming languages to learn in terms of skills that hiring managers are looking for might change over time. For this reason, we keep this blog post updated according to the skills that are most in-demand. We last edited the below list in July 2021.
1 – Python
If you’re a recent school or college leaver, you’ve likely come across Python already. If you’re further on in life and learning computer coding languages to switch careers, Python is a good starting point.
There are several reasons why Python is one of the best programming languages to learn for beginners: Its simplified syntax makes it easier to learn than most other programming languages, and being an open-source language makes it easily accessible. There are also many books, games, and online resources that make it easy to learn Python. The Raspberry Pi even comes pre-installed with Python.
What Jobs Can You Get With Python?
Python’s main uses are in Back End Development and Data Engineering, and many companies advertise purely for Python Developers. However, due to its popularity, Python can open doors to many other surprising careers, including:
- Web Developer
- Data Analyst
- Software Tester
- Quality Assurance (QA) Engineer
- IT Teacher
- Computer Science Lecturer
- Data Journalist
- Financial Advisor
2 – JavaScript
JavaScript is the programming language behind most of what you see on the internet. In fact, it is currently the most commonly used computer language globally.
JavaScript is an object-oriented language which means that it combines related data and functions into an object. Developers can then reuse these objects within other applications.
Some argue that JavaScript is one of the best programming languages to learn, perhaps even more straightforward than Python. That said, to make sense of JavaScript, you must first have a basic understanding of HTML and CSS. Therefore, by the time you get to JavaScript, you will have already overcome many obstacles to learning a computer language.
What Jobs Can You Get With JavaScript?
In addition to learning JavaScript, companies may expect you to be fluent in one of its frameworks. The most in-demand of which are Angular, React, Vue.js and Node.js.
As JavaScript is a general-purpose computer language, it can open the door to many career options, including:
- Back End Software Development or Software Engineering
- Front End Development
- Full Stack Development
- Game Development
- Mobile App Development
3 – SQL
SQL – pronounced sequel, or ess queue Elle – stands for Structured Query Language. It is the most commonly used language for communicating with and editing data contained within databases. While that might sound a little abstract, the best way to understand what SQL does is to consider it in the context of Facebook.
Facebook holds a whole stack of data about all its users within a database. When you log into Facebook, it calls upon the relevant data it holds about you to display your profile. Then as you scroll down your news feed, it calls upon all the other bits of data, such as text, images, usernames etc. It then uses this information to display the posts you’ve liked or are tagged in.
SQL utilises intuitive English-based syntax, which makes it one of the best programming languages to learn, even for those with absolutely no computer science experience.
What Jobs Can You Get With SQL?
SQL is one of the most widely used programming languages worldwide. Therefore, taking the time to learn SQL can open up quite an array of career options such as:
- SQL Server Developer
- Software Engineer
- Business Analyst
- Data Scientist
- Database Administrator or Manager
- Quality Assurance Engineer (or QA Tester)
- Researcher
- College Tutor
- University Lecturer
- Data Journalist
4 – PHP
PHP is a widely-used open source programming language that focuses on server-side scripting. Developers use PHP to create web forms, shopping carts, chat forums and many other elements that enable two-way interaction between users and the internet.
PHP is considered one of the best programming languages to learn for beginners. The challenge is getting your head around the logic, rules and abbreviations associated with learning any computer language.
What Jobs Can You Get With PHP?
PHP is so widely used that many companies specifically require PHP Developers. Apart from that, the most commonly advertised job titles requiring PHP skills are Back-End Developer, Software Engineer and Full-Stack Developer.
WordPress is also based on PHP. Therefore, learning PHP can make WordPress developers more employable and enhance their earning potential.
5 – C#
C#, pronounced see sharp, is another object-oriented programming language similar to JavaScript. Many beginners wonder if C# and JavaScript do a similar job, which is the best one to learn?
All we would say to this is that there are similarities between the two, but at the same time, they are competitors. So whereas JavaScript is widely used across different operating systems, C# was produced by Microsoft for use by their software developers.
C# is part of the Microsoft .NET framework and is built on the foundations of C and C++. So if you have any experience with either C or C++, it’s likely you will find C# incredibly easy to pick up.
Out of the C# and JavaScript, many experienced coders seem to believe that C# is more challenging to learn than JavaScript. However, with JavaScript, there are also additional frameworks to wrap your head around. Although each of the frameworks lends itself to different scenarios, you wouldn’t need to learn them all.
It used to be true that any programming languages relating to Microsoft products were more expensive to learn, but upon qualifying, Microsoft Developers (C# and .NET) could command higher salaries.
For a long time, .NET were the most in-demand developers globally. However, with cost being such a barrier to entry, only a tiny percentage of qualified developers had C# and .NET skills. Possibly, for this reason, the demand for JavaScript seems to be overtaking C#.
That said, Microsoft has recognised the need to make their products more accessible, which makes them much easier to learn.
What Jobs Can You Get With C#?
From an employability perspective, many of the hiring managers we work with seem to think that JavaScript is the future. That said, C# is still a highly sought after skill. Therefore it’s doubtful that anyone learning this language will find themselves out of a job.
The jobs available to C# developers is similar to the list above for JavaScript. However, if you’re looking for something a little more exciting to work on, you might be interested to know that C# is the language of choice in 3D gaming and virtual reality (VR).
6 – Java
Java is a computing language made for developing applications we use on desktops, laptops, games consoles, scientific supercomputers, mobile phones… Just about any device you can think of.
Java is so popular because it is a general-purpose cross-platform programming language. So it allows developers to write code on one platform and run it on any other. In other words, a developer can create an app on any platform; then, you could run it as a web application while your friend uses the mobile app version.
Java has many uses, including creating Android apps, many apps for the financial services industry, IoT (Internet of Things), blockchain, big data, data science, AI and machine learning.
If you speak English, Java is easy for beginners to pick up fairly quickly. That said, it’s probably not as easy to learn as Python.
What Jobs Can You Get With Java?
Java is an excellent language to learn if you want to work for large corporations on big projects. The job titles that you could attain by learning Java include:
- Software Developer
- Java Developer
- Software Engineer
- Technical Architect
- Chief Technology Officer
- Back End Developer
- Full-Stack Developer
- Android Developer
- Mobile App Developer
7 – Go
Go is developed by Google and much in the same way that Google quickly dominated the internet, Go has become extremely popular in a very short time. Often also called Golang, it’s another open-source programming language that is designed to make it easy to build reliable, efficient software.
The story behind Go, is that Google developers created it to eliminate the frustrations and limitations they experienced when using other languages. The result is a language that’s applicable for use on Google sized projects but easy for beginners to learn.
What Jobs Can You Get With Golang?
As IT recruitment consultants, we are seeing a surprising number of jobs for Go Developers. Other job titles asking for Go skills include Software Development, Software Engineer, Back-End Developer and Full Stack Development.
8 – Swift
Swift is the language that was first licenced by Apple’s co-founder Steve Jobs. So if it’s your ambition to create iOS, iPadOS, tvOS or watchOS apps, Swift is the language you should learn.
That said, Swift is no longer limited to those who have Apple devices. In 2020, Swift released a package that enables developers to build and run Swift code on a Windows operating system. To make it easy to learn Swift, Apple released Swift Playgrounds, a free iPad app designed to teach kids how to code.
What Jobs Can You Get With Swift?
It probably goes without saying that as it’s Apple’s language, the most popular job title you will find relating to Swift is iOS Developer. Other job titles include; Front End Swift Developer and Mobile App Developer. No matter what the job title, it’s most likely that you’ll never be out of a job designing or engineering iOS Apps if you learn Swift.
Are Legacy and Niche Programming Languages Worth Learning?
Legacy and niche programming languages can be worth learning for specific use cases, such as maintaining legacy systems or working in specialised industries. However, they offer limited job opportunities compared to mainstream languages, so the decision should align with your career goals and industry demands.
Let’s look at practical examples, so you can expand your options and look at a wider selection of programming languages before you make your choice:
Lua, An Easy-to-Learn, Flexible Scripting Language
Lua is a lightweight scripting language designed for application embedding. Lua shines predominantly in back-end applications, so it’s popular in game development, embedded systems, and Server-Side Developers.
Scala, A Versatile Language for Functional and Object-Oriented Programming
Scala is a powerful programming language that combines functional and object-oriented paradigms. Designed to be concise and high-performing, Scala is a top choice for developers working on scalable applications. Its compatibility with Java makes it popular in big data, machine learning, and web development. Unfortunatelly, Scala can be difficult to learn for those not familiar with functional programming.
Haskell, A Functional Programming Language for Advanced Data Processing
Haskell is a purely functional programming language. Known for its strong static typing and mathematical precision, Haskell is best suited for back-end developers looking for an advanced programming solution to create error-free and efficient applications, particularly where system reliability is vital, such as in academic research and complex algorithm development.
Rust, A Language for Safety and Performance
Back-end engineers and software developers use Rust to prioritise memory safety without sacrificing performance. It prevents common bugs, such as null pointer dereferencing and buffer overflows. Favoured for developing safe and concurrent applications, Rust is gaining traction in systems programming, game development, machine learning and big data analysis.
C, A Back End Systems Programming Language
C is known for its efficiency and control over system resources. As a low-level language, it provides a minimal abstraction between code and hardware, making it essential for operating systems, embedded systems, and performance-critical applications. Although C cannot be used for internet programming, C remains widely used in Back End Software Development.
Ruby, A Language for Start Ups and Agile Development
Ruby is a dynamic, open-source, object-oriented language designed to prioritise simplicity and productivity. Its elegant syntax is easy to read and write, which makes it popular for web development (particularly with the Ruby on Rails framework). Ruby is favoured by startups and developers focused on rapid prototyping and agile methodologies.
A Word of Caution on Bootcamps
Bootcamps are a fashionable way to learn coding skills. However, they can be expensive. Also, whenever we speak to hiring managers after interviewing job applicants who have attended bootcamps, we repeatedly hear the same criticism – bootcamps don’t work!
That’s not strictly true, in fact, bootcamps do help many people land their first job in tech. Bootcamps give students a fantastic start in the best computer languages to learn right now, along with some valuable, practical skills. However, they often give students the illusion that they can walk straight out of a bootcamp and into a job. Sadly, this is not the case.
What bootcamps don’t give you is any knowledge of coding best practices or test-driven development. If you’re serious about getting a job in computer programming of any kind, these are the things that will take you to the next level.
A Few Final Thoughts on The Best Computer Languages to Learn
Students often look for the easiest computer language to learn, because let’s face it, learning complicated subjects is less fun. When subjects are no fun to learn, we quickly lose interest. That said, the first computer language you learn will always be the hardest.
When you begin learning any computer language, the challenge comes with grasping the rules of coding logic and what all the abbreviations mean. A complete beginner can get the basics of any programming language within a couple of days. However, as any experienced programmer will tell you, when you embark on a career in computer programming, you commit to a lifetime of learning.
After reading this article, we hope that you now have a better understanding of the best computer languages to learn. We also hope it has helped you understand how these languages can help you achieve your career goals.
If you have any further questions after reading, you might benefit from having a conversation with an IT recruitment consultant. They speak to hiring managers every day and can offer insider information about what they’re looking for.
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