Disclaimer: The information below is purely my own personal opinion and research. You're most welcome to share your opinion in the comments at the end of the article.
Remembering back when I started programming, this was one of the best decisions I ever made.
But, before I started I asked myself this very question: “What is the best programming language to learn?”
As we advance in 2019, this question gets more and more advanced answers.
Before diving into it, I just want to point out that:
- I'm not saying that any language is better than the other
- Totally agree that devs should learn more than one language
The top 6 best programming languages to learn are:
- Python
- JavaScript
- Java
- Rust
- Swift
- Kotlin
Python
Looking deeper, Python has been a growing programming language ever since the launch. And it has no sign of stopping or disappearing. It's really a great programming language to learn. immediately.
You'll find traces of Python in
- Web applications
- Desktop apps
- Network servers
- Machine learning
- Media tools and much more
You might also find use of Python for back-end services including API's, if you're working in security or Site Reliability Engineering.
Python has framework specifically for web development such as Django, Pyramid and Turbo gear. These are the most popular among all of them.
In addition, it's a really good choice if a beginner dev starts learning Python, because of the high-level and easy to read and comprehend language.
Python can be used on different areas, such as:
- On a server to create web apps
- Alongside software to create workflows
- Connect database systems (read and modify files)
- Handle big data
- Perform complex mathematics
- Rapid prototyping
According to this article, Python has great popularity.
JavaScript
My favorite! I advise any new student that this is one of the best programming language to learn.
JavaScript is the most popular language according to StackOverflow.
More than half of all the developers use JavaScript. And it's really no wonder.
It's a great front-end development way, and it's highly increasing relevant to back-end.
And not to forget to mention, it is constantly expanding into game development and Internet Of Things areas.
This is the JavaScript statistics for popularity according to Coder's Eye
What makes JavaScript so popular is that it enables you to build amazingly interactive websites. It's an awesome web tool that goes perfectly alongside with HTML and CSS.
With time, it's really getting crucial to get into web-development. By learning this language, it's generally easier to get grasp of how programming works too.
Also, it's the tool to use to perfect the UI.
In order to use JavaSript you need only two things:
- A text editor to write your code
- A browser to render the page you're developing
The text editor can be any, based on your choice. You can choose Notepad++, Visual Studio Code, Sublime, Atom or any other editor.
Also, you JavaScript runs on all the browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge etc.
Java
JavaEasily the most popular programming language.
Fun fact: It was so popular, that JavaScript “borrowed” the first four letters to gain popularity. JavaScript and Java have nothing in common.
Some articles conspire that Java never reached the apex of it's starting trajectory, when it was considered to be dominant. But, it does remain to be the backbone of many websites.
There are countless lines of open source code that young beginners can learn from.
This way, they're joining a great big movement and it's easier to fit in for them.
Java is currently owned by Oracle, and has more than 3 billion devices that it runs on. 3 billion!
It is used mostly for:
- Mobile applications (Android mostly)
- Desktop apps
- Web apps
- Web servers and app servers
- Games
- Databases
- And much, so much more
There are a lot of reason to use Java, such as:
- Java works on different platforms (Windows, Linux, Mac, Raspberry Pi)
- It's one of the most popular languages and most demanded
- Easy and simple to learn
- Secure, fast and powerful
- Open-source and free
- Huge community support
Rust
Rust, considering how powerful it is, has had a lack of popularity. In essence, Rust is a brand new system-level language that is making a revolution in programming as we know it.
Surprisingly (not so much), Rust came in the very first place for “Most loved and wanted language” in 2018. StackOverflow Developer Survey's had these results
Rust was developed by Mozilla Foundation, and what makes it different from the rest is that it operates as a low-level language. This is suited great with performance critical code.
Rust was created with the main purpose to:
- Avoid dangling pointers
- Buffer overflows
- Particularly memory errors
It might be hard to grasp at first if you're a beginner because of the insisting on rules to achieve memory safety. But be that as it may, experienced devs love it.
It has a great probability that in the next few years it will be high on demand.
Swift
Are you into iOS mobile development? Swift is your partner.
If you're really into mobile development, you should really consider making a career in Swift. It's considered one of the most high-paying careers.
Speaking in terms of launching, Swift is really new to the world. It's been released in 2014.
It's currently iOS and Mac-OS new language option for programming.
Native apps, as well known, often outperform hybrid apps, and Sprite-Kit makes it ridiculously easier to build 2D games.
It is considered a great improvement in usability and performance comparing it to Objective-C.
Take a look at searches from 2004 and 2014 between “Swift” and “Objective C”
Kotlin
Kotlin is a compiled, statically typed language. It might provide some initial “troubles” for developers you are used to the interpreted.
Some might even consider Kotlin as one of the hardest programming language to learn.
Kotlin came in as the second most loved and wanted programming language in 2018 in a survey on StackOverflow.
Originally, Kotlin has been developed by JetBrains.
It's fully operatable with Java and really has no limitations. It can be used everywhere Java is like:
- Server side development
- Android apps and much more
Android developers have been in touch with Kotlin ever since the launch. In 2017, Google officiated it as the official language for Android development.
Kotlin works wonders with all Java libraries and runs with the same performance levels.
There are a lot of reasons to use Kotlin, such as:
- Java interoperability (100%)
- Familiar syntax – It's syntax is familiar to any developer who comes from OOP
- String interpolation – It's kind of a smarter and more readable version of Java's String format.
- Default arguments – You don't have to define several methods with varying arguments
Alicia leads content strategy for LearnWorthy managing a team of content producers, strategists, and copywriters. She creatively oversees content programs, awareness campaigns, research reports, and other integrated marketing projects.
