If you want to learn to code, which programming language should you start with? Here are the top 5 easiest and top 5 hardest programming languages.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
What's the easiest programming language to learn? What about the hardest programming language?
The best programming languages to learn in 2021 are likely the same ones that were best to learn in 2017 and 2018, and that will continue to be true for the next several years as well. Although the field of computer programming changes rapidly, the languages that. Many languages came and disappear but JavaScript is one of those few renowned languages that is enjoying a high run and demand in the programming world. In the TIOBE ranking report, JavaScript has been ranked under the top 10 programming languages for several years consistently. Take online classes to master popular programming languages, such as Java, Ruby, C#, PHP, C, JQuery, and more. Beginner to advanced courses available.
Asking a programmer about the easiest language to learn is like asking someone about their favorite ice cream. Everyone has a preference and there is no real right answer. As developer and educator Marek Zaluski once suggested, “Programming languages are created by programmers, for programmers.” Almost like an insider secret that only a select few know. This can make it intimidating for those who are new to the field of software engineering.
On the other hand, without mastering the popular programming languages, you can't become a great software engineer. In this article, we’ll identify and compare the easiest programming languages with high-level programming languages. We'll also identify new programming languages, open-source programming languages, and which languages are in high demand.
Easy programming languages
1. HTML
Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) is the language that is used to code most web pages. It uses tags and elements to define how text, images, and interactive forms can be displayed. HTML is often supported by Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) to define sophisticated styles; and JavaScript for scripting programs. Its ease of use makes it an ideal language for new coders.
It is easy to learn because:
- It has a simple structure with human-readable opening and closing tags
- You can use a WYSIWYG editor and watch the code change in the split view
- You can find and fix bugs easily
2. JavaScript
Along with HTML and CSS, JavaScript makes the internet. Front-end development swears by it. Using libraries like React and jQuery and frameworks like Angular, you can solve the web’s most complex problems. With Node.js, you also have server-side code covered.
It is easy to learn because:
- It is made for non-programmers and is beginner-friendly. It is an ideal first programming language
- It is so widespread that most browsers serve as default environments
- You don’t need a compiler to see JavaScript in action and can see results instantly
- JavaScript has a large community that's helpful to new coders
3. C
C is a general-purpose language that most programmers learn before moving on to more complex languages. From Unix and Windows to Tic Tac Toe and Photoshop, several of the most commonly used applications today have been built on C.
It is easy to learn because:
- A simple syntax with only 32 keywords
- Data structures are easy to understand
4. Python
A successor to the ABC language, Python is a high-level general-purpose programming language. Python is a favorite among web developers, data scientists, ML/AI professionals, and embedded application developers.
It is easy to learn because:
- The language is obsessive about code readability, often using English language words
- It’s known for its generous use of whitespace, making it less intimidating
- It has several libraries for various applications
- It is supported by a huge community of programmers, who likely have the answer for all your questions
5. Java
Programming Languages Ai
Java is a class-based, object-oriented general-purpose programming language. It is designed to function across environments—write once, run anywhere (WORA). It is one of the most popular languages among back end developers and security applications.
It is easy to learn because:
- An intuitive syntax that's concise and beginner-friendly
- It is a structured language, leaving little room for deviation
- If you have prior experience with object-oriented programming, it is even easier
Hard programming languages
1. C++
C++, an extension of C—which we said was an easy language to learn—is a general-purpose programming language. Google Chromium browser, several Microsoft applications, and even financial modeling at Morgan Stanley are said to be done with C++.
It is hard to learn because:
- It has complex syntax to support versatility
- It is a permissive language—you can do everything that’s technically possible, even if not logically right
- It is best learned by someone who already has a foundation with C programming
2. Prolog
Prolog is one of the first logic programming languages, now seeing adoption in artificial intelligence applications and natural language processing.
It is hard to learn because:
- It is an unconventional language, its data structures are unlike other programming languages
- It requires an unreasonably competent compiler
- It forces the programmer to think hard about their logic upfront
- Online resources and Prolog code can’t be applied to your needs without thought
3. LISP
It is the second oldest programming language after FORTRAN, and is still used in higher-level systems and for artificial intelligence.
It is hard to learn because:
- Its is a fragmented language with domain-specific solutions
- Syntaxing in LISP extensively uses parentheses which can be difficult to get used to
4. Haskell
Haskell is a polymorphically statically typed, purely functional language that is built on lambda calculus. Named after mathematician Haskell B Curry, it is primarily used in research, industrial applications, and teaching.
It is hard to learn because:
- It follows a 100% functional paradigm, unlike most modern languages which accept imperative commands
- It is difficult to understand the nuances of compilation and error fixing in Haskell
- It involves intense use of jargon, which might put off beginners
5. Malbolge
Named after the eighth circle of Hell in Dante’s Inferno, Malbolge is an example of 'esolang' (esoteric programming language). It took two years for the first Malbolge program to be written. Other languages in this category are INTERCAL and Cow, which you might take up only as a challenge.
It is hard to learn because:
- It uses an obscure notation
- Not many programmers spend time learning it, hence fewer learning resources
- It is a self-modifying language that results in erratic behavior
What’s the best programming language to learn?
The internet and social communities have given access to a world of resources to learn whatever we aspire to, including some of the world’s hardest programming languages. But choosing to learn the easy thing is like plucking the lowest hanging fruit. Its reach doesn’t automatically mean reward.
If you’re looking to learn a programming language, start with its usefulness. If you want to build a career in software development, web development, mobile app development, or even game development, HTML is a good place to start. For big data and data science, Python might be your best bet. Thankfully though, the languages that are most popular—C, Java, and Python—are fairly easy to learn.
Ready to switch careers to software engineering?
Springboard offers a comprehensive software engineering bootcamp. You’ll work with a one-on-one mentor to learn key aspects of front-end web development, back-end web development, databases, and data structures and algorithms. Modules include learning resources, practice exercises, projects, and career-related coursework.
Download driver focusrite scarlett 2i2 mac. Check out Springboard's Software Engineering Career Track to see if you qualify.
Not quite ready to dive into a software engineering bootcamp?
Springboard also offers a Software Engineering Prep Course, where you can learn the foundational web development skills (HTML, CSS, and JavaScript) needed to pass the technical skills survey for the Software Engineering Career Track.
Download our software engineering salary guide
This 21-page guide breaks down the software engineering career path and how to optimize salary figures.
Other articles you may be interested in
If you’re new to the field of software development, the toughest part of learning programming is deciding where to begin. There are hundreds of programming languages in widespread use, each with its own complexities and idiosyncrasies.
The good news is that as you begin your journey as a software developer, you’ll start to discover which programming language will be most suitable for you, your interests, and your career goals.
In the list below, we go over the best and most in-demand programming languages for many of the most common use cases including web development, mobile development, game development, and more.
1. JavaScript
It’s impossible to be a software developer these days without using JavaScript in some way. 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 percent of survey respondents reported that they had used JavaScript in the past year.
Along with HTML and CSS, JavaScript is essential to front-end web development. A majority of the web’s most popular sites, from Facebook and Twitter to Gmail and YouTube, rely on JavaScript to create interactive web pages and dynamically display content to users.
Although JavaScript is primarily a front-end language run on the browser, it can also be used on the server-side through Node.js to build scalable network applications. Node.js is compatible with Linux, SunOS, Mac OS X, and Windows.
Because JavaScript has a forgiving, flexible syntax and works across all major browsers, it is one of the friendliest programming languages for beginners.
In the video below, learn why we chose to focus our curriculum on Javascript back in 2012 and why our founders continue to stick with the programming language for 2021 and beyond.
2. Swift
If you’re interested in Apple products and mobile app development, Swift is a good place to start. First announced by Apple in 2014, Swift is a relatively new programming language used to develop iOS and macOS applications.
Swift has been optimized for performance and built from the ground up to match the realities of modern iOS development. Not only does iOS run on every iPhone and iPad, but it’s also the basis for other operating systems such as watchOS (for Apple Watches) and tvOS (for Apple TVs). In addition, Apple isn't going anywhere as a tech industry leader, and iOS apps continue to be the most profitable in the mobile app marketplace.
3. Scala
If you’re familiar with Java—a classic programming language in its own right—it’s worth checking out its modern cousin, Scala. Scala combines the best features of Java (such as its Object-Oriented Structure and its lightning-fast JVM runtime environment) with a modern twist.
As a functional programming language, Scala allows engineers to elevate the quality of their code to resemble pure math. Scala allows for concurrent programming, allowing complex procedures to be executed in parallel. Furthermore, it is a strongly typed language. Engineers can create and customize their own data types, allowing them to have the peace of mind knowing entire swaths of bugs are impossible at runtime.
4. Go
One of the core languages favored by Google, Go is the little language that could. As a low-level language, Go is ideal for engineers who want to enter the field of systems programming. It encompasses much of the same functionality of C and C++ without the difficult syntax and steep learning curve. It’s the perfect language for building web servers, data pipelines, and even machine-learning packages.
As a compiled language, Go runs “close to the metal,” allowing for a blazing-fast runtime. It’s an open-source language, and ambitious developers can see their personal contributions adopted and enjoyed by programmers worldwide.
5. Python
Python is perhaps the most user-friendly programming language of any on this list. Download filemaker pro 11 mac. It’s often said that Python’s syntax is clear, intuitive, and almost English-like, which, like Java, makes it a popular choice for beginners.
Also like Java, Python has a variety of applications that make it a versatile, powerful option when choosing the best programming language for your use case. If you’re interested in back-end web development, for example, then the open-source Django framework, written in Python, is popular, easy to learn, and feature-rich. Django has been used in the development of some popular sites like Mozilla, Instagram, and Spotify.
Python also has packages such as NumPy and SciPy that are commonly used in the fields of scientific computing, mathematics, and engineering. Other Python libraries such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn, and OpenCV are used to build programs in data science, machine learning, image processing, and computer vision. Python's science and data applications make it a great choice for the academically inclined.
6. Elm
Programming Languages List
One of the youngest languages on our list, what began as a Harvard student’s thesis has now grown to become a point of passion for front-end developers around the world.
Elm compiles to JavaScript, making it ideal for building fast-executing UIs with zero errors at runtime. Elm is a functional programming language, allowing developers to create client-side interfaces without the declarative trappings of HTML and CSS.
Furthermore, the Elm web architecture was the intellectual inspiration for Redux, the state-management library taught here at Fullstack.
7. Ruby
Ruby is another scripting language that’s commonly used for web development. In particular, it’s used as the basis for the popular Ruby on Rails web application framework.
Beginners often gravitate toward Ruby because it has a reputation for having one of the friendliest and most helpful user communities. The Ruby community even has an unofficial saying, “Matz is nice and so we are nice,” encouraging members to model their kind and considerate behavior on Ruby’s chief inventor Yukihiro Matsumoto.
In addition to the active community and its straightforward syntax, Ruby is also a good language to pick up thanks to its association with great tech businesses. Twitter, Airbnb, Bloomberg, Shopify, and countless other startups have all built their websites using Ruby on Rails at some point.
8. C#
Like C++, C# (pronounced C Sharp) is a general-purpose, object-oriented language built on the foundations of C. It was originally designed by Microsoft as part of its .NET framework for building Windows applications.
C# uses a syntax that’s similar to other C-derived languages such as C++, so it’s easy to pick up if you’re coming from another language in the C family. C# is not only the go-to for Microsoft app development, but it’s also the language mobile developers use to build cross-platform apps on the Xamarin platform.
Additionally, anyone who is interested in VR development should consider learning C#. C# is the recommended language for building 3D and 2D video games using the popular Unity game engine, which produces one-third of the top games on the market.
9. Rust
Rust is a bit of an upstart among the other languages on this list, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a valuable language to learn. Stack Overflow’s 2020 Developer Survey found that Rust was the most loved programming language among developers for the fifth year in a row, with 86.1 percent of Rust developers saying that they want to continue working with it.
Developed by the Mozilla Corporation, Rust, like C and C++, is intended primarily for low-level systems programming. What Rust adds to the mix, however, is an emphasis on speed and security. Rust emphasizes writing “safe code” by preventing programs from accessing parts of memory that they shouldn’t, which can cause unexpected behavior and system crashes.
The advantages of Rust mean that other big tech companies, such as Dropbox and Coursera, are already starting to use it internally. While it may be a bit more difficult to master than other beginner languages, Rust programming skills are likely to pay off handsomely, as the language's popularity will only continue to rise in the near future.
It’s Code Time
When deciding which programming language to learn, it’s important not to get caught up in flashy trends and popularity contests. The best programming languages to learn in 2021 are likely the same ones that were best to learn in 2017 and 2018, and that will continue to be true for the next several years as well.
Although the field of computer programming changes rapidly, the languages that we’ve discussed above have a great deal of staying power. By learning one or more of these languages, you’ll be in an excellent position not only for this year but in the years to come.
When beginning your journey into coding, only you can answer the question of the best programming language to learn. Make your selection based on your interests and the type of software development you want to get into. Here is a quick summary of the different possibilities that we’ve discussed:
- Front-end web development: JavaScript
- Back-end web development: JavaScript, Java, Python, PHP, Ruby
- Mobile development: Swift, Java, C#
- Game development: C++, C#
- Desktop applications: Java, C++, Python
- Systems programming: C, Rust
C Programming Language Tutorials
Ready to dig in? Check out our immersive programming courses here!