Programming Languages

If you’re new to the field of software development, the toughest part of learning programming is deciding where to begin. There are hundreds of programming languages in widespread use, each with its own complexities and idiosyncrasies.

The good news is that as you begin your journey as a software developer, you’ll start to discover the best coding language to learn based on your interests and career goals.

In this article, we’ll go over the most in-demand programming languages as well as how to learn them to kickstart a coding career.

With so many options available and so many factors to consider, picking a programming language to learn can be hard work:

• Which is the best choice for the next step in your career?
• Which is best if you’re a complete beginner?
• Which pays the most?
• Which has the most jobs available and opportunities?
• Which is used by cutting edge industries and ‘future proofed’ against changes?
• Or simply – which is the best one for your particular career choice? Be it web development, cyber security, develops, etc.

Since these are the types of questions I get from students every day, I created this guide to help you out. (And I update it every year 😉).

Not only do I answer every question above and give a solid reason behind each one, but I also give you my picks for the best resources to learn each programming language on this list.

However, this guide is different from other similar posts or videos you might read on the topic.

Mainly because:

1. I give you an objective (as much as possible) data-driven approach and dive into the numbers behind why I think you should learn any of the languages shared
2. But then I also provide my subjective opinions and thoughts based on my many years in the industry. (I’ve helped over 100,000+ people learn to code and get hired since 2018!)

What is a Programming Language?

A programming language is a set of instructions, written in a specific syntax, which tell a computer what tasks to perform and how to perform them. By mastering a programming language, you can create software applications, websites, and other digital tools that shape our world.

Major Types of Programming Languages

In your search for the best programming languages to learn, know that there are multiple types of programming languages—each with its own strengths and limitations.

Here are the major types of programming languages:

1. Procedural Programming Languages: These languages focus on breaking down problems into step-by-step procedures. C, Cobol, BASIC, and Pascal are popular examples.

2. Functional Programming Languages: These languages emphasize manipulating data structures without modifying existing data to promote a more predictable outcome. Haskell and Scala are some well-known functional languages.

3. Object-Oriented Programming Languages: In these languages, programs are organized around objects that contain data (properties) and actions (methods). This object-based approach is widely used, with Python, Java, and C++ being prominent examples.

4. Scripting and Dynamic Languages: These lightweight languages are often used for automating tasks or adding interactivity to web pages. JavaScript and Ruby are commonly used scripting languages.

5. Logic Programming Languages: These languages focus on problem solving through logic and reasoning. They provide a unique way to approach problems and are often used in artificial intelligence applications. Prolog is a notable example of a logic programming language.

What is the best programming language to learn in 2025?

Ok, gun to my head, (and if you gave me no other context of your needs), then I’d tell you that Python is the best programming language to learn in 2025 followed by these other languages:

1. Python 🏆 (best option for 2 years in a row)
2. JavaScript (with TypeScript)
3. SQL
4. Golang
5. Rust
6. C++
7. Java
8. C#
9. Ruby
10. PHP (It’ll never die!)

That’s right. We’re so impartial, we even have languages on here that we don’t teach!

But you’re probably thinking “Why these 10 and why this order? And why is Python the winner? And why is PHP up there?”

Well, to help us narrow down all of the programming language options available, me and my fellow ZTM instructors came up with this list based on the following 5 criteria:

1. Job demand
2. Salary potential
3. Difficulty to learn
4. Ease of use / developer satisfaction
5. Futureproofability (this might be a made-up word, deal with it)

Best Programming Languages to Learn in 2025

1. Python

Python is perhaps the most user-friendly programming language on this list. It’s often said that Python’s syntax can be clear and intuitive—especially to English speakers, as it is formatted similarly to English grammar rules. This makes it a popular choice for beginners seeking the best programming languages to learn for themselves.

Key Features:

• Readability: Python’s clean and concise syntax resembles natural language, making it easier to learn and maintain.

• Versatility: It’s widely used for web development, data science, scripting, machine learning, and more.

• Extensive libraries: Thanks to a vast collection of pre-written code (libraries), it’s easy to simplify complex tasks and streamline development with Python.

Pros of Python	Cons of Python
Beginner-friendly due to its readability	May run slower than compiled languages for performance-critical applications
Use cases in data analysis, machine learning	Relies on proper indentation, which can lead to errors if not followed strictly
Features a rich ecosystem of libraries	Primarily used for back-end development or data science, with limited use in native mobile app creation

Prerequisites: A basic understanding of computer science concepts is helpful, but not integral, to programming in Python.

Skills Needed: Python programmers should have a solution-focused mindset as well as an interest in data structures and data analysis.

Platform: All major operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux)

Use Cases:

• Web development (back-end)

• Data science and machine learning

• Scripting and automation

• Scientific computing

• Game development (with frameworks)

2. JavaScript

With increasing demand for dynamic web applications, it’s nearly impossible to become a professional software developer without learning JavaScript. According to Stack Overflow’s 2024 Developer’s Survey, JavaScript is the most popular programming language among developers for the eleventh year in a row with 62% of survey respondents reporting that they had used it in the past year.

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. This wide range of applications makes JavaScript one of the best programming languages to learn.

Key Features:

• Versatility: JavaScript can be used for both front-end and back-end development.

• Interactivity: It adds dynamic elements to web pages, making them more engaging, and responsive.

• A large community: The JavaScript community is large—and growing! Those looking to learn it can find extensive online resources, tutorials, frameworks and other resources that make learning and troubleshooting easier.

Pros of JavaScript	Cons of JavaScript
Relatively easy to learn with a clear syntax	Vulnerable to scripting attacks if not implemented securely.
High demand leading to various career opportunities	Can become difficult to debug in more complex applications, especially for beginners.
Widely used across different web technologies	Difficult to write cross-browser code due to different interpretations

Prerequisites: A basic understanding of HTML and CSS is recommended for effective web development with JavaScript.

Skills Needed: Prospective JavaScript coders should possess abilities and interest in problem-solving, logical thinking, and procedural reasoning.

Platforms: Web browsers, server-side environments with Node.js.

Use Cases:

• Creating interactive web elements

• Building dynamic web applications

• Developing single-page applications (SPAs)

• Adding animations and user interfaces

3. SQL

Along with Python, SQL programming is essential to efficiently using data in web applications, making it one of the best programming languages to learn. Unlike other coding languages on our list, though, SQL specifically enables the storage, extraction, and manipulation of data within an existing relational database.

Key Features:

• Standardized use: SQL is widely used and supported by most database management systems.

• Declarative capability: Its function hinges on what data to retrieve or manipulate, not the specific steps to achieve it.

• Relational functionality: SQL enables querying and managing data across interconnected tables within a database.

Pros of SQL	Cons of SQL
Essential for data-driven careers like data analyst and database administrator	Focuses on data manipulation, not on complex programming tasks
Offers a clear syntax for interacting with databases, compared to complex programming languages	Primarily used for working with relational databases, not general programming
Applicable toward various database platforms, making it a valuable asset	Can have minor syntax variations between different database systems

Prerequisites: An understanding of database management principles is recommended for using SQL.

Skills Needed: SQL coders must become familiar with data structures, storage, and extraction.

Platform: All major database management systems (e.g., MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle)

Use Cases:

• Data retrieval and manipulation in relational databases

• Generating reports and data analysis

• Managing and maintaining databases

• Integrating with other programming languages for data-driven applications

4. Golang

Go, also known as Golang, is a compiled language developed by Google and known for its focus on simplicity, concurrency, and performance. Go is ideal for engineers who want to enter the field of systems programming. It encompasses much of the same functionality as C and C++ but with simpler syntax. It’s the perfect language for building web servers, data pipelines, and even machine-learning packages.

Key Features:

• Concurrency focus: Built-in support for concurrency simplifies handling multiple tasks simultaneously.

• Readability: Clean and concise syntax makes Go code easy to understand and maintain.

• Garbage collection: Automatic memory management reduces development complexity.

Pros of Go	Cons of Go
Easy to learn	Not as mature ecosystem compared to some languages
Integrates excellent concurrency features	May not be ideal for all programming paradigms
Efficient performance	Can have a steeper learning curve for complex projects

Prerequisites: Go coders should have a handle on the basic programming concepts standard across all programming languages.

Skills Needed: An interest in and understanding of systems is ideal for learning Golang.

Platform: Multiple platforms (Windows, Linux, macOS)

Use Cases:

• Building scalable web services and APIs

• Network programming and systems development

• Cloud-native application development

5. Rust

If you regularly check Stack Overflow’s Developer Surveys, you’ve certainly come across Rust at some point, especially in the “most loved programming language” section. That’s because this multi-paradigm programming language focuses on performance and safety. Rust has a very strict compiler that checks all variables and memory addresses, leading you to write more effective and idiomatic programs.

Developers have fallen in love with Rust because of its speed, memory safety, and parallelism. All of those allow engineers to work on various applications, from game engines and operating systems to browser components and file systems.

6. C++

Like C++, C# (pronounced C Sharp) is a general-purpose, object-oriented language built on the foundations of C. It was originally designed by Microsoft as part of its .NET framework for building Windows applications. C# uses a syntax that’s similar to other C-derived languages, such as C++, so it’s easy to master on top of prior proficiency in another language in the C family.

Key Features:

• Object-oriented functionality: C# emphasizes code organization and reusability through objects and classes.

• .NET framework: It integrates seamlessly with the .NET framework, a vast library of tools and functionalities.

• Cross-platform utility: With .NET Core, C# applications can now run on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Pros of C#	Cons of C#
Powerful & versatile	Can have a steeper learning curve for beginners
Large community & resources	Primarily for Microsoft environments initially
Object-oriented focus	May not be ideal for all programming paradigms

Prerequisites: Knowledge of other programming languages in the C family is helpful, but not necessary, for learning C#.

Skills Needed: C# coders should be able to use Microsoft products.

Platform: Primarily Microsoft platforms (Windows, .NET), but can be used for cross-platform development with tools like Xamarin.

Use Cases:

• Building enterprise applications (Windows desktop, web)

• Game development (Unity)

• Mobile application development (Xamarin)

• System programming

7. java

Java remains a dominant force in the programming world, especially for enterprise software development. Its write-once, run-anywhere philosophy, and mature ecosystem make it a reliable choice for building large-scale applications like servers..

Key Features:

• Platform independence: Java code can run on various operating systems without modifications.

• Object-oriented functionality: It emphasizes code reusability and maintainability through object-oriented principles.

• Vast libraries and frameworks: Java also offers a rich set of libraries and frameworks for diverse development needs.

Pros of Java	Cons of Java
Mature and stable	Can be wordy compared to some other languages
Versatile and widely Used	Can have a longer learning curve for beginners
Features access to a large community and resources	May not be the most suitable choice for small scripting tasks

Prerequisites: Fundamental concepts of coding can be helpful.

Skills Needed: Analytical thinking, object-oriented programming concepts, familiarity with core Java libraries and frameworks (for advanced development)

Platform: All major operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux)

Use Cases:

• Building enterprise applications (web, desktop, mobile with frameworks)

• Big data processing (Hadoop)

• Android application development

• Embedded systems development

8. C#

Ruby, known for its clean syntax and focus on developer productivity, has evolved into a high-level, general-purpose language within and outside of web development. Its focus on programmer productivity and powerful frameworks like Rails make it a popular choice for building dynamic web applications.

Key Features:

• Clean syntax: Ruby code is easy to read and understand, resembling natural language for a smoother learning curve.

• Focus on developer productivity: It offers features and libraries that streamline the development process.

• Powerful Frameworks: Ruby integrates Rails, a robust web framework built on Ruby that jumpstarts development with pre-built functionalities.

Pros of Ruby	Cons of Ruby
Relatively simpler to learn due to its clear syntax and focus on readability	Compared to some languages, Ruby code execution might be slightly slower
Frameworks like Rails help developers build features and applications quickly	Ruby has other uses, but is arguably best suited for web development
Ruby benefits from a large and supportive community of developers	Ruby conventions can be strict, requiring adaptation for some developers

Prerequisites: Experience coding in any language is helpful in learning Ruby.

Skills Needed: Learners should be familiar with web development principles and functionality in general.

Platform: Multiple platforms (Windows, macOS, Linux)

Use Cases:

• Building web applications (backend) with frameworks like Rails

• Developing rapid prototypes and proof-of-concept applications

• Scripting and automation tasks

9. Ruby

Ruby, known for its clean syntax and focus on developer productivity, has evolved into a high-level, general-purpose language within and outside of web development. Its focus on programmer productivity and powerful frameworks like Rails make it a popular choice for building dynamic web applications.

Key Features:

• Clean syntax: Ruby code is easy to read and understand, resembling natural language for a smoother learning curve.

• Focus on developer productivity: It offers features and libraries that streamline the development process.

• Powerful Frameworks: Ruby integrates Rails, a robust web framework built on Ruby that jumpstarts development with pre-built functionalities.

Pros of Ruby	Cons of Ruby
Relatively simpler to learn due to its clear syntax and focus on readability	Compared to some languages, Ruby code execution might be slightly slower
Frameworks like Rails help developers build features and applications quickly	Ruby has other uses, but is arguably best suited for web development
Ruby benefits from a large and supportive community of developers	Ruby conventions can be strict, requiring adaptation for some developers

Prerequisites: Experience coding in any language is helpful in learning Ruby.

Skills Needed: Learners should be familiar with web development principles and functionality in general.

Platform: Multiple platforms (Windows, macOS, Linux)

Use Cases:

• Building web applications (backend) with frameworks like Rails

• Developing rapid prototypes and proof-of-concept applications

• Scripting and automation tasks

10. PHP

Speaking of the server side, PHP is probably the most popular programming language designed for server-side development. This general-purpose scripting language can collect data from online forms, create dynamic elements for web pages, or handle cookies. Though that is its main goal, PHP can do more than that.

For instance, PHP is great for command-line scripting, creating scripts that only need a PHP parser to run, which is nice for simple processing tasks. Engaging PHP development services can help ensure these tasks are approached efficiently and effectively. PHP can also be used for building desktop applications, though you have to really know your way around it to do so. Mastering the language isn’t a utopia, though, as it has a gentle learning curve, making it an excellent choice for any newcomer to the programming world.

11. R

With the rise of data science and statistical software, it’s only natural that a language as laser-focused as R would grow among the development ranks. Thanks to its wide array of libraries, R can implement many statistical and graphical techniques, such as linear and nonlinear modeling, classification, clustering, and many others.

This nature is the main reason why statisticians and data miners use it to build statistical analyses and to create high-quality data visualizations. In fact, R is one of the most popular alternatives for the big data phenomenon, especially because it’s highly expandable through the many packages available.

12. SQL

Databases are an integral part of our tech-driven world, and SQL is among the most popular languages used to communicate with them. SQL stands for Structured Query Language, and it allows developers to create databases with their structures and handle all the data-related tasks that come with them, such as inserting, editing, and querying.

The popularity of SQL is related to its ability to give engineers the ability to use a conventional language to handle relational databases in new IT environments, like cloud-native systems and virtual networks. Thus, SQL is often a default tool for handling the data contained in a conventional database.

13. Go

Also known as Golang, Go is a Google-designed programming language midway between C and C++. In fact, it’s syntactically similar to C but more sophisticated because it includes features like garbage collection and structural typing. This brings it closer to C++, although without this programming language’s complexities.

Originally created for systems programming, Go has evolved, and it’s now used for web applications, cloud-based platforms, containerization tools, and even for certain systems within cryptocurrencies. This makes it a great alternative for seasoned developers, though its ease of use also appeals to newbies.

14. Swift

If you want to develop applications for any Apple device, you’ll need to learn Swift. The Cupertino company developed this programming language for iOS, OS X, watchOS, tvOS, and Linux development. It’s primarily inspired by C and Objective-C and C, but it has extended compatibility.

This allows it to work perfectly with Cocoa and Cocoa Touch, Apple’s own frameworks, and any existing Objective-C code developed for Apple systems. In addition to being the programming language for creating Apple apps, it’s also a high-performance, general-purpose language that focuses on safety and (naturally) software design.

15. Perl

Frequently referred to as “the Swiss army knife” of scripting, Perl has been around for almost 4 decades – and it’s still going strong. This high-level, interpreted, dynamic language can run over 100 platforms, and it’s a great fit for both prototyping and big development projects. In fact, Perl went beyond its initial purpose (text editing) and is now used for many things, including Linux system administration, network programming, and web development, among others. Partnering with a Perl development company can further enhance the capabilities and reach of your projects.

It’s important to note that sometimes Perl refers to a family of languages, a term that includes Raku (formerly called Perl 6). However, Raku is now a separate programming language with its own development team and schedule, while the original Perl team continues to develop it.

16. Assembly language

Assembly language is the most fundamental programming language, a low-level language. This means that this language has little to no abstraction from the computer’s architecture (meaning that the language’s functions are as close to the processor’s instructions as you can possibly get). That’s why it’s also known as the symbolic machine code.

Assembly code is converted to machine code through a processor called an assembler, which runs the resulting code on the processor.  Since assembly depends on the machine instructions themselves, each assembler has its own language specific to that particular computer architecture. There’s some discussion about assembly language’s value in the modern landscape, but it has a proven worth when optimizing for speed or size, for driver development, or cases when strict time constraints are in https://www.bairesdev.com/ruby/ place, such as real-time simulators.

17. Visual Basic

Visual Basic, often referred to as VB, is a high-level programming language developed by Microsoft that enables developers to create robust applications with a simplified syntax and user-friendly graphical interface. Originally designed to allow rapid application development (RAD), Visual Basic focuses on an event-driven approach, which makes it ideal for building Windows-based applications. With its strong integration within the .NET framework, VB allows developers to write code that easily interacts with Windows systems, databases, and network applications. Its simplicity makes it relatively easy for beginners to learn the basics of programming and start creating functional software with minimal setup.

Despite being a beginner-friendly language, Visual Basic is also widely used by professional developers for various tasks. From creating complex business applications to building data manipulation tools, VB has become a reliable choice for many in software development. Its object-oriented programming capabilities and rich libraries within .NET enable developers to write scalable code that can handle more complex tasks. Although newer languages like C# are often preferred for advanced applications, Visual Basic remains popular, especially in industries with legacy applications built on the Windows platform.

18. HTML

HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) isn’t quite a programming language in the traditional sense, but it’s the essential, foundational frame of every website. It defines the structure and content of a web page, acting as the skeleton upon which all other web technologies rely. That’s why it’s a great place to start for coding aspirants looking for the best programming languages to learn.

Key Features:

• Structure and content defining: HTML defines the structure of a web page by using tags to identify headings, paragraphs, images, and other elements.

• Hyperlinking: It enables the creation of links that connect web pages and allow users to navigate the web.

• Easy to learn: HTML uses a simple and readable syntax, making it an excellent starting point for web development.

Pros of HTML	Cons of HTML
Fundamental skill for anyone interested in web development	HTML provides structure, but styling and interactivity require additional languages like CSS and JavaScript
Provides a way to define the structure of a webpage, including headings, paragraphs, images, and links	Technically not a programming language, but a markup language for defining website structure
Beginner-friendly syntax makes it a great introduction to coding concepts	Limited to defining structure, without advanced features for complex web applications

Prerequisites: Understanding of computers and the internet is helpful.

Skills Needed: Learners should have a working knowledge of web development concepts and attention to detail.

Platform: All platforms (web browsers can interpret HTML)

Use Cases:

• Building the basic structure of web pages

• Creating hyperlinks for navigation

• Defining content sections like headings, paragraphs, and lists

19. CSS

CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) complements HTML with design features. While HTML structures the content, CSS defines the visual presentation, layout, and overall aesthetics. With CSS, you can control fonts, colors, backgrounds, and layouts to create a visually appealing and user-friendly web experience. If you aspire to become a web developer, it is one of the best programming languages to learn.

Key Features:

• Style control: CSS defines styles for fonts, colors, backgrounds, layouts, and various web page elements.

• Responsive design: It enables websites to adapt to different screen sizes, ensuring a seamless user experience across devices.

• Customization: CSS allows for extensive customization of the visual presentation of a web page.

Pros of CSS	Cons of CSS
Creates visually appealing and engaging web interfaces	Relies on HTML for structure and JavaScript for interactivity
Ensures websites adapt seamlessly to various devices and screen sizes	Minor styling inconsistencies might occur across different web browsers
Relatively beginner-friendly syntax makes it accessible for those with basic HTML knowledge	Technically not a programming language, but a stylesheet language for defining visual presentation

Prerequisites: Basic HTML knowledge is recommended.

Skills Needed: Design sense and familiarity with UX (User Experience) and UI (User Interface) best practices inform CSS coding.

Platform: All platforms (web browsers can interpret CSS)

Use Cases:

• Defining styles like fonts, colors, and backgrounds

• Laying out web page elements for optimal presentation

• Creating responsive web designs

20. NoSQL

NoSQL (Not Only SQL), a category of non-relational databases, has emerged as a powerful alternative to traditional relational databases. Designed for large and unstructured datasets, NoSQL databases offer flexibility and scalability for modern web applications.

Key Features:

• Flexible schema: NoSQL accommodates data with diverse structures, unlike the rigid schema of relational databases.

• Scalability: It processes massive datasets efficiently, making it ideal for big data applications.

• High performance: NoSQL offers faster read and write speeds for specific use cases.

Pros of NoSQL	Cons of NoSQL
Perfect for storing and managing data that doesn’t fit neatly into relational tables (e.g., social media posts, sensor data)	May not be ideal for complex data relationships modeled well by relational databases
Scales efficiently for large datasets and delivers high performance for specific queries	Querying NoSQL databases can be more complex compared to the structured approach of SQL
Flexible schema allows for faster development cycles compared to rigid relational structures	Doesn’t replace relational databases entirely, but offers a complementary solution for specific needs

Prerequisites: An interest in and understanding of databases is recommended.

Skills Needed: Coders should understand specific NoSQL technologies (e.g., MongoDB, Cassandra).

Platform: Multiple platforms (depending on the chosen NoSQL solution)

Use Cases:

• Big data applications

• Real-time data processing

• Modern web applications with large or unstructured data

• Mobile app development (backend)