Programming languages are the tools that software developers use to create the software that we use every day. From the websites we browse to the apps we use on our phones, programming languages are essential to the modern world.

If you’re interested in learning to code, there are many different programming languages to choose from. But with so many options available, it can be difficult to know where to start.

In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the 12 best programming languages to learn in 2023. We’ll also give each language a superlative based on its most common use case, list the most common careers each one would be used in, and suggest a good place to learn that language from an online learning platform.

1. Python

• Superlative: Most versatile programming language
• Careers: Web development, data science, machine learning, artificial intelligence, software engineering
• Online learning platform: Coursera
• Course: Python for Beginners

Python is a general-purpose programming language that is known for its simplicity and readability. It is a good choice for beginners because it has a relatively low learning curve and is used in a wide variety of fields.

Python is also a very versatile language. It can be used to develop web applications, data science applications, machine learning applications, and artificial intelligence applications.

Python is a popular choice for software engineers because it is relatively easy to learn and use. It is also a good choice for developing enterprise software because it is scalable and reliable.

2. JavaScript

• Superlative: Most popular front-end web development language
• Careers: Web development, mobile app development, game development, server-side development
• Online learning platform: Udemy
• Course: The Complete JavaScript Course

JavaScript is a front-end web development language that is used to create interactive and dynamic web pages. It is also used in back-end development with Node.js, which is a JavaScript runtime environment that allows JavaScript to be used to create server-side applications.

JavaScript is a popular choice for web developers because it is easy to learn and use. It is also a very versatile language that can be used to develop a wide variety of web applications, from simple static websites to complex dynamic web applications.

JavaScript is also a popular choice for mobile app developers because it can be used to develop native mobile apps for iOS and Android devices using frameworks such as React Native and Flutter.

3. Java

• Superlative: Most popular enterprise programming language
• Careers: Software engineering, web development, mobile app development, data science
• Online learning platform: edX
• Course: Java Programming: From Beginner to Pro

Java is a general-purpose programming language that is known for its portability and reliability. It is widely used in enterprise software development, mobile app development, and web development.

Java is a popular choice for enterprise software development because it is robust and secure. It is also a good choice for developing applications that need to be deployed on multiple platforms.

Java is also a popular choice for mobile app development because it can be used to develop native mobile apps for Android devices.

4. C/C++

• Superlative: Most powerful programming languages
• Careers: Systems programming, game development, embedded systems, high-performance computing
• Online learning platform: Pluralsight
• Course: C++ for Beginners

C and C++ are low-level programming languages that are used to create operating systems, embedded systems, and high-performance applications. They are more difficult to learn than Python or JavaScript, but they offer more control over the hardware and memory.

C is a popular choice for systems programmers because it is a very efficient language that allows programmers to have direct control over the hardware. It is also a good choice for developing embedded systems, which are small, specialized computers that are used in devices such as cars, appliances, and medical devices.

C++ is a popular choice for game developers because it is a very fast language that allows programmers to have direct control over the hardware. It is also a good choice for developing high-performance computing applications, which are applications that need to process large amounts of data very quickly.

5. Go

• Superlative: Most lightweight programming language
• Careers: Web development, cloud computing, server-side development, distributed systems
• Online learning platform: Coursera
• Course: Go for Beginners

Go is a newer programming language that is gaining popularity due to its simplicity, concurrency support, and performance. It is a good choice for beginners who want to learn a language that is well-suited for modern software development.

Go is a popular choice for web developers because it is a lightweight language that is easy to learn and use. It is also a good choice for developing cloud computing applications because it is scalable and reliable.

Go is also a popular choice for developing server-side applications because it is a very efficient language that can handle large numbers of concurrent requests.

6. Kotlin

• Superlative: Most modern and concise programming language for Android development
• Careers: Android app development, server-side development, data science
• Online learning platform: Udacity
• Course: Kotlin for Beginners

Kotlin is a modern programming language that is fully interoperable with Java. It is a good choice for Android app development and server-side development.

Kotlin is a popular choice for Android app developers because it is a more concise and expressive language than Java. It is also a good choice for server-side development because it can be used to develop high-performance web applications.

Kotlin is also a popular choice for data scientists because it has a number of features that make it well-suited for data science tasks, such as support for null safety, functional programming, and data classes.

7. Swift

• Superlative: Most elegant programming language for iOS development
• Careers: iOS app development, macOS app development, watchOS app development, tvOS app development
• Online learning platform: AppCoda
• Course: The Complete iOS App Development Course in SwiftUI

Swift is a programming language developed by Apple for iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS app development. It is a modern and elegant language that is easy to learn and use.

Swift is a popular choice for iOS app developers because it is the only language that can be used to develop native iOS apps. It is also a good choice for macOS, watchOS, and tvOS app development because it is a single language that can be used to develop apps for all four platforms.

8. Rust

• Superlative: Most memory-safe programming language
• Careers: Systems programming, embedded systems, web development, cloud computing
• Online learning platform: Rustlings
• Course: The Rust Programming Language

Rust is a systems programming language that is known for its safety and performance. It is a good choice for developing low-level systems, such as operating systems and embedded systems.

Rust is also a good choice for web development and cloud computing because it is a very efficient language that can handle large numbers of concurrent requests.

9. Data structures and algorithms

• Superlative: Most fundamental computer science concepts
• Careers: Software engineering, web development, data science, machine learning
• Online learning platform: Coursera
• Course: Introduction to Data Structures and Algorithms in Python

Data structures and algorithms are the foundation of computer science and software engineering. Learning how to design and implement efficient data structures and algorithms is essential for any computer engineer or software developer.

Data structures and algorithms are used in a wide variety of applications, including web development, data science, and machine learning.

10. Operating systems

• Superlative: Most important software for computers
• Careers: Software engineering, systems engineering, DevOps
• Online learning platform: edX
• Course: Introduction to Operating Systems

Operating systems are the software that manages the computer’s hardware resources and provides a platform for applications to run on. Learning about operating systems is essential for any computer engineer or software developer, as it provides a deeper understanding of how computers work.

Operating systems are also used in a wide variety of applications, including web development, data science, and machine learning.

11. Computer architecture

• Superlative: Most essential knowledge for designing efficient computers
• Careers: Computer engineering, software engineering, hardware engineering
• Online learning platform: Coursera
• Course: Computer Architecture: A Quantitative Approach

Computer architecture is the study of the design and organization of computer systems. Learning about computer architecture can help computer engineers to design more efficient and performant systems.

Computer architecture is also used in a wide variety of applications, including web development, data science, and machine learning.

12. Networking

• Superlative: Most essential knowledge for connecting computers together
• Careers: Computer engineering, software engineering, network engineering
• Online learning platform: Udemy
• Course: Complete Networking Fundamentals

Networking is the study of how computers communicate with each other. Learning about networking is essential for any computer engineer or software developer, as it is used in a wide variety of applications, including web development, data science, and machine learning.

Conclusion

These are just a few of the many great programming languages and computer engineering skills that you can learn in 2023. The best language or skill to learn will depend on your individual interests and goals.

If you are a beginner, I recommend starting with a general-purpose programming language such as Python or JavaScript. These languages are relatively easy to learn and have a wide variety of resources available to help you learn.

Once you have a good understanding of the basics of programming, you can then start to learn more specialized programming languages and computer engineering skills.

I hope this blog post has been helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below.

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