Easiest Coding Languages to Learn
Technology is getting more sophisticated every day and the demand for programmers is soaring. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, software developers will have a 25 percent job growth rate over the next decade. As a result, many people are choosing coding careers. However, getting started can be daunting, so many people want to start off with the easiest coding languages.
Choosing one of the easiest programming languages to get started in the field can help you get familiar with simple syntax and basic coding concepts. It will help you develop a basic understanding of coding without all of the overwhelming functions of the more complex types of coding languages. In this article, we will list the 10 easiest coding languages to learn based on the following four criteria.
Easy Coding Languages: Criteria
The ideal language for beginners has a simple syntax, multiple uses, and many different learning and support resources. If you are trying to find the easiest coding languages to learn, consider these factors.
- Approachable syntax. A coding language with an approachable syntax is easier for beginners who may not have prior programming experience. In addition, a simple syntax makes the code easier to read and often leads to fewer errors.
- Numerous resources for learning. Learning a popular programming language with ample resources is always easier than learning one that is scarcely used. Complete beginners can benefit from having access to a variety of online tutorials, courses, and forums.
- Strong community. Does the language have a strong community of developers that the programmer can turn to in times of need? A strong community can make the process of learning a coding language significantly easier because you can learn from your peers and ask specific questions.
- Real-world utility. When a language has real-world utility, it can be used to address a significant number of concrete problems. Can you build websites using the language? Can it be used for artificial languages or at the backend to manage databases? In other words, is the language actually useful today?
Easiest Programming Languages
Now that you understand what defines the easiest coding languages, let’s talk about which ones you should learn first. The top 10 easiest coding languages to learn all offer different benefits to coding beginners. To decide which of the easiest programming languages is right for you, read through the descriptions below.
1. JavaScript
JavaScript changed websites forever, bringing in features that allowed them to be more user-friendly and dynamic. It is one of the all-time most-used languages, which also means that there is a huge community to help learners. It is widely used in web development, so having a basic understanding of HTML and CSS will also come in handy.
JavaScript shouldn’t be confused with Java. They are completely different languages with different syntax and use cases. Java is a compiled language, whereas JavaScript is an interpreted language. This means JavaScript doesn’t have a compilation step, which is part of what makes it one of the easiest coding languages to learn.
Another reason that JavaScript is one of the easiest programming languages is because you can write fragments of code and test them as you go. This is helpful for beginners because they can identify mistakes before they have 20 lines of code to go through.
2. Ruby
Ruby is a high-level programming language. It has the popular Ruby on Rails framework, which is useful for full stack web development. Learning Ruby is easy because it reads just like English, and you don’t need to learn a lot of commands. It is also one of the easiest coding languages because it is very concise, so you don’t need a lot of code to accomplish something.
Ruby on Rails is a framework, so it is essentially a collection of Ruby shortcuts. Since it was originally designed for coding games, Ruby can be used to build a lot of things, not just websites. However, website construction remains its most common application.
3. Python
If you ask any online forum, “what is the easiest programming language to learn?”, chances are many responses will be Python. This is largely because Python is a relatively simple language. It is very readable and easy to follow. In fact, the commands read similar to the English language.
Python is a scripting language that allows you to write a lot of code and achieve basic outputs even if you are a beginner. It is open source and free, and there are a lot of tools and documentation available for learning Python online. Beginners can turn to official sources such as Python.org for tutorials and to connect with other Python software developers.
Developers use Python to build desktop and web apps. Additionally, Python has great tools for data mining. It is favored by scientists and researchers all over the world and is extensively used in scientific projects. It is the most popular programming language in the world according to the TIOBE Index.
4. PHP
As an open source scripting language, there are a variety of resources online to help beginners learn PHP, which is part of what makes it one of the easiest coding languages. If you are just starting your programming journey, you can use sources like PHP.net or various training courses online to start learning this versatile programming language.
Another reason PHP is one of the easiest programming languages to learn is that it can be easily set up on a web server, meaning there is no need to download additional software in order to code in PHP. Further, scripting languages are generally much easier to use and lead to greater productivity. PHP scripts are used in server-side scripting, command-line scripting, and desktop application development.
Another benefit is that PHP can be used on all the major operating systems, including macOS, Linux, Unix variants, and Microsoft Windows. If you are building a small or medium-sized application that involves software like Linux, Apache, or MySQL, then PHP is the right choice.
5. Java
Java is one of the most popular languages and an excellent choice for beginners because it is easy to learn and can be used to build a wide range of applications. It has a simple syntax that is similar to English, which makes it more accessible to individuals without any coding knowledge.
Java is also used for object oriented programming which also makes coding concepts easier to understand for beginners. Plus, whether you want to use Java for app development or chatbots, there is a large community of Java developers within the tech industry that can help you learn and troubleshoot your code.
6. SQL
SQL is one of the easiest coding languages to learn because it features a syntax that includes common English words. With this, even if you do not have any coding experience, you will be able to easily identify and understand what SQL functions can do. In fact, beginner tutorials can help you learn the basics of programming in SQL in a matter of weeks.
SQL is primarily used when working with databases. Having more specific applications than a general-purpose programming language also makes it easier to learn. Plus, according to data from Statista, SQL is the third most-used programming language worldwide, which means it comes with a huge community of resources and support.
7. Go
Go, otherwise known as Golang, is one of the easiest programming languages for beginners because it was specifically created to have a clean syntax and a small set of features. Due to this, as well as the fact that it compiles straight from the binary file, it is a very efficient language.
The language also features built-in concurrency functions, called Goroutines, which help beginners easily learn about concurrency and use it without having to do any advanced coding or create threads. Google actually created this open source language to improve programming efficiency and reduce the complexities created in other languages.
8. Swift
Now that we have covered a coding language created by Google, let’s take a look at a language created by Apple. Swift is another one of the easiest coding languages, and Apple actually designed it to be easy to learn for beginners. It features simple syntax and readable code.
Beginners can also easily learn the basic functions of Swift by using Swift Playgrounds, which is Apple’s mobile application that provides gamified lessons and beginner tutorials on Swift. The language is mostly used by iOS mobile app developers but it can also be used for Apple TV, Apple Watch, and Mac apps.
9. HTML
Although HTML is technically not a programming language, it is still one of the core languages used in web development. As a markup language, HTML is used to structure web pages and their content. However, because it is one of the most straightforward languages used in web development, it also has a rightful place on the list of the easiest coding languages.
Thankfully, there is a wide range of educational resources online for web development. From free courses to interactive tutorials, there are many different ways to develop HTML skills. Learning HTML can serve as a great stepping stone into the broader world of coding. By mastering the basic concepts of HTML, you will be able to create your own web pages.
10. CSS
Similarly to HTML, CSS is not actually a programming language. Rather, it is a stylesheet language that is used to customize the appearance of web pages. It is also on our list of the easiest coding languages to learn because it is one of the first languages that aspiring web developers will learn about.
CSS stands for Cascading Style Sheets and is most often used to stylize HTML code. It is one of the fundamental disciplines to learn for building websites, so there are many useful online courses, tutorials, forums, and events surrounding CSS.
Which Programming Language Should I Learn First?
The programming language that you should learn first will depend on your career goals and reasons for learning to code. If you want to go into data science, the easiest coding language to learn first is SQL. Meanwhile, if you want to be a web developer, JavaScript is a great place to start. When choosing a programming language to learn, consider the utility of the language and how it aligns with what you want to achieve.
Easiest Programming Languages for Beginners
JavaScript and Python are two of the best programming languages for beginners. They are both widely used and feature a simple syntax. Other great coding languages for beginners include Go and Swift because they don’t have complicated functions. Overall, when you are looking for beginner coding languages, look for simple ones that have ample learning resources and robust communities you can turn to for support.
Where to Learn the Easiest Coding Languages
Even when you are learning one of the easiest coding languages for beginners, doing it completely on your own can be overwhelming. To help your programming journey go a bit smoother, you can join bootcamps or online courses. Below, you can discover many different schools, organizations, and resources that will help you build coding skills and master the easiest programming languages.
Coding Bootcamps
Coding bootcamps are a great way to master easy coding languages quickly. These programs are designed to help coding beginners become job ready in just a few months. Aside from teaching students in-demand coding skills, coding bootcamps also offer career services that empower students to launch programming careers.
Coding Bootcamps That Teach the Easiest Programming Languages
Massive Open Online Courses
Today, there are online courses on nearly every topic, including easy programming languages like Ruby, Python, and PHP. Online education providers like edX, Coursera, and Udemy offer a wide range of coding courses, oftentimes for free. Sometimes, these courses are even offered in partnership with leading universities and tech companies.
MOOCs for Easy Coding Languages
- Python for Everybody Specialization From University of Michigan via Coursera
- Learn PHP Programming From Scratch via Udemy
- Introduction to Web Development with HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript From IBM via edX
- Learn to Code with Ruby via Udemy
- iOS App Development with Swift Specialization From University of Toronto via Coursera
Online Resources
Aside from bootcamps and online courses, there are a variety of other resources that can help coding beginners learn some of the easiest programming languages. From tutorials to text-based lessons to interactive exercises, the resources below can help you master an easy coding language.
Resources to Learn Easy Programming Languages Online
- freeCodeCamp
- Sololearn
- Tutorials Point
- W3Schools
- Pythonspot
College
You can also learn some of the easiest coding languages by getting a college degree in a subject like computer science, information technology, or game development. However, these programs take two to four years. In addition, they will cover much more than just the easiest programming languages. If you opt for a college degree, you will study a well-rounded curriculum that covers a variety of advanced topics.
What Jobs Can I Get by Knowing an Easy Coding Language?
You can get jobs like software engineer and web developer by learning an easy coding language. In fact, some of the easiest programming languages to get a job, like Python and JavaScript, are still used by advanced developers. Check out some of the coding careers you can pursue and how much you can earn after learning one of the coding languages in this article.
| Role | Easy Coding Languages Used | Average Salary | Job Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | Python, JavaScript, Ruby, Java, PHP | $120,990 | 25% |
| Web Developer | HTML, CSS, JavaScript | $81,320 | 23% |
| Mobile App Developer | Java, Python, Go, Swift | $120,990 | 25% |
| Data Analyst | SQL, Python, Java | $100,910 | 36% |
| Cyber Security Engineer | Python, JavaScript, PHP, SQL | $102,600 | 35% |
Is Programming Easy?
Though programming is a highly technical topic, it can be easy if you use the right learning resources. The languages listed above are some of the easiest programming languages to learn, and resources like bootcamps and online courses can help you understand the fundamentals quickly.
When deciding which of the easiest coding languages to learn first, reflect on what exactly you want to do. Learning to program will be easier if you pick a language that aligns well with your educational and career goals. Overall, the answer to “Is programming easy?” will vary from person to person. However, if you apply yourself and take full advantage of the resources available, you can have a solid grasp of coding within the year.
Easiest Coding Languages to Learn FAQ
The easiest programming language for game development is Python. The object oriented language is accessible for coding beginners because of its simple syntax. However, it also has a variety of features that are great for game development, such as many gaming-based libraries.
Malbolge is often considered the hardest programming language to learn. In fact, it took several years to write the first Malbolge program. In addition, INTERCAL, Haskell. Lisp, and C++ are also some of the hardest programming languages to learn.
The most useful coding languages include Python, JavaScript, PHP, Ruby, C++, and Java. All of these common programming languages have a range of applications and are used throughout the tech industry. In fact, they are all general-purpose languages, so they are useful to learn for a variety of niches.
Python and JavaScript are two of the fastest programming languages to learn. You can learn the basics of these languages in a couple of months and master them within a year. However, you can learn these languages and move on to finding career opportunities even faster by enrolling in an intensive coding bootcamp.
