A programming language is essentially a system of communication with computers to effectuate algorithms and produce outputs. To keep up with the gradual advancements in the digital age, software programming is one of the most necessary skills one could have.

With the demand for programmers shooting up every passing day and the enormous opportunities out there, learning programming languages proves beneficial. There are more than 700 programming languages that developers already use. Yet more are compatible with the latest and upcoming technological advancements- like VR (virtual reality), AI (artificial intelligence), and fully autonomous vehicles.

Choosing which language to learn first can seem daunting if you are an aspiring programmer. But worry not because, in this post, we tell you how to choose a programming language and then discuss 5 of the most user-friendly languages you can begin with.

How to Choose the Right Programming Language for Yourself?

When deciding which programming language to learn first, it’s essential to consider the types of projects you want to work on. PHP would be a brilliant place to start if you’re interested in building custom WordPress sites. On the other hand, if you want to build modern websites and web apps, JavaScript is a great choice. 

It’s also worth noting that you’ll learn several languages throughout your career, so prioritize by considering the projects you’d like to work on first. And remember to check out our Web Development roadmap for beginners in 2023 for additional guidance!

Learn Swift, if you want to build a Mac or iPhone app

There are many frameworks available that allow you to create native mobile apps using HTML and JavaScript, but if you’re serious about building iOS apps, Swift is the way to go. It’s also used for building Mac OS X desktop apps, so it’s a versatile language to have in your arsenal.

Learn Java, if you want to build Android apps

If you’re interested in building Android apps, then Java is the language you should learn. Java is used to develop native Android apps, including apps for devices like the Kindle Fire, not just smartphones. 

Java is a great language to tackle when starting programming since it used to be the standard for learning to code in computer science courses. It is also a powerful language with many advanced capabilities.

Learn PHP, if you want to work on WordPress

Learning WordPress can open up a world of opportunities for you since it’s the most popular content management system out there. PHP is the language that powers WordPress, so if you want to work with WP, you’ll need to master PHP. 

Don’t worry if you’re new to programming; PHP is easy to learn for beginners and has many advanced features for more expert coders. 

Learn Ruby, if you want to build a web app

If you’re interested in building web applications, you might want to consider using Ruby. It’s a popular language that’s used by many big companies like Airbnb, Shopify, and Hulu. 

With Ruby, you get a full-stack framework that’s designed to make development tasks easier for developers. And if you’re new to programming, don’t worry; Ruby is easy to learn, and there are many resources available to help you get started (check our comparison blog on Ruby vs. Python)

Learn SQL, if you want to work on big, data-driven sites and apps

If you’re interested in building ambitious, data-driven websites and apps, then it’s essential to have a solid understanding of SQL. SQL is used in databases for most websites and web applications, including blogs and CMS-based sites. It’s a versatile skill that can be beneficial for almost any website or web app. 

Moreover, SQL skills are in demand for data analysts or strategists who can use the language to extract insights from data. If you want to become proficient in SQL, you can consider taking our MySQL certification course to become a pro.

Learn C++, if you want to build games or audio/video apps

If you’re looking to work on performance-critical games or audio/video applications, or if you’re interested in working with Adobe design applications like Photoshop, Illustrator, and After Effects, then C++ is the programming language for you. It’s even used in Apple’s OS X operating system. 

C++ is also used in parts of Facebook, Google, and various Microsoft applications. If you’re interested in working on these big software and web projects, C++ is a must. Consider checking out our C++ programming language certification course to learn more about its concepts and become a pro.

Learn C#, if you want to build Windows apps

If you’re interested in building applications that run on Windows, including web and game development, C# is the programming language for you. It’s also possible to write iOS and Android apps using the Xamarin platform.

Learn JavaScript, if you want to build modern websites and web apps

If you want to create a website that will stand out in today’s online world, it’s important to learn JavaScript. This programming language is essential for creating interactive websites and web applications. Many web developers use JavaScript alongside popular libraries such as jQuery and AngularJS to create web apps that work seamlessly across all devices and browsers. 

Additionally, JavaScript can be used with frameworks like Phonegap to develop mobile apps for both iOS and Android. However, JavaScript is a bit tricky to learn, especially debugging. Consider reading our JavaScript Roadmap for Beginners to explore in detail about this paramount programming language.

Learn Python, if you want to work in the education industry

Hey there! If you’re interested in teaching coding or working on apps and sites aimed at schools and universities, Python might be the perfect programming language for you. Python is the most popular language in education and is easy to learn. It focuses on simple and readable code which makes it very similar to the English language. 

Python has many open-source libraries for mathematics, physics, and natural processing, which makes it an excellent choice for educational purposes. You might be surprised to know that even NASA and PBS use Python for their sites. If you’re interested in learning Python, check out the 7 websites to learn Python for free.

Now that you know the various parameters that help select the ideal programming language, let’s emphasize the top five user-friendly languages from this list.

5 Most User-Friendly Programming Languages You Can Learn

Python

Python is a very easily readable language. Its syntax is very similar to that of the English language. When it comes to user-friendly programming languages, Python is the most effortless yet beneficial one.

Python was created in the late 1980s by Guido van Rossum. It’s a high-level, open-source language with a wide range of applications. Python has applications for building programs across fields. In engineering, data analytics, machine learning, artificial intelligence, computational science, etc.

Another broadly known use of Python is in backend web development. Django is a Python-powered, open-source web framework to create complex and heavily database-driven websites. Python is majorly in trend to develop multiple significant websites in the current age, including Instagram, Google, Reddit, Quora, Spotify, and YouTube. Check out this GUVI’s Python self-paced course as a great place to begin!

JavaScript

JavaScript, also known as JS, is one of the languages all software developers must learn, at least partially. Well, JavaScript is not to be confused with Java. However, despite the similarity of names and syntax, the two programming languages are quite distinct in their features.

Even though JavaScript started as the programming language behind several web browsers. It finds its use in an assortment of other software systems. This includes several browser and non-browser applications. From HTML and CSS to Adobe Acrobat, JavaScript has remained the front-end web development counterpart to Python’s back-end development. Essential social media websites nowadays, like Gmail, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube, rely heavily on JavaScript to create engaging and innovative user interfaces.

Two of JS’s well-known front-end technologies are Angular JavaScript and React JavaScript. Angular JS is a JavaScript framework used to develop dynamic web apps. While React JS is a JavaScript library that helps build better user interface components. According to the survey, both of these have greater market demands in the future, especially in the sectors of IoT (Internet of Things) and mobile apps. Click here for a quality GUVI’s JavaScript self-paced certification course.

Ruby

Ruby is a programming language that prioritizes code readability and developer productivity. Its syntax is designed to be elegant and human-readable, focusing on minimizing complexity. Ruby’s syntax is reminiscent of natural language, contributing to its readability.

Ruby on Rails, a popular web framework built with Ruby, further enhances productivity and ease of use by providing a set of conventions and tools that streamline the development process.

Swift

Swift is a modern programming language developed by Apple specifically for mobile app development. It is designed to be user-friendly and offers a clean and expressive syntax that reduces common programming errors.

Swift incorporates modern programming concepts and best practices, making writing safe and efficient code easier for developers. It also includes playgrounds, an interactive coding environment, which allows developers to experiment and see the results in real time, making it an excellent choice for beginners entering the world of mobile app development.

Kotlin

Kotlin is an up-and-coming programming language gaining popularity for Android app development. It offers a more concise and expressive syntax than Java, simplifying code creation and maintenance.

Kotlin aims to increase developer productivity by reducing boilerplate code and providing powerful language features. It fully interoperates with Java, meaning Kotlin code can seamlessly integrate with existing Java code, libraries, and frameworks.

Kotlin’s adoption has been accelerated by its modern features like null safety, extension functions, and smart casts, which improve code quality, readability, and safety.

If you want to enhance your knowledge about a popular and extensively used programming language, consider gaining knowledge of Python through GUVI’s self-paced course.

Further, if you want to learn any of these programming languages, check out our Course Catalog to discover many programming courses we offer, which you can learn in your native language from the comfort of your home!

FAQs

What programming language should I learn first? 

When choosing a programming language to learn, it depends on what you want to achieve and what interests you the most. That being said, many beginners opt for languages like Python, JavaScript, and Ruby.

What is the most popular programming language? 

JavaScript is a versatile and widely used programming language with a large developer community. It is particularly popular for web development, making websites and mobile applications more interactive. Additionally, JavaScript is frequently used for game development as well.

What programming language is used for app development? 

When it comes to app development, the programming language used depends on the platform. If you’re developing for Android, you’ll likely use Java or Kotlin, while Swift and Objective-C are popular choices for iOS apps.

What programming language is used for web development?

Several programming languages are used for web development. Some commonly used languages include HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and server-side languages like Python, Ruby, PHP, and Java.

How long does it take to learn a programming language? 

Learning a programming language can be a challenging task. Becoming proficient in a programming language can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months of consistent learning and practice.