The Top Six Easiest Programming Languages to Learn

Think about learning to read. First, you master the alphabet, learning to differentiate between uppercase and lowercase letters. Next, you learn what each letter sounds like, how to blend the sounds together, and how to decode words. So, when you run across the word “sesquipedalian” for the first time as an adult, these early skills and habits will be what you automatically revert to as you unravel the word letter by letter, syllable by syllable. Reading doesn’t get easier, per se–especially as you learn more advanced syntax skills and tackle high-level works–but as your skills grow, you can interact with texts in ways that are increasingly complex. The same idea applies when exploring the easiest coding language to learn. Thus, the best and easiest programming language to learn will not only feature an intuitive and simple-to-grasp syntax but also teach you how to think and problem-solve like a coder.

What is the easiest programming language to learn?

“Easy” is always relative, and the easiest coding language to learn will depend on many different factors, such as your intended use for the language and your comfort level with technology. That said, according to developer surveys, general ease of use, syntax structure, accessibility to beginners, and resource availability, a handful of programming languages are typically considered easier (and more essential) than others.

The first language you learn is often considered to be the most difficult. Along with mastering the language itself, you’ll also be learning foundational concepts and habits of mind, like how to write code that is efficient and can be easily understood by others. Since you will likely learn multiple languages over the course of your career, you’ll then be able to apply these concepts to the next language you decide to study.

Also, it is important to ask yourself why you hope to learn programming. There are five different types of languages: procedural, functional, object-oriented, scripting, and logic. Procedural and object-oriented languages are most prevalent, with object-oriented languages having risen dramatically in popularity in recent years. Therefore, depending on why you’ve decided to learn to code, “easiest” and “most useful” may be synonymous.

Moreover, to identify the easiest coding language for you, assess resource availability and community strength. Let’s use Tolkien as an example: he created multiple languages for The Lord of the Rings series, with two of the most complete being Quenya and Sindarin. Seventy-five years later, interested learners can hop on to a number of readily available free translators to decipher text and even evolve the existing vocabulary base. Languages like Python and JavaScript operate similarly; the active community is constantly finding new applications and troubleshooting issues, which means you’ll be more supported in your coding journey.

Six Easiest Programming Languages to Learn

According to responses from Stack Overflow’s 2022 Developer Survey as well as programmer reviews, the following languages are typically well-suited for and popular among beginning coders:

1) HTML/CSS

Although there is some contention in the coding community about whether HTML and CSS are considered to be programming languages (general consensus: no), both are highly essential for many programmers. As HTML and CSS are the cornerstones of any web page, these languages are particularly useful for those who work in web development. In addition, before you start learning languages like JavaScript, you’ll want to have a firm foundation in HTML and CSS. Both can be typically learned in under a month. Many programmers agree that is easy to teach the basics of both languages to yourself.

What careers you might need HTML/CSS for: Web development, web applications, software engineering, software development, content editing and production.

The bottom line: If you hope to work in front-end, back-end, or full-stack development, HTML and CSS will be invaluable skills in your toolbox, and you don’t need much to get started—just a text editor. Furthermore, HTML and CSS can be important for non-web development careers as well, like graphic design and social media management.

2) C

Think of C as the Marvel of the programming world. The early days of Human Torch and Captain America paved the way for OG Avengers Iron Man and Thor as well as more recent offshoots like Deadpool and Ms. Marvel. With upwards of sixty derivative languages, including C++, C#, Swift, and R, C is one of the oldest and most foundational programming languages. Moreover, many experienced programmers suggest that C is the best and easiest programming language to learn. This is because it teaches new programmers fundamental coding concepts as well as how the computer works. Such deep understanding will be invaluable as you move forward.

Object-oriented languages are currently more popular (think Python and Java). However, procedural languages like C–those that tell what the computer to do step-by-step–will always be relevant. And since C forms the building blocks of so many other languages, you’ll utilize your knowledge for years to come.

In addition, popular “C-suite” languages include C++ and C# (pronounced “C sharp,” which will only make sense to anyone musically inclined). Both languages are typically much easier to learn if you already have a foundation in C.

What careers you might need C for: Software development, programming, and embedded software engineering, particularly within the automotive and robotics industries.

The bottom line: With only 32 keywords, C is a general-purpose language with a simple syntax and fast execution. Additionally, few available libraries mean you will learn to code cleanly and efficiently.

3) JavaScript

Not to be confused with Java, JavaScript is one of the core programming languages for web development. As such, it is used by 98% of all websites, including big guns Google, Amazon, YouTube, and Netflix. Expertise in JavaScript means you’ll be incredibly versatile. It has the ability to work in both front- and back-end website development as well as game development or machine learning, among others. Since it is an object-oriented programming language, you’ll need to learn the foundations of object-oriented programming in order to be successful.

What careers you might need JavaScript for: Front-end development, web application development, web design, website administration, full stack development.

The bottom line: JavaScript is already installed on every major web browser. Therefore, you don’t need anything special to get started. Also, JavaScript has a large, supportive community, and in general, the syntax is considered to be simple and logical.

4) Python

Given Python’s simplicity and versatility, many new coders consider it to be the easiest programming language to learn. Its syntax is purposely similar to the English language, which makes code writing feel more intuitive. In addition, Python boasts a vast online community, can be used for myriad projects, and has the ability to be downloaded on multiple operating systems. Moreover, there are in excess of 100,000 Python libraries, meaning that users have swaths of already-written code at their fingertips.

What careers you might need Python for: Machine learning, IT, software engineering, game development, AI, data science, academic research, and the financial tech sector.

The bottom line: A featured language in many introductory computer science languages and widely used in a number of industries, Python’s popularity won’t be decreasing any time soon. In addition, you can master the fundamentals in a few weeks to a few months.

5) Java

With a similar syntax to C and C++, Java (yes, it is named after coffee) is easy to understand/maintain. It is relied on by companies like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. In addition, it has WORA capability (write once, run anywhere). This means that code can be run on any operating system. Like JavaScript, Java is an object-oriented language that has an extensive community. It also has plenty of free resources to take advantage of. Finally, if you take AP Computer Science in high school, you’ll learn Java. Additionally, most introductory college-level computer science courses will teach you either Java or Python.

What careers you might need Java for: Software programming, software development, game development, web development, app development, scientific research.

The bottom line: With a syntax similar to English and a number of existing frameworks, Java is a popular choice among new programmers. In addition, it teaches important concepts and problem-solving skills. These abilities make it easier to transition to other languages, like Python, C, and C++.

6) Go (GoLang)

Go, one of C’s many offspring, was created by Google in 2009. It has a similar syntax to C and is quite fast. It also has fewer features than other languages, meaning that is simpler to learn and absorb. Applications built in Go are typically considered to be highly scalable. Further, the language is heavily utilized by companies like Uber and Soundcloud. Similar to Python and JavaScript, Go is an open-source language. Developers wanted users to easily build secure, reliable, and efficient systems. For these reasons, many consider it to be the easiest coding language to learn.

What careers you might need Go for: Software engineering and development, web development, cloud computing development, database administration.

The bottom line: Able to be used with any operating system, Go is another highly versatile language. It has myriad applications and a thriving support community. Bonus: if you’re familiar with C, you should be able to pick up Go no problem.

I chose a language. How should I proceed?

To master the easiest coding language, you can choose from several available learning options, which range from pure self-study (YouTube tutorials, anyone?) to bootcamps and free courses. When choosing an option, consider your learning style–do you typically need more or less support? Do you want to be able to collaborate with other students? How quickly would you like to master your chosen language? Are you planning to take AP Computer Science or major in a computer science-related field in college? The answers to these questions should inform how you proceed.

Final Thoughts – Easiest Programming Language to Learn

The “easiest” coding language to learn depends on what you hope to use it for and your existing CS knowledge. A future data analyst might start with Python while an aspiring web developer might opt for C. Whatever you choose, it’s highly likely that your first language will only be the start of your programming journey.