Learning how to program is a great choice nowadays. Pursuing website or software development is a challenging but highly rewarding endeavour as well. Software development is heading nowhere but up.

Even with the pandemic, the industry continues to grow steadily. As a matter of fact, it’s one of the few industries that continue to thrive and expand despite the lockdowns and restrictions, the closing of businesses all over the world. As people shift to the new normal with the work-from-home scheme, the demand for software development is very high.

The Best Programming Language for Software Development for You

A popular programming language that’s too challenging could make you lose interest and be discouraged early on. Choosing an easy one could make you miss out on fundamental concepts. Furthermore, with hundreds of programming languages for software development, where do you even begin?

1. JavaScript Language

Without JavaScript, software development today is impossible in some way. JavaScript, along with CSS and HTML, is essential for front-end web development. The majority of most of the popular websites nowadays also rely on JavaScript when it comes to creating interactive web pages and displaying content to users dynamically.

Although JavaScript primarily is a front-end language run on a browser, it could be used on the server-side as well via Node.js to build network apps that are scalable. JavaScript’s forgiving and flexible syntax makes it work on all major browsers and is one of the most-friendly languages for beginners.

Although it’s somewhat considered notorious in the development community due to its complexity, this is only if you dive into more advanced stuff. For beginners, it’s flexible, easy to pick up, and intuitive.

2. Python

Most novice developers gravitate to Python as the first programming language. This is due to the fact that it has a lot of qualities that make it a perfect fit for beginners. It’s a general-purpose, high-level scripting language with a digestible and simple syntax.

This makes developing simple software development projects relatively fast and easy. Furthermore, Python is known for its huge range of libraries, which enable extending the language to do just about anything, including data analysis, software development, server-side web development, machine learning, and a whole lot more.

Often, it’s said that Python has an intuitive, clear syntax, and is almost English-like, adding to its popularity among beginner developers. Furthermore, the same as Java, it has several apps, which make it a versatile and powerful choice. The science and data applications of Python make it a great choice for those who are academically inclined.

3. Java

Another general-purpose and widely used programming language today is Java. It’s excellent for beginners. Aside from being a great introduction into the art and science of programming, it’s one of the highly sought-after languages as well as among businesses of all shapes and sizes, making it a robust foundation for a development career.

The Java Virtual Machine enables Java to virtually run on any operating system and hardware, which makes it among the most widely used programming languages across the globe. Most commonly, it’s for the back ends of software apps, from big-scale enterprise apps to mobile apps. The Android OS is interestingly Java-based.

Although Java does have a bit steeper learning curve than Python, it is definitely manageable and one of the best choices for first-time developers and programmers.

4. C

Another popular programming language is C. Starting with it could ultimately be rewarding because it helps create a better knowledge foundation. A lot of learning how to program involves problem-solving, instead of simply learning syntax. For those who are keen on diving into the technical aspect of things and understand how programs work, then C is a perfect choice.

Furthermore, it’s widely taught in introductory classes in computer science. It, however, also involves more complex syntax than other languages. Getting things done means writing more code. However, for those who love challenges, C could ultimately help in becoming a more well-rounded programmer.

Being extremely influential, C also shapes the foundation for most modern programming syntax too. Learning C therefore equips you with the skills needed for other languages. C is mostly used for desktop applications, databases, and operating systems.

5. Ruby

Another popular choice for aspiring software developers and web developers. It’s one of the easier languages to learn, being a server-side scripting language. A big reason why Ruby is very popular is the open-source web app framework, Ruby on Rails.

It has been widely adopted by startups as well as big tech companies, such as Shopify, Square, Hulu, and Airbnb, making it career-wise, a valuable skill. The main Ruby on Rails philosophy is convention over configuration. Simply put, it trades flexibility for convenience.

Furthermore, many programming decisions already are made for you. Although learning Ruby on Rails is heavier than learning the Ruby basics, eventually you will be able to help create apps that are impressive. Still, learning Ruby basics is important before diving further into Ruby on Rails.

Often, beginners are drawn to Ruby because of having the most helpful and friendliest user communities. Aside from the active community and seamless syntax, the language is also a great language to learn, thanks to its association with great tech organisations.

6. HTML and CSS

While they aren’t technically programming languages, they’re however the first two languages besides JavaScript when it comes to web development. It’s not possible to build anything web-based without some knowledge of HTML anyway. Moreover, it defines web pages’ content and structure.

When looking at a web page, you’re looking at the browser’s interpretation of the HTML file. An accompanying language, CSS defines the style of a web page and what makes websites look good. The great thing is that since HTML and CSS steer away from the programming aspect of website development, both are pretty straightforward and a great way of getting a feel of what it is to code a website.

7. PHP

Another popular server-side scripting language that’s valuable for those interested in web development. As an open-source language, PHP is used to build dynamic web pages fast. Beginner-friendly, highly flexible, and with tons of frameworks, PHP is on the top of the list when it comes to the most-used languages by both beginner and professional developers alike.

Furthermore, it’s the core language for the WordPress content management system as well as a staple in the toolkit of WordPress developers. Since it’s open-source and free, taking a peek at its core files is a great way to have some exposure to how it powers websites.

PHP has become so commonplace in the software development world because it’s easy to get started with. Most people, even without extensive experience or knowledge in development could build a web page with a single PHP file fast. The syntax, once again, is easy and learning the command functions is seamless, meaning that the entry roadblocks are lower than in other languages.

8. C#

Being a general-purpose language, C# is an object-oriented language as well. Basically, it was designed as part of .NET for building Windows apps. It uses syntax that’s the same to other programming languages derived from C, including C++. It’s not only the go-to for developing Microsoft apps, it’s also the language for mobile developers to build cross-platform apps on Xamarin. Anyone who’s into VR development should seriously consider learning C#. For building 2D and 2D games, it comes highly recommended along with the Unity game engine that produces one-third of the market’s top games at present.

Upon learning the C basics, consider taking C# next. It would be much easier to learn once you’re familiar with the syntax of the C family.

9. Swift

A new programming language was created by Apple to develop apps for iOS and macOS. Swift is your best bet if you’re into learning how to create apps. It will ultimately lead you to a career in macOS and iOS development. Just like other languages previously discussed here, Swift has human-readable and pretty straightforward syntax.

Furthermore, it’s a relatively forgiving language when it comes to mistakes. Very scalable, it also makes it easy to translate projects from small experiments to full-blown application quests. Built from scratch and performance-optimised, Swift is one of the best programming languages for modern iOS development today.

10. SQL

Structured Query Language or SQL, it’s the standard when it comes to relational database management. If you’re into working with databases, or any job that involves fetching, storing, and analysing data, then SQL is worth learning.

The language lets you add data to, extract data from, and change data within relational databases, which makes it most useful for scientists and data analysts. It’s also extremely useful for business analysts, product experts, and marketers who want to factor business data into the decision-making process.

11. Go or Golang

One of the core programming languages that Google favoured. Furthermore, it’s the ideal choice for engineers who want to join the systems programming environment. It covers pretty much the same functionality of C as well as C++ minus the steep learning curve and difficult syntax.

It’s perfect for building data pipelines, web servers, and even machine-learning packages. As a compiled language, it runs ‘near the metal’, allowing for an ultra-fast runtime. The personal contributions of developers could be adopted and enjoyed by programmers across the globe due to its being an open-source programming language. 

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing programming languages for software development, the key is to find one that best fits your skills and what you want to achieve. By learning one or more of these programming languages, you will be in an excellent position to succeed in software development not just today but in the years to come.