Introduction
We have all encountered these questions in our lives:
Which programming language should I learn first?
Is there a possibility of choosing the 'wrong' programming language?
If you are not an exception, then you have come to the right place! This article answers the above questions in detail. Plus, there will be a list of popular programming languages for you to choose from. Here we go!
Which Programming Language Should I Learn First?
You need to consider two things before you choose your first programming language:
What is my end goal?
What is currently in demand?
Let's try to find the answer to these two questions:
What Is My End Goal?
Visualize your end goal. What is it? Is it app development? Or is it web development? Whatever it is, you need to be aware of that. Every path necessitates the acquisition of specific languages. Explore these various paths. See what excites you. Then, choose at least two paths depending on your interests. This gives you the ability to switch to the other path if one of them doesn't suit you.
Next, make a list of the languages that you need to learn to succeed in those paths. There will be quite a lot. But don't get overwhelmed. You don't need to master all of them at once.
What Is Currently In Demand?
Research the market and find out which languages are currently in demand. There are several authentic surveys available on the internet that will give you an idea of the popularity of various programming languages. Check them out and make a list of the most popular ones.
Compare the list you made earlier with the latest one. Try to get an idea of the market demand for various programming languages. You are bound to have a handful of exciting choices in front of you that are currently in demand. Now, it's up to you. You are free to choose whatever you want!
Is There A Possibility Of Choosing The 'Wrong' Programming Language?
No! There is no such thing as choosing the 'wrong' programming language. No matter what language you choose, you are bound to learn some invaluable skills. It’s just the fact that if you choose a language based on your interest and market popularity, the learning curve and the process of getting a job get a little easier. That's it. Otherwise, you can choose any language you want!
Popular Programming Languages
Based on my research, I have compiled a list of popular programming languages that are currently in high demand. Let's start!
Python
Python is one of the most popular languages in the development zone. It is a high-level, general-purpose programming language. You will have fun learning Python, as it reads like English and is simple to understand. It allows you to obtain a basic knowledge of coding practices without having to jump into strict syntax rules.
Python is widely used in web development and software development. It's also helpful in designing graphical user interfaces (GUIs). However, it is considered a slow language and not as practical as the other ones in the field of app development. But top companies such as IBM, Netflix, and Spotify are actively hiring Python developers. So it is clear that the language is in high demand.
C++
C++ is another popular general-purpose programming language that you can learn. It is the successor to the C language. Even though it's a high-level language, it has features that make it more 'machine-level' than others. This makes it a bit challenging to learn the language. However, learning it helps you to deeply understand how a computer works. You might be surprised to know that C++ is the mother of several other programming languages.
C++ is used by businesses like Adobe, Microsoft, and Apple in their development processes. According to Joel Spolsky, the creator of Trello, learning C++ is like understanding basic anatomy before becoming a medical doctor. This makes it a fantastic first language to learn!
Java
Java is an object-oriented programming language that can be written on any device and works cross-platform. It is heavily used for Android and iOS app development. Top companies using Java include Amazon, IBM, and eBay.
Java is a high-level language, so it's quite beginner-friendly. However, it's not as easy as Python, and it has a slow startup that will take beginners a little longer to deploy their first project. But you will surely have fun in the learning process! There's no doubt about it!
JavaScript
Another option is JavaScript, a programming language that is said to be one of the three pillars of front-end development, alongside HTML and CSS. It's an essential tool for adding interactivity to websites. Due to its massive popularity, it is increasingly used in backend development as well. Twitter, Meta, Google, and many more companies are hiring developers who specialize in JavaScript.
Additionally, you don't have to install anything to learn JavaScript, as it is already built into browsers. So, it is one of the easiest languages to pick up in terms of setup. The learning curve, though, is certainly not as easy as Python. You need to stick with the process until it's done. But, like Java, it is a fun language to learn!
Conclusion
I hope that you have found the answers to your questions in this article. You have also got a list of popular programming languages to choose from. Finally, I will list some more popular languages as honorable mentions:
C#
Ruby
SQL
Swift
Go
Now, it's your turn! Choose a language and jump right into it! Good luck!
Top comments (2)
Really detailed and thoughtful post regarding what to take into account when choosing a language! One other thing to consider is the first language you pick is not set in stone. As thing change you can change with it, but picking a first language is what matters. I would suggest learning the basics of programming regardless what your language of choice is therefore if you were to change you will have a generally understanding of how programming works. Most languages share a lot of the same concepts and tools, therefore syntax is the only thing holding you back from writing in another language. Definitely an over simplification, but its how I view it! Thank you for posting! Cheers!
Thanks for reading, Connor!
I totally agree with your take on this! If you are well-versed with the programming fundamentals, then learning the syntax is the only thing you need to do in order to add a new programming language to your skillset.