Getting Started in Programming: Top Programming Languages for Beginners

Programming, developing, and coding were once exclusive and mysterious. Only a handful of computer programmers had top-notch coding skills. But with software development careers growing at an unprecedented rate, IT jobs require their staff to have a complete understanding of most of the top programming languages for beginners.

To advance your computer engineering career, you must master several programming languages. And with the annual salary of a software developer in the United States averaging over $110,000, improving your current skills or getting into the field with the right tools might be the best idea. However, it can be overwhelming for a beginner to master different programming languages.

We are here to help. From F# and C++ to Python, you will find many benefits to learning to code. Whether you are planning to get certified for programming knowledge, want to develop an application, or learn new skills, we equip you with beginner programming languages that will be in high demand.

What is a Programming Language?

A programming language is a communication medium between developers (programmers) and computers. It consists of rules that allow the conversion of string values into machine code or graphical elements for visual programming.

A programming language is a set of prompts configured in a specific language (Python, Java, C++, or C) to accomplish particular tasks.

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Top Programming Languages for beginners to Learn in 2023

Python and JavaScript are two of the most popular basic coding languages in the startup industry and are in high demand. Coding for beginners is always important, especially for software developers and computer students looking for relevant programming languages to kickstart their coding journey.

Here’s a list of the top programming languages for beginners to consider when starting your programming journey:

• Scala
• TypeScript
• MATLAB
• C and C++
• Ruby
• Swift
• C#
• Kotlin
• Java
• Go
• Python
• JavaScript

Please note that all game engines, enterprise-level back-ends, and mobile apps are built using statically typed languages like the ones highlighted above.

A Comprehensive Look at the Top Four Programming Languages

Let’s take a look at an in-depth overview of the top 4 programming languages to consider learning as a beginner in the coding industry.

1. Java

Java is one of the most popular languages for beginners. It has an object-oriented structure that’s becoming a primary standard for applications available on multiple platforms because of its Write Once, Run Anywhere (WORA) potential. Java is acknowledged for its portability across different platforms, including smartphones and data centers. Currently, over 3 billion devices are running Java applications.

It continues to dominate the software industry as a general-purpose programming language and is applied in almost every web application. Its popular frameworks are highly effective and useful in developing multiple daily-use applications and processing big data.

Java programming language has highly efficient tools for back-end development, making it a much easier programming language to learn. Highly recommend it for upcoming coding enthusiasts.

2. Go

Unlike most programming languages, Go is still relatively new, but it is growing in popularity. Designed by Google in 2007 as a better alternative to older programming languages. Go allows upcoming programmers and software developers to tackle most applications in a more user-friendly manner.

While the language may not be in huge demand yet, it’s still a wiser choice for programmers just entering the coding game. Most Go users work in the data science fields, but options will likely increase as it becomes more popular among programmers. Companies that use Go in their programming include Google, Dropbox, Twitch, Uber, and many others.

3. Python

Python is one of the primary coding languages for beginners because of its readability. It is an open-source, free programming language with GUI-based desktop applications, user-friendly data structures, seamless integration with web structures, and extensive community development and support modules. Python works best for deep learning and machine learning applications. It is used by tech giants in the digital world, like Facebook and Google. Data scientists, engineers, analysts, and software developers use Python for a variety of careers, making it the more attractive programming language for learners.

4. JavaScript

Created in 1995, JavaScript comes off as a high-level programming language at the core of the World Wide Web. It’s a client-oriented language used by over 97.8% of all websites. JavaScript is also highly versatile and easy to learn, making it a more attractive programming language for coding enthusiasts.

The best part about using JavaScript is that you can use it to build almost anything, from website servers to applications. Some common careers requiring JavaScript knowledge include software engineers, front-end developers, full-stack developers, and mobile developers.

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How to Select the Best Programming Language for Beginners

When choosing a programming language, consider factors such as the availability of programmers, the community, and the ecosystem. As a beginner, you need to understand the purpose of the programming language and determine whether you want to learn a statistically or dynamically typed language. Sometimes developers mistakenly select a programming language based on whether it is trendy or cool.

Easy-to-Learn Programming Languages

Just because you find a coding language easy to learn doesn’t always mean it is the best option to achieve your programming goals. Remember, programming languages that are easy to learn often attract more coding enthusiasts, leading to more competition and lower-paying job opportunities.

However, that doesn’t mean learning such languages isn’t worth your time and effort. Over time, you can start your career using one of the easier languages as you take on the more complex languages in the future.

In-Demand Programming Languages

You will find that some of the easier-to-learn coding languages are also the highest in demand, making them perfect options for newbies. Consequently, the extra effort you use to tackle complex programming languages eventually pays off as they have little competition.

C/C++ are much older coding languages that are much more difficult to learn but have proven their long-term usefulness. These languages open the door to many potential career paths and make it much easier to take on less complex languages in the future.

Programming Languages with More Growth Potential

C/C++, Java, Go, and Python is among the best coding languages that provide learners with multiple avenues for career satisfaction and financial success. These languages offer you a high probability of landing a coding job and spearheading your learning and career growth.

Final Thoughts

Learning programming languages for beginners can be confusing, particularly when you’re new to the world of coding. Besides choosing the programming language you believe best suits you, the best step is to learn and understand the concepts involved.

University of the People provides new coders with an avenue to learn to code for free and with as little hassle as possible. The languages we have listed can help you get started as a programmer and prepare you for advanced levels in the industry. Get in touch to learn more about our academic programs.