The 15 Best Programming Languages to Learn in 2024

Last Updated 9/5/2024

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 best and 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:

1. Procedural Programming Languages: These languages focus on breaking down problems into step-by-step procedures. C, Cobol, BASIC, and Pascal are popular examples.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

Best Programming Languages to Learn in 2024

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 2024.

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.

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 $113,374 annually (Indeed, June 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 2024—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.

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 $118,720 per year (Glassdoor, June 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.

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: $115,583 (Glassdoor, June 2024)

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.

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: $104,955 (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.

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: $122,342 (Glassdoor, June 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.

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: $91,882 (Glassdoor, Jun 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.

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: $152,135 (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.

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.

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: $118,085 (Glassdoor, June 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.

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: $129,117 (Indeed, July 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.

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: $113,849 (Glassdoor, June 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 make 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.

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: $147,348 (Glassdoor, June 2024)

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.

Prerequisites: An intermediate understanding of object-oriented programming concepts is necessary to learning Scala.

Skills Needed: Prior knowledge of functional programming concepts is hhelpful), 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: $145,241 (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.

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: $93,060 (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.

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: $91,081 (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.

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: $127,599 (Glassdoor, June 2024)

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.

Ready to dig in? Apply our immersive bootcamps in web development and programming.