Imagine telling a computer to do your bidding. It sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie, right? Well, this is exactly what programming languages do. They provide a way for humans to communicate with machines, enabling us to create software, apps, websites, and more.
According to Rod Garcia, VP of engineering at Slack, “It’s awesome—the way humans can communicate with machines.” This communication happens through programming languages. Despite some subtle differences, the terms ‘programming’ and ‘coding’ are often used interchangeably.
Deciding where to start learning can be daunting. It’s like choosing a new language to learn – there are hundreds of options. There are between 350 and 430 languages spoken in the U.S. alone, according to the government-run website ShareAmerica. Similarly, there are hundreds of programming languages available.
Some languages, like Python and JavaScript, are widely used and versatile, while others, like SQL, are highly specialized. Each language offers unique characteristics that shape your coding journey.
4 Programming Languages Worth Learning
In the past, the best language for beginners was often determined by the number of available books. Nowadays, thanks to advancements in technology and AI, any language can be a starting point if you have the determination and ability to thrive.
Before deciding on a language, consider your goals, interests, and the specific problem you aim to solve. “That’s the fuel,” Garcia says. With access to numerous online resources, AI chatbots, and tools like ChatGPT, learning to code has never been easier.
Let’s explore four programming languages that are worth learning, according to insights provided by Garcia and Stack Overflow’s 2023 Developer Survey. This survey collected responses from more than 90,000 professionals.
1. JavaScript
JavaScript is a versatile language that makes web pages interactive. With over 80 JavaScript frameworks, including Node.js, Dart, and TypeScript, you can explore a wide range of programming possibilities.
Garcia explains, “Not only is [JavaScript] the front-end language of the web, it allows folks to create back-end solutions. If you want to learn one language, JavaScript is great in the early stages of learning how to create full-stack solutions.”
2. Python
Python is the most popular programming language on GitHub. It has a robust ecosystem of libraries, making it versatile enough to cater to various programming needs across AI, such as machine learning, deep learning, and computer vision.
“Python has been one of the top languages in the industry for a long time, but now more than ever, it’s paramount to interact with AI applications or train your own models. It’s the default choice,” Garcia says.
3. SQL
Structured query languages (SQL) give both analysts and programmers access to data stored within databases. SQL is a powerful database management system widely used by mid-to large-sized organizations, such as Facebook and Microsoft, to organize and retrieve information.
4. Java
Java, a three-decade-old programming language, continues to be a popular choice for developers. It is widely used in customer relationship management (CRM) software applications and financial management platforms due to its robustness, cross-platform capabilities, and security.
“Where there are complex legacy systems, there is a certain special type of language you need to manage those systems. Java is one of the most used architecture languages in that context,” Garcia says.
Understanding Front-End and Back-End Programming Languages
Understanding the difference between front-end and back-end languages is crucial for anyone interested in web development. Front-end languages, like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, deal with user interfaces and client-side development. Back-end languages, such as Java, Python, and Ruby on Rails, handle server-side logic and data processing.
So, what is the best programming language to learn? There isn’t a definitive answer, but as Garcia points out, you have to start somewhere. “Once you get more experience, you’ll start seeing common themes across languages. Motivation will propel you to learn and go deep,” he says.
Embarking on a new learning journey can be daunting, but it’s also exciting. Focus on the problem you want to solve and then find the language that best suits your needs. And remember, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, software developers earned a median annual wage exceeding $127,000 in 2022. The demand for software developers is projected to rise by 25% by 2032. So, why not take the plunge and start learning today?