Top 9 Best Coding Languages for Beginners (2024)

Learning to code can be a rewarding and empowering experience. As a beginner, you might be wondering which programming languages are the best for you to start with.

The world of programming is vast, with hundreds of languages and frameworks available. Your choice of coding language greatly depends on your goals and desired outcomes, but some languages are more beginner-friendly than others.

When choosing a programming language to learn, it’s crucial to consider factors such as community support, available resources, and job prospects. It’s also helpful to be aware of common frameworks and tools that are associated with each language. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a shortlist of the best coding languages for beginners in 2024.

Key Takeaways

• Choose a beginner-friendly programming language based on your goals and desired outcomes.
• Consider factors like community support, resources, and job prospects when selecting a language.
• Familiarize yourself with common frameworks and tools associated with each language.

9 Best Programming Languages for Beginners in 2024

1. JavaScript

• Difficulty: 3/10
• What It Is Used for: web development, creating interactive elements on websites, and working with HTML and CSS.
• Why It’s Great for Beginners: JavaScript is often recommended as the best language for beginners due to its easy-to-grasp syntax and wide utility across various web development tasks. It is used for front-end and lately backend web development and is one of the most popular programming languages in the world.
• How Long It Takes to Learn: 4-6 months.
• Demand: JavaScript has a high demand in the industry with numerous job opportunities.

2. Python

• Difficulty: 2/10
• What It Is Used for: web development, data analysis, artificial intelligence, and automation.
• Why It’s Great for Beginners: Python has a simple syntax, and is often considered the easiest programming language to learn. Thanks to its readability and popularity, it is also known as one of the most useful coding languages in existence today.
• How Long It Takes to Learn: 3-5 months.
• Demand: Python has a considerable demand due to its flexibility, making it a popular choice in the tech industry.

3. Java

• Difficulty: 6/10
• What It Is Used for: web applications, Android app development, and large-scale enterprise application development.
• Why It’s Great for Beginners: While not being the easiest language to master, Java combines all of the learning-worthy features of a programming language that you can use virtually everywhere, helping you to learn clean coding habits and focus on problem-solving.
• How Long It Takes to Learn: 5-7 months.
• Demand: There is a consistent demand for Java developers, as it remains a popular language worldwide.

4. Ruby

• Difficulty: 3/10
• What It Is Used for: Ruby is primarily used for web application development and the popular web framework, Ruby on Rails.
• Why It’s Great for Beginners: Ruby’s focus on simplicity and readability makes it beginner-friendly. It’s widely used for web development, especially with the Ruby on Rails framework.
• How Long It Takes to Learn: 4-6 months.
• Demand: While Ruby’s demand has decreased, there are still job opportunities, especially in web development.

5. C#

• Difficulty: 5/10
• What It Is Used for: Windows application development, game development with Unity, and web development.
• Why It’s Great for Beginners: Basic C# concepts are easy to understand, and its syntax is similar to Java and C++.
• How Long It Takes to Learn: 5-7 months.
• Demand: There is a steady demand for C# developers, particularly in the gaming industry.

6. Swift

• Difficulty: 3/10
• What It Is Used for: iOS and macOS app development.
• Why It’s Great for Beginners: Apple’s Swift is an approachable language for iOS and macOS app development. It’s designed to be beginner-friendly and has gained popularity among developers. Swift’s syntax is easy to read, and it is built with safety and readability in mind.
• How Long It Takes to Learn: 4-6 months.
• Demand: Swift developers are in high demand due to Apple’s popularity.

7. C++

• Difficulty: 7/10
• What It Is Used for: systems programming, game development, and high-performance applications.
• Why It’s Great for Beginners: Although C++ is definitely not the easiest language to learn, getting familiar with C++ will give you a strong foundation in object-oriented programming and memory management. It will give you the basis to learn all other languages with ease.
• How Long It Takes to Learn: 7-9 months.
• Demand: There is a constant demand for C++ developers in high-performance domains.

8. PHP

• Difficulty: 3/10
• What It Is Used for: server-side web development.
• Why It’s Great for Beginners: PHP is easy to learn, has a forgiving syntax, and is great for building dynamic websites.
• How Long It Takes to Learn: 4-6 months.
• Demand: There is still a demand for PHP developers, especially in web development and content management systems like WordPress.

9. Go

• Difficulty: 5/10
• What It Is Used for: systems programming, web servers, networking tools, and more.
• Why It’s Great for Beginners: Also known as Golang, Go is a language created by Google. It’s easy to learn, efficient, and widely used for web servers and networked applications. Go is a language designed for simplicity and readability with a strong focus on performance.
• How Long It Takes to Learn: 5-7 months.
• Demand: Go is gaining popularity, and demand is expected to grow in the coming years.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Language

Personal Goals

Before you dive into learning a programming language, it’s important to be introspective and think about your personal goals. Why do you want to learn programming? Are you looking to build your own personal projects, or are you just curious about coding?

Knowing your direction can help inform your choice of programming language. In 2024, there are plenty of languages to choose from, so understanding your objectives will help narrow down the list.

Career Objectives

Another factor to consider when selecting a programming language is your career objectives. If you plan to pursue a career in computer programming, it’s essential to acquire skills with languages in high demand, such as Python, JavaScript, or Java.

Researching the job market, consulting mentors, and evaluating popular languages within your desired field can give you an idea of which languages will best suit your career path.

Learning Style

Lastly, it’s crucial to consider your learning style when choosing a programming language. Every individual has different learning preferences, so it’s worth reflecting on how you typically learn and process new information.

For example, some people might enjoy learning through text-based tutorials, while others might prefer practical, hands-on approaches. Understanding your learning style can help you select a programming language that complements your strengths and supports your progress.

Estimates of learning time can vary based on factors such as your experience level, available resources, and guidance. To get an idea of possible timeframes for acquiring coding skills, read How Long Does It Take to Learn a Programming Language? Remember, the key to success in learning any programming language is patience and consistent practice.

Common Frameworks and Tools

As a coding beginner, you might want to work with frameworks and tools that can help you get started. This section provides an overview of some common and useful ones, grouped into front-end frameworks, back-end frameworks, and IDEs and editors.

Front-End Frameworks

If you’re diving into the world of web development, particularly with JavaScript, a few front-end frameworks can be a great starting point:

• Bootstrap: A popular CSS framework used for designing responsive websites. It comes with pre-built UI components, making it easier for you to style your site.
• React: A JavaScript library for building user interfaces, developed by Facebook. React is known for its efficient and flexible approach to managing website components.
• Vue.js: As an alternative to React, Vue.js is a progressive framework that makes it simple to integrate with other libraries and existing projects.

Back-End Frameworks

While working on the server-side, here are some frameworks for various programming languages to consider:

• Python (Django and Flask): Django is an all-inclusive web framework that follows the “batteries-included” philosophy, whereas Flask is a lightweight alternative for smaller projects.
• Java (Spring Boot): Aimed at Java developers, Spring Boot is a powerful framework for building applications with minimal configuration.
• Go (Echo): Designed for Go developers, Echo is a high-performance, minimalist web framework that’s easy to learn and use.

IDEs and Editors

Developing your code efficiently often depends on the right environment. Here are some Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) and editors you might find helpful:

• Visual Studio Code: A free, open-source code editor developed by Microsoft that supports various programming languages and includes features like debugging, Git integration, and extensions for customization.
• Sublime Text: A lightweight, versatile text editor with a wide range of features, including syntax highlighting, code completion, and extensibility.
• PyCharm: A powerful Python-focused IDE from JetBrains, offering advanced features such as code analysis, debugging, and an extensive library of plugins.

Remember, it’s essential to explore different frameworks, tools, and resources like Stack Overflow and GitHub to discover what works best for you. Keep learning and experimenting, and your coding journey will become more enjoyable and productive.

Learning Resources for Beginners

If you’re a beginner looking to jump into the world of programming, you’re in luck! There are plenty of resources available to help kickstart your journey into the world of coding. In this section, we’ll cover some popular avenues for learning, including online courses, coding bootcamps, and community support forums.

Online Courses

Online courses are a fantastic way to start learning programming. They offer flexible schedules, which means you can learn at your own pace, and often come with a comprehensive curriculum that covers a variety of programming concepts. Some reputable platforms to consider include:

• Coursera: Offers a wide range of computer science and programming courses created by top-tier universities.
• Udacity: Focuses on specific coding languages and practical skills, with many free and paid options available.
• Codecademy: Interactive, hands-on coding exercises to help you grasp basic programming concepts quickly.

These platforms offer courses for various programming languages and cater to different learning styles, so explore your options and find something that suits your preference.

Coding Bootcamps

If you prefer an immersive, high-intensity learning experience, coding bootcamps might be a better fit for you. These programs typically focus on teaching relevant coding skills within a short period, often just a few months, so you can get up to speed quickly. Some of the popular coding bootcamps include:

• General Assembly: Offers full-time and part-time programming courses, both in-person and online.
• Le Wagon: Provides immersive coding bootcamps that cover various programming languages and concepts.
• Ironhack: Features a range of coding courses for different skill levels, with a strong focus on practical projects.

Keep in mind that coding bootcamps can be quite costly, but they provide an opportunity to fast-track your way into the world of programming.

Community Support and Forums

As a beginner coder, it’s crucial to have a support network to help you navigate through potential problems and share your learning experience. Here are some popular community platforms and forums that can lend a helping hand:

• Stack Overflow: A question and answer website where programmers can ask or answer coding-related questions. You’ll find solutions to common programming issues and get feedback from experienced coders.
• GitHub: An open-source code hosting platform where you can collaborate, share, and learn from other programmers by exploring their projects.
• /r/learnprogramming: A Reddit community where you can discuss programming topics, ask for help, and share resources.

Remember that while programming can be overwhelming for beginners, these resources are here to help you. Take advantage of the abundance of learning opportunities available and, most importantly, enjoy your journey into the world of coding.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some beginner-friendly programming languages?

Some beginner-friendly programming languages you can consider learning are Python, JavaScript, Ruby, and Swift. Python is known for its simplicity and readability, while JavaScript is widely used for web development. Ruby is popular for building web applications, and Swift is the default language for iOS app development.

Which coding languages are easiest to learn?

Python, Ruby, and JavaScript are considered some of the easiest coding languages to learn due to their readability and focus on simplicity. As a beginner, starting with any of these languages can help you build a strong foundation in programming concepts.

Is Python or Java better for beginners?

Python is generally considered better for beginners due to its readability and simple syntax. Java, on the other hand, can be more complex, and beginners might find it harder to grasp. However, both languages are in high demand, and learning either can open up various opportunities in your coding career.

What programming languages are popular in 2024?

Some of the popular programming languages in 2024 include Python, JavaScript, Java, C#, and TypeScript. These languages are commonly used in different industries, such as web development, data analysis, software development, and more.

What are some useful coding languages to learn for the future?

Python, JavaScript, and Java are consistently popular in the tech world, so they’re always useful to learn. Other languages worth considering for the future include Rust, which is gaining traction for its speed and safety, and Kotlin, which is gaining popularity as an alternative to Java for Android app development.

Where can I find free resources to learn coding?

You can find many free resources online to learn coding. Websites like Codecademy, Coursera, edX, and FreeCodeCamp offer interactive tutorials and courses in a variety of languages. Additionally, YouTube channels like thenewboston, Traversy Media, and Programming with Mosh provide a wide range of video tutorials. Remember to practice regularly and explore different resources to find what works best for you.