With technology continuing to permeate every aspect of our lives, learning to code has become an incredibly valuable skill. From building websites and apps to automating tasks and analyzing data, coders are constantly in demand across countless industries. However, with countless programming languages and frameworks to choose from, deciding what to learn can feel overwhelming for beginners.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the most popular and practical programming languages that are worth learning in 2023 based on your goals and background. Whether you want to build mobile apps, data science models, or web applications, we’ve got you covered on where to start your coding journey.
What programming language is best to learn first?
If you’re brand new to coding with little to no experience, starting with a beginner-friendly language can set you up for success. The best first languages provide a solid coding foundation and teach fundamental programming concepts you can apply across any language in the future. Here are two of the most popular starter languages:
Python
With simple syntax requiring less coding to accomplish tasks, Python is often recommended as a first language. It’s used across fields like data science, machine learning, web development, and more. Python has a gentle learning curve while still teaching key concepts like variables, data structures, loops, and functions.
JavaScript
As the language powering interactive websites and web applications, JavaScript is another great first choice. The coding fundamentals you’ll learn, like data types and DOM manipulation, provide a solid base for front-end web development. And you’ll get to see your code execute in real time by connecting JavaScript to an HTML web page.
What language is best for web development?
Building websites and web applications requires a combination of programming languages and frameworks. Here are some of the top options for web development:
HTML & CSS
HTML provides the structure and content for websites, while CSS styles and visually formats that content. Learning HTML and CSS is essential for any web developer role. You can start by coding static web pages before advancing to dynamic web applications.
JavaScript
As mentioned above, JavaScript adds interactivity to websites by manipulating HTML/CSS. It allows you to create features like click events, pop-ups, scroll effects, form validation, and more. JavaScript is used both on the front-end and back-end of web development.
PHP
PHP is a back-end language that powers server-side logic and dynamic functionality for websites. It’s commonly combined with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript in a stack. PHP skills allow you to build feature-rich, database-driven websites.
Ruby on Rails
The Ruby on Rails framework uses the Ruby language for back-end web development. It provides a concise structure for building CRUD apps and APIs quickly following “convention over configuration.” Ruby on Rails is a popular choice for startups and MVPs.
What language is best for mobile development?
Mobile development involves building apps for smartphones and tablets. Here are the top mobile app programming languages:
Swift
Created by Apple, Swift is the official language for building iOS apps on iPhones and iPads. It uses a clean syntax and offers seamless access to Apple tools and frameworks like Cocoa Touch.
Kotlin
Kotlin is Google’s preferred language for Android app development. It improves upon Java with concise and safer code. Kotlin works seamlessly with Android Studio and SDK tools.
React Native
React Native allows you to build mobile apps for both iOS and Android using a single codebase in JavaScript. It uses native UI components under the hood for smooth performance. Ideal for cross-platform apps.
What language is best for game development?
Game development has its own subset of coding languages tailored for building interactive gameplay, physics simulations, 3D graphics, and more. Here are two top options:
C#
C# is the default language for Unity, the most popular game development engine. It’s similar to C++ and Java but provides some advanced features for games like garbage collection. C# scripting allows complex gameplay logic.
C++
For lower-level game programming, C++ allows precise control and optimization. It’s used by engines like Unreal for its speed and efficiency. C++ is harder to learn but ideal for performance-critical games.
What language is best for machine learning and AI?
Specialized languages used for machine learning, data science, and artificial intelligence include:
Python
With comprehensive ML libraries like Pandas, NumPy, Keras, PyTorch, and TensorFlow, Python is the most popular language for machine learning development. Python provides an accessible starting point for data science.
R
R is a language specifically created for statistical analysis and predictive modeling. It’s commonly used for machine learning tasks like classification, clustering, and forecasting. R offers advanced analytical capabilities.
Julia
Julia is an emerging language designed for high-performance numerical analysis and computational science. It’s ideally suited for technical machine learning applications involving advanced mathematics.
What language is best for building apps and products?
If your goal is to build and launch full-stack applications or products, some flexible languages to consider are:
JavaScript
JavaScript can be used across the entire stack, from front-end to back-end to database. With runtimes like Node.js, you can build fast modern apps using a single language.
Python
Python also provides full-stack capabilities for app development while staying concise and readable. Popular frameworks like Django and Flask make it even more flexible.
Ruby
Ruby empowers rapid and agile development, ideal for iterating MVP versions of products. Combined with Rails, it allows smooth front-end and back-end coding.
What language has the best career prospects?
Some of the top languages that offer great career progression and salaries for developers are:
JavaScript
JavaScript skills are in extremely high demand across roles like front-end, back-end, and full-stack development. Experience with frameworks like React and Node.js can boost earning potential.
Python
Python offers paths into lucrative fields like data science, machine learning, and cloud computing. Python developers can build scalable data applications.
Java
Java remains popular for back-end development and big data engineering. Knowledge of Spring Framework and JVM performance tuning is valuable.
C++
For those interested in high-performance computing, game engines, financial applications and other complex software, C++ skills can unlock opportunities.
How long does it take to learn to code?
The time it takes to learn coding depends greatly on which language and career path you choose. Here are some estimates for building job-ready skills:
- Beginner-friendly languages like Python, JavaScript, and Swift can take 2-6 months to learn foundations.
- Front-end web development skills can take 6-12 months through resources like coding bootcamps.
- Full-stack developer skills may take 1-2 years to master multiple languages and frameworks.
- For data science, expect around 2-3 years from beginner to expert as you learn Python, R, SQL, statistics, and machine learning theory.
The key is consistency through daily coding practice. Be patient, focus on fully understanding concepts, and work on projects to apply your skills. Setting small milestones helps measure your progress over time.
Should I learn multiple coding languages?
Here are some pros and cons to learning multiple programming languages:
Pros:
- Wider range of job opportunities across different language stacks.
- Ability to compare programming paradigms and use the best tool for the job.
- Improved adaptability and ability to pick up new languages faster.
Cons:
- Split focus that dilutes mastery of any one language.
- More breadth but less depth of knowledge gained.
- Higher initial learning curve mastering syntax of different languages.
For beginners, it’s often best to start with one language to build a solid coding foundation. Once you grasp fundamental programming concepts, it becomes easier to expand your knowledge across multiple languages for specific career paths.
Conclusion
When starting out coding, focus first on your goals and interests to narrow the options. Core languages like Python and JavaScript provide versatile skills that apply across domains. For specific roles like mobile development or data science, you’ll need to learn additional specialized languages and tools.
Don’t feel overwhelmed by the vast array of choices. The fundamental coding concepts you learn will translate from one language to another. Set small, manageable goals, consistently practice, and apply your skills with projects. Learning to code takes dedication but delivers immense value in empowering you to build anything you can imagine.