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There are many popular coding languages in today’s technology world. This makes it difficult to decide which programming language is best to learn.
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in programming, start by discovering which coding languages are easiest to learn and what applications they have in the programming field.
The easiest programming language to learn
This section lists, in no particular order, programming languages that are easy to learn. These are all easy languages to learn.
We recommend a few coding bootcamps below. If you want to learn more about this learning method, check out our ranking of the best coding bootcamps. If you’re still wondering, “Is coding a bootcamp worth it?”, check out our guide.
HTML
HTML (HyperText Markup Language) is an open source core language for building web pages, documents, and Internet navigation. HTML takes information such as text, images, and hyperlinks and places them on the page.
It works in concert with CSS and JavaScript to determine the visual and aural appearance of web pages and to provide dynamic functionality. HTML is a great foundation for coders. Developers use it too.
You can find free tutorials online run by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) and the Web Hypertext Application Technology Working Group (WHATWG) to see HTML’s living standards. Codecademy also offers a 9 hour paid course covering the basics of the language. Many of these online exams offered by W3C award certificates upon completion.
CSS
CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) is a programming language that works with HTML to shape the look and sound of information on web pages. So HTML is the building material and CSS is the design layout.
For this reason, CSS is usually learned after HTML (and often JavaScript) or in parallel with HTML. Codecademy offers courses from 5 hours to 4-8 months, depending on the level of certification desired.
python
Python is currently the most popular programming language according to the Popularity of Programming Languages Index (PYPL). PYPL uses Google’s report of the most searched programming language tutorials.
Python’s syntax is close to English, making it relatively easy to learn. Python is used in a variety of ways, but is particularly in demand for artificial intelligence (AI) development, machine learning (ML) development, website building, and desktop application development.
Online courses vary in length from 10 hours to 4 months. Providers such as Simplilearn and Ecornell offer certification upon completion of a course.
Java
Java is one of the most popular programming languages. Second most popular, commonly used and very popular for many reasons. Programmers often use Java for mobile and desktop application programming and game development.
Java programmers are in high demand, so it is desirable to know this language for coding or programming. Some Java bootcamps guarantee employment for graduates who meet certain requirements. Check out our ranking of the best Java bootcamps.
JavaScript
Along with HTML and CSS, JavaScript programs operations on web pages. JavaScript is a user-side scripting language that is inherently tied to the dynamic elements of web pages.
JavaScript is one of the most popular client-side programming languages, so many programming employers are looking for this skill. The time it takes to master this language depends on the course. WC3 offers his 30-hour course and includes an exam that awards a certificate if passed.
C.
C is an old programming language, but it is still widely used because of its practical applications and its close syntactical relationship with C++, C#, and Java. This versatile programming language is commonly used in software development and operating systems.
Although C’s popularity has declined over the years, it is still considered the programming language of choice because of its longevity and ability to produce fast and reliable code. It can also be easily extended to C++. Codecademy offers his 15-hour paid course that includes certification upon completion.
Ruby
Ruby’s success is a result of its ease of learning. This language is similar to English and works in complex and complex ways.
Ruby is an open-source, object-oriented programming language that gives all information and code its own properties and actions. Ruby is used in web application development, especially in industry-focused technologies.
Learn Ruby with Codecademy’s 10-hour course. Ruby on Rails, the leading Ruby framework, supports creating front-end and back-end web applications.
Questions to consider when choosing a programming language
Ask yourself these questions when choosing the right programming language to learn for your career trajectory.
Is this programming language relevant to your current or future career?
Many programming languages have specific applications such as web development, app programming, and creating operating systems. Before you start a programming course or bootcamp, think about the skills you need for your dream job.
Is this programming language versatile in my field?
Once you know what kind of programming job you want, you can decide which coding language is the most versatile for your chosen field.
If you need an AI or ML job, Python is the way to go. Easy to learn and versatile when used for web and app development.
Do you have time to learn this programming language?
Be honest about how much time you can commit. The syntax of coding languages can be close to English, like Ruby, or very different, like C. Factors like these help determine how much time you need to spend learning a particular language.
Programming Language Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What programming language should a beginner start with?
It depends on what kind of career you want. Many people find HTML and Ruby to be more accessible programming languages.
Is C++ too difficult for beginners?
C++ is more complex and challenging because it is closer to the binary language used by computers. For this reason, it is not recommended as a first language to learn. However, learning a language like C or Java will help you learn C++ because of the language similarities.
Should you learn to code before programming?
The short answer is no. In programming, you will learn the aspects of coding that are necessary for programming. Programming is the process of creating instructions to make a computer perform various tasks. This includes coding.