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The 15 Best Programming Languages to Learn in 2025
By David Yang
Last Updated 11/1/2024
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.
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:
Procedural Programming Languages: These languages focus on breaking down problems into step-by-step procedures. C, Cobol, BASIC, and Pascal are popular examples.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Best Programming Languages to Learn in 2025
With over 700 programming languages to choose from, you’re likely wondering which programming language is the best to learn. Your choice will ultimately depend on your skill level, career goals, and which languages employers are using in their organizations. To help you get started, here are the 15 best programming languages to learn in 2025.
1. 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
Average Salary: JavaScript developers earn around $116,340 annually (Indeed, Oct 2024).
At Fullstack Academy, we chose to focus our curriculum on Javascript back in 2013. Today, as a leader in the tech education space, Fullstack Academy continues to primarily teach full stack JavaScript across all our coding bootcamps for 2025—including our Software Engineering Immersive and Grace Hopper Program for women and nonbinary coders.
2. 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)
Average Salary: Python developers earn around $125,102 per year (Indeed, Oct 2024)
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
Average Salary: $116,507 (Glassdoor, Jun 2024)
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4. TypeScript
Over the last several years, TypeScript has grown in popularity, with close to 40% of developers using the programming language, according to Stack Overflow's 2024 Developer's Survey. Once you learn JavaScript, TypeScript is simple to learn because it’s an open-source programming language that builds on JavaScript and works on all the same environments. That makes it one of the best programming languages to learn for beginners. According to the TypeScript website, several well-known companies are utilizing the programming language, including Google, Airbnb, and Slack.
Key Features:
JavaScript synchronicity: Code written in TypeScript compiles to regular JavaScript, ensuring compatibility with existing web technologies.
Static typing features: Features like code completion and refactoring make development smoother.
Pros of TypeScript | Cons of TypeScript |
Elevates JavaScript by adding features for better organization and error prevention | Requires additional learning compared to plain JavaScript |
Leverages the vast resources and libraries available for JavaScript | Its compilation can add a slight overhead to development workflow |
Gaining traction in the job market as large-scale web applications become more complex | Type annotations can impact readability by adding extra code |
Prerequisites: Learning TypeScript requires prior JavaScript proficiency.
Skills Needed: As with JavaScript, TypeScript requires an understanding of object-oriented programming.
Platform: All major operating systems (compiles to JavaScript)
Use Cases:
Large-scale web applications
Building enterprise-grade web applications
Maintaining complex codebases written in JavaScript
Front-end development with frameworks like Angular and React
Average Salary: $105,604 (Glassdoor, June 2024)
5. Go
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
Average Salary: $117,070 (Indeed, Oct 2024)
6. Swift
Swift has become the go-to language for building modern iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS applications. Developed by Apple in 2014, Swift is a relatively new programming language used to develop iOS and macOS applications. Swift has been optimized for performance and built from the ground up to match the realities of modern iOS development, making it one of the best programming languages to learn for aspiring iOS developers. These developers are likely to remain in-demand as Apple products continue to be the most profitable in the mobile app marketplace.
Key Features:
Modern Design: Swift offers a safe, readable, and expressive syntax for efficient development.
Platform Integration: It seamlessly integrates with Apple's development tools and frameworks.
Safety Features: Swift emphasizes memory safety and type safety, reducing crashes and errors.
Pros of Swift | Cons of Swift |
Safe and readable | Limited use outside of Apple's platforms |
Powerful and expressive | Smaller developer community compared to some languages |
Modern and efficient | May require additional learning for developers new to Apple's ecosystem |
Prerequisites: Those looking to specialize in Apple programming ideally are interested in iOS functionality.
Skills Needed: Coders working in Swift should have some existing familiarity with Apple's development tools (Xcode)
Platform: Apple platforms (iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS)
Use Cases:
Building native iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS applications
Developing games and multimedia applications for Apple devices
Average Salary: $119,319 (Indeed, Oct 2024)
7. 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
Average Salary: $155,210 (Glassdoor, June 2024)
Additionally, anyone who is interested in VR development should consider learning C#. C# is the recommended language for building 3D and 2D video games using the popular Unity game engine, which produces one-third of the top games on the market.
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8. 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
Average Salary: $91,234 (Indeed, Oct 2024)
9. Kotlin
Kotlin, a modern and concise language backed by JetBrains and Google, has become the preferred choice for Android app development. Its focus on developer experience and interoperability with Java makes it a powerful tool for building high-quality Android applications.
Key Features:
Concise syntax: Kotlin offers a clean and readable code structure, making it easier to learn and maintain.
Null safety: It helps prevent crashes caused by null pointer exceptions, leading to more robust applications.
Java compatibility: Kotlin code can seamlessly integrate with existing Java codebases used in Android development.
Pros of Kotlin | Cons of Kotlin |
Clean and maintainable code | Smaller ecosystem of libraries and resources, compared to Java |
Increasing resources and support available | Java developers might need to adjust to Kotlin's syntax and features |
The preeminent choice for Android development | Not as widely used outside of the Android ecosystem |
Prerequisites: Proficiency in Java programming helps coders to master Kotlin quickly.
Skills Needed: Coders should understand Android development and object-oriented programming concepts.
Platform: Primarily Android development (also runs on other platforms like JVM and web)
Use Cases:
Building native Android applications
Developing cross-platform mobile apps (with frameworks like React Native)
Server-side development (limited use cases)
Average Salary: Android developers with Kotlin language skills earn around $131,852 per year (Indeed, Oct 2024)
10. 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
Average Salary: $121,751 (Indeed, Oct 2024)
11. C and C++
C and C++, often referred to together, are fundamental languages that have shaped the programming landscape. Their granular control over hardware and performance makes them the go-to choices for system programming and high-performance applications.
Key Features:
High performing: C and C++ offer exceptional performance and direct hardware manipulation, ideal for resource-intensive tasks.
Portable and versatile: Code written in C/C++ can be compiled and run on various platforms with minimal changes.
Low-level access: These languages are designed to provide deep control over memory management and system resources.
Pros of C and C++ | Cons of C and C++ |
Foundational for many popular operating systems and libraries | C and C++ can be challenging to learn due to their complexity and lower-level nature |
Enable developers to create applications that utilize hardware resources to the maximum potential | Manual memory management in C requires careful attention to avoid errors |
Ideal for performance-demanding tasks like game development and embedded systems | Not the most suitable languages for those new to programming |
Prerequisites: A solid understanding of programming is recommended.
Skills Needed: C and C++ coders first need a strong understanding of computer architecture and memory management, plus familiarity with algorithms and data structures.
Platform: Multiple platforms (Windows, macOS, Linux)
Use Cases:
Operating system development
Game development (high-performance games)
Embedded systems programming
Performance-critical applications
Average Salary: $128,292 (Indeed, Oct 2024)
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12. Scala
Scala, a blend of object-oriented and functional programming paradigms, has gained traction for building scalable and maintainable applications. Its focus on expressiveness and static typing makes it a compelling choice for complex enterprise software development.
Key Features:
Functional programming with object-oriented power: This combination drives the strengths of both coding types, offering flexibility and code reusability.
Strong static typing: The scala development process catches errors early in the development process, leading to more robust applications.
Concise Syntax: It promotes clean and readable code, improving maintainability for large projects.
Pros of Scala | Cons of Scala |
Well-suited for building large and complex applications that require long-term maintenance | Scala's blend of coding types and static typing can be more challenging to learn compared to some languages |
Allows developers to write concise yet powerful code, improving readability | Compared to more widely used languages, the job market for Scala developers may be smaller |
Benefits from a growing community and ecosystem of libraries and frameworks | Scala's complexity might not be the best choice for those new to programming |
Prerequisites: An intermediate understanding of object-oriented programming concepts is necessary to learning Scala.
Skills Needed: Prior knowledge of functional programming concepts is helpful, while experience with building large-scale applications is desirable.
Platform: Java Virtual Machine (JVM)
Use Cases:
Building enterprise applications
Big data processing (Spark)
Developing scalable and maintainable web applications
Functional programming projects
Average Salary: $147,295 (Glassdoor, June 2024)
13. 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
Average Salary: $93,612 (Glassdoor, June 2024)
14. 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
Average Salary: $91,154 (Glassdoor, June 2024)
15. 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)
Average Salary: $126,948 (Glassdoor, June 2024)
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How to Choose The Best Programming Languages to Learn
With a vast array of programming languages available, selecting the right one can be daunting. Here are some key factors to consider while you’re choosing the best programming languages to learn:
Your Interests: Are you drawn to web development, mobile app creation, data analysis, or something else? Align your choice with your programming goals.
Prior Experience: If you're a beginner, start with a beginner-friendly language. If you have some coding experience, consider expanding your skillset with a language that complements your existing knowledge.
Job Market Demand: Research in-demand languages within your desired field. Learning a language with high job market relevance can boost your career prospects.
Learning Resources: Choose a language with abundant learning resources like tutorials, documentation, and online communities to support your journey.
Once you have identified the best programming languages to learn, you could start with online resources like online tutorials, communities, and coding bootcamps to supplement your learning journey. However, one of the best ways to not only learn these programming languages but acquire other in-demand coding skills in a short time is through top-ranked coding bootcamps such as Fullstack Academy’s Online Coding Bootcamp. This program offers immersive training with a rigorous curriculum taught by industry-experienced instructors with coding projects and career success support to set your learning journey on the right path.
Best Programming Languages to Learn For Your Career Goals
When beginning your journey into coding, only you can answer the question of the best programming languages to learn. Make your selection based on your career interests and the type of software development you want to pursue. Here is a quick summary of the different possibilities we’ve discussed:
- Front-end web development: JavaScript, TypeScript, CSS
- Back-end web development: JavaScript, TypeScript, Python, Go, Ruby, Scala
- Mobile development: Swift, Java, C#
- Game development: C#
- Desktop applications: Java, Python, JavaScript, TypeScript, Scala, Go
- Systems programming: C and C++, Go
It’s Code Time
Although the field of computer programming changes rapidly, the languages listed above have a great deal of staying power. By learning one or more of these languages, you’ll be in an excellent position not only for this year but in the years to come. Once you master one programming language, it’ll likely be easier to learn a second language since you can draw on existing knowledge.
An immersive program, like Fullstack Academy’s Coding Bootcamp, can help prepare you for a fulfilling career in software development. Not only will you build a strong foundation in several in-demand skills, but you’ll also graduate with a portfolio of work to showcase to potential employers.
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