Learning to program is a ton of fun, and it can help you start a career in an in-demand field. However, those new to programming will have to make an important decision: Which language is the best to learn at first? Here are some of the most popular programming languages and some reasons to consider making them your first language.
Python
Python has long been the de facto answer for best language for beginners, and for good reason. The language removes many of the barriers of learning to program, and it’s great for teaching both basic and advanced concepts. However, over the years, Python has picked up another valuable benefit: Its popularity. Whether you’re interested in data science, web development, or nearly any other field of programming, Python will likely have a solid role, making it great for those looking for a job. In addition, the skills you learn along the way will make picking up a second and third language much more seamless. Python is expected to become even more popular over time.
JavaScript
JavaScript had an inauspicious beginning as a language created in about two weeks to serve as a glue of sorts for web browsers. Since then, however, JavaScript has become perhaps the most popular language in the world. If you’re interested in developing websites, JavaScript is a great option, although you’ll want to ensure you also learn about HTML and CSS along the way. One of the biggest surprises in development in recent years is just how flexible the language is. Through node.js and other platforms, JavaScript is now a popular web serving language in addition to the de facto language of the web browser. Although the language itself has its fair share of quirks, it’s also easy to start learning. Within minutes, you can learn how to start running programs in your web browser, and the powerful debugging tools built into modern browsers will have you learning the tools the professionals use from day one.
- Why Both New and Experienced Developers Should Learn JavaScript
C
Although it’s an old language, C remains widely popular in system development and other fields. The language itself requires more knowledge about how computers function than most other languages, although tutorials will help explain how its features work. In addition, C leaves programmers vulnerable to a host of potential bugs that more modern languages abstract away. Still, if you’re interested in performance and want to tap into a rich tradition of software development, C is a great choice. You can expect a steeper learning curve than other languages, but countless programmers learned C as their first language, and a bit of study into how computers work can prepare you to enter an in-demand field.
Java
The Java language has received its share of criticism over the years, but one fact is undeniable: In the enterprise, the Java platform is widely supported, and these codebases will demand programmers for decades to come. There are tons of great resources for learning Java, and its object-oriented nature makes it great for learning the most popular programming paradigm. Java’s biggest competitor, C#, is another option to consider, especially if you’re interested in working with Microsoft’s ecosystem.
Rust
Much like C and C++, Rust is a low-level language with an emphasis on speed. Unlike those other languages, however, Rust makes security a top priority, helping developers avoid bugs that can lead to security problems. Note, however, that Rust has a notoriously steep learning curve, making it a challenge for first-time developers. Regardless, Rust has gained a considerable amount of support over its relative short lifespan, and many believe it’s the language of the future for low-level programming. If you’re up for a challenge, Rust can serve as a great introduction to programming and let you learn how to program in a safe manner.
- Rust Programming Language Tutorial
Conclusion
Programming serves as a great foundation for building a career. Starting out, however, can be intimidating. Fortunately, there are plenty of languages that serve as excellent introductions, and hard work will pay off over the long term. Regardless of which language you choose, make sure to have fun. Note that learning your second language will be much easier than your first, so feel free to try out a different language if you’re struggling with your first choice.