6 Easiest Programming Languages to Learn for Beginners
However, learning to program is about finding the right language just as much as it’s about the edification process. Here are the top six easiest programming languages for beginners.
A Word on “Easy”
What makes a programming language “easy” to learn for beginners varies. Some languages boast an intuitive syntax. While a language may be theoretically challenging, aspects such as a dedicated community can offset that difficulty. Therefore a slightly harder programming language may ultimately be easy for a beginner programmer owing to vast resources and expert knowledge.
JavaScript
Udemy - JavaScript for Beginners
Don’t confuse JavaScript with Java. Whereas JavaScript is mainly a front-end development scripting language, Java is a programming language. JS is incredibly prevalent since it is cross-platform. As JS runs natively in your browser, you don’t even need a compiler. You simply need a notepad app or Sublime Text.
What is JavaScript, And Can the Internet Exist Without It?
What is JavaScript, And Can the Internet Exist Without It? JavaScript is one of those things many take for granted. Everybody uses it.
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If you are eager to pursue web development, JavaScript is an excellent starter. The syntax is similar to that of C, so learning JS sets you up to continue with your programming education. Further, for beginners, JavaScript is more relenting and dynamically-typed (untyped). Because of its wide applicability, JS is a solid starter language. Further, it serves as a gateway to more complicated programming languages like C++.
Yet some such as Matthew Mombrea argue that JavaScript is in fact a poor starter. Mombrea argues that JS is a bad example of object-oriented programming, and moreover that it’s already really well known. Furthermore, while JS is untyped, which may lead to greater efficiency while programming, errors won’t be revealed until runtime. Thus, he claims, JavaScript is not the starting place if you want to make a career out of software development. But as an intro to the world of programming, it’s a solid choice. JS requires only a notepad app and a bit of research. It’s also instantly gratifying being cross-platform compatible.
Uses
Web development.
Pros
Cross-platform compatible.
No compiler.
Gateway to other languages.
Cons
Poor OOP example.
Untyped.
Difficult to debug.
Ruby on Rails
MUO - Ruby on Rails for Beginners
Ruby on Rails is easy to read, a huge plus for anyone sans-programming experience. A dynamic, object-oriented scripting language, Ruby is heavily used in web development. Websites including Groupon and GitHub employ Ruby code on their backend.
Learning Ruby is a little easier since you don’t need to learn loads of commands. Since Ruby on Rails is a framework, it’s essentially a collection of Ruby shortcuts. Take a look at most programming bootcamps, and it’s likely that many of them teach Ruby on Rails.
Learn to Create Awesome Apps with the $29 Ruby on Rails Coding Bootcamp (97% off)
Learn to Create Awesome Apps with the $29 Ruby on Rails Coding Bootcamp (97% off) Learn to code in Ruby on Rails from scratch for $29.
Read More
The reason: it’s perfect for beginners. Further, as One Month points out, there are many startups hiring Ruby on Rails developers, so even with entry-level experience you can likely land a gig.
Uses
Web development.
Pros
Heavily used.
Collection of shortcuts.
Good job market.
Cons
Ruby on Rails is basically a set of shortcuts.
Python
python programming
Python is a great, easy programming language for beginners. Used in both web and desktop apps, Python offers many potential projects. The dynamic language supports OOP, procedural, and functional programming.
Additionally, it’s an open-source language which means it’s free to get started and there’s a dedicated community. Need even more motivation? Joel Lee breaks down why Python is pretty useful.
5 Reasons Why Python Programming Is Not Useless
5 Reasons Why Python Programming Is Not Useless Python -- You either love it or you hate it. You might even swing from one end to the other like a pendulum. Regardless, Python is a language that's hard to be ambivalent about.
Read More
Yet Python is a bit complicated as entry-level programming is concerned. For instance, maintaining a set naming convention and indention are important details. But considering its flexibility and the vast community, Python is an easy programming language for beginners.
Uses
Web development.
Application development.
Pros
Used in desktop and web apps.
Open-source.
Cons
Requires specifics like a good naming convention.
Java
Java programming language
Oracle’s Java remains one of the oldest programming languages. Java is fundamental to both web and desktop apps, operating systems, and more. This object-oriented, class-based programming language is widely utilized and moreover it’s one of the most popular languages.
A January 5, 2016 article on Infoworld weighed in on the resurgence of Java as the one language to rule them all.
But in spite of its immense use and popularity, Java is slightly more challenging when juxtaposed with entry-level languages. Java derives much of its syntax from the likes of C and C++, so many programming schools and bootcamps start with C/C++ before moving to Java. Searching for some Java app examples? Try these five sites.
Top 5 Websites for Java Application Examples
Top 5 Websites for Java Application Examples
Read More
However Java forces programmers to think like, well, a programmer. You must consider how computers process information. By fostering a solid foundation of analytical programming knowledge, Java remains a fantastic, albeit slightly harder, programming language for beginners. Additionally, with a dedicated community and due to its lengthy tenure, it’s likely that your Java questions have already been answered.
Uses
Web development.
Application development.
Pros
Very popular.
Long-standing language.
Lots of resources.
Challenge builds a steady programming foundation.
Cons
Gets syntax from C/C++ so may be better to start there.
Requires very analytical thinking .
C/C++
learn C++ intro
C and C++ are great introductory programming languages. Used for software development, C and C++ syntax have impacted many other languages. Therefore, learning C++/C lends a logical jump to the likes of Java, or more complicated languages. Plus, you can get going in C and C++ right now with these websites.
3 Websites To Get Started With Learning C++ Programming Language
3 Websites To Get Started With Learning C++ Programming Language Learning to program can be difficult for many, even with relatively easy programming languages. While Java is easier to get started with (where we have numerous articles here at MakeUseOf for Java as well as...
Read More
C++, unlike C, offers OOP elements including classes. If you’re interested in game development C++ can be a good starter languages as it’s oft-used in game and game engine development in addition to web, mobile, and desktop apps.
Both C and C++ provide a pleasant intro to not just programming, but computer science in general. Even if you concentrate on other programming languages, the fundamentals provided by C/C++ are invaluable.
C++ though may be initially challenging for first-timers. If you’re able to overcome this difficulty, the rewards are plentiful.
Uses
Application development.
Pros
Excellent computer science background.
Good for software and game development.
Cons
C++ is slightly harder than C.
C#
C# is an awesome choice for beginners. There’s a pretty simple startup time: merely download Visual Studio Express for a comprehensive install of all necessary elements such as SQL Express. C# may be used for a variety of purposes, from web development to console applications. Syntax is based on C, so like C++ and C, it offers a stellar computer science foundation.
However, Visual Studio does have auto-complete, and aspects like auto-generated project files, C# may be more complex. Unlike in languages such as C and Ruby, there are multiple compliers and interpreters. But the easy to use IDE along with wide-ranging use make C# a good pick for beginner programmers.
Uses
Application development.
Pros
Widely used.
Visual Studio makes startup simple.
Excellent comp sci understanding.
Easy to use IDE.
Cons
Complex compiler.
Final Thoughts on Intro Programming
Notably absent from this list is HTML. Why, you might ask, considering that HTML is super easy to learn and often taught even at a middle school level? In fact, HTML was the first language I learned, and within a matter of hours I progressed from novice to moderately competent. HTML is, as many of you might know, a markup language, not a programming language. So unfortunately, it doesn’t quite fit the criteria.
Nevertheless, it’s not a bad intro to languages, and is HTML widely applicable. Therefore, HTML earns an honorable mention as an easy language (not programming language) for beginners. HTML still reinforces the concepts of programming and is widely used and accessible in web development. From there, you can learn CSS (again, like HTML, not a true programming language), and eventually move on to full-fledged programming languages like JavaScript.
Which programming languages do you think are easiest for beginners? Share your thoughts below, and let us know what your first language was or will be. Happy programming!
A Word on “Easy”
What makes a programming language “easy” to learn for beginners varies. Some languages boast an intuitive syntax. While a language may be theoretically challenging, aspects such as a dedicated community can offset that difficulty. Therefore a slightly harder programming language may ultimately be easy for a beginner programmer owing to vast resources and expert knowledge.
JavaScript
Udemy - JavaScript for Beginners
Don’t confuse JavaScript with Java. Whereas JavaScript is mainly a front-end development scripting language, Java is a programming language. JS is incredibly prevalent since it is cross-platform. As JS runs natively in your browser, you don’t even need a compiler. You simply need a notepad app or Sublime Text.
What is JavaScript, And Can the Internet Exist Without It?
What is JavaScript, And Can the Internet Exist Without It? JavaScript is one of those things many take for granted. Everybody uses it.
Read More
If you are eager to pursue web development, JavaScript is an excellent starter. The syntax is similar to that of C, so learning JS sets you up to continue with your programming education. Further, for beginners, JavaScript is more relenting and dynamically-typed (untyped). Because of its wide applicability, JS is a solid starter language. Further, it serves as a gateway to more complicated programming languages like C++.
Yet some such as Matthew Mombrea argue that JavaScript is in fact a poor starter. Mombrea argues that JS is a bad example of object-oriented programming, and moreover that it’s already really well known. Furthermore, while JS is untyped, which may lead to greater efficiency while programming, errors won’t be revealed until runtime. Thus, he claims, JavaScript is not the starting place if you want to make a career out of software development. But as an intro to the world of programming, it’s a solid choice. JS requires only a notepad app and a bit of research. It’s also instantly gratifying being cross-platform compatible.
Uses
Web development.
Pros
Cross-platform compatible.
No compiler.
Gateway to other languages.
Cons
Poor OOP example.
Untyped.
Difficult to debug.
Ruby on Rails
MUO - Ruby on Rails for Beginners
Ruby on Rails is easy to read, a huge plus for anyone sans-programming experience. A dynamic, object-oriented scripting language, Ruby is heavily used in web development. Websites including Groupon and GitHub employ Ruby code on their backend.
Learning Ruby is a little easier since you don’t need to learn loads of commands. Since Ruby on Rails is a framework, it’s essentially a collection of Ruby shortcuts. Take a look at most programming bootcamps, and it’s likely that many of them teach Ruby on Rails.
Learn to Create Awesome Apps with the $29 Ruby on Rails Coding Bootcamp (97% off)
Learn to Create Awesome Apps with the $29 Ruby on Rails Coding Bootcamp (97% off) Learn to code in Ruby on Rails from scratch for $29.
Read More
The reason: it’s perfect for beginners. Further, as One Month points out, there are many startups hiring Ruby on Rails developers, so even with entry-level experience you can likely land a gig.
Uses
Web development.
Pros
Heavily used.
Collection of shortcuts.
Good job market.
Cons
Ruby on Rails is basically a set of shortcuts.
Python
python programming
Python is a great, easy programming language for beginners. Used in both web and desktop apps, Python offers many potential projects. The dynamic language supports OOP, procedural, and functional programming.
Additionally, it’s an open-source language which means it’s free to get started and there’s a dedicated community. Need even more motivation? Joel Lee breaks down why Python is pretty useful.
5 Reasons Why Python Programming Is Not Useless
5 Reasons Why Python Programming Is Not Useless Python -- You either love it or you hate it. You might even swing from one end to the other like a pendulum. Regardless, Python is a language that's hard to be ambivalent about.
Read More
Yet Python is a bit complicated as entry-level programming is concerned. For instance, maintaining a set naming convention and indention are important details. But considering its flexibility and the vast community, Python is an easy programming language for beginners.
Uses
Web development.
Application development.
Pros
Used in desktop and web apps.
Open-source.
Cons
Requires specifics like a good naming convention.
Java
Java programming language
Oracle’s Java remains one of the oldest programming languages. Java is fundamental to both web and desktop apps, operating systems, and more. This object-oriented, class-based programming language is widely utilized and moreover it’s one of the most popular languages.
A January 5, 2016 article on Infoworld weighed in on the resurgence of Java as the one language to rule them all.
But in spite of its immense use and popularity, Java is slightly more challenging when juxtaposed with entry-level languages. Java derives much of its syntax from the likes of C and C++, so many programming schools and bootcamps start with C/C++ before moving to Java. Searching for some Java app examples? Try these five sites.
Top 5 Websites for Java Application Examples
Top 5 Websites for Java Application Examples
Read More
However Java forces programmers to think like, well, a programmer. You must consider how computers process information. By fostering a solid foundation of analytical programming knowledge, Java remains a fantastic, albeit slightly harder, programming language for beginners. Additionally, with a dedicated community and due to its lengthy tenure, it’s likely that your Java questions have already been answered.
Uses
Web development.
Application development.
Pros
Very popular.
Long-standing language.
Lots of resources.
Challenge builds a steady programming foundation.
Cons
Gets syntax from C/C++ so may be better to start there.
Requires very analytical thinking .
C/C++
learn C++ intro
C and C++ are great introductory programming languages. Used for software development, C and C++ syntax have impacted many other languages. Therefore, learning C++/C lends a logical jump to the likes of Java, or more complicated languages. Plus, you can get going in C and C++ right now with these websites.
3 Websites To Get Started With Learning C++ Programming Language
3 Websites To Get Started With Learning C++ Programming Language Learning to program can be difficult for many, even with relatively easy programming languages. While Java is easier to get started with (where we have numerous articles here at MakeUseOf for Java as well as...
Read More
C++, unlike C, offers OOP elements including classes. If you’re interested in game development C++ can be a good starter languages as it’s oft-used in game and game engine development in addition to web, mobile, and desktop apps.
Both C and C++ provide a pleasant intro to not just programming, but computer science in general. Even if you concentrate on other programming languages, the fundamentals provided by C/C++ are invaluable.
C++ though may be initially challenging for first-timers. If you’re able to overcome this difficulty, the rewards are plentiful.
Uses
Application development.
Pros
Excellent computer science background.
Good for software and game development.
Cons
C++ is slightly harder than C.
C#
C# is an awesome choice for beginners. There’s a pretty simple startup time: merely download Visual Studio Express for a comprehensive install of all necessary elements such as SQL Express. C# may be used for a variety of purposes, from web development to console applications. Syntax is based on C, so like C++ and C, it offers a stellar computer science foundation.
However, Visual Studio does have auto-complete, and aspects like auto-generated project files, C# may be more complex. Unlike in languages such as C and Ruby, there are multiple compliers and interpreters. But the easy to use IDE along with wide-ranging use make C# a good pick for beginner programmers.
Uses
Application development.
Pros
Widely used.
Visual Studio makes startup simple.
Excellent comp sci understanding.
Easy to use IDE.
Cons
Complex compiler.
Final Thoughts on Intro Programming
Notably absent from this list is HTML. Why, you might ask, considering that HTML is super easy to learn and often taught even at a middle school level? In fact, HTML was the first language I learned, and within a matter of hours I progressed from novice to moderately competent. HTML is, as many of you might know, a markup language, not a programming language. So unfortunately, it doesn’t quite fit the criteria.
Nevertheless, it’s not a bad intro to languages, and is HTML widely applicable. Therefore, HTML earns an honorable mention as an easy language (not programming language) for beginners. HTML still reinforces the concepts of programming and is widely used and accessible in web development. From there, you can learn CSS (again, like HTML, not a true programming language), and eventually move on to full-fledged programming languages like JavaScript.
Which programming languages do you think are easiest for beginners? Share your thoughts below, and let us know what your first language was or will be. Happy programming!
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