This article was updated on June 14, 2024.
Reviewed byKathryn Uhles, MIS, MSP,Dean, College of Business and IT
Computer programmingrelies on different programming languages. There are dozens, but all have the same goal: to provide aframework in which a program can operate.
While the goal is the same, the primary features differ among programming languages. Some are better fororganizing and visualizing data, while others are preferable forcreating user interfaces. Although some coding systems are easier to learn than others, none are inherently better or worse.
There areprofessional programmers, software developers and other IT pros wholearn multiple programming languages, although the ones they learn depend on what they do at their jobs and their level of expertise. If you plan on a career in a computer or IT field, you’ll want to learn the ones that are most useful for thespecialization you plan to pursue.
Many programming languages are meant for specific applications, so the choice may be obvious. However, the distinction betweenfront-end and back-end languagesis the most useful for computer science students.
Some professionals choose to learn both front-endandback-end programming languages. These multidisciplinary specialists are known asfull-stack developers. They can handle both user and client-facing programming tasks and may enjoy employment options that reflect this versatility.
At this point, you’re probably asking yourself, “What programming language should I learn?” The answer will depend on your career interests and goals. This article will help guide you toward the languages that will be most useful to you if you have an idea about what career you are interested in.
When asking yourself, “What programming language should I learn as a beginner?” you might start with the easiest and the most common ones.
Note that it is common to use the term “programming” for both scripting and programming languages. In this article, the term “programming language” refers to both.
That said, here are a few of the most common programming languages to start with:
1. JavaScript: JavaScript is a popular front-end programming language that’s typically considered a general-purpose coding system. It allows developers to add dynamic andinteractive elementsto websites.
2. HTML/CSS: HyperText Markup Language (HTML) and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) are two related coding systems that control theuser-facing(front-end) aspects of websites. HTML provides a general framework for web development, while CSS handles formatting and layout.
3. C, C# and C++: For many computer science and IT students, back-end coding education starts with C. It is abecause of itssimplicity and flexibility.
4. PHP: This language was used to create , making it a popular choice for web developers.
If you’re wondering what programming language you should learn first, you may want to consider starting with one of those just mentioned.
Knowing which programming languages are most popular for different purposes can help you determine which ones to add to your skill set. Here are some of the , although it’s worth noting these can change as technology and the industry evolve:
1. Python: Since it works on different systems and browsers, Python is the language of choice for many development projects. In addition to being the most popular language for software development, Python has special applications in finance and machine learning.
2. Java: Different from JavaScript, Java is a server-side language. According to the Popularity of Programming Language (PYPL) Index, (after Python) because of its platform independence.
3. Go: Golang (Go for short) is growing in popularity, especially among web developers. that’seasy to learn.
4. SQL: Structured Query Language focuses on managing information housed in databases. Those who work with data may find it necessary to know this language.
5. R: R is an important language for data analytics. It’s necessary for anyone studying for a data science degree. It focuses onstatistical calculationsandvisualization.
Different computer science applications and functions require knowledge of various programming languages. If you know which area you want to focus on, whether it’s software development or cybersecurity, the following are some of the most important languages to know.
Knowing how to code is essential for many tasks in this area of computer science, including penetration testing, forensic analysis, response and containment, and cybersecurity software development. Top languages to know include:
What programming language should you learn for app development? These are some of the most commonly used:
Are you interested in developing websites and web apps? You’ll want to learn one or more of the following.
Some languages are useful for both front- and back-end development, which streamlines and simplifies the entire process. These include:
While it’s not necessary to learn all of these, the more languages you know, the more your computer science skills will be enhanced, and the more flexibility you will have in your career.
We spoke with J.L. Graff, MBA, associate dean of UOPX’s College of Business and Information Technology, to get a better idea about how often one might learn a programming language over the course of their career: “Learning a new programming language can take a couple of months or about a year depending on your experience and the complexity of the programming language. It is recommended to learn at least three programming languages, but the projects you work on will determine what programming languages you will need to learn and when.”
What programming language should you learn? As you can see, there’s no one definitive answer. You’ll need to think about what you enjoy working on and which careers in computer science sound most attractive to you. Answering those questions can help you decide which languages you should spend your time and energy on learning.
Exploring online technology degree programs can also help guide you. Programs in data science, software development and cybersecurity may emphasize different programming languages.
Remember that technology environments and expectations change frequently, and new programming languages are continually being developed. A career in computer science requires a commitment to lifelong learning. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources to help you learn new programming languages and expand your abilities — and your professional options.
If you are interested in a career in information technology, you can pursue an educational foundation at ۴ý.
Aspiring application developers, for example, may pursue a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, while a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity will cover scripting languages from a different perspective.
Additional degree programs that include programming languages are Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Bachelor of Science in Information Technology.
Meanwhile,advanced developer certificatesoften deal with topics like choosing the correct coding languages and framework for a given project. If these concepts excite you, consider earning aScripted and Compiled Programming Languages Certificate (Undergraduate)at UOPX.
A graduate of Johns Hopkins University and its Writing Seminars program and winner of the Stephen A. Dixon Literary Prize, Michael Feder brings an eye for detail and a passion for research to every article he writes. His academic and professional background includes experience in marketing, content development, script writing and SEO. Today, he works as a multimedia specialist at ۴ý where he covers a variety of topics ranging from healthcare to IT.
Currently Dean of the College of Business and Information Technology,Kathryn Uhles has served ۴ý in a variety of roles since 2006. Prior to joining ۴ý, Kathryn taught fifth grade to underprivileged youth in ۴ý.
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