What Coding Language Should I Learn? Top 22 Codings for Success

Coding is an immensely valuable skill that can enhance problem-solving abilities and, as a result, lead to a wide range of job opportunities. However, with so many programming languages available, choosing the right one can take time and effort. So if you’re wondering what coding language should I learn, this guide has you covered. It provides a complete overview of the top 22 programming languages to consider and helps you make an informed decision before embarking on your coding journey.

What Coding Language Should I Learn First?

Drawing from the 2022 Stack Overflow developer survey, which gathered responses from over 70,000 developers, we have compiled a list of the top 22 programming languages to help you answer the most pressing question of what coding language should I learn? 

1. JavaScript

JavaScript is the top answer to the question, “what coding language should I learn?” It is a versatile programming language that can accomplish many tasks. For instance, developers commonly use JavaScript to create interactive and dynamic effects on web pages. Additionally, it is an excellent tool for developing interactive websites, animations, and games.

Benefits of Learning Javascript:

• It allows you to create interactive user interfaces that respond to user actions, making web pages more dynamic and engaging
• Furthermore, the average salary for JavaScript skills in the U.S. is $90,000, making it a highly lucrative opportunity for learners   

2. HTML/CSS

HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) is a markup language that creates the structure and content of web pages. At the same time, CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) is a stylesheet language that describes the presentation and layout of web pages. Together, HTML and CSS form the backbone of the web, making it possible for developers to create visually appealing and responsive web pages that are easy to maintain and update.

Benefits of Learning HTML/CSS :

• HTML/CSS have versatile applications beyond web development; this includes email templates and digital documents
• It is also highly essential for learners interested in web development to have a strong understanding of these two fundamental technologies

3. SQL

SQL (Structured Query Language) is a programming language that manages and manipulates data in a relational database. Thus, by allowing users to retrieve, insert, update, and delete data from the database, SQL provides a powerful tool for managing data.

Benefits of Learning SQL: 

• It is a widely used language in the field of data analytics, data science, and business intelligence, thus making it an essential skill for professionals working with data 
• Moreover, SQL has a simple syntax, making it easy for beginners to learn and use     

4. Python

Python has a simple syntax that makes reading and writing code easy. Therefore, as a high-level programming language, it is extensively utilized for various tasks such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), web development, Graphical User Interface (GUI), and scientific computing.

Benefits of Learning Python: 

• Ease of learning, readability, and expressiveness make it a popular choice for beginners and also experienced developers 
• Python provides high earning potential with an average annual salary of $92,530 in the U.S.

ALSO READ: What is Python Coding? The Ultimate Guide

5. TypeScript

TypeScript is a superset of JavaScript, which is an open-source programming language. As a statically-typed language, TypeScript explicitly declares the data types of variables during the development process. Moreover, TypeScript code is transpiled to JavaScript, ensuring compatibility with modern web browsers and platforms.

 Benefits of Learning Typescript:  

• Typescript helps developers to catch potential errors during development 
• It is well-suited for large-scale applications and allows for easy scaling up or down when needed

6. Java

Thanks to its object-oriented approach, Java allows users to create modular programs with reusable code. In addition, it has utility in applications such as mobile applications and games. Moreover, Java is known for its robustness, security, and scalability, making it a popular choice among developers.

Benefits of Learning Java:

• Java’s code can be written once and run on any platform without recompilation. Therefore, this makes it highly portable
• The average annual salary for Java skills in the U.S. is $98,000. Thus, this makes it a lucrative learning choice   

ALSO READ: Java Developer Job Description: Ace Your Career with This Guide

7. C#

C# is a popular, modern, object-oriented programming language that offers a wide range of features for developing Windows desktop applications, web applications, and games. Moreover, its features enable easy maintenance and scalability, making it sought-after by developers.

Benefits of Learning C#:   

• It is a versatile language that can run on multiple platforms, including Windows, Linux, and macOS 
• As a popular language among employers, it is a valuable skill in the job market. Therefore, it commands an average annual salary of around $88,000 in the U.S.

8. Bash/Shell

Developers commonly use Bash or Shell, which is a command-line interface in Unix-based operating systems. By leveraging Bash/Shell scripting, developers can automate repetitive tasks, saving time and effort. This skill is particularly valuable for anyone working in a Linux/Unix environment.

Benefits of Learning Bash/Shell:

• Bash/Shell is a powerful and versatile scripting language that enables a wide range of tasks, from system administration to web development
• The scripting of Bash/Shell can automate repetitive tasks, saving time and effort. It can also improve productivity and reduce errors

9. PHP

PHP is a server-side scripting language used primarily for web development. Furthermore, it is common for developers to use it to create dynamic web pages and also build content management systems, e-commerce websites, and other web applications.

Benefits of Learning PHP:

• As a simple and easy-to-understand syntax, it is an ideal choice for beginners to web development 
• PHP has built-in support for most popular databases like MySQL, making it easy to build dynamic and interactive web applications   

10. C++

C++ is a high-level programming language used in operating systems, video games, and high-performance applications. Additionally, it offers various data types, including built-in and user-defined types.    

Benefits of Learning C++:

• It is widely used across industries; for example, in finance, game development, and scientific computing
• C++ is a scalable programming language that can run on both small and large datasets and is also capable of building resource-intensive applications 

ALSO READ: What is Competitive Programming? Does it Benefit Your Career?

Top 12 Highest-Paid Programming Languages To Learn

If you are wondering “what coding language should I learn to maximize my earning potential?, look no further. Here is a list of 12 programming languages, along with their corresponding salaries:

Please Note: All the salary figures are from Payscale.com and specific to the U.S. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What are the Most Popular Programming Languages?

The Stack Overflow 2022 developer survey shows that developers widely use JavaScript, HTML/CSS, SQL, and Python programming languages.   

Which Language is Easier to Learn for Beginners: Python or Java?

While both Python and Java are among the most popular, general-purpose, object-oriented programming languages, beginners generally consider Python easier to learn than Java due to its simpler syntax and ease of use.

What Coding Language Should I Learn if I Want to Become a Data Scientist?

A data scientist should have a good command of programming languages such as Python, R, Java, and Scala, as well as operating systems such as Linux and database management with SQL.  

Can I Learn Multiple Coding Languages at the Same Time?

Yes, it is possible to learn multiple languages simultaneously. However, focusing on one or two languages at a time is generally recommended to build a strong foundation before moving on to others.

How Long Does it Take to Learn a Coding Language? 

Generally, gaining a solid understanding of a coding language can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months of consistent practice and dedication. Nonetheless, the learning process can vary from person to person. For instance, several factors can affect the time required to learn a coding language, such as your experience with programming, the complexity of the language, and the amount of time you can devote to learning.

ALSO READ: Tips for Learning Online: 7 Best Strategies for Success

To conclude this blog on ‘what coding language should I learn’, we hope this guide has provided you with a better understanding of where to start your learning journey. However, learning a programming language is just the beginning; there is always more to learn and master. Therefore, keep practicing and developing projects to become a ‘pro’ developer. Additionally, if you’re looking for a structured approach to learning programming, consider opting for Emeritus’ coding courses, developed in collaboration with the world’s top universities.

By Krati Joshi
Write to us at content@emeritus.org