The hardest part of learning to program if you are new to the field is choosing where to start. Many programming languages are widely used, each with its unique complexities and idiosyncrasies.
Good news: As you start your journey as a software developer, you will discover which programming language is best for you, your interests, and career goals.
Below is a list of the top and most popular programming languages used for many common uses, including web development and mobile development.
1. JavaScript
JavaScript is a key component of software development today. According to Stack Overflow’s 2020 Developer Survey, JavaScript is the most popular language among developers for the eighth year in a row. Nearly 70% of respondents to the survey reported using JavaScript within the last year.
JavaScript, along with HTML and CSS, is crucial to front-end web design. JavaScript is used to create interactive web pages that display content to users and power many of the most popular websites like YouTube and Facebook.
JavaScript is primarily a browser-based front-end language, but it can be used on the server-side with Node.js to create scalable network applications. Node.js can be used with Linux, SunOS, and Mac OS X.
JavaScript is one of the most friendly programming languages for beginners, thanks to its flexible syntax and compatibility with all major browsers.
2. Swift
Swift is the place to start if you are interested in Apple products or mobile app development. Apple first announced Swift in 2014. It is a programming language that allows you to create iOS and macOS apps.
Swift was optimized for speed and designed from the ground up to meet the demands of modern iOS development. iOS runs on all iPhones and iPads. It’s also the foundation for other operating systems like watchOS (for Apple Watches) and tvOS(for Apple TVs). Apple’s position as the tech industry leader isn’t changing, and iOS apps are still the most lucrative mobile app market.
3. Scala
Scala is a modern version of Java, a well-known programming language. Scala combines Java’s best features (its ObjectOriented Structure and lightning-fast JVM Runtime Environment) with a modern twist.
Scala is a functional programming language that allows engineers to make their code look like pure mathematics. Scala supports concurrent programming, which allows complex operations to be run in parallel. It is also a strongly typed language. Engineers can create and customize data types that they can use, which allows them to feel secure knowing that bugs will not be found at runtime.
4. Go
Google’s favorite core language, Go, is the little language that can. Go is a low-level language that engineers can use to get into the field of system programming.
It provides many of the same functionality as C++ and C++, but without the complicated syntax and steep learning curve. It is the ideal language to build web servers, data pipelines, and machine-learning packages.
Go is a compiled language that runs “close to metal,” which allows for a lightning-fast runtime. Open-source software allows ambitious developers to see their contributions accepted and appreciated by programmers around the world.
5. Python
Python is the most intuitive programming language on this list. Python’s syntax, much like Java’s, is intuitive and clear. This makes it a popular choice among beginners.Python, like Java, has many applications, making it an excellent choice when selecting the right programming language for you.
Python’s open-source Django framework is popular for back-end web development. It’s easy to use, feature-rich, and easy to learn. Django was used to develop popular websites like Spotify, Instagram, and Mozilla.
Python packages like SciPy, NumPy, and PyTorch are used frequently in engineering, scientific computing, mathematics, or scientific computing.
You can also use other Python libraries like TensorFlow and PyTorch and sci-kit-learn and openCV to create programs in data science and machine learning. Python’s data science and applications make it an excellent choice for academics.
6. Flutter
Learn Flutter from Watching Videos Flutter learning is best learned from videos. Learn how to build native mobile apps with Flutter. Google and Udacity offer this course. It’s great for beginners who want to learn flutter.
7. Kotlin
Kotlin’s syntax makes it easy to understand for beginners. However, experienced programmers will find the language has many powerful features. Kotlin can draw on previous programming experience. For those who have a Python or Java background, it is easy to understand.
8. Elm
This is one of our youngest languages. What started as a Harvard student thesis has grown to be a passion for front-end developers worldwide. Elm can be compiled into JavaScript. This makes it easy for developers to create fast-executing UIs that are error-free at runtime.
Elm is a functional programming language that allows developers to create client-side interfaces with minimal declarative code. Redux, a state-management library taught at Fullstack, was also inspired by the Elm web architecture.
9. Ruby
Ruby is another scripting language commonly used in web development. It’s the foundation of the Ruby on Rails web development framework.
Ruby is a popular choice for beginners due to its reputation as one of the most friendly and helpful user communities. Ruby has an informal saying, “Matz is kind and so are we nice,” encouraging members to emulate Yukihiro Matsumoto, Ruby’s chief inventor.
Ruby, with its strong community and simple syntax, is a great language to learn. This is due to its association to top tech companies. Twitter, Shopify, and Bloomberg all used Ruby on Rails to build their websites.
10. C#
C#, pronounced C Sharp, is a general-purpose, object-oriented language similar to C++. Microsoft originally developed it as part of its.NET framework that allows you to build Windows applications.
C# has a syntax similar to C++ and other C-derived languages. This makes it easy to learn if you are coming from another language within the C family. C# is the preferred language for Microsoft app development. However, it is also used by mobile developers to create cross-platform apps using the Xamarin platform.
Anyone interested in VR development can learn C#. C# is recommended for creating 3D and 2D games using Unity’s popular game engine. It produces one-third of the most popular games on the market.
It’s Code Time
It’s important to avoid getting caught up in popular trends or popularity contests when choosing a programming language. The best programming languages you will learn in 2021 are likely the same ones you learned in 2021 and 2022. This trend will not change in the coming years.
Even though computer programming is constantly changing, the languages we have discussed above are very durable. You’ll be in a great position not only this year but also in the future by learning at least one of these languages.
Only you will be able to answer the question “What programming language should I learn?” when you begin your journey into coding. Your interests and the type of software development you are interested in will help you choose. Let’s take a look at some of the options we have discussed.
