When you start learning to code, you don’t want to waste your time troubleshooting your code just because you picked a difficult programming language to work with.
Instead, you want to choose between easy-to-learn computer programming languages for beginners.
In this post, I’ll walk you through a few popular and easy-to-learn computer programming languages for beginners.
Whether you’re interested in web development, data science, machine learning, or mobile app development, I’ve got you covered.
By the time you finish reading this article, you’ll know which programming language to focus on to achieve your coding goals as fast as possible. You’ll know what each language is used for and where to start learning the basics right away.
Thus, if you want to start a full-time career in tech or become a freelance web developer, this post is for you!
Let’s get started!
Here are a few related articles you might want to read, too:
- Which Programming Language Should I Learn? Beginner’s Guide
- 10 Common Coding Myths You Should Ignore
- 8 Things to Know Before Learning to Code
How to find an easy programming language for beginners?
In a previous article, we talked about how you can find the easiest programming language to learn.
We discussed a few key factors that can help you learn a language faster so that you can start building your own projects quicker.
Recommended: How Computer Science Basics Can Help You Learn Coding Faster
Without going into too much detail, here are a few points to consider when trying to find a relatively easy language to learn:
- High-level vs. low-level languages:
High-level programming languages have a more beginner-friendly syntax. You’ll find it easier to read, write, and manage your code compared to low-level languages. - Availability of learning resources:
Although not directly related to the language itself, the availability of online courses, tutorials, and threads on discussion forums will help you learn the language faster. - Size of community:
The bigger the global community around a programming language, the easier it is to troubleshoot your code and find answers to your questions.
And while choosing an easy-to-learn language might sound like cheating, it’s not.
You see, here’s the deal:
When you learn to code, the programming language of your choice is just a tool to build something useful in the future.
Thus, you’re not learning the language per se, but rather how to use it in real life to create meaningful programs.
That being said, there’s no need to make things more difficult than they already are. And trust me, when you start learning programming from scratch, you already have enough on your plate.
Related: The Best Way to Learn Coding Faster: Beginner’s Guide
With these points in mind, let’s jump right into our list of easy programming languages for beginners.
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4 easy programming languages for beginners
1: JavaScript
JavaScript is a must-have tool if you want to become a Web Developer in the future. You’ll have a bunch of popular frameworks to get your project on its feet faster, such as Angular, React, or Ember.
Read next: What Does a Web Developer Do Exactly?
You can use JavaScript in almost all industries these days. And since you only need a code editor and a web browser to write and run JavaScript, it’s super quick to start learning it.
Once you feel comfortable with the syntax and how the language works, you can start building your first small JavaScript projects for your portfolio right away.
How much does a JavaScript developer make?
The average JavaScript Developer salary in the U.S. is around $111,945 according to Indeed.com.
Where to learn JavaScript?
- FreeCodeCamp:
Learn JavaScript (and jQuery) from scratch 100% free. FCC has a comprehensive curriculum for learning not just JS, but also other web development languages and tools, all-in-one. - Front-End Web Development Quick Start:
If you want to become a Front-End Developer, this learning track will teach you each skill step-by-step. You’ll learn how JavaScript works together with HTML and CSS – a great starting point for learning web development from scratch. (Claim your free 10-day trial now)
2: Python
Python is gaining in worldwide popularity faster than any of the other big languages.
And for a good reason! Python has a clear syntax that reads much like English, so it’s perfect for absolute beginners.
Compared to other languages, Python offers a handful of advantages in ease of learning and flexibility.
Related: 5 Reasons Why Python Is a Great Language for Beginners
You can use Python for a variety of different projects such as web development, data analysis, machine learning. Also, you’ll find lots of helpful resources to learn Python online, so you can start learning right away if you want.
For example, try these top YouTube channels to learn Python programming from scratch.
If you’re wondering how fast you can learn Python, check out my article on how much time you need to learn Python from scratch.
How much does a Python developer make?
The average Python Developer salary in the U.S. is around $111,610 according to Indeed.com.
Where to learn Python?
- Complete Python Bootcamp on Udemy:
The #1 best-selling Python course on Udemy to learn Python from the ground up. No experience required, you only need a computer and an Internet connection. Packed with beginner-friendly exercises and projects to support your learning. - Python Crash Course:
This is a book that makes learning Python fun and rewarding. I used it to learn programming with Python faster than I ever thought possible. You’ll learn the language itself in the first half of the book, while the second one takes you through three totally different, real-life projects to build with Python.
Related: Recommended Python Courses and Books for Beginners
3: Ruby
Ruby is a powerful tool for building web-based projects. With the Ruby on Rails framework, you’ll have a clean, easy-to-learn language under your belt.
Ruby is popular among startups thanks to its fast learning curve. In fact, if you’re planning to build an online business, you could consider taking care of the development yourself using Ruby on Rails instead of hiring a developer to do it for you.
How much does a Ruby developer make?
The average Ruby Developer salary in the U.S. is around $138,685 according to Indeed.com.
Where to learn Ruby?
- The Complete Ruby on Rails Developer Course:
If you want to start building your own web apps fast, this Ruby on Rails course is the perfect place to start learning Ruby. You’ll learn how to plan, create, and deploy your own Ruby web apps to become a professional Ruby on Rails developer in the future. - One Month Rails:
Learn both Ruby and the popular Ruby on Rails framework in just 30 days. You’ll start with the very basics and learn everything you need to build your own web app from the ground up using Ruby. A great semi-bootcamp if you want to start your own web-based business! (10% discount with this link)
4: Java
Java holds a consistent spot among the most popular programming languages, so it’s a valuable skill to learn if you want to start a career as a full-time developer. Thanks to its popularity, you’ll find lots of resources to support your learning.
Furthermore, you can use Java for various different purposes such as Android mobile apps, back-end web development, or desktop software.
The syntax is somewhat more complex than with Python or Ruby, but Java will teach you more about how computers work and process data. Thus, you’ll need to develop a solid foundation for analytical programming knowledge and learn how to think like a programmer.
To learn more, check out my free guide on what the Java programming language is and how you can start learning it right away.
How much does a Java developer make?
The average Java Developer salary in the U.S. is around $100,832 according to Indeed.com.
Where to learn Java?
- Java Programming Masterclass on Udemy:
If you want to become a software developer, this Java course will give you all the tools you need. Not only will you learn how Java works and how to use it, but also valuable best practices in Java software development. (The instructor has almost two decades of experience as a professional Java developer.) - Java Path on Pluralsight:
This set of courses is a comprehensive learning path for both absolute beginners and intermediate Java enthusiasts. If you already know Java basics, use the quick “Skill IQ” test to get the best recommendations for your next course. (Start your free 10-day trial now)
Final thoughts: Best computer programming languages for beginners
Even though learning to code and becoming a professional developer takes tons of work, choosing the right programming language can make things a whole lot easier for you.
Especially if you’re completely new to coding, you should consider choosing a relatively easy language to learn first. It’ll allow you to spend more time learning how programming and computers work and building useful projects of your own.
Read next: 6 Best Online Computer Science Courses for Beginners
Thus, if you haven’t already, review the languages we just discussed and choose one that suits your long-term goals:
- If you want to become a web developer, JavaScript, Ruby, and Python could be great choices.
- On the other hand, if you’re interested in building mobile apps, consider learning Java.
For even more learning resources for beginners, check out these best websites to learn programming and web development from scratch. You can do this!
As always, please let me know if I missed something in this article or if you have further tips on easy-to-learn computer programming languages for beginners. I’m more than happy to add new ones to the list to help you guys reach your goals faster.
Here are a few related articles you might want to read, too:
If you liked this post about the top computer programming languages for beginners, drop me a line in the comments below!
P.S. If you found this article helpful, please share it with others so that they can read it, too! Thanks!
Happy coding!
– Mikke
