Software developers are now in more demand than ever – and this demand keeps growing. But here’s the question: What are the easiest programming languages to learn if you want to become a software developer? In this article, we take a look.
Demand for new programmers
It is probably not new news but are you aware that programming is one of the prospective careers of the future? According to Statista, the global developer population will increase by about 28.7 million by 2024. Titillating, isn’t it?
The good news is that while the world needs more developers, the salaries from entry levels are very encouraging. However, impostor syndrome stops many people from changing into any career. It’s that worry that a career isn’t for you. Here’s the thing, while learning how to do anything new is a challenge, it’s not impossible to learn how to code – and once you get it… you GET it.
What Makes a Coding Language Easy to Learn?
Let’s be honest here. Learning to code can be difficult. However, so can learning anything. If you wanted to learn a new language like, say, Italian, Spanish, or German, you’d have to work at it. However, it’s far from impossible. It takes putting your head down and putting your time into learning. With that said, you’ll find some parts of your programming journey relatively easy, and other aspects will be more challenging. Isn’t that the same with everything in life?
Coding can be great fun once you get your teeth into it, and you’ll learn just how creative you can be after learning even the basics of software development.
Common Misconceptions
- Multiple languages
A common misconception is that software developers have to learn a myriad of languages. However, while there are a lot of programming languages, you’ll find that some are more popular than others, and successful developers start with just a few. With that said, it’s a great idea to update your skills often, and once you get your teeth into one coding language, you’ll find that the rest will come easier. - The stereotypical IT person
Once upon a time in Hollywood, the perception of a coder was someone who stayed in a dark room, removed from reality coding all day. The truth couldn’t be further from that. Thankfully, developers come from a diverse range of backgrounds, have different personalities and are all unique in their own way – just like everybody else. - Coding Is Boring
Is there any job out there without hardships and dull moments? No. The same goes for programming. The slight events of frustration and boredom do not automatically define the whole programming field as boring. Though you might get frustrated when the code runs to errors often, the frustration will eventually wear out on its own when you experience the successful outcomes of your hard work.
What Are the Easiest Programming Languages To Learn?
Now let’s get into the topic’s core, the easiest programming languages to master.
A programming language consists of sets of syntax and lines that provide instructions to the computer to perform operations. Though it is tough to grasp the fundamentals and advanced concepts of programming languages in one day, it is not impossible and can be mastered within weeks.
With that said, here are some of the easiest programming languages you can learn and master within a few months:
- HTML
HTML stands for HyperText Markup Language. Also known as a Scripting language, in contrast to other programming languages, which we shall examine later, HTML bears no resemblance to other programming languages.
Being a frontend language, it uses tags, and it is straightforward to grasp the fundamentals of HTML. Therefore, if your ambition is to become a frontend developer, HTML is necessary. - JavaScript
Being one of the most powerful programming languages globally, Javascript is also one of the essential frontend languages that every web developer should learn. Of course, JavaScript has a learning curve, but once you get over the hump, the rest should come easy enough.
Javascript is a platform-agnostic programming language and is used in developing websites. Facebook and Google are some popular websites which are built using Javascript. - Python
Python has recently garnered a lot of attention as it is one of the most sought skills in the programming sector. Unlike other programming languages, Python is not made of lines of codes or complex terms. It is easy to understand and grasp and has a relatively simple structure.
Though it has a simple structure, Python is used to create complex applications and in developing websites, AI, machine learning and other tech fields. - Java
Java is an extremely powerful programming language, and while it may be more challenging to learn than Python, it too has a learning curve that once you get over, the journey gets easier.
Like every other programming language, Java is difficult to understand at first. However, developers will gradually become accustomed to the language’s versatility and use it in domains such as web development, cloud apps, mobile applications, and many more. - Go
Go is a relatively new language and is rising in popularity. Founded by Google, Go or Golang is what programmers use in developing cloud and server-side applications, like DevOps, command-line tools and much more.
The language paves the way for faster execution, and the concepts of the language are also easy to grasp. - PHP
PHP‘s simple infrastructure makes it stand out as one of the easy programming languages. It is a server-side language used to manage contents on the web, and database, access cookies, encrypt data and restrict users’ access to some pages of your website.
How Long Does it Take to Learn Coding?
Programming may take a while since there are various concepts like syntax, variables, data types, different types of functions, statements and many more.
Though the time range differs among individuals, most coders usually take about three to six months to completely grasp the fundamental and advanced concepts of programming languages.
Though the finishing time is not essential, all that matters is whether you can grasp and apply the skills thoroughly. Make sure to
- Learn and master the core concepts.
- Adapt yourself to novel technologies and features.
- Enhance your problem-solving ability.
- Master data structures.
- Develop creative projects.
You can become a professional coder within a year and start applying for jobs with the above. Code Institute, for example, teaches students to a full-stack software development level in less than 52 weeks.
Should I Learn Coding?
Should you learn to code? Well, if you are interested in gaining a well-paying job in the tech field, the answer is Yes! Any employment in the computer industry demands at least some coding knowledge and expertise, even if the position isn’t a developer. Here’s the thing, it’s not just the IT industry that requires people to know how to code. All industries now need software developers, and job posts are becoming more common to seek skills like HTML and CSS – even for non-technical roles.
There are several more reasons why you should learn to code, and here is the list of reasons that are powerful enough to convince you to learn to code:
- Coding Is a Fruitful Career
The job market is getting more competitive daily, with more intelligent and creative employees flooding to grab job opportunities. It’s worth noting that jobs in the tech field will grow even more as companies look for creative coders.
If you have high ambitions and want to do something new, there is no better career than a coder. - Coding Offers a Lucrative Salary
In today’s society, programmers are why we can access many things with only a click.
As experience grows, salaries swiftly increase, which is one of the many reasons why coding is such a promising job. - Myriads of Career Opportunities
Coding is a skill, not a subject exclusive to the tech industry. With enough coding knowledge, you open the gates of abundant opportunities not only from the tech field but also from other popular fields like agriculture, health, business, etc.
Technology has spread its branches among every sector. Now not even one industry can sustain longer without the adaptation of programming. Programmers create high-tech applications so that every industry can stand up amongst its competitors and further enhance its position in the industry. Hence why, coding is a popular career option. - Gain a Better Understanding of Computers
As we said earlier, coding is not only for the IT industry. It is also a good skill for other sectors.
Whether you work in marketing or the tech industry, learning to code will better understand what it is all about and help you form cordial relationships with other programmers.
Also, because you’ll know how much time and preparation it takes to become a programmer, you’ll be able to organise project schedules more quickly and methodically. - Coding Enhances the Problem-solving Ability
One of the reasons coding is cited as a tough-to-learn career is its intricate concepts. To create a program, a programmer has to undergo multiple levels of trial and error to make the program accomplish the job it is assigned to.
This is, of course, not easy, but it pays off well in future. Since programmers spend more time on derivative solutions for problems, they naturally get more innovative in problem-solving ability. - Flexible Working Opportunities
You don’t need any complicated equipment to code; all you need is a laptop and a calm environment.
Many programmers do not need to commute to work because such an environment may be created anywhere with a good internet connection. Not to mention that the pandemic has radically altered the working dynamic; the number of freelancers has climbed and will undoubtedly continue to rise in the future.
Not only will you be well compensated, but you will also have the freedom to set your own working hours.
Learn coding basics for free
Whether you are keen on a career in the tech field or not, you can try your hands on it first. Here’s a link to our free 5 Day Coding Challenge. In this programme, you will learn the basics of HTML, CSS and JavaScript. After one hour a day, over five days, you will build your first web page. Although it might be seen as challenging initially, coding can eventually change your mind once you have tried working on it. You can register for this free challenge in the form at the bottom of this page.
Conclusion
Learning programming languages and mastering them may take a while; however, it is worth it in the end; when you start learning it with fun, you will grasp it within no time. Though it may take a while to master, it will take only minutes to start. So what are you waiting for? Start learning!
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