Top 9 Best Programming Languages
Top 9 Best Programming Languages. With hundreds of programming languages in use today, it can be daunting choosing which ones to learn when you’re new to tech.
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.
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
JavaScript is a scripting language that primarily enables browsers to read and execute its code. Over 98% of sites across the web use JavaScript to run their client-side experiences. The language is also at the core of many top-demanded frameworks, like React.js and Vue.js.
Reasons to learn JavaScript:
It’s the most popular programming language for the eleventh year in a row.
It’s used to add interactivity and dynamic features to static web pages.
It’s a language that doesn’t need a separate compilation step.
It’s platform-agnostic — it just needs a browser to run.
Developers have spent years creating massive coding libraries that can extend the capabilities of JavaScript outside its usual web browser box.Job titles that use JavaScript:
Web Developer, Software Engineer, JavaScript Developer, Mobile App Developer, Front End Developer
Salary estimate with JavaScript skills:
JavaScript developers earn an average of $101,105 per year in the US, according to Glassdoor.
Popularity: High
Difficulty: Low
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
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.
| 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
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
5. 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: Top 9 Best Programming Languages
- 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
6. 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
7. 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
8. 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
9. 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) Top 9 Best Programming Languages
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
