5 Best Programming Languages to Learn in 2022 (for Beginners)

With so many programming languages to choose from, you can get overwhelmed with choices when picking a language to learn. This can come with a lot of anxiety about choosing the ‘right’ language.

If you are new to programming, this article will guide you through the best programming languages to learn, especially if you want to have a career in software development.

Criteria in choosing the top programming languages

The top languages highlighted here were chosen based on several key criteria including:

• Career Potential. The languages selected have high average salaries and a high chance of getting a job.
• Range of applications. The top programming languages are versatile and can be used in several programming paths.
• The popularity of the programming language. The languages selected are popular and this means that they have large communities and numerous learning resources. This will make your learning journey easier and faster.
• Language features. The languages selected will help you learn the fundamentals of programming and expose you to different programming paradigms.

If you want to go deeper on how to choose a programming language to learn, see my article on how to choose a programming language.

A detailed look at top programming languages for beginners

1. Python

Python was created in the late 1980s by Guido van Rossum as a replacement for ABC programming language. Over the years, Python has gained popularity due to its use in machine learning and data science.

Python currently ranks as the most popular programming language on both the TIOBE and PYPL popularity rankings (as of September 2022). ^{[1] [2]}

#1. Why Should You Learn Python?

Here are some of the top benefits of Python

• It is one of the easiest programming languages to learn.
• It has good career prospects in terms of job availability and salaries.
• It has a wide range of applications including machine learning, data science, web development, automation scripting, and game development.
• Python has plenty of popular and useful libraries such as TensorFlow, Pandas, and NumPy.
• It has powerful frameworks and micro-frameworks such as  Django and Flask.
• It has a large supportive online community. For example, it has 978k + members on Reddit.
• It has plenty of learning resources online.
• Python has good integration with other programming languages such as C (with. CPython), Ruby (through RubyPython), and Java (through Jython).

If you want a deep dive into why Python should be the first language you learn, see Why learn Python?

#2. What is Python Used For?

Python has many real-world applications such as. ^[7]

• Artificial Intelligence and Machine learning. Some popular machine-learning libraries for python include Keras, TensorFlow, and Scikit-learn.
• Data science Popular Python data science libraries include Numpy (data analysis), Matplotlib (data visualization), and SciPy (high-level computations) among many others.
• Web development. Python is used for back-end development using frameworks like Django and Flask.
• Game development. Python is used to develop 2D and 3D games using libraries like PySoy, and Pygame. Popular games that use python include Battlefield 2, Civilization IV, and Vega Strike.

#3. Is Python Easy to Learn?

Python is considered to be one of the easiest programming languages to learn because of:

• Simple syntax and weak typing. This makes it easy to read and write Python.
• Plenty of high-quality learning resources.
• A large community from where you can seek help.
• Powerful frameworks, tools, and libraries aid the development of complex software.

#4. Employment Opportunities for Python Developers

Here is what a Python developer is paid (and the number of jobs available).

• Salaries: A Python developer is paid an average annual salary of US$112,448 (51k to 161k) in the United States. ^[3]
• Job Availability: There were 389,917jobs available for Python developers in the United States (as of September 2022). ^[4]

#5. Who Should Learn Python as a First Language?

You should learn Python as a first language if:

• If you are interested in machine learning and data science.
• If you are a newbie to programming and have no preference for a particular language. Python is considered one of the easiest programs to learn.
• If you are a hobby programmer. It is great for writing useful scripts easily and for hobby projects like Raspberry Pi.
• You want versatility. Python has a wide variety of applications.

#6. Best Courses for Learning Python

Here are some top courses you should consider for learning Python.

2. JavaScript

JavaScript was developed in 1995 by Brendan Eich. Eich was hired by Netscape to develop a language that would add interactivity to Netscape Navigator, a pioneering web browser.

JavaScript has become one of the core web technologies alongside HTML and CSS. 98% of websites use JavaScript as a client-side programming language. ^[8]

#1. Why Should You Learn JavaScript?

Here are the biggest benefits of JavaScript.

• It is a core language for web development.
• It is considered easier to learn compared to other languages especially popular languages like C++ or Java.
• It has good career prospects in terms of employment and salaries.
• It has a massive online community. For example, it has 2.1+ million members on Reddit.
• It has a great runtime environment (i.e Node.js) that enables the use of JavaScript outside the browser (including for server-side scripting).
• It has a wide selection of libraries, frameworks, and tools.
• JavaScript has a large online community and plenty of learning resources.

#2. What is JavaScript Used For?

Javascript is a versatile language and it has a variety of applications. You can use it for: ^[9]

• Web development. It is widely for front-end web development but is also popular for back-end development (using Node.js). You can create websites and web apps using frameworks like React, Angular, and Vue.
• Mobile app development. You can create cross-platform mobile applications with native functionalities using libraries and frameworks like React Native and Vue Native.
• Desktop app development. JavaScript can also be used to create cross-platform desktop apps using libraries, frameworks, and tools like Electron, Meteor, and Proton Native.
• Game development. JavaScript is commonly used for browser-based games. There are plenty of libraries and engines available such as Babylon.js, Phaser, and Pixi JS.
• Machine learning. You can use your JavaScript knowledge in machine learning using libraries like Tensorflow.js.

#3. Is  JavaScript Easy to Learn?

JavaScript is fairly easy to learn because of the following reasons:

• It is an interpreted language and this makes debugging easier compared to compiled languages.
• It has a large community from where you can seek help.
• There is good availability of learning resources online.
• It has plenty of great frameworks, tools, and libraries.

#4. Employment Opportunities for JavaScript Developers

Here is what a JavaScript developer is paid (and the number of jobs available).

• Salaries: A JavaScript developer is paid an average annual salary of US$104,378 (38k to 164k) in the United States. ^[3]
• Job Availability: There were 189,723 jobs available for JavaScript developers in the United States (as of September 2022). ^[4]

#5. Who Should Learn JavaScript as a First Language?

You should consider learning JavaScript as your first language if:

• You are interested in web development. JavaScript is the dominant language used in creating websites and web applications (together with HTML and CSS).
• You need versatility. Besides web development, JavaScript is used in diverse programming paths such as mobile and desktop app development, blockchain app development, and cyber security.

#6. Top Courses for Learning JavaScript

Here are some top courses you should consider for learning JavaScript (all paid)

3. C#

C# was created by Anders Hejlsberg from Microsoft in 2000. It was created as a language for developing applications for the Windows ecosystem using the .NET framework.

Microsoft later released the open-source .NET that enabled developers to make cross-platform applications.

#1. Why Should You Learn C#?

• It has good career prospects in terms of employment and salaries.
• You can create a wide range of applications using C# including cross-platform enterprise desktop software, games, web applications, and mobile apps.
• It has powerful libraries and frameworks such as the .NET framework
• There is a large C# online community online. For example, it has 200k + members on Reddit.
• It has plenty of learning resources available.
• Microsoft Support. This means that C# and the frameworks/libraries will continue to be supported in the future.

#2. What is C# Used For?

C# is a versatile language and it has a variety of applications. You can use it for: ^[10]

• Desktop app development. You can create cross-platform desktop and console apps (for Windows, Mac, Linux) using .NET.
• Game development. You can create 2D, 3D, and VR games using Unity, CryEngine, and MonoGame. Unity game engine is the most popular game engine and more than a third of top games are developed using Unity.
• Mobile app development. You can develop native mobile apps for Android, IOS, and Windows using Xamarin and .NET.

#3. Is C# Easy to Learn?

C# is considered to be moderately easy to learn for the following reasons.

• You can seek help from the large C# community on various platforms
• There is good availability of C# learning resources online.
• You can use frameworks such as .NET to simplify the process of creating complex software.

#4. Employment Opportunities for C# Developers

Here is what a C# developer is paid (and the number of jobs available).

• Salaries: A C# developer is paid an average annual salary of US$107,939 (85k to 129k) in the United States. ^[5]
• Job Availability: There were 80,611 jobs available for C# developers in the United States (as of September 2022). ^[6]

#5. Who Should Learn C# as a First Language?

Although C# is quite versatile, there are some uses for which it is particularly useful. Learn C# if:

• You want to do game development using the Unity game engine.
• You want to do software development for the windows platform and want to work with Microsoft stacks.

#6. Best Courses for Learning C#

Here are some top courses you should consider for learning C#

4. C++

C++ was created by Bjarne Stroustrup in 1979 at Bell Labs as an enhancement of the C language, enabling it to support classes and objects.

C++ has become popular for creating applications that require speed and control over the system resources. It is used in many different industries including telecommunications, cyber security, robotics, and entertainment (game development).

#1. Why Should You Learn C++?

Here are the biggest benefits of C++.

• It has a wide range of uses, especially for applications that require efficient memory usage and fast speeds and such as games, enterprise desktop software, cloud applications, and embedded systems. 
• It has a great Standard Template Library (STL). C++ has a good variety of inbuilt libraries that simplifies the process of software development.
• It is great for learning the foundations of programming including the different types of programming paradigms. Also, other languages like C, C#, and Java have similar syntax and it will be easier for you to pick them up.
• It has plenty of learning resources.

#2. What is C++ Used For?

C++ is fast, resource-efficient, and gives a high degree of control. This makes it useful for a variety of tasks where these advantages are required. C++ is commonly used for. ^[11]

• Desktop software development. Many GUI-based enterprise desktop software such as Microsoft Office, Adobe Software, and Visual Studio are written in C++.
• Game development. C++ is used to develop complex multiplayer VR and 3D games as well as for building game engines. Game engines like Unreal Engine and Unity are written in C++. You can also develop games in Unreal Engine using C++.
• Embedded Systems. C++ is used to create applications that are optimized to run devices with low computational power. Such devices include smart appliances, smart watches, TVs, and medical devices.

#3. Is C++ Easy to Learn?

C++ is considered a tougher language to learn compared to other high-level languages such as Python, Ruby, and JavaScript.

However, because C++ has been around for a long time, there are plenty of learning resources and a helpful community around it. Also, with a good foundation in C++, it might be easier to pick up other high-level languages.

#4. Employment Opportunities for C++ Developers

Here is what a C++ developer is paid (and the number of jobs available).

• Salaries: A C++ Developer is paid an average annual salary of US$108,820 (68k to 145k) in the United States. ^[3]
• Job Availability: There were 65,039 jobs available for C++ developers in the United States (as of September 2022). ^[6]

#5. Who Should Learn C++ as a First Language?

You should learn C++ as a first language if:

• You want to develop enterprise software.
• You want to work with embedded systems in fields such as robotics, the Internet of Things (IoT), and smart appliances.
• You want to work in gaming (using platforms like Unreal Engine) or you want to create gaming engines.
• If you want to learn solid foundations of programming and are willing to put in the effort required to be great at the language.

#6. Best Courses for Learning C++

Here are some top courses you should consider for learning C++.

5. Java

Java was created in the early 1990s by James Gosling and his team at Sun Microsystems. It was originally developed for use in the television industry but found widespread use in enhancing interactivity on the web (through Java applets).

Today, Java is used in a variety of applications due to its ability to create cross-platform applications and it is a popular language in many large organizations.

#1. Why Should You Learn Java?

Here are the main advantages of Java.

• It has good career opportunities in terms of salaries and job availability.
• It has a wide range of uses including desktop development, mobile development, big data, microservices, and web development.
• It has a large community online. For example, it has 266k+ members on Reddit.
• There are numerous free and paid learning resources available.
• Java has good integration with other languages like Python (with Jython) and Ruby (with JRuby).
• It is platform-independent (Write Once Run Anywhere). This makes it a great language for developing cross-platform applications.
• It has a great runtime environment (i.e. Java Virtual Machine) that includes a JIT compiler that speeds up interpreted languages like Java and Scala.
• It has a good selection of libraries, tools, and frameworks such as Spring, Maven, Mockito, and Swing.
• It has support from Oracle which means that Java development will continue well into the future.

#2. What is Java Used For?

Java is used for a variety of applications including ^[12]

• Desktop software development. Java is used in the development of cross-platform desktop software (especially enterprise software). Java has powerful libraries and frameworks for GUI development such as Java FX.
• Mobile application development. Java was the primary language for Android app development until 2019 when Google shifted to Kotlin. There is still an opportunity for the maintenance of legacy android apps written in Java.
• Web development. You can use Java to build fast and scalable web applications and APIs using the Java Spring Framework.
• Big data. Java is also heavily used in big data processing tools like Hadoop, Spark, and Mahout.

#3. Is Java Easy to Learn?

Java is moderately difficult to learn compared to languages like Python and JavaScript because:

• Its syntax is quite verbose.
• Installation can be complicated for beginners

On the positive side, Java has a large community, numerous learning resources, and plenty of libraries, tools, and frameworks. This makes the task of developing complex software much easier.

#4. Employment Opportunities for Java Developers

Here is what a Java developer is paid (and the number of jobs available).

• Salaries: A Java developer is paid an average annual salary of US$106,630 (41k to 156k) in the United States. ^[3]
• Job Availability: There were 252,071 jobs available for Java developers in the United States (as of September 2022). ^[4]

#5. Who Should Learn Java as a First Language?

You should learn Java as a first language if:

• You primarily want to work with enterprise software, especially legacy software.
• You want to work with big data.
• You want to work with android. While most people now prefer Kotlin for android development, there are still older apps that will need to be maintained.

#6. Best Courses for Learning Java

Here are some great courses for learning Java.

Special Mentions

The following programming languages did not make it to the top 5 shortlist for various reasons but they would be great to pick up as a second language and in some cases as a first language.

#1. SQL

Many programming tasks will require interaction with databases. Given that SQL is the language of databases, it is an important language to learn.

It did not make the top 5 because of its limited scope but it is a great language to learn if:

• You want to work in database careers (such as database development or administration).
• You will be creating applications that require databases (websites, mobile apps, desktop apps, and games).
• You want to work in careers or programming paths that require extensive use of databases such as data science, data engineering, or machine learning.

#2. Rust

Rust is a lower-level language (similar to C/C++). It was developed to address some of the shortcomings of C/C++ such as memory management and concurrency. ^[13]

Rust was a strong contender for the top 5 languages but did not make the short-list because of its high learning curve and the fact that it doesn’t have a large ecosystem like C or C++. Beginners might find it difficult to find adequate learning resources.

You can consider learning Rust if you want to get into programming paths where speed, direct access to hardware, and efficient resource use are important. These include:

• Operating Systems development. Some operating systems such as Redox and QuiltOs have been written in Rust.
• Embedded systems. This makes it important in the Internet of Things (IoT).
• Blockchain development. Rust has been used in coding popular blockchains like Solana and Polkadot. It has also been partly used in Ethereum and Cardano.
• WebAssembly. Rust is used in the creation of very fast web apps using WebAssembly (WASM).

#3. HTML and CSS

These are technically not programming languages but markup and styling languages. They did not get into the top 5 because their use is mostly limited to web development.

You should learn HTML and CSS if:

• You want to get into web development. Together with JavaScript, they are crucial for the development of websites and web apps.
• You are a hobby programmer. These are easy to learn and you can produce a website after only a few hours of learning. This is quite motivating for a beginner.
• You want to be a freelancer. There is a high demand from people and businesses wishing to have websites.

#4. PHP

PHP is one of the most popular programming languages (Ranks 6^th on the PYPL Index and 11^th on the TIOBE Index). ^{[1] [2]}

It is a key language for web development given that PHP is used to code WordPress. WordPress is the primary Content Management System (CMS) for over 55% of all websites. ^[14]

PHP did not make it to the top 5 because its applications are mostly limited to web development. You should learn PHP if.

• You want to get into web development especially if you want to work with WordPress. You can also do back-end development using Laravel, a powerful framework for PHP.
• You want to be a freelancer. There are plenty of opportunities for creating and troubleshooting WordPress themes and plugins.
• You want to work in web security. WordPress sites face a lot of hacking attempts due to their popularity. This is a niche you can consider if you want to pursue the cyber security path.

#5. R

R is a popular language for data science and machine learning. R did not make the short-list because of its limited scope and because Python can do most of what R does.

You should learn R if:

• You want to work in statistics, data science, and machine learning. R is especially good for data analysis and may have an advantage over Python in the availability of some of the data analysis libraries.
• You are in academia, either as a student or a professor. A lot of institutions of higher learning use R for teaching data analysis.

#6. Swift, Kotlin, or Dart

If you plan to primarily be a mobile app developer, you can consider learning Swift, Kotlin, or Dart as your first languages.

• Swift is used in the development of applications for the Apple ecosystem. You can develop apps for Mac, iOs, and Apple watch.
• Kotlin is used to develop native android apps. You can also use it to develop cross-platform apps.
• Dart is a language developed by Google and it is used to develop cross-platform apps (desktop, mobile, web) using the Flutter platform.

These three languages did not make the shortlist due to their limited application outside the mobile app development path.

Wrapping Up

Hopefully, this article has enabled you to come up with the right programming language you can learn as your first language.

To summarize which languages you should be learning:

• If you want to work with machine learning or data science, go with Python or R.
• If you wish to work in front-end web development, learn JavaScript, HTML, and CSS.
• If you wish to work in back-end web development, learn PHP, Python, JavaScript, Java, C# or Ruby.
• If you want to work in desktop development learn C#, C++, JavaScript, Java, Python, or Dart (with Flutter).
• If you want to work in mobile app development learn Swift, Kotlin, JavaScript, or Dart (with Flutter).
• If you are passionate about game development consider learning C#, C++, Python, or JavaScript.
• If you want to work with embedded systems, operating systems, enterprise software, or blockchain core development go with C++ or Rust.
• If working with big data, enterprise software, web applications, or legacy android is your thing, go with Java.
• If you want to work with databases, go with SQL.

Learning Programming FAQs

Here are some commonly asked questions about learning programming languages.

#1. Which programming language should you learn first?

If you want a quick recommendation on which language to learn first, I would suggest Python. Python has many important benefits that you can read about here.

#2. Which language is easiest to learn?

Of the top programming languages on this list, Python and JavaScript are generally considered easier to learn for beginners. C# is moderately difficult to learn while Java and C++ are seen as fairly difficult to learn.

However, you should not avoid learning a language just because it has a high learning curve. If you are interested in a particular programming path, go for it and give it your best shot. Also, the level of difficulty is quite subjective and will vary from person to person.

#3. Which are the highest-paying programming languages?

According to a 2022 survey by StackOverflow, the top 3 highest-paying programming languages are: ^[15]

• Clojure with an average salary of $106,644
• Erlang with an average salary of $103,000
• F# with an average salary of $95,526