{"id":213428,"date":"2024-03-14T21:57:49","date_gmt":"2024-03-14T21:57:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/2024\/03\/14\/best-programming-languages-to-learn-javascript-python-sql-and-java-top-the-list\/"},"modified":"2025-06-25T17:20:38","modified_gmt":"2025-06-25T17:20:38","slug":"best-programming-languages-to-learn-javascript-python-sql-and-java-top-the-list","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/2024\/03\/14\/best-programming-languages-to-learn-javascript-python-sql-and-java-top-the-list\/","title":{"rendered":"Best programming languages to learn: JavaScript, Python, SQL, and Java top the list"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> [ad_1]<br \/>\n<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/content.fortune.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Fort_Rec_girls-learning-coding.jpg?w=2048\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Learning to code isn\u2019t just about mastering syntax; it\u2019s a gateway to a lucrative career in software development. According to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/computer-and-information-technology\/software-developers.htm#tab-5\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"sc-47dba8f0-0 iRbseu styledLinkColor \">U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics<\/a>, software developers earned a median annual wage exceeding $127,000 in 2022 and is projected to rise by 25% by 2032.<\/p>\n<div>\n<p>Rod Garcia, VP of engineering at <a href=\"https:\/\/fortune.com\/tag\/slack\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"sc-47dba8f0-0 iRbseu styledLinkColor \">Slack<\/a>, succinctly captures the allure: \u201cIt\u2019s awesome\u2014the way humans can communicate with machines.\u201d This communication between humans and computers happens through programming languages. Even though the two terms <a href=\"https:\/\/fortune.com\/education\/articles\/coding-vs-programming\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"sc-47dba8f0-0 iRbseu styledLinkColor \">have subtle differences<\/a>\u2014they are often used interchangeably.<\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-bee345e1-0 gjbbDt product-card-wrapper undefined\">\n<p>ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-bee345e1-1 kKnppR content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"sc-bee345e1-5 jZpLCx content\">\n<h4 class=\"sc-bee345e1-6 knmwqY card-title hasSubtitle\"><a href=\"https:\/\/programs.edx.org\/requestinfo\/uta-msai\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"sc-47dba8f0-0 iRbseu styledLinkColor \" aria-label=\"Go to Embark on an AI revolution with UT Austin. Two course start dates per year. Accessible $10,000 tuition. page\">Embark on an AI revolution with UT Austin. Two course start dates per year. Accessible $10,000 tuition.<\/a><\/h4>\n<p><span class=\"sc-bee345e1-7 knBRCj isAdvertisement \"> <!-- -->Design human-centered AI technology with The University of Texas in Austin. Complete in as few as 18 months.<!-- --> <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/programs.edx.org\/requestinfo\/uta-msai\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"sc-bee345e1-21 ZiJTY button-mobile\" rel=\"noopener\">Visit Website<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"arrow-svg\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\" viewbox=\"5 5 14 14\" fill=\"none\" fill-opacity=\"0\" stroke=\"#111111\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"arcs\"><path d=\"M9 18l6-6-6-6\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-bee345e1-22 cYxxWk section-container\">\n<p><section id=\"sectionContent-0\" aria-labelledby=\"sectionHeader-0\">Lead the AI revolution with The University of Texas at Austin. The online Master of Artificial Intelligence teaches you how to build responsive software applications to fuel technological breakthroughs. Engage in the 10-course curriculum: one foundational course and nine elective courses.<\/section>\n<\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-bee345e1-10 eFxwOq accordion-wrapper\">\n<section id=\"accordionContent-0\" aria-labelledby=\"accordionHeader-0\" class=\"sc-bee345e1-13 jWEBUa\">Lead the AI revolution with The University of Texas at Austin. The online Master of Artificial Intelligence teaches you how to build responsive software applications to fuel technological breakthroughs. Engage in the 10-course curriculum: one foundational course and nine elective courses.<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Choosing where to begin is like selecting a real-life language to learn. According to the government-run website ShareAmerica, there are between 350 and 430 languages spoken in the United States alone. Similarly, there are hundreds of programming languages out there to choose from.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Whether it\u2019s Python\u2019s versatility, JavaScript\u2019s ubiquity, or the elegance of SQL, your choice will shape your journey into the intricate world of code. Some languages, like the meme-filled <a href=\"https:\/\/www.codecademy.com\/learn\/learn-lolcode\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"sc-47dba8f0-0 iRbseu styledLinkColor \">LOLCODE<\/a>, live in relative obscurity, while others are in high demand, like the leading players JavaScript and <a href=\"https:\/\/fortune.com\/education\/articles\/python-courses\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"sc-47dba8f0-0 iRbseu styledLinkColor \">Python<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4 programming languages that are worth learning\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Gone are the days when the best language for beginners was solely determined by the number of available books. Thanks to AI, any language can be a starting point if you possess the determination and requisite skill set to thrive. Ultimately, there\u2019s no one-size-fits-all answer when trying to choose which programming language to learn first. Instead, consider your goals, interests, and the specific problem you aim to solve.<\/p>\n<p>Another important factor to consider is your drive to learn and follow through. \u201cThat\u2019s the fuel,\u201d Garcia says. With access to so many resources online, ChatGPT, and AI chatbots, learning a language is becoming easier and easier. \u201cIt\u2019s about the fuel you have to want to learn.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Our methodology in determining the best programming language for beginners draws from two critical sources: the insights provided by Garcia and <a href=\"https:\/\/survey.stackoverflow.co\/2023\/#most-popular-technologies-language-learn\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"sc-47dba8f0-0 iRbseu styledLinkColor \">Stack Overflow\u2019s 2023 Developer Survey<\/a>, which garnered responses from more than 90,000 professionals.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-datawrapper wp-block-embed-datawrapper\">\n<p><iframe aria-label=\"Table\" id=\"datawrapper-chart-0Bl6F\" frameborder=\"0\" height=\"254\" loading=\"lazy\" scrolling=\"no\" src=\"https:\/\/datawrapper.dwcdn.net\/0Bl6F\/2\/\" style=\"border:none\" title=\"Most popular programming languages for learners\" width=\"100%\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. JavaScript<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>JavaScript simply makes web pages interactive and is also where many other languages stem from. There are more than 80 JavaScript frameworks, including Node.js, Dart, and TypeScript.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNot only is [JavaScript] the front-end language of the web, it allows folks to create back-end solutions. If you want to learn one language, JavaScript is great in the early stages of learning how to create full-stack solutions,\u201d Garcia says.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><strong>Classification<\/strong>: JavaScript is a high-level object-oriented scripting language.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Usage<\/strong>: JavaScript allows you to manipulate HTML and CSS, allowing you to create smooth animations, transitions, and visual effects. On the technical side, JavaScript can validate email addresses in web forms. It can also be used to create web-based games, such as Words With Friends 2 and 2048. And with newer frameworks like React Native and Ionic, you can use JavaScript outside the web to create apps for iOS and Android.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><strong>Places to learn it<\/strong>: <em>Fortune<\/em> found intense bootcamps to <a href=\"https:\/\/fortune.com\/education\/articles\/these-coding-bootcamps-teach-javascript-and-they-cost-less-than-21k\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"sc-47dba8f0-0 iRbseu styledLinkColor \">teach you how to code JavaScript<\/a> for less than $21,000. You can learn for free on sites like <a href=\"https:\/\/coupons.fortune.com\/udemy\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"sc-47dba8f0-0 iRbseu styledLinkColor \">Udemy<\/a>, Coursera, and Codecademy.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. Python<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Python is the most popular programming language on\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/madnight.github.io\/githut\/#\/pull_requests\/2023\/3\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"sc-47dba8f0-0 iRbseu styledLinkColor \">GitHub<\/a>\u00a0because of its robust ecosystem of libraries and its general enough nature to fill a variety of programming needs across AI, such as machine learning, deep learning, and computer vision. Its libraries are collections of open-source code modules, which save developers time and effort.<\/p>\n<p>Garcia says that Python has been one of the top languages in the industry for a long time, \u201cbut now more than ever, it\u2019s paramount to interact with AI applications or train your own models. It\u2019s the default choice.\u201d According to the World Economic Forum\u2019s 2020 \u201cThe Future of Jobs Report,\u201d the artificial intelligence boom will create around 97 million new jobs.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><strong>Classification<\/strong>: Python is a high-level object-oriented scripting language<\/p>\n<p><strong>Usage<\/strong>: Back-end web developers use Python to create web applications, analyze data, and automate tasks. Companies in various industries use it\u2014NASA, Google, and Netflix\u2014to handle big data, perform complex mathematical calculations, and read and modify large files.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><strong>Places to learn it<\/strong>: Bootcamps like General Assembly and CodingNomads teach the language, and you can also learn via <a href=\"https:\/\/www.python.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"sc-47dba8f0-0 iRbseu styledLinkColor \">the official Python website<\/a>. Codeacademy\u2019s free course, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.codecademy.com\/learn\/learn-python\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"sc-47dba8f0-0 iRbseu styledLinkColor \">Python 2<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/docs.python-guide.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"sc-47dba8f0-0 iRbseu styledLinkColor \">The Hitchhiker\u2019s Guide to Python<\/a> are free resources to learn. Beginner projects include creating secure password generators and games like Rock, Paper, Scissors.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. SQL<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Structured query languages or SQL (pronounced \u201csequel\u201d) give both analysts and programmers access to data stored within databases. Programmers call SQL \u201cTuring complete,\u201d which indicates a language&#8217;s power. The more powerful a language, the more complex equations it can perform.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>SQL gives developers access to common table expressions (CTEs) and Window functions (such as SUM, AVG, and COUNT), making it a powerful database management system. It\u2019s widely used by mid-to large-sized organizations, such as the tech giants Facebook and Microsoft, to organize and retrieve information.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><strong>Classification<\/strong>: SQL is a high-level data-oriented language.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><strong>Usage<\/strong>: For developers creating mobile or web apps, when a new user inputs their username and password, it goes into a database\u2014most commonly MySQL, PostgreSQL, and SQLite\u2014and then retrieved with an SQL query.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>However, many different industries use SQL. For example, marketing teams can create promotions targeting customers based on data stored in databases and retrieved with an SQL query. Financial organizations can organize sales data with the language, and healthcare clinics can build dashboards to organize patient reports.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Places to learn it<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.codecademy.com\/learn\/learn-sql\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"sc-47dba8f0-0 iRbseu styledLinkColor \">Codecademy<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.googleadservices.com\/pagead\/aclk?sa=L&amp;ai=DChcSEwiVqvSdocKEAxVEYkcBHcZIAQcYABAAGgJxdQ&amp;ase=2&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiAoeGuBhCBARIsAGfKY7wLXoQk3KrHmC5-3GJBJm_jV9jNBeZbkcbuy-ZoUOxd_daR82Mq2tkaAiI0EALw_wcB&amp;ohost=www.google.com&amp;cid=CAESV-D20Cwaxe-GaGsYzkM8Lv0kx1PA8HgRUwLZOZWdBF2pfJj4D86lznQ2sSqYTrMCXOK45DawKjkbFtjebaE4dmYX0K0_UBeUsBj-_cUAXW6vAcXacgABUw&amp;sig=AOD64_1iuxKd8pNgmxxaIpBMp1f9HffYVQ&amp;q&amp;nis=4&amp;adurl&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiRse6docKEAxUbEVkFHQMTDmwQ0Qx6BAgNEAE\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"sc-47dba8f0-0 iRbseu styledLinkColor \">DataCamp<\/a> provide courses for learners of all levels. Additionally, <a href=\"https:\/\/online.cornell.edu\/sql-and-tableau-certificates\/?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=cpc&amp;utm_campaign=datascience_US%20-%20Data%20Science%20with%20SQL%20and%20Tableau&amp;utm_term=sql%20classes&amp;utm_content=g_673814529351_e&amp;creative=673814529351&amp;keyword=sql%20classes&amp;matchtype=e&amp;network=g&amp;device=c&amp;target=&amp;position=&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiAoeGuBhCBARIsAGfKY7wasxzC43vqPFfRHCgvJ1k25IAw0BvjjEUM7RavmcBs9f0Ft941LQYaAsZKEALw_wcB\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"sc-47dba8f0-0 iRbseu styledLinkColor \">eCornell<\/a>, the online platform affiliated with Cornell University, offers certification programs in data management using SQL and data visualization using Tableau.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4. Java<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Java, an almost three-decade-old programming language, remains one of the most popular choices for developers. It is widely used in customer relationship management (CRM) software applications and financial management platforms because of its robustness, cross-platform capabilities, and security. According to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ibm.com\/docs\/en\/aix\/7.1?topic=monitoring-advantages-java\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"sc-47dba8f0-0 iRbseu styledLinkColor \">IBM<\/a>, the language is easy to learn, write, compile, and debug.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Garcia says Java is used in large enterprise organizations: \u201cWhere there are complex legacy systems, there is a certain special type of language you need to manage those systems. Java is one of the most used architecture languages in that context.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>With Java\u2019s Abstract Class feature, you can hide intricate, outdated code to only see the necessary information you need. This tool helps you maintain and manage older systems. According to Garcia, this hideaway capability is a massive part of dealing with old code. \u201cIt helps engineers abstract complexities.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><strong>Classification<\/strong>: Java is a high-level, object-oriented language.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><strong>Usage<\/strong>: Java is a backend development tool used to build web applications with common ones, including Spotify and X (formerly Twitter). Tools like Spring Framework and Hibernate ORM make it easier to construct these newer applications using Java. Sectors like AI, fintech, e-commerce, and gaming benefit from the robustness of language. 2023\u2019s most popular video game, Minecraft, sold more than 300 million copies and was built with Java.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><strong>Places to learn it<\/strong>: Sites like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.googleadservices.com\/pagead\/aclk?sa=L&amp;ai=DChcSEwjyqcrco8KEAxV7XEcBHXbgAEsYABAAGgJxdQ&amp;ase=2&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiAoeGuBhCBARIsAGfKY7wOqJ_DWRBKrGq_V4hi1dT0nGXEubRGxiEm-aFkEZDdWDyHplgIc_UaAvg5EALw_wcB&amp;ohost=www.google.com&amp;cid=CAESV-D2Q-tSI7PrVnAKgRctQwshpsesiSYUbwfqoc7yd5o-66oTKfFBELIVFyWFrhSe2YyGzeSURuC9Y-ognGRRW5Ef80QYIsMlDubYslzsMs8QRMAY8mwi9A&amp;sig=AOD64_2iqnswHnK3V0u60S0pLHVdcFeiwQ&amp;q&amp;nis=4&amp;adurl&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjcyMLco8KEAxWLFFkFHacODJUQ0Qx6BAgFEAE\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"sc-47dba8f0-0 iRbseu styledLinkColor \">Codecademy<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.googleadservices.com\/pagead\/aclk?sa=L&amp;ai=DChcSEwim05bho8KEAxVqTUcBHcD1Ay8YABAAGgJxdQ&amp;ase=2&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiAoeGuBhCBARIsAGfKY7w0mqvC6NKMCogtdR_kbNreXEss8vzrDRHRABMWO4Dh7PKFuXC3UGoaAmu2EALw_wcB&amp;ohost=www.google.com&amp;cid=CAESV-D2K0PL_Iq6uTDVNBSXD4qW3QL2U5GeThxyXy0AP_TMkdNv0XgoRSE0FcHh54zDbY-Lq99ul-VBPytJFcRmG4Tqj02SpLoFgpzzaS0K6wrX6CE72690RA&amp;sig=AOD64_0TFuveO5_GRK-ikWeIaTgCiqCrYA&amp;q&amp;nis=4&amp;adurl&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi8_Y_ho8KEAxWiMlkFHa8fCeYQ0Qx6BAgMEAE\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"sc-47dba8f0-0 iRbseu styledLinkColor \">Coursera<\/a> offer ways to learn Java\u2014each teaching topics like design patterns, data structures, and simple algorithms like sorting. Devmountain\u2019s part-time, remote <a href=\"https:\/\/devmountain.com\/java-software-engineering\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"sc-47dba8f0-0 iRbseu styledLinkColor \">Java Software Engineering Course<\/a> costs $9,900. The 16-week program covers Java, Git, frameworks, data structures, and SQL.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Difference between front-end and back-end programming languages\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>There are different types of programming languages, but understanding the difference between front-end and back-end languages is essential for anyone interested in web development.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Front-end languages involve user interfaces and client-side development. ThinkHTML, CSS, and JavaScript.Front-end languages create the site you\u2019re looking at right now.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>Back-end languages handle server-side logic and data processing. Think Java, Python, and Ruby on Rails.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Difference between high-level and low-level programming\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>The other two main categories for programming languages are high-level and low-level.\u00a0<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Despite the name, high-level languages are designed for human readability and ease of understanding. They can run on any platform and are widely used.<\/li>\n<li>Low-level languages are closer to machine code, less human-friendly, and more efficient for specific tasks. However, they are machine-dependent and less commonly used.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>So, what is the best programming language to learn?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h2>\n<p>There isn\u2019t a definitive answer to the question, but Garcia argues that you have to start somewhere.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cProgramming languages share common structures, have similar workflows, patterns, and things like that,\u201d Garcia says. \u201cOnce you get more experience, you\u2019ll start seeing common themes across languages. Motivation will propel you to learn and go deep.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>There are thousands of languages to learn and lines of code to type\u2014so it may sound daunting to take the first step. But learning something new can be exciting, so focus on the problem you want to solve and then find the language that best suits you, he advises.<br \/>For more information on software development skills to get you hired, <em>Fortune <\/em>compiled the <a href=\"https:\/\/fortune.com\/education\/articles\/most-in-demand-programming-languages\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"sc-47dba8f0-0 iRbseu styledLinkColor \">most in-demand programming languages for 2024<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[ad_2]<br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/fortune.com\/education\/articles\/best-programming-languages-to-learn\/\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[ad_1] Learning to code isn\u2019t just about mastering syntax; it\u2019s a gateway to a lucrative career in software development. According to the U.S. Bureau of<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":213429,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[149],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/213428"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=213428"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/213428\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":337693,"href":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/213428\/revisions\/337693"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/213429"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=213428"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=213428"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=213428"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}