Top 10 Best Programming Languages to Learn (Expert List 2024)

Top 10 Best Programming Languages to Learn in 2024 (Expert List)

Once upon a time, the world of computer programming was mysterious and exclusive, with only a handful of computer programmers with cutting-edge coding skills. Nowadays, many IT jobs require a solid grasp of the top programming languages to learn to get a job, and yes, we mean more than one. 

If you are new to software development, the difficult part of learning programming is deciding where to start. Multiple top programming languages in the world are widely used with complexities and idiosyncrasies. However, as you start your journey as a software developer, you will discover which programming language suits you, your interests, and your career goals.

What is Programming Language?

A programming language is a computer language coders use to develop software programs, scripts, or other instructions for computers to execute. Many languages share similarities; however, each has its syntax. Once a programmer familiarizes with the language’s rules, syntax, and structure, they write the source code in IDE (integrated development environment) or a text editor. Later, the programmer often compiles the code into machine language that the computer can understand. 

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Importance of Programming Language

Programming languages innovate and create eco-friendly solutions for global problems. It enhances and increases the power of computers and the Internet daily.

Moreover, it speeds up a machine’s input and output processes and is vital to automating, collecting, managing, calculating, and accurately analyzing data processing and information. Programming language helps create software and applications that help computer and mobile users daily.

Also read: Best Front End Languages for Web Development in 2024

Top Programming Languages List 2024

Choosing the best programming languages can take time and effort. To help you choose the best programming languages to learn for jobs in 2024, below is the programming language list- Let’s get started!

1. Python

A high-level, all-purpose programming language for the future is Python. It can be used for many things, including web development, prototyping, data analysis, automation, and visualization. Software engineers prefer Python as it functions properly for scripting. Moreover, it enables users to employ many programming paradigms, including procedural, imperative, object-oriented, and functional programming languages.

Among software developers, Python is popular since it works well as a scripting language. Also, it allows users to utilize various programming paradigms, including object-oriented, imperative, procedural, and functional programming languages. Furthermore, this open-source language enables programmers to modify its source code to fit their needs. So consider looking for one of the best online Python courses to learn this valuable skill.

Best forBeginners
DifficultyEasy to learn, read, and write
SkillsBasic front-end knowledge eases the learning process
Use CasesBackend web development
Desktop applications
Automation Data science
Deep learning applications
Machine learning and scientific computing
ProsOpen-source.
Highly scalable
Extensive graphical user interface (GUI) frameworks
Compatible with Mac and Windows
Ever-growing community support
ConsSlower due to being an interpreted language
Memory-consuming
Not ideal for mobile development
PlatformWeb, Desktop
PopularityLoved by 66.7% of Stack Overflow developers
Most popular programming language on PYPL
Top programming language on TIOBE
Programming language that working professionals and students want to learn

Suggested Reading: Python Developer Salary in India 2024 (Freshers & Experienced)

2. C#

C# programming follows the object-oriented paradigm. One of the best programming languages for software engineers is C# because of its enhanced stability and quick performance. With its straightforward syntax and clearly defined class structure, this programming language is more specific to learning.

Started as Microsoft’s language for the .NET framework, C# is now also compatible with Windows and Linux, so it’s arguably the best programming language to learn to develop applications based on GUI. Programmers can use C# in multiple environments to create iOS and Android apps and develop 2D and 3D games in Unity.

Best forBeginners and intermediate
DifficultyModerate
SkillsBasic knowledge of C and OPPs language approach smooths the learning process
Use CasesWeb applications
Mobile applications
Game and VR development
Linux and Mac applications
ProsFast compilation and execution times
Perfect for all Windows development types
Safer compared to C and C++, as pointers aren’t used
Large .net developers community
Extensive frameworks
ConsConsiderably steeper learning curve compared to other languages
Does not translate well cross-platform as it’s dependent on the .NET environment
PlatformCross-platform, including mobile and enterprise software applications
PopularityLoved by 59.7% of Stack Overflow developers
Most popular programming language on PYPAL
Top programming language on TIOBE
Programming language that students want to learn

3. C++

One of the most used programming languages in the world, C++ is an improved version of C. Due to its versatility, C++ is the most significant programming language to learn. Because of its speed and power, developers may quickly produce high-performing software such as web browsers, graphics software, and video games.

This language’s fast and powerful nature allows developers to create applications with excellent performance. It combines low and high-level language features, making it ideal for system programming and allowing small project abstraction. 

Also, C++ is a multi-paradigm coding language that supports OOPs generic and imperative programming. Learning C++ can be challenging for beginners because of its complex syntax than other programming languages.

Best forExperienced coders
DifficultyHard
SkillsProblem-solving, computer functions, and basic programming knowledge.
Use CasesComputer programs
Operating systems
Mobile app development
Video game development
Client and server-side application development
Machine learning
ProsOpen-source
Highly versatile
Fast and powerful
Allows more control
Works well cross-device and cross-platform
Skills are easily transferable to other languages
ConsIt can be challenging for beginners
Misuses of pointers can lead to errors
Its object-oriented structure is less efficient
Lack of garbage collection
PlatformMobile, Desktop, Embedded
PopularityLoved by 43.4% of Stack Overflow developers
Most popular programming language on PYPL
Top programming language on TIOBE

Also read: Cyber Security vs Data Science: Which is Better for Career in 2024?

4. JavaScript

The ideal computer language for front-end web development is JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. As it is the majority language for the purpose, JavaScript is client-side scripting on most of all websites.

This scripting language improves a webpage’s interactivity and enables web developers to add dynamic elements to their landing pages, such as clickable buttons, animated graphics, and mouseover effects. JavaScript is also an ideal language for developing web apps, offering an intuitive design.

Best forBeginners
DifficultyRelatively easy
SkillsBasic coding skills and familiarity with CSS and HTML
Use CasesFront-end web development
Game development
Web applications
ProsOpen-source
Client-side JavaScript is swift, as it doesn’t require compilation
Works well with other top programming languages
Great to boost a website’s user experience and engagement
ConsSecurity issues
Unstable cross-browser performance
PlatformCross-platform (desktop, mobile, web)
PopularityLoved by 58.3% of Stack Overflow developers
Most popular programming language on PYPL
Top programming language on TIOBE
Programming language that working professionals and students want to learn

5. PHP

Easy to learn, many web developers consider PHP one of the first back-end languages they must learn. Moreover, since PHP is the primary language for WordPress, it is utilized by most websites.

PHP language’s syntax is elementary. Additionally, this programming language offers excellent PHP frameworks for application development and websites. Some of the best frameworks include Laravel, Symfony, and CodeIgniter.

Best forBeginners
DifficultyEasy to learn
SkillsBasic coding skills, specially in CSS and HTML
Use CasesWeb development
Desktop applications Computer programs
ProsOpen-source
PHP 7 and higher is fast
Well-established for web development
Supports OOPs and functional programming
Wonderful community support
ConsSecurity-related issues
Creating a website using PHP is slower Fewer debugging tools
PlatformCross-platform (desktop, mobile, web)
PopularityLoved by 37.3% of Stack Overflow developers
Most popular programming language on PYPL
Top programming language on TIOBE

Interview Questions for You to Prepare for Jobs

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6. Swift

One of the modern programming languages, Swift, was originally introduced as an alternative to Objective-C, the primary language used in Apple products.

It provides modern features, like automatic memory management and concurrent programming. Also, Swift is more accessible to write and faster compared to Objective-C. Therefore, Swift is the best programming language in Apple product development and also one of the fastest-growing programming languages available.

Best forBeginners
DifficultyEasy to learn and read
SkillsNone
Use CasesSoftware development, especially for iOS apps and macOS
ProsOpen-source
2.6x faster than Objective-CImproved readability due to clean code
Interoperable with Objective-CLess memory footprint
ConsOften considered a young programming language despite its rapid development
Lack of support for older iOS versions
PlatformMobile (Apple iOS apps, specifically)
PopularityLoved by 59.5% of Stack Overflow developers
Most popular programming language on PYPL
Top programming language on TIOBE
Programming language that students want to learn

7. Java

Owned by Oracle, Java is a high-level, all-purpose programming language to create various applications. It is widely known as a “write once, run anywhere” coding language. Java code runs smoothly in any operating system, irrespective of where it was written in the first place.

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

Best forBeginners
DifficultyConsiderably easy to learn
SkillsBasic programming language
Use CasesMobile development
Application development
Desktop applications
Web applications
Game development
Machine learning and scientific computing
ProsHighly versatile
Easy to understand, write, compile, and debug
Java frameworks make developing Java programs fasterMultiple APIs for application development
Support multithreading.Improved security
Cross-platform compatibility
ConsSlow execution times
Memory-consuming
PlatformMainly Desktop
PopularityLoved by 44.1% of Stack Overflow developers
Most popular programming language on PYPLTop programming language on TIOBE
Most popular programming language among working professionals

Also read: Python Developer Salary in India 2024 (Freshers & Experienced)

8. Go

Go, often known as Golang, was developed to develop online, desktop, and API-based applications. Despite its youth, Go is one of the programming languages in the world with the quickest growth.

One of Go’s best features is Concurrent programming, enabling programmers to work with multicore CPUs and a massive codebase. With its excellent performance, Go concurrency is an ideal coding language to create algorithms, web servers, and data pipelines. 

Further, Go has become one of the top programming languages to learn. Based on C’s discipline syntax, Go is easily understood due to its simplicity.

Best forBeginners to intermediate
DifficultyEasy to learn 
SkillsIt can be easier to understand if you have solid C or Java coding skills
Use CasesBack-end web development
Web applicationsMachine learning
System programming
Big data
ProsOpen-source
Quick execution times
Simple concurrency model
Improved security
Excellent testing support and static analytic tools
ConsLimited library support
Lack of generic functions
Not ideal for developing complex programs
PlatformWeb
PopularityLoved by 62.3% of Stack Overflow developers
Most popular programming language on PYPL
Top programming language on TIOBE
Programming language that students and working professionals want to learn

9. SQL

The finest programming language to learn statistical computing and data science is Structured Query Language (SQL). Programmers can query, manipulate, and analyze data in a relational database using this domain-specific language.

As per Stack Overflow’s statistics, SQL is the third most-used language. Companies need SQL developers as they play a pivotal role in database management. Web developers use SQL for organizing the website’s database and marketers to evaluate their marketing campaigns. Additionally, numerous database management systems use SQL, including MySQL and MariaDB.

Best forBeginners
DifficultyEasy to learn. But can be difficult to create advanced functions
SkillsNone
Use CasesData science
Back-end database management
Business intelligence tools
Sales report
ProsFaster query processingExcellent portabilityRobust security
Highly interactiveLarge user community
ConsNot open source
Not the best programming language for building applications
PlatformWindows
PopularityLoved by 56.6% of Stack Overflow developers
Top programming language on TIOBE
Most popular programming language among working professionals.

10. Ruby

Another well-liked open-source programming language is Ruby. Programmers use it for prototyping and data analysis. It is frequently used for web application development. Ruby uses English-like syntax; hence, learning this interpreted, general-purpose language takes less effort.

The Ruby on Rails (RoR) framework also brings many benefits, including improved web application security and low maintenance, and is suitable for full-stack development. This language is now one of the most stable options for website development. 

Best forBeginners
DifficultyEasy to learn
SkillsNone
Use CasesBoth front-end and back-end web development
ProsOpen-source
Fast to write and easy to debug
Effective garbage collection
Large and active community
The Ruby on Rails framework is ideal for creating a website
ConsSlowLess flexibleMultithreading issues
PlatformWeb
PopularityLoved by 42.9% of Stack Overflow developers
Most popular programming language on PYPL
Top programming language on TIOBE

Best Programming Language To Learn

When beginning your programming journey, it’s only you who can answer the question of the best programming language to learn. Decide based on your career interests and the software development type you want to pursue. Here is a quick summary of the various possibilities:

  • Front-end web development: JavaScript
  • Back-end web development: Python, JavaScript, Java, PHP, Ruby
  • Mobile development: Swift, Java, C#
  • Game development: C++, C#
  • Desktop applications: Java, C++, Python
  • Systems programming: C, Rust
  • Data Science: Python, Java, SQL
  • Automation: Python, Java, C#
  • Cyber Security: Java, Javascript, Python, SQL, PHP

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Conclusion

The above-mentioned top 10 programming languages to learn in 2024 have their strengths and weaknesses, and the choice of language to learn depends on the individual’s goals and preferences. Whether you want to develop web applications, mobile applications, desktop applications, or data analysis software, a programming language on this list can meet your needs. As the technology industry continues to grow and evolve, learning new programming languages is essential for staying competitive and advancing your career.