10 Best Programming Languages to Learn in 2024: Scale Your Web Development Skills

As far as web and software development goes, Python, followed by Java, JavaScript, and C++, are among the most popular programming languages in today’s market.

If you want to get better at coding or work in the tech field, learning a coding language is really beneficial. It helps improve your technical skills, helps you solve problems, and can lead to well-paying jobs.

With over 700 programming languages to choose from, it may be challenging to decide which one to learn first. While it will finally come down to what you’re trying to build with it, this article covers the ten best programming languages to learn in 2024.

Let’s get started.

The 10 Best Programming Languages to Learn

Discover the most popular and in-demand programming languages with our list of the 10 best options to learn.

1. Python

Python is a high-level, general-purpose programming language. It can be used for various tasks, from data analysis and visualization to web development, prototyping, and automation.

Python is popular among software developers since it works well as a scripting language. Moreover, it lets users utilize different programming paradigms, including the object-oriented, imperative, procedural, and functional programming languages.

Furthermore, this language is open-source, enabling programmers to modify its source code to fit their needs.

Python is easier to learn than other languages thanks to its syntax familiarity with English. If you want to kickstart your career as a software developer or engineer, learning to code in Python can be a great starting point.

On top of all, Python developers are in high and growing demand. Choose from various job roles, such as a data scientist, a software engineer, and an artificial intelligence (AI) researcher.

If you’re interested to learn Python, check out our top list of web developer certifications to scale your programming career.

2. C#

C# is an object-oriented programming language – a model that organizes software design around objects.

C# is one of the top programming languages due to its fast performance and improved stability. This coding language is also easier to learn than its predecessors, C and C++, as it has a simple syntax and well-defined class hierarchy.

Starting off as Microsoft’s language for its .NET framework, C# is now compatible with Windows and Linux. Therefore, it’s arguably the best programming language to learn for developing GUI-based desktop applications.

Programmers can also use C# in various environments, including mobile and enterprise software. In other words, they can create Android and iOS apps and develop 2D and 3D games in Unity.

C# is in high demand as many web development companies continuously seek talented coders with C# expertise. Some of the best job roles for C# developers include software engineers and game or mobile app developers.

Best for	Beginners and intermediates.
Difficulty	Moderate.
Skill Requirements	Basic knowledge of C and object-oriented programming language approach can smooth the learning process.
Use Cases	Web applications. Mobile applications. Game and VR development. Linux and Mac applications.
Average Programmer Income	$84,243/year
Popularity	Loved by 59.7% of Stack Overflow developers. #5 most popular programming language on PYPAL as of January 2022. #5 top programming language on TIOBE as of January 2022. #4 programming language that student developers want to learn.
Pros	Fast compilation and execution times. Perfect for all types of Windows development. Safer than C and C++, as it doesn’t use pointers. Large .NET developer community. Vast frameworks.
Cons	Considerably steeper learning curve than other languages. Doesn’t translate well cross-platform as it’s dependent on the .NET environment.

3. C++

C++ is the enhanced version of C and one of the most popular programming languages in computer science. What’s more, versatility makes C++ the best programming language to learn.

Its fast and powerful nature lets developers create applications with excellent performance, like video games, graphics software, and web browsers.

It combines low and high-level language characteristics, making it excellent for system programming while allowing abstraction for smaller projects. Also, C++ is a multi-paradigm coding language, supporting OOP, generic, and imperative programming.

On a side note, learning C++ can be challenging for beginners as it has a more complex syntax than other programming languages.

In terms of job opportunities, C++ proficiency is necessary for many IT professionals, such as software developers and programming architects.

At present, C++ developer jobs are in high demand as it’s one of the most complex coding languages to learn. Make sure to highlight your programming language skills in your web developer resume to land the best offers.

Best for	Experienced coders.
Difficulty	Hard.
Skill Requirements	Problem-solving, computer functions, and basic programming knowledge.
Use Cases	Computer programs. Operating systems. Mobile app development. Video game development. Client and server-side application development. Machine learning.
Average Programmer Income	$89,736/year
Popularity	Loved by 43.4% of Stack Overflow developers. #4 most popular programming language on PYPL as of January 2022. #4 top programming language on TIOBE as of January 2022.
Pros	Open-source. Highly versatile. Fast and powerful. Allows more control. Works well cross-device and cross-platform. Skills are easily transferable to other languages.
Cons	It can be challenging for beginners. Misuses of pointers can lead to errors. Its object-oriented structure is less efficient than other OOP-based programming languages. Lack of garbage collection.

4. JavaScript

JavaScript, in addition to HTML and CSS, is the best programming language to learn for front-end web development. 97.8% of all websites use JavaScript for their client-side scripting, making it the most popular language for the cause.

This scripting language is often used to improve a webpage’s interactivity. It enables web developers to add dynamic elements on their landing pages, such as animated graphics, clickable buttons, and mouseover effects.

JavaScript is also an excellent language for developing web apps as it offers an intuitive design.

All in all, JavaScript is a relatively easy language to learn, which makes it great for UI/UX designers, full-stack developers, and software engineers. It’s the perfect choice if you’re planning to become a website developer.

Best for	Beginners.
Difficulty	Relatively easy.
Skill Requirements	Basic coding skills and familiarity with HTML and CSS.
Use Cases	Front-end web development.Game development.Web applications.
Average Developer Income	The average salary for JavaScript programmers is $90,864/year, while the average salary for web developers is $67,131/year.
Popularity	Loved by 58.3% of Stack Overflow developers. #3 most popular programming language on PYPL as of January 2022. #7 top programming language on TIOBE as of January 2022. #4 programming language that working professionals want to learn. #2 programming language that student developers want to learn.
Pros	Open-source. Client-side JavaScript is incredibly fast as it doesn’t require compilation. Works well with other top programming languages. Great for boosting a website’s user experience and engagement.
Cons	Security issues. Unstable cross-browser performance.

5. PHP

PHP is one of the first back-end languages that many web developers find essential to learn. On top of that, PHP is used by 78.1% of all websites since it is the primary language for WordPress.

Compared to other programming languages, PHP is easy to learn. Apart from having extensive resources available for beginners, PHP syntax is elementary.

Furthermore, this programming language offers excellent PHP frameworks for website and application development. Some of the best ones include Laravel, Symfony, and CodeIgniter.

In terms of job opportunities, PHP is an in-demand open-source programming language despite being one of the oldest in the industry. PHP programmers can use this language to write command-line scripts as well as server-side scripts and develop desktop applications.

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Best for	Beginners.
Difficulty	Very easy to learn.
Skill Requirements	Basic coding skills, especially in CSS and HTML, can ease the learning process.
Use Cases	Web development.Desktop applications.Computer programs.
Average Programmer Income	$79,499/year
Popularity	Loved by 37.3% of Stack Overflow developers. #6 most popular programming language on PYPL as of January 2022. #11 top programming language on TIOBE as of January 2022.
Pros	Open-source. PHP 7 and higher is fast. Well-established for web development. Supports OOP and functional programming. Excellent community support.
Cons	Security issues. Creating a website using PHP is slower than using other programming languages. Fewer debugging tools.

6. Swift

Swift is among the more recent programming languages in today’s market. When it first launched, Swift was an alternative to Objective-C – the primary language for Apple products.

Developers shifted to Swift as it offers modern features, like concurrent programming and automatic memory management. Swift is also easier to write and faster than Objective-C.

As a result, Swift is arguably the best programming language in Apple product development and one of the fastest-growing programming languages available.

If you’re interested in developing Apple products, consider choosing Swift as your first language to learn.

Also, expertise in iOS app development is in high demand as Apple continuously becomes the biggest revenue and profit generator in the smartphone business.

Best For	Beginners.
Difficulty	Easy to read and learn.
Skill Requirements	None.
Use Cases	Software development, especially for macOS and iOS apps.
Average Programmer Income	$89,736/year
Popularity	Loved by 59.5% of Stack Overflow developers. #9 most popular programming language on PYPL as of January 2022. #10 top programming language on TIOBE as of January 2022. #7 programming language that student developers want to learn.
Pros	Open-source. 2.6x faster than Objective-C. Improved readability due to clean code. Interoperable with Objective-C. Less memory footprint.
Cons	Often considered as a young programming language despite its rapid development. Lack of support for older iOS versions.

7. Java

Java is a proprietary programming language owned by Oracle. It’s a high-level, general-purpose programming language, enabling coders to create all sorts of applications with ease.

Widely known to be a “write once, run anywhere” coding language, Java code can run smoothly in any operating system regardless of where it was written in the first place.

Java is an easy coding language due to its syntax familiarity with real-world tasks and object-oriented structure. On top of that, the new Java frameworks, including Spring and Hibernate, make it more convenient for developers to build applications.

From software engineering to back-end web development, data science, and big data, Java can do it all. Furthermore, it’s often used in financial services thanks to its robust security.

Java programmers can quickly pick up a new language due to its transferable skills. For that reason, Java can be the perfect first programming language to learn for any code enthusiast.

Besides, job demands for Java developers remain high. Choose from the various job roles, including a software engineer, a quality assurance analyst, a project manager, and a UX designer.

Best For	Beginners.
Difficulty	Considerably easy to learn.
Skill Requirements	Basic programming knowledge.
Use Cases	Mobile development. Application development. Desktop applications. Web applications. Game development. Machine learning and scientific computing.
Average Programmer Income	$93,118/year
Popularity	Loved by 44.1% of Stack Overflow developers. #2 most popular programming language on PYPL as of January 2022. #3 top programming language on TIOBE as of January 2022. #2 most popular programming language among working professionals.
Pros	Highly versatile. Easy to learn, write, compile, and debug. The new Java frameworks make developing Java programs faster. Various APIs for application development. Support multithreading.Improved security. Cross-platform compatibility.
Cons	Slow execution times. Memory-consuming.

8. Go

Go, or Golang was created for developing APIs, GUI-based desktop applications, and web applications. While it’s a young language, Go is one of the fastest-growing programming languages.

Concurrent programming is one of Go’s best features. It enables programmers to work with multicore CPUs and a massive codebase.

Combined with its excellent performance, Go concurrency makes it the perfect coding language to create algorithms, web servers, and data pipelines.

The good news is that Go’s concurrency is relatively simpler than other coding languages. With the lightweight Goroutines thread, programmers only need to add the go syntax to make a function run as a subprocess.

On top of all, Go has become one of the most popular programming languages to learn. Although it’s based on C’s discipline syntax, Go is easier to understand due to its simplicity.

Some of the best job roles for Go developers include software engineers, data scientists, back-end web developers, and AI researchers. Also, Go developers are highly paid and in higher demand than ever before.

Best For	Beginners to intermediates.
Difficulty	Easy to learn due to its clean code.
Skill Requirements	It can be easier to learn if you have solid C or Java coding skills.
Use Cases	Back-end web development. Web applications. Machine learning. System programming. Big data.
Average Developer Income	$99,627/year
Popularity	Loved by 62.3% of Stack Overflow developers. #13 most popular programming language on PYPL as of January 2022. #13 top programming language on TIOBE as of January 2022. #1 programming language that student developers and working professionals want to learn.
Pros	Open-source. Quick execution times. Simple concurrency model. Improved security. Excellent testing support and static analytic tools.
Cons	Limited library support. Lack of generic functions. Not ideal for developing complex programs.

9. SQL

Structured Query Language (SQL) is the best programming language to learn if you’re interested in data science and statistical computing. It’s a domain-specific language that lets programmers query, manipulate, and analyze data stored in a relational database.

SQL is the third most-used language based on Stack Overflow’s statistics. In terms of job opportunities, companies from all industries may need SQL developers as they’re playing a vital role in database management.

Web developers use SQL to organize the website’s database and marketers to help evaluate their marketing campaigns. Furthermore, numerous database management systems use SQL, including MySQL and MariaDB.

Therefore, it’s fair to say that SQL developers are in high demand. Fortunately, learning SQL is extremely easy as its syntax uses common English words.

Best For	Beginners.
Difficulty	Easy to learn but can be difficult when creating advanced functions.
Skill Requirements	None.
Use Cases	Data science. Back-end database management. Business intelligence tools. Sales reports.
Average Programmer Income	$88,938/year
Popularity	Loved by 56.6% of Stack Overflow developers. #9 top programming language on TIOBE as of January 2022. #1 most popular programming language among working professionals.
Pros	Faster query processing. Excellent portability. Robust security. Highly interactive. Large user community.
Cons	Not open source. Not the best programming language if you want to build applications.

10. Ruby

Ruby is another popular open-source programming language. It’s commonly used for web application development, but programmers can also use it for data analysis and prototyping.

As Ruby uses English-like syntax, learning this interpreted, general-purpose language takes less effort.

Additionally, the Ruby on Rails (RoR) framework brings many benefits, including improved web application security, low maintenance, and is suitable for full-stack development.

While many may think that Ruby is dead, this language has become one of the most stable options for website development. Therefore, if you want to scale your website and web app development skills, learning Ruby is the way to go.

Best For	Beginners.
Difficulty	Very easy to learn.
Skill Requirements	None.
Use Cases	Both front-end and back-end web development.
Average Programmer Income	$89,872/year
Popularity	Loved by 42.9% of Stack Overflow developers. #15 most popular programming language on PYPL as of January 2022. #18 top programming language on TIOBE as of January 2022.
Pros	Open-source. Fast to write and easy to debug. Effective garbage collection. Large and active community. The Ruby on Rails framework is perfect for creating a website.
Cons	Slow. Less flexible. Multithreading issues.

Conclusion

Picking the best programming language to learn highly depends on what suits your needs better.

Here are excellent programming languages to scale your web development skills:

• Client-side programming. JavaScript is the best coding language for front-end development.
• Server-side programming. Python, PHP, Go, and Ruby help databases communicate with applications at the back-end of a program.
• Web application development. C#, JavaScript, Java, Go, and Ruby are among the best programming languages for building web apps.
• Database management. This undoubtedly goes to SQL.

If you are looking for creating an application and you don’t know how to code no-code development platforms can help you build apps without coding.

Furthermore, let’s see the best coding languages for:

• Game development. C++, JavaScript, and Java are powerful programming languages for this case.
• Mobile app development. C++ and Java can provide excellent performance for the mobile apps you’re building. Also, opt for Swift if you’re interested in developing iOS apps and products.
• GUI applications. Python, C#, PHP, Java, and Go are excellent options for developing desktop apps.
• Data processing. Python, SQL, and Ruby are great for statistical computing.
• Versatility. While C++ is considerably the most versatile of all languages in this list, don’t overlook Java.
• Popularity. Python is the most popular, followed by Java, JavaScript, C++, and C#.

We hope this article will help you decide on your first programming language to learn and help you create a website. Do not forget to use the best web hosting service to ease your website development. Reach out to us in the comments if you have any questions.