There are over a hundred programming languages, and new ones are created daily. Thus, selecting the best programming language to work with as a computer programmer or tech professional can quickly become tedious, especially if you still need to figure out where you want to build a career.
Accordingly, finding the right programming language to learn requires understanding how each language works and its relevance. This article highlights the top programming languages to learn now, including their functions and applications. Here they are.
1. Java/JavaScript
Java is a high-level, object-oriented programming language widely used to design web and computer applications. Java ranked as the most commonly-used programming language in the world, according to Stack Overflow’s 2020 developer survey.
Because of its robust and flexible programming platform, Java developers can build interactive websites and applications. Consequently, Java is a critical component of several of the most popular web and mobile applications we all know and love, including Twitter, Spotify, Opera Mini, and CashApp, as the most common examples.
Additionally, it is used for cloud computing and developing enterprise server technology. Other applications include building Big Data software, computer games, the Internet of Things (IoTs), and artificial intelligence tools.
On the other hand, JavaScript is a scripting language that enables you to apply complex website features that are not obtainable with standard programming languages. For instance, with JavaScript, you can design a website with more than a static display, with features like animated designs, 2-D/3-D graphics, interactive maps, and the like.
2. Python
Python is a general-purpose programming language that supports multi-programming paradigms, like procedural, object-oriented, and functional programming. It is also beginner-friendly because its code syntax incorporates simple English language, making it easy to learn.
Thus, Python ranks as one of the best and most relevant beginner programming languages. Popular applications include software and web development, data analysis, AI development, and financial accounting.
One key advantage of Python is that non-programmers and programmers alike can quickly learn to harness its functionality. Furthermore, Python applications transcend the tech industry and are functional in everyday life. For example, you can use Python to write a program to update your shopping list, build a text reminder for your activities, create a program that randomly assigns tasks to people, or analyze the stock market.
Regarding tech-related industrial applications, Python is useful for designing the backends of websites and systems, and application software. Additionally, you can use it for software testing and prototyping. Finally, Python is an invaluable tool in data analysis for executing complex statistical calculations, building machine-learning algorithms, and designing data visualizations like graphs, charts, and 3-D plots.
3. MatLab
MatLab is a programming language and numeric computing platform that tech professionals use to build algorithms, design models, and analyze data. Furthermore, it features a live editor for creating scripts incorporating code, formatted text, and output in an executable format.
Interestingly, the MatLab platform is available in apps that allow you to see how various algorithms function with your data, so you can iterate to get the best results. Then, you can automatically create a MatLab program to automate your work. Additionally, you can design programs to run on clouds, clusters, and graphic processing units (GPUs) with a little tweak to the code.
MatLab applications include data visualization and analysis, creating scripts, classes, and functions, deep learning, image and video processing, and machine learning. Furthermore, you can use it to design websites and desktop apps, create and test wireless communication and control systems, and perform parallel computing. You can also use MatLab alongside Python, Fortran, Java, C/C++, and other programming languages.
4. PHP
The name PHP is an acronym for Hypertext Preprocessor. Thus, PHP is a common open-source, general-purpose scripting language specially designed for web development and usually embedded into HTML. With PHP, object-oriented and procedural programming are attainable and can be combined to produce desired results.
Generally, PHP has a tripartite structure, enabling it to work on browsers, database systems, and servers in a linear format. Thus, it is used for server-side programming to design websites and web applications with a highly interactive and customizable user interface that can be integrated with database systems and perform online transactions.
Furthermore, PHP can also be employed to create desktop graphical user-interface-based (GUI) applications. Likewise, it’s useful for image processing, an essential element when building interactive websites.
PHP can run on all major operating systems, including Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, and many Unix variants. Furthermore, it can extend to a main program (module) and a computer graphic image (CGI) processor. Also, PHP has a simple syntax which makes it easy for beginners to learn, but it also has more advanced features for expert programmers.
5. C++
C++ is an enhancement of the C programming language. Accordingly, it is a general-purpose, object-oriented language that programmers consider an excellent choice for developing large-scale applications. Also, it is free-form, meaning the codes can be positioned in any line and remain valid.
Consequently, C++ has many essential applications, from cloud development to GUI-based applications, as it is a fast and powerful programming language. One application of C++ that stands out is its speed, which is invaluable when building operating systems, web browsers, and banking applications. Thus, most Microsoft software, including Windows, Microsoft Office, Internet Explorer, and a significant portion of macOS X, is written in C++.
That’s not all; C++ is preferred for game development and embedded systems as it is closer to the hardware than other programming languages. Hence, games and systems run more smoothly. Furthermore, C++ is used to write database management software. For instance, MySQL, the most popular open-source database, is written in C++.
6. Rust
Rust is a multi-paradigm, general-purpose programming language designed in 2010. Since its inception, it has gained popularity and been adopted by leading tech companies, including Google, Microsoft, and Amazon. The increased usage of Rust is because of its high performance, memory safety, and garbage collector system.
Rust and C++ share similar syntax. Consequently, mastering one will significantly aid your understanding of the other. As it is a general-purpose programming language, Rust can be applied to numerous advanced functions. For example, popular Rust applications include game development, full-stack web design, data science backend, and virtual reality development.
Best Programming Languages to Learn in 2023: Final Thoughts
The best programming languages to learn are usually general-purpose languages that you can use to devise simple and large-scale applications and solutions to various problems. These programming languages allow you to develop innovations that significantly improve processes across multiple industries. Thus, the programming languages listed in this article are fantastic options to consider when choosing a programming language to learn.
Want to become a developer? Here are the best websites and online platforms to learn programming.
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