Choosing Your First Programming Language: The Best Languages to Begin Your Coding Journey

Many of you want to be a programmer, want to create something with the help of programming that can be useful for millions of people. There are plenty of programming languages out there.

But end up with a question “Which language should I learn to start my programming career? Or what is the best programming language for beginners?”

In this article, we'll explore the best programming languages for beginners, considering factors like ease of learning, versatility, and career opportunities.

Before diving into programming you must question yourself - what you want to do in near future or what is the purpose of learning programming? If you want to be a web developer then everything will be simple for you. You can start with HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, ASP.net, etc. But if your dream is to create a mobile app, desktop based app or solve real life problems with programming then things will be a little bit harder. You must start with the basic concepts of programming and how to think like a coder.

You can start with any language because most of them are very similar at their core only their syntax are different. Learning your first programming language is always the most difficult, but once you learn a language, you get the key to learn as many languages you want. No matter what your first programming language is, you can apply those skills towards learning a new one any time. But before choosing your first language you should consider the following factors:

• How easy the language is to learn

• Must have basic constructs for branching

• Does it have basic constructs for Looping

• Support calling methods or procedures

• Have a way to organize code at a high level

• And, what projects you can build while you’re learning

Recommended Programming Languages for Beginners

1. Python

Python is recommended as the best beginner language because of its simplicity and great capabilities. Python is used to build desktop apps and web apps alike, and it has great tools for data mining. Python is also popular in academic communities for scientific computing, data analysis, and Bioinformatics. Even, the code is easy to read and enforces good programming style without being overly strict about syntax.

2. JavaScript

It's impossible to be a software developer these days without using JavaScript in some way. Javascript is a scripting language, often used to make web pages interactive. It’s text-based, written in an HTML document and run through a web browser. According to Stack Overflow's 2018 Developer Survey, JavaScript is the most popular language among developers for the sixth year in a row. Nearly 70 percent of survey respondents reported that they had used JavaScript in the past year. Along with HTML and CSS, JavaScript is essential to front-end web development. A majority of the web’s most popular sites, from Facebook and Twitter to Gmail and YouTube, rely on JavaScript to create interactive web pages and dynamically display content to users.

3. Java

Java is one of the most popular and practical language to learn by the beginners. It works on the true Object Oriented Principle that used in modern languages. Java is used to build Android apps, desktop apps, games and also as a server-side language for enterprise-level back-end development. Once you've learned Java, you can do almost anything and also learn other OOP languages pretty easily.

4. Ruby

Ruby is beloved for its elegant and easy-to-read code. It's the language behind the Ruby on Rails framework, a popular choice for web development. Learning Ruby can introduce you to the principles of web application development quickly.

5. SQL

Pronounced “sequel,” SQL stands for Structured Query Language, and it is a special-purpose programming language used for getting information from and updating databases. It is quite a common language that is used to communicate with databases and to manage data. It is often used in website analytics, especially by major eCommerce retailers like Amazon and eBay. Since nearly all businesses run a database system of some kind, SQL is a good skill to have on your resume. It’s also one of the easier tech skills to learn, with numerous tutorials and free resources online.

6. C#

If you're interested in game development or Windows applications, C# is a strong contender. It's used with the Unity game engine and for creating desktop applications on the Windows platform. The availability of Microsoft's development tools is a plus.

7. PHP

PHP is a server-side scripting language frequently used in web development. It's an essential language for backend web development, especially when paired with popular content management systems like WordPress. Although it isn't as widespread as Java or Python, PHP remains one of the leading languages for website development. Some of the most popular websites in the world – including Wikipedia, WordPress, and Facebook – were built using PHP, showing just how useful it really is. PHP is the best coding language to learn first. It is very beginner friendly and easy to pick up. This can be put down to the fact that PHP code is very logical, allowing you to conceptualize what it will do before it is even run.

8. Swift

Swift is the language of choice for iOS app development. If you're interested in creating apps for iPhones and iPads, Swift is a must-learn language. It's known for its safety features and developer-friendliness.

9. C++

C++ is a powerful and versatile language used in applications ranging from game development to systems programming. While it's more complex than some other beginner-friendly languages, mastering C++ can open doors to a wide range of opportunities.

10. Go (Golang)

Go, or Golang, is a language developed by Google that's gaining popularity for its simplicity and efficiency. It's often used in backend development and is known for its strong support for concurrent programming.

Conclusion

The best programming language to start your career depends on your goals, interests, and the path you want to take. Python is an excellent choice for those seeking an easy entry point into programming, while JavaScript is indispensable for web development. The language you choose should align with your career aspirations. Most importantly, remember that your programming journey is an ongoing learning process, and you may find it beneficial to learn multiple languages as your career progresses. Ultimately, the "best" language is the one that resonates with your interests and career objectives, as each language opens up a unique world of opportunities in the coding universe.