We have compiled a list of the simplest programming languages, which at the same time are in demand and allow you to make good money. These programming languages are easier to learn than others, but you still need persistence and determination to become a professional programmer.
Also, before choosing your first programming language, take a look at our list of the most in-demand IT jobs and popular programming languages in 2022.
The easiest programming languages
0. HTML and CSS
In most of these articles, you will find mention of HTML and CSS – the markup language and style language used to create websites. And although they are not programming languages (which is why I added them as 0 place in the list), but if you are going to become Front-End or Full-Stack developers, then HTML and CSS are the easiest and at the same time necessary start of learning. Some beginners already during their study can understand if programming is not really their “topic”. And vice versa – if you are interested in watching how your code turns into a web page, then it is definitely worth continuing to learn programming.
1.JavaScript
Since HTML and CSS cannot directly include conditional statements and other decision-making features, they are not considered full-fledged programming languages. But what if you need an interactive web page? What if you want to add a dropdown menu or button that changes color and text when you hover over it with the mouse? JavaScript comes to the rescue.
As a complete programming language, JavaScript is used to handle programming loops and make logical decisions based on input, such as when you hover over a menu or type something into a search field. And because JavaScript can render HTML and CSS code, it can make web pages interactive and dynamic.
But that’s not all JavaScript can do. With design environments like Node.js, you can run JavaScript outside of your web browser, on the server. This allows web applications to run in the same programming language from the screen to the server.
Where is JavaScript used?
As the third of a trio of languages used to develop web pages, Front-End and Full-Stack programmers must be proficient in JavaScript along with HTML and CSS. Also, since it runs on the server side in environments like Node.js, learning JavaScript can be beneficial for back-end developers as well.
Why JavaScript is an easy programming language
Although JavaScript is more complex than HTML and CSS, it is one of the easiest programming languages to learn. It is an interpreted language and is easily embedded in languages such as HTML. Another feature of JavaScript is that you can write complex pieces of code and test them in the browser as you go. Also, if you already know HTML and CSS, then you will have an advantage in learning JavaScript.
2.Python
We can’t continue talking about simple programming languages without touching on the “giant snake”. Python is consistently among the most popular programming languages, and for good reason. Since its inception in the 1980s, Python has been designed to be highly readable code that could easily be extended with modules in the future.
People also really like Python because it is a multi-paradigm programming language. This means that it supports various styles (paradigms) of programming. This includes object-oriented programming, which focuses on manipulating sets of data (or objects), as well as functional programming, which focuses on using functions to perform complex or multi-step operations.
Where is Python used?
Python is a widely used application language and you will find developers using it to build websites, apps and games. At the same time, data scientists use Python because this language is well suited for searching and analyzing large amounts of data.
Why Python is easy to learn
It’s not often that a programming language is invented specifically with readability in mind. As you learn Python, you will find that not only should everything be simple, but complex code is not welcome either. Alex Martelli, Python Software Foundation Fellow, puts it best: “Describing something as “smart” is not considered a compliment in Python culture.”
3. R
Since its introduction in 1993, R has become the go-to programming language for anyone interested in statistical analysis, data science, or data mining. While R is usually accessed through the command line, there are many GUIs available. Some of them allow you to use the core features of R without having to learn R code, which is one of the reasons why the language is so popular.
R is open source, which means it is free to use for personal or commercial purposes. This also means that there are thousands of downloadable user-created packages that provide functionality far beyond the scope of the original code.
Some packages are designed to perform general functions, such as data visualization. But most are designed for very specific professional functions, which is why R is so widely used. You can find an R package to suit your needs, whether you’re interested in general statistics, genetic sequencing, geospatial analysis, or anything else.
Another strength of R is the knitr engine, which allows you to create dynamic, publish-ready reports and web pages that combine R code with LaTeX, HTML, or Markdown.
Where is R used?
R is most popular among data scientists, data analysts, and statisticians. But more and more STEM professionals are attracted to R, thanks to the many packages designed specifically for their fields, and sometimes specifically for their companies.
Why R is easy to learn
At first glance, learning R can seem like a daunting task as the language takes some getting used to, especially if you’re already familiar with other programming languages. But one of the reasons R is easier to learn than other languages is that every R function comes with extensive documentation that explains each argument, as well as sample commands.
4. Ruby
Yukihiro Matsumoto, the creator of Ruby, set out to create a language that would incorporate the best elements of Perl, Lisp, Smalltalk, Ada, and Eiffel. Thus, Ruby was born.
Compared to Python, which focuses on providing a single, simple solution for every problem, Ruby aims to make it possible to use multiple approaches to achieve the same goal. This gives Ruby the flexibility that programmers love.
Another reason for Ruby’s popularity is that programmers can change even fundamental parts of the language to suit their needs. For example, if you prefer math operators to be spelled rather than using symbols (“plus” instead of “+”), you can define this in Ruby.
Where is Ruby used?
Like Python, Ruby is a general-purpose language that is especially popular with web developers because it is most commonly used to build web applications. But you can also use Ruby for web scraping, command line tools, automation, data manipulation, and more.
Why Ruby is easy to learn
Once you start learning Ruby, you will soon understand why it is called “the language of careful balance”. And because so many developers use and love it, you won’t find a shortage of Ruby documentation, community forums, and code examples available online.
5 Java
One of the biggest advantages of Java is that it was originally designed to run in distributed environments such as the Internet. That is, among many servers and computers. And despite the fact that the language is old, Java remains relevant and cutting-edge through constant testing and updating.
Java developers can rest assured that building a Java application on one platform means that the application will run on all other major platforms as well. The flexibility of the language also means that developers can use it not only on computers and mobile devices, but also in gateways, consumer products, and virtually any electronic device.
Finally, Java is known for its reliability and security, which is another reason why it attracts developers so much.
Where is Java used?
No wonder Java is a favorite among Front-End and Full-Stack developers. It is also one of the first languages that computer scientists learn as an introduction to object-oriented programming.
Why Java is easy to learn
Learning Java is especially easy because its syntax is similar to regular English. In addition, you can count on a large support community to help and answer your questions as you learn Java.
6 PHP
So far, we have focused on programming languages that help with front-end and application development, but back-end engineers have their favorite programming languages too, and PHP is one of them. This language is widely used in HTML to quickly access and manage content on the server side, including databases. In fact, many online forms use PHP to create new database entries or update existing ones.
Another advantage of PHP is its built-in security system, which allows you to encrypt data and restrict access to certain parts of your site.
With ease of use, rich functionality, and security, it’s no surprise that big companies like WordPress and Facebook use PHP.
Where is PHP used?
PHP is primarily used to manage interactions with the backend of a website, so it is the go-to programming language for both Back-End and Full-Stack engineers.
Why PHP is easy to learn
The PHP programming language is known for its simplicity and simple syntax. When learning PHP, you will always come to the aid of documentation and online communities.
7 Go
Go, or Golang, is a general-purpose programming language that Google originally developed as an alternative to C/C++. The result is a language that combines the superior performance offered by C/C++ with a simplified syntax.
Being an open source programming language, Go is used in servers, DevOps, web development, and even command line tools, as well as various applications such as cloud and server applications.
Where is Go used?
Computer scientists and application developers who need to quickly build high performance applications turn to Go as the best programming language for the task at hand.
Why Go is easy to learn
The Go language was designed with simplicity in mind, making it easy to use for beginner programmers.
8. Swift
In 2014, Apple developed Swift as an alternative to Objective-C for use on macOS (MacBook and iMac) and iOS (iPhone and iPad). With its introduction, Swift introduced many modern features that made programming much easier. It is now the top choice for developers creating apps for Mac OSX, Apple iPhone, Apple Watch, and Apple TV.
Where is Swift used?
Swift is essential if you are a Front-End or Full-Stack developer interested in developing applications in the Apple ecosystem.
Why Swift is easy to learn
As with all of its products and services, Apple has put a lot of effort into making Swift as intuitive as possible. Apple-focused developers love Swift for being easy to read and write. And as you learn Swift, you can even download the free Swift Playgrounds app, which allows you to develop and test your own Swift programs as you learn.
9. Kotlin
Just a few years after the introduction of the first generation of smartphones, app developers realized they needed a powerful and fast language. In 2011, JetBrains first released Kotlin.
Kotlin is designed specifically for developing mobile applications on the Android operating system and has become the language of choice for Android applications. Although Kotlin is fully compatible with Java, one of the advantages of Kotlin is that it generally allows developers to write less code than they would have to write in Java.
Where is Kotlin used?
Any Front-End or Full-Stack developer who develops Android applications uses Kotlin.
Why Kotlin is easy to learn
In addition to being an easy programming language for beginners, Kotlin is especially easy and quick to learn if you already know Java or Python. It’s also easy for iOS developers to learn as it was built around the same modern concepts they already use.
