When you are taking your first steps in development and trying to learn to program, it can be challenging to know where to start, especially as a beginner!
We will try to make it easier for you by listing the seven most popular languages nowadays that you should master if you plan to work in the development field.
1. Java
Since its creation in the mid-90s, Java has been among the most popular programming languages. Thirty years later, it is still a leading programming language: Java is the native language of Android, the most widely used mobile platform in the world.
With 2.3 billion mobile devices running the Android operating system, Java is very popular, and many large companies use Java to build their applications.
Java offers great portability (thanks to the Java virtual machine), independent of the platform. This means that Java can run on almost any system.
It is also very scalable, making it popular with large companies and up-and-coming start-ups. In particular, Java is a statically typed language: it is, therefore, fast and easy to maintain, with fewer bugs.
It is also backward compatible, which means that older versions of the language still work perfectly, even when new versions are released. This helps keep an organization’s costs down since there is no need to rewrite code every time a new version is released constantly.
Java is a popular language, and its vast community guarantees its popularity in the future.
2. Python
Python was initially launched in 1991 and has needed to catch up to gain a following. The last few years, however, have seen a boom in Python’s ranking, mainly due to its capabilities in Machine Learning, data science, and artificial intelligence.
A versatile, high-level language, Python finds uses in web application creation, data analysis, and algorithm development. It has an easy-to-use syntax and an emphasis on readability and simplicity of code, making it an ideal candidate for beginning developers, especially those who wish to pursue a career in artificial intelligence.
Python has a reputation for being very reliable and efficient, making it popular with large companies and start-ups. Several Python libraries are available to developers: this help speeds up various tasks in building AI algorithms and binding to APIs. In addition, it can be used to automate certain activities, including some time-consuming daily errands.
Python can also be used for web development. Indeed, it is often used for web scraping: something that could take hours to code in PHP will only take a few minutes with Python.
For a good reason, Python is known as the “fastest-growing major programming language .” With applications in some of the fastest-growing and most exciting technologies, developers who know Python will quickly find opportunities in Big Data, AI, robotics, or cybersecurity. With these technologies becoming ubiquitous, it may be worth learning Python skills now!
But as the language is developing (not only Python but others as well), the tasks and coding, in general, can sometimes appear to be complex and confusing. It would help if you kept a thought like, “it doesn’t matter whether I’m a beginner or an expert. I can receive best-practice advice and troubleshooting solutions as soon as I reach a programming community or pay someone to do my programming homework. And when I’m speaking of someone, I mean, of course, a proven professional.”
3. C/C++
Although it is not the easiest programming language for a beginner, C++ is indispensable in many areas. Many operating systems are created in this programming language. You can find it in various software like web browsers, distribution systems, database software, video games, and many others.
C is a general-purpose, procedural programming language. Closely related to hardware, it allows you to manage data and system programming at a low level. You can use it not only to create “ordinary” software but also to develop programs at the driver
or kernel level.
4. C#
This is one of the oldest and most popular programming languages due to its portability and early adoption by technology giants like Apple and Microsoft. Known as “C-sharp,” it is a derivative of Microsoft’s original language developed in 2000.
It is an object-oriented language: it is organized around objects rather than actions and data rather than logic. Its characteristics are similar to those of Java. C# is particularly effective for creating desktop applications and Windows games. It can also be used to develop web and mobile applications. It is often used for large enterprise applications, such as bank transaction processing.
If your company is in the gaming industry (or considering it), C# is a good investment, as 34% of mobile games are made using C#, as are virtual reality applications.
But that’s not all! Even as a high-level programming language, C# is relatively easy to learn and is more independent of a computer’s hardware architecture. Developers can also spot errors more easily in C#, as the framework checks code before it becomes an application.
It also provides a basic knowledge of other “C” languages, such as C++, which eventually makes it easier to learn them. Even though it offers an obvious way to learn and develop, mastering C# still requires more time and effort than Python.
5. Kotlin
Kotlin is the number one for those who want to take on the Google Play Store. Google has designated it as a primary technology for Android development. It should be noted that it runs on the Java virtual machine and that this language is not fully obvious for someone who wants to take his first steps in programming. Therefore, it is recommended to start by learning Java language before learning Kotlin.
6. Swift
This language allows you to publish your applications in the AppStore: if you want to conquer this market, you should start by learning the Swift language. It is the programming language for iOS and was created by Apple itself! The future of the AppStore is written in Swift, and if you want to enter the race, you need to learn this language.
7. PHP
This is another popular programming language for back-end web development.
Huge companies like Facebook or Wikipedia use it. And if you turn to WordPress, knowing that it is in high demand in the job market. You can also find PHP. This language is one of the easiest to learn!
Conclusion
So now that you are acquainted with all the popular programming languages, it’s only a matter of time before you decide which one you want to learn and master. You can learn as many programming languages as you desire until you find your ideal language for coding and become a professional programmer.