If you're an experienced computer programmer, you likely know multiple coding languages. Whether choosing a first programming language or adding an in-demand coding language to your resume, these 14 coding languages offer a good place to start.
What makes these languages stand out? The biggest tech companies rely on these languages to code their operating systems, apps, and games. Mastering any of these need-to-know languages, which we list in alphabetical order, can give you an advantage in the competitive tech job market.
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Snapshot of the Top Coding Languages
What Is Coding?
Coding lets people communicate with computers to accomplish desired tasks. Computers do not understand human language, so people use programming languages to translate directions into binary code that computer devices can follow as apps, websites, and software programs.
Coding plays a crucial role in our increasingly digital world. Many aspects of modern life rely on coding. Computers, smartphones, and tablets require effective coding to function properly, along with everyday items like traffic lights, social media platforms, and air conditioning systems.
Individuals can pursue several pathways to learning coding languages. Free coding bootcamps can offer a low-risk, accessible way to learn a new language for coding. We describe some of the most useful coding languages below.
Need-to-Know Coding Languages for Programming
Individuals can explore and use multiple coding languages, each including different features, difficulty levels, and uses. Below, discover some of the most useful coding languages you can learn.
What Is C? This general-purpose coding language allows developers to create operating systems, apps, databases, and programs. C requires an underlying knowledge of computer system functionality, making it more challenging to learn than other coding languages. Coders who master C will likely find it easier to learn other languages.
- Why C Is Important: C is a popular coding language valued for its versatility and use in software engineering. Other common cases include internet-connected devices and graphic design tools.
- Where C Is Used: Oracle, Microsoft, car manufacturing companies, Apple
- Who Uses C: Computer programmers, software engineers
- How to Learn C: Computer science bachelor's degree programs, software engineering bachelor's degree programs, C bootcamps
What Is C++? C++, commonly considered a challenging coding language to learn, is a popular and flexible tool for developing video games, databases, and software. Developers created C++ as a simplified version of C.
- Why C++ Is Important: Softwaredevelopers use C++ to create fast applications like those used in video game development, robotics, machine learning, and scientific computing. Operating systems like macOS are also largely written in C++.
- Where C++ Is Used: Video game development, Adobe, Microsoft, Apple
- Who Uses C++: Software developers, video game designers
- How to Learn C++: Computer science bachelor's degree programs, C++ bootcamps, software engineering bachelor's degree programs
What Is C#? Microsoft created C#, a general-purpose, object-oriented coding language that many people find easier to learn than C++. In addition to its similarities with C++, C# also shares characteristics with Java.
- Why C# Is Important: Popular among developers for its speed and efficiency, C# assists with web development, game development, and app development.
- Where C# Is Used: Accenture, Intuit, Microsoft
- Who Uses C#:Software engineers, video game designers
- How to Learn C#: Bachelor's in computer science degree programs, C# bootcamps, software engineering bachelor's degree programs
What Is Go? Developers commonly use Go, an open-source coding language created by Google employees, for back-end and front-end development. It is easy to learn and prized for its simplicity, speed, and flexibility.
- Why Go Is Important: Coders can useGo on any operating system for database design, software development, and cloud computing development needs. It is increasingly popular, especially among developers looking to work at Google.
- Where Go Is Used: Google, Netflix, Medium, Salesforce
- Who Uses Go: Go programmers, software developers
- How to Learn Go: Go bootcamps, Go online courses
What Is HTML? Developed in 1993, HyperText Markup Language lets people create and edit the structures of web pages. HTML's text-based structure makes it easy for beginners.
- Why HTML Is Important: HTML is the most popular language on the Internet. Web developers use this language to create apps and websites. Other uses include game development, video and image embedding, and Internet navigation.
- Where HTML Is Used: Google, Facebook, YouTube
- Who Uses HTML: Front-end developers, web developers, mobile developers
- How to Learn HTML: Computer science bachelor's degree programs, HTML bootcamps, software engineering bootcamps, HTML online courses
What Is Java? Created in 1995 at Sun Microsystems, individuals use Java to build dynamic websites, applications, and programs through back-end development. The coding language offers integrated functions, libraries, and learning resources.
- Why Java Is Important: Java is a very popular coding language used often for game development, desktop and web software, enterprise development, and internet-connected device applications.
- Where Java Is Used: Airbnb,Spotify, Uber
- Who Uses Java: Software engineers, back-end developers, Java developers, web developers
- How to Learn Java: Bachelor's in computer science, Java bootcamps, full-stack web development bootcamps
What Is PHP? PHP is a scripting language and general-purpose computer programming language. The beginner-friendly coding language also offers professionals many advanced features.
- Why PHP Is Important: PHP is very popular for web application development. Its versatility with various databases makes it a common choice for developers.
- Where PHP Is Used: WordPress, Spotify, Facebook
- Who Uses PHP: PHP developers, full-stack developers, software developers
- How to Learn PHP: Bachelor's in computer science, web developer bootcamps, PHP bootcamps
What Is Python? Python is an easy-to-learn, object-oriented, general-use language. The open-source language offers many frameworks and libraries.
- Why Python Is Important: Since 2022, Python has ranked at the top of the TIOBE Index of the most popular coding languages. Python's popularity extends to industries like engineering, machine learning, finance, and data science and analysis. Developers value its flexibility,
- Where Python Is Used: Dropbox, Netflix, Facebook
- Who Uses Python: Back-end developers, Python developers, data scientists, data engineers
- How to Learn Python: Python bootcamps, full-stack web development bootcamps, bachelor's in computer programming, data science bootcamps, MOOCs
What Is R? This open-source language excels at data management and storage. The coding language gives users powerful tools to analyze and visualize data.
- Why R Is Important: As big data and machine learning grow in prominence, R plays an important role in data mining and statistical analysis. R also offers strong data visualization capabilities.
- Where R Is Used: Google, Facebook, Microsoft, fintech
- Who Uses R: Data scientists, data analysts, database administrators
- How to Learn R: Data analytics bootcamps, bachelor's in computer science
What Is Ruby? Ruby is an accessible, general-purpose, high-level, and open-source language.
- Why Ruby Is Important: Ruby is popular for web development, 3D modeling, and data processing. Developers value its security, free cost, and fast processing speed.
- Where Ruby Is Used: Grubhub, Policygenius, MassMutual
- Who Uses Ruby: Software engineers, Ruby developers
- How to Learn Ruby: Ruby on Rails bootcamps, Full-stack web development bootcamps, bachelor's in computer science degree programs
What Is Rust? Rust is a general-purpose, high-level computer programming language. Although difficult to learn, it offers advanced features.
- Why Rust Is Important: Developers value Rust for its speed, flexibility, and safety. Hundreds of companies worldwide use Rust to make operating systems, develop games, and create the back end for data science tools.
- Where Rust Is Used: Dropbox, Firefox, Cloudflare
- Who Uses Rust: Rust developers, software engineers
- How to Learn Rust: Rust bootcamps, computer science bachelor's degree programs
What Is SQL? Created in the 1970s, Structure Query Language makes it possible to store and manage data in relational databases. SQL is easy to learn.
- Why SQL Is Important: SQL is very popular and works well with other languages. Many applications use SQL to update and retrieve data.
- Where SQL Is Used: Oracle, Microsoft, IBM
- Who Uses SQL: Back-end developers, software developers, database administrators, data analysts, data engineers
- How to Learn SQL: Data analytics bootcamps, computer science bachelor's programs, data science bachelor's programs
What Is Swift? As one of the most popular programming languages for iPhone apps, Swift dates back to 2014. This language is essential for mobile app developers.
- Why Swift Is Important: Swift quickly replaced Objective-C as the go-to language for Apple mobile and desktop apps. Companies like IBM, LinkedIn, and AirBnB also use Swift.
- Where Swift Is Used: MacOS desktop apps, Apple watch apps, iPhone and iPad apps
- Who Uses Swift: Mobile app developers, software developers, web developers
- How to Learn Swift: Online Swift courses, Swift bootcamps, bachelor's in computer science
Lesser-Known Coding Languages to Consider
Lesser-known programming languages may appear within specific industries, companies, and occupations. Developing expertise in less common coding languages can help you stand out from other coders. Although the opportunities to use these coding languages may be less common, you may find yourself compensated better for your focused skills.
Haskell: Although not one of the most popular languages, Haskell is a general-purpose, functional coding language useful in machine learning, big data, and mathematical research.
Julia: Programmers can use Julia to build applications and microservices. The open-source coding language is fast, reproducible, and dynamic.
Erlang: Developed in the 1980s for telecommunications, Erlang now serves as one of the most important programming languages for chat apps, with WhatsApp relying on it to connect millions of users.
Additional Coding Resources
Frequently Asked Questions About Coding Languages
What is the hardest coding language to use?
There is no universal agreement on the most difficult coding language. However, many agree that C++ ranks among the most challenging coding languages.
What is the easiest coding language to use?
Which coding languages are rarely used?
Some rarely used coding languages include Haskell and Julia.
Which coding languages will help me get a job?
Page last reviewed July 3, 2024.
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