The Easiest Programming Languages to Learn First in 2021

Programming careers are dominating the job market. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates a 22 percent job growth rate for careers in software development and programming. A huge part of acquiring coding skills is learning about programming languages.

Programming languages enable software engineers to write scripts and develop computer programs that facilitate computer functions. In short, a coding language is a bridge between computer language and human language. But learning how to talk to a computer doesn’t have to be complicated, and some programming languages are easier to learn than others. 

10 Easiest Coding Languages to Learn First

If you want to become a software engineer, you first need to learn how to use coding languages to guide computers on what actions to perform. But really, a wide range of careers use coding, and the high demand for coders has led to the development of languages that are easier for beginners to pick up.

By learning one of the popular programming languages below, you will be well on your way to writing software, developing websites or web-based applications, programming databases, or working on artificial intelligence and machine learning projects. Just keep your career goals in mind, figure out which languages do what, and start learning. 

Python

Most people consider Python the easiest programming language to learn first. It is a general-purpose language that works for any programming style. Developers use Python for object oriented programming, functional programming, or procedural programming.

Python is the best programming language for machine learning because it is stable, flexible, and easy to learn. Developers also employ Python for game development, backend development, data science, and scripting. Popular social media sites, such as Instagram and Reddit, integrate Python.

Python is an excellent programming language for beginners because of its simple syntax, which is easy to read. Learning Python is easy because it comes with a huge library of commands and toolkits. As possible the most popular programming language of them all, learning resources are readily available.

Ruby

Ruby is a dynamic, open source programming language, often compared to Python. It was developed in the 1990s by a famous Japanese programmer, Yukihiro Matsumoto. Since then, the Ruby on Rails web framework has boosted the popularity of Ruby, making it one of the easiest programming languages to learn. 

Ruby is best used for backend and front end web development. Ruby also features scripting language capabilities, allowing it to work in data analysis, prototyping, and mobile app development. The Ruby on Rails framework enables greater simplicity and productivity, offering an array of learning and research tools. 

Java

Java is a general-purpose, object oriented programming language for app development. It is also one of the most popular and easiest programming languages, making it easy to get a job if you become an expert. That is due to its integration in big organizations, such as Google and eBay.

If you learn Java, you can become a mobile app developer or game developer, or you can work in big data, finance, or ecommerce. The Android software kit relies heavily on Java.

It is arguably the easiest programming language to learn because it uses a simple syntax. It is a high-level language that doesn’t require prior coding experience.

JavaScript 

Contrary to popular belief, JavaScript bears little resemblance to Java. Although the two share an almost similar syntax, JavaScript is a scripting language that works with HTML and CSS to improve user experience and create interactive web pages. JavaScript plays an integral role in the development of websites, web servers, and applications.

Even as a beginner, you can easily learn JavaScript because learning resources are readily available. Being one of the most popular and in-demand languages, JavaScript has an online community of developers willing to share information. 

C++

C++ is a powerful programming language and a superset of the C programming language. C++ shares most of the C language features, but it’s faster and more versatile. The language also contains extra features, such as object oriented programming and a vast library.

C++ gives programmers control over application memory.  It is used to develop video games, operating systems, web browsers, desktop apps, and mobile applications. C++ is fast and highly desired in the job market.

If you want to become a web developer, C++ skills are essential. Although it isn’t easier to learn than some other languages, it becomes easier if you have experience in Java, JavaScript, and other languages.

PHP

PHP is a server-side language designed in 1994 by a Danish-Canadian programmer, Rasmus Lerdorf. It is a backend language that deals with server functionality and returning HTML requests to the browser. PHP’s syntax is designed to facilitate fast and seamless data retrieval.

PHP is mainly for web development. Developers rely on PHP to manage dynamic content and databases. It handles forms by gathering data, sending data to a file, and returning data to the user. Some notable platforms that incorporate PHP include Tumblr, WhatsApp, WordPress, and Facebook.

PHP is one of the easiest programming languages to learn for beginners. To learn PHP, however, you need experience using other programming languages and databases and you should understand object oriented programming. 

Go

Go, or Golang, is an open source programming language developed by Google in 2007 and introduced to the public in 2009. The developers based it on aspects of the C language to create a  modern language. Go features a garbage collector, which facilitates memory management.

Go is effective for system programming, building business applications for big data, serverless computing, and cloud-native development. It aims to make building systems and managing data as simple as possible.

Go’s simple syntax makes it easy to learn. You will need to understand other languages, however, before exploring Go. 

Rust

Rust is a general-purpose programming language built by Mozilla. It is based on the C and C++ languages, and it gives complete control of programs and hardware to the developer. Rust is faster than C++ and offers memory security using LLVM support.

LLVM support makes Rust effective for developing in-house and OSS software, web browsers, and simulation engines for virtual reality. 

Rust is probably the hardest programming language to learn on this list. It introduces new concepts and uses a strict pattern. However, with knowledge of other languages, it becomes easier to learn.

Swift

Apple developed Swift in 2004 to replace its older programming language, Objective-C, which lacked modern features. It is a powerful general source and open source language built for Apple operating systems. Swift works for front end and backend development. You can use it to develop mobile, server-based, and desktop apps for iOS. 

Swift features a readable syntax that makes it easy to learn. Apple designers made the language accessible for professionals and beginners without coding experience. You can learn the language on Swift Playgrounds, also created by Apple.

R

R is the perfect language for aspiring data scientists and data analysts to learn. It is a free, open source programming language focused on data analysis and visualization. R runs on the vast majority of operating systems, providing free software for graphics techniques and statistical computing.

R develops statistical software and data analysis packages for the finance, healthcare, banking, social media, and manufacturing industries. 

Due to its simplicity, R programming is relatively easy for beginners to get the hang of. It features an extensive catalog of statistical methods and graphics for beginners. Its popularity among programmers also creates a strong community to help those pursuing careers in statistics.

What Is the Best Programming Language to Learn First?

Choosing the best coding language to learn will depend on what you want to do with it. To select the right programming language for you, consider the following factors.

• Reason for learning. Are you learning the programming language as a hobby or because you want to pursue a career? Some languages, such as Python, are easy to understand and perfect for beginners. Python also creates a solid foundation for learning other languages, allowing you to expand your skillset. 
• Popularity. The more popular the language, the more access you will have to learning resources. Popular programming languages are backed by strong communities of coders who can help you understand more quickly.
• Coding experience. If you have no prior experience, you should select a language with a simple and intuitive syntax, a vast library of tools, and a strong community to guide you. Languages such as Python, Java, JavaScript, and Ruby are perfect languages for beginners.
• Ease of maintenance. Like software applications, programming languages need maintenance. You need a language that’s easy to fix, maintain, and upgrade. Generally, programmers prefer object oriented languages because they respond well to maintenance. 
• Efficiency. Efficiency is an essential factor because it determines how much time you spend using the language. Additionally, a programming language that uses less memory for program storage is more efficient.
• Language elasticity. This refers to the language’s ability to blend in new features. Is the language flexible enough that you can add new features to its existing library? Before choosing, you should explore the library and determine whether the language will accommodate future upgrades.

How to Learn Coding

Once you gain essential coding skills, learning programming languages becomes easier. But many people never take that first step. Instead of being daunted by the prospect of learning how to code, you can explore various education paths, including college degree programs, massive open online courses (MOOCs), and coding bootcamps. 

A Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science is the traditional route, but it’s now possible to get your computer science degree online. The degree explores software engineering and introduces students to various languages. If a full degree program sounds scary, MOOC providers like Udemy and Codecademy offer standalone coding courses.In recent years, coding bootcamps have become a popular alternative. Short-term and intensive bootcamp programs teach you how to code in less time and for less money than university degree programs. You can build a solid foundation of programming skills with any of the best online coding bootcamps, moving from the easiest to the hardest languages.