Computer programming languages are an array of alphanumeric strings that help build software programs and instructions for computers. In other words, they act as a bridge to help human beings communicate with those machines. In this article, we’ll recap the top seven promising coding languages to learn.
Introduction to the Most Popular Programming Languages to Learn
Tiobe, a world-renowned software quality company, concludes that there are 245 notable programming languages in the software industry. But engineering students don’t need to learn all of them. Depending on their major and future job requirements, learners will get access to different coding languages. For example, those pursuing the realm of information security should learn about Python, C/C++, PHP, Assembly, Go, and JavaScript.
The software industry has witnessed various new coding languages (e.g. TypeScript, Kotlin, or Julia) gain increasing popularity and interest among software developers or engineers. Having said that, traditional computer programming languages stand out in the market and account for the massive shares of commonly used tools in projects, regardless of scale and segments.
Thereby, the 17 following coding languages are forecast to rule the roost:
- Python
- Java
- C#
- C
- C++
- Ruby
- ASP.NET
- AJAX
- Objective-C
- Perl
- HTML
- SQL
- PHP
- Swift
- TypeScript
- Go
- JavaScript
1. Python
It stays on the top of the ranking list of IEEE Spectrum, the world’s leading magazine for engineering and applied sciences.
Python is a high-level versatile programming language as it’s highly applicable in multiple IT sub-segments. For example, the coding language is often used with other tools like Flask and Django for web development, whereas Scons and Apache Gump are integrated with Python for software development. Beyond that, the language is widely used for automation, system management, scientific domains, and more.
Introduce to Python
Its huge support for libraries, frameworks, and tools, especially in machine learning and data science, is essential to ease the collection of empirical data and the incorporation of relevant databases. Among major computer programming languages today, Python has one of the smallest learning curves with simple syntax and the fastest debugging processes. However, Python itself has a slower processing speed than Java and C/C++, so it’s not frequently used to build real-time apps or memory-intensive apps.
Python is one of the top object-oriented programming languages and the second most loved language, according to the 2019 Stack Overflow survey. The average yearly salary of a Python software developer/programmer in the US is $73k.
Python can be used for different purposes, including multiple programming paradigms, web testing, data extraction, web application, Internet development, etc. Even though Python is a high-level language and can do complex tasks, it has a clean syntax. Hence, learning this programming skill is highly recommended for both beginners and experienced programmers.
Resources to learn
- Python for beginners
- Python tutorial: Learn python for free
- Learn Python in 5 steps
- Free interactive Python tutorial
- The Hitchhiker’s Guide to Python
- Python Best Practices: The 7 Steps That Help You Master
Recommended reading: The 4 Programming Languages Used by Top Companies
2. Java
Contrary to rumors that Java is out-of-date and soon dead, the language still commands a significant space in the development sphere.
Java features well-maintained libraries and frameworks (e.g. Hibernate or Spring) that help develop appealing Android mobile apps and complicated web projects at enterprise levels. But compared with other mainstream programming languages, Java’s community support is more modest.
Introduce to Java
Moreover, its Java Virtual Machine (JVM) enables developers to write codes once and reuse them on various platforms and OS configurations without hassle. Also, the language is acclaimed for its ability to curb security risks and automatically control memory storage. Therefore, Java has a high application in the segment of research and analytics as well.
According to GitHub’s Octoverse ranking, Java is one of the top three most popular programming languages to learn of all time (behind JavaScript and Python). Using Java, you can create programs that are compatible with any device. Once you get familiar with the Java Virtual Machine, you can easily use other languages with such a runtime environment like Groovy and Kotlin.
Resources to learn
Recommended reading: Top 4 Best Programming Language for Beginners
3. C#
Commonly called “See Sharp”, C# was originally developed by the Microsoft team to support the .NET framework. That’s why this language’s tools and libraries mostly add functionality to this framework. Concurrently, C# is syntactically similar to C/C++ or Java because they come from the same C family of language. So, it encompasses a strong typing and object-oriented paradigm. The integration of CLR (Common Language Runtime), a virtual machine component to operate any .NET programs, allows C# to work independently of any platform.
Introduce to C#
Today, C# is popular for web development, business apps, video game development for PC and Xbox, and more.
If you’re a beginner and you don’t know which programming skill you should start learning, choose C#. According to Course Report, “students who learned C# were the most likely to be employed as a developer after graduation.” Sound convincing?
C# is simple and easy to use. It handles you most complex details of the computer, so you can focus on coding rather than worrying about the small details many consider both tedious and challenging.
Resources to learn
Recommended reading: The 7 Best Languages for App Development in 2022
4. C
This is among the oldest computer programming languages in the world. Despite the dominance of other new languages, C still plays an important role in the tech industry. It places a foundation for developing other high-level languages and it’s widely applied to writing system apps. So it may work resourcefully on cross-platform business apps, computer games, and more.
Introduce to C
Apart from providing rich libraries and built-in operators, C works best in building small embedded systems which are a base for the Internet of Things. With the future booming of this technology, we cannot overlook C’s role.
Learning C programming skills should be a must for every programmer. It’s because this language will bring you a lot of benefits, especially in terms of understanding exactly how computers work.
C forces you to think harder and deeper about what’s happening and how you can solve the problem. You’ll be taught to write a clean procedural code in an imperative paradigm. But remember that mastering this programming skill requires a high coding discipline.
Resources to learn
- Free interactive C tutorial
- Learn C programming
- Learn C programming for beginners
- C programming tutorial for beginners
- C tutorial
Recommended reading: Top 5 Best Android App Development Languages for 2023
5. C++
Initially an extended variant of C, C++ hence inherits numerous features of C such as compatibility with hardware gadgets. This language has less practical usage than other major counterparts, let alone its so-called messy syntax. But Tiobe indicates that this programming tool still has its own appeal these days. In addition, it has a massive support community and a diversity of libraries to create software products.
Introduce to C++
Modern C++ is a compiled language that converts source codes to machine codes via compilers (e.g. XCode or Microsoft Visual Studio). C++ is highly applicable to research, analytics as well as the development of video games and system software.
Learning a C++ programming language isn’t easy. Many programmers are even frustrated with C++ because they think it has a very steep learning curve. They prefer Java, C#, Python, etc. But do you know that if you master C++, you can learn other modern programming languages faster, not to mention the fact that most popular game engines like Unity3D and Unreal Engine are written in C/C++?
Resources to learn
Recommended reading: Top 5 iOS App Development Languages: How to Choose the Right One?
6. Ruby
Some people think that Ruby will die soon, but according to GitHub, it’s still one of the top programming languages of 2018. It is also a language that many large enterprises such as Airbnb have been using.
Introduce to Ruby
The community of Ruby on Rails developers is active and supportive. There are over 3,500 contributors to the Rails framework on GitHub and over 300,000 related questions on Stack Overflow. Ruby 3 will be released in 2022 with a lot of improvements, proving that Ruby creators are working on the language to make sure it’s still alive and continuously evolves.
Resources to learn
- Learn Ruby for free
- Ruby in twenty minutes
- Learn Ruby tutorial
- Introduction to programming with Ruby
Recommended reading: How to Choose iOS App Development Language for Your Project
7. ASP.NET
Introduce to ASP.NET
In the early 2000s, Microsoft introduced ASP.NET – an open-source, server-side web application framework. This programming language allows developers to create web applications, web services, and dynamic content-driven websites easily. The newest version of ASP.NET is ASP.NET Core.
You don’t need to spend much time and money when developing a website or an application with ASP.NET. It’s a high speed and low cost and comes with multilanguage support.
Resources to learn
Recommended reading: 6 Best Trending Programming Languages for 2022
8. AJAX
Introduce to AJAX
AJAX stands for Asynchronous JavaScript and XML, and it’s not a programming language. In fact, AJAX is a set of web development techniques that you can use to build websites and web applications. Once you know how to use this programming skill, you can update a web page without reloading the page, request/receive data from a server after the page has loaded, and send data to a server in the background.
Resources to learn
Recommended reading: The 5 Best Web App Languages
9. Objective-C
Introduce to Objective–C
Compared to other programming languages, Objective-C has a long history. It was created by the Stepstone company in the early 1980s and licensed by NeXT Computer in late this period. In 1996, Apple acquired NeXT, and Objective-C became the standard in developing iOS apps for many years.
Resources to learn
Where to learn Objective-C:
- Learn Objective-C in 24 Days
- Objective-C Tutorial
- Objective C Programming Tutorial
- Learn Objective C Programming for iOS Apps
Recommended reading: What Does A Computer Programmer Do?
10. Perl
Introduce to Perl
A lot of people like Perl because of its flexibility. Using this programming language, you find it easy to accomplish tasks. You can even model the problem in the way you want to think about it, which makes it easier to solve the issue.
Resources to learn
Recommended reading: Top 7 Web Development Languages To Use in 2022
11. HTML
Introduce to HTML
Even if you’re not a programmer or software developer, you should know (at least a little) HTML. Having knowledge of this programming skill can give your career a good boost.
Learning HTML, you’ll understand the fundamentals of the web and how they work together. You can even customize those elements the way you want to create a unique website for your company.
Resources to learn
FURTHER READING: |
1. HTML5 Tutorial: The Basics |
2. 12 Free HTML5 Resources to Learn for Newbies |
3. CSS Tutorial: All You Need to Know to Start Your Career |
12. SQL
Introduce to SQL
If you want to work in business intelligence, data science, or back-end web development, you need to learn SQL (Structured Query Language). It’s a programming language specifically designed to work with databases. Almost all of the biggest names in tech, for example, Uber, Spotify, LinkedIn, and Twitter, use SQL.
Resources to learn
13. PHP
Introduce to PHP
80% of the top 10 million websites use PHP. Many small businesses and non-technical people use WordPress, Wix, and other content management systems to build websites, which makes PHP always on-demand. If you’ve never learned PHP, don’t worry! It’s easy to get started with, and there are no hard rules you have to follow. You’re free to solve problems using different methods.
Resources to learn
- Learn PHP
- Free interactive PHP tutorial
- PHP tutorial
- Learn PHP online
- 5 Best PHP Courses to Become a Master
FURTHER READING: |
1. The 7 Best Programming Languages for App Development |
2. 11 Popular React Native App Examples |
3. Why Choose React Native for Your Mobile App Like Bloomberg or AirBnB |
14. Swift
Introduce to Swift
Created by Apple, Swift is an ideal programming language for iOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and Linux applications. It’s user-friendly and offers useful tools to give you real-time feedback and support your learning. Even if you have no experience in coding, you don’t have much trouble learning Swift.
Resources to learn
- Learn Swift Programming Syntax
- Swift tutorial
- Become an iOS developer
- Specialization in iOS application development with Swift
15. TypeScript
Introduce to TypeScript
Here is the definition of TypeScript from Snipcart: “TypeScript is a statically typed superset of JavaScript that compiles to plain JavaScript.” It manages to fill the feature gap between versions of JavaScript. Besides, TypeScript is a more predictable code that’s easier to debug. You can organize your code and catch all kinds of errors before runtime.
Resources to learn
- Learn TypeScript in 5 minutes
- TypeScript tutorials
- Understanding TypeScript – 2020 edition
- TypeScript Fundamentals
Bonus the 2 Trending Programming Languages
16. Go
Emerging as a rock-star programming language, Go (also known as “Golang”) was originally created by Google engineers to advance programming productivity for huge databases and networked, multicore machines. This compiled language has some similarities with C in terms of syntax but comes with other outstanding features such as garbage collection, CPS-style concurrency, and structural typing.
Despite being the “youngest” programming language on this list, Go rapidly became one of the most adored languages by 62.3% of surveyed developers. Go has a wide application in numerous areas such as software development or backends for mobile and web apps.
17. JavaScript
This is the world’s leading programming language for web development because it’s popular to develop both client and server terminals. So little wonder why JavaScript holds a strong status in the most commonly used languages for many consecutive years (66.7%), according to StackOverflow.
Various popular frameworks like Node.js work with JS to build a multi-paradigm (e.g. functional or object-oriented) backend. Meanwhile, the language plays an integral part in developing interactive and user-friendly websites with the full support of frontend frameworks and libraries such as React or Vue.js. Other tools such as Mocha and Jest also work with JavaScript to test the compatibility of websites with predetermined specs.
For some developers, the most obvious downside of JavaScript is they struggle to master this language.
The Future of Programming: AI and Machine Learning
Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to all capabilities added to machines to make their systems do whatever human beings can do at present. Meanwhile, Machine Learning (ML) is a branch of AI, which provides systems with the ability to automatically learn something without human intervention.
Both AI and ML have a significant impact on the prospect of programming. DeepCoder, an AI tool created by Microsoft and Cambridge University, is capable of harvesting and self-learning code fragments. And DeepCoder is not the only culprit that instills the fear of unemployment among developers in the future. One question here is whether AI can completely replace programmers in scripting codes in the future.
Although AI-powered tools may become increasingly smarter, they have a long way to catch up with their science fiction counterparts. Instead, AI and ML programs function as right-hand assistants to help programmers:
- improve their ability to write codes;
- learn how to make greatly complicated systems work together;
- detect bugs with ease and fix them before programs go to the market;
- Speed up their work by assisting them with daunting, non-core functions so that they can stay more focused on main tasks.
The Future of Programming: IoT and Big Data
The concept behind the Internet of Things is that machines now are attached to tiny censors and connected with each other through the Internet to receive and transmit hefty amounts of real-time data from and to different sources. Meanwhile, Big Data helps companies handle three key challenges of massive databases in terms of volume, variety, and velocity.
According to the Data Age 2025 report sponsored by Seagate, companies must confront the difficulty of managing the global atmosphere. Thereby, 60% of the world’s data is contributed by enterprises by 2025. Meanwhile, single users mostly increase their content (e.g. texts or videos) on social media, which presents a bigger challenge for those sites to store and control such personal data. Cloud computing is considered a strategic solution, with 49% of data expected to stay in the cloud in 2025.
The prospective development of IoT and Big Data as well as data migration to the cloud has considerably increased the demands for some computer programming languages (e.g. C/C++, Python, Go, or Rust) and other essential technologies.
Conclusion
In the future, when more physical objects can become smarter thanks to embedded sensors or programmed commands, the role of software engineers and developers in different domains will prove more important. This promotes them to master their coding skills to produce expected deliverables.
However, no software developer or engineer excels in only one coding language. When the job fair is increasingly competitive and advanced technologies appear to meet more diverse demands of companies and end-users, developers need to enhance their mastery of more computer programming languages that serve their jobs and projects best.
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