The Best Programming Language to Learn for Beginners 2023

In the ever-evolving world of technology, coding skills are no longer just an asset—it’s quickly becoming necessary. Choosing where to start can be overwhelming for those on this journey. There are numerous programming languages to pick from, each with its distinct strengths and areas of application. As such, your first choice can significantly influence your learning curve and future in the tech world.

This article focuses on three top programming languages: JavaScript, Python, and Java. These languages have stood the test of time, each carving a niche for themselves in different corners of the technology sector. Let’s go and dive into which is the best programming language to learn in 2023.

What is the best programming language to learn in 2023?

JavaScript

JavaScript is the most popular programming language. This is because it is the only language that can be used on the web. Thus, any person who wants to be a web developer has to learn JavaScript. Another reason is JavaScirpt is very versatile, allowing developers to build everything from mobile and full-stack web applications to game development, machine learning models, and IoT.

Python

Python is an easy-to-read language, making it a beginner-friendly option for people who wants to get into coding. Python is widely used in many areas, including backend development, automation, data analysis, and machine learning.

Java

Java is an object-oriented programming language. It’s an essential tool for backend and Android developers, providing a solid foundation that carries over well to other programming languages.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Language

One of the first obstacles a new developer will face is which programming language to learn. I’ve been there before when I started learning software development. The best way for you to become a software developer is to stick to one programming language and be able to build various coding projects with this programming language. Learning a new language from time to time is going to slow your progress, and it is totally waste of time.

Factors to consider when selecting your first programming language

When deciding which programming language to start with, there are several key factors to consider:

1. Ease of Learning: As a beginner, you’ll want to find an easy-to-learn programming language with a large community and support online to help you learn and progress.
2. Career Path: Your career choice concerns which programming language to learn. For example, you should learn Python to become a machine learning engineer.
3. Market Demand: Let’s say you want to become a mobile developer, and the job market in your country has a high demand for cross-platform mobile development. Then you must use JavaScript (React-native) instead of Swift or Kotlin. Check what the in-demand programming languages in your country are. 

JavaScript: A General-Purpose Language

Features of JavaScript

JavaScript is a powerful and versatile object-oriented scripting language widely used for web development. With JavaScript, developers can create dynamic and interactive web applications that don’t require the user to reload the page. Here are some of JavaScript’s key features:

Interpreted Language: JavaScript is an interpreted language, meaning that the browser interprets the code during runtime, and the developer does not need manual compilation.

Client-Side Scripting: JavaScript is primarily a client-side scripting language, meaning the code runs on the user’s device rather than the server. This enables dynamic and interactive web apps.

Object-Oriented: JavaScript supports Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) principles, including objects, classes, inheritance, and polymorphism.

Event-Driven Programming: JavaScript lets developers respond to user actions (like clicks or keypresses) and other triggers, making it perfect for event-driven programming.

First-Class Functions: Functions are first-class objects in JavaScript, which means they can have properties and methods, be passed as arguments to other functions, be returned by other functions, and be assigned as a value to a variable.

Asynchronous Programming: JavaScript supports asynchronous programming, which is essential for time-consuming tasks that block code execution. Promises, async/await, and callbacks help developers write efficient and responsive code.

JSON Support: JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) is a native part of JavaScript for storing and exchanging data between servers and web pages.

Browser and Platform Compatibility: JavaScript is supported by all modern web browsers and many software platforms, making it a universal language for web development.

DOM Manipulation: JavaScript can interact with the Document Object Model (DOM), enabling developers to change the structure, style, and content of a webpage in response to user actions.

Prototypal Inheritance: JavaScript utilizes prototypal inheritance, meaning objects can inherit properties from other objects.

ES6 and Later Features: ES6 and later versions have introduced a host of modern features to JavaScript, like arrow functions, let and const declarations, template literals, spread/rest operators, default parameters, destructuring, modules, classes, async/await, and more.

While JavaScript can be complex and have some unique behaviors, it remains a necessary and powerful tool for web developers worldwide.

What is JavaScript used for?

JavaScript’s flexibility and dynamic nature make it versatile and usable across multiple applications. Its uses extend beyond web development, and here are some of the most common ways it is used:

Web Development: Whether it’s simple enhancements like image slideshows or complex interactive elements like 3D graphics, JavaScript is indispensable for adding interactivity and dynamism to websites.

Web Applications: Complex web applications rely heavily on JavaScript. JavaScript offers a complete solution, Whether front-end development for user interactivity or back-end development with Node.js.

Server Applications: With Node.js, developers can use JavaScript to write server-side applications. This enables them to write both the front-end and back-end of web applications in the same language.

Mobile Applications: Using frameworks like React Native or Ionic, developers can use JavaScript to build powerful, responsive mobile applications.

Game Development: JavaScript can be used in web and mobile development with various game engines and libraries, like Phaser.

Web APIs: JavaScript is also useful for creating and using Web APIs to build more complex applications. JavaScript empowers developers to build powerful tools, whether interacting with the Document Object Model or making HTTP requests.

Real-Time Applications: Chat applications, video streaming services, and collaborative tools rely on real-time applications that JavaScript excels in. Developers can create powerful, responsive applications with technologies like WebSockets and libraries like Socket.io.

Internet of Things (IoT): With the advent of Node.js, developers can use JavaScript to create and control IoT devices.

Machine Learning: Although it is not a popular language like Python or R, JavaScript is increasingly used for machine learning and AI applications. Libraries like TensorFlow.js and Brain.js provide JavaScript developers with the tools to create powerful machine-learning models.

Desktop Applications: Developers can use frameworks like Electron to create desktop applications using JavaScript, HTML, and CSS.

JavaScript’s versatility and widespread support make it an excellent choice for various programming projects. Its dynamic and flexible nature means developers can create powerful applications with ease and precision.

Why You Should Choose JavaScript

Programming Novice

I always recommend JavaScript to absolute beginners who never wrote a single line of code before. The reason for my recommendation is that JavaScript is a general-purpose programming language, and it is relatively easy to learn.

As a beginner, you usually don’t know if you want to be a mobile developer, web developer, or machine learning engineer. However, whatever career path you choose in the future, most likely, you will need to use JavaScript with it.

If You Know Your Path

Suppose you have decided which career path you’ll go to. In that case, JavaScript is the perfect language if you want to be a front-end developer, full-stack developer, cloud engineer, or Cross-platform mobile developer.

Python: The User-Friendly First Step to Data Science and Machine Learning

Features of Python

Python is a popular language that’s highly readable and easy to learn. It supports multiple programming paradigms, like object-oriented, procedural, and functional programming.

Here are some of Python’s key features:

Readable Code: Python emphasizes code simplicity, making it great for beginners. It uses indentation to define code blocks, making it easier to read and understand.

Interpreted Language: Python runs directly from the source code without a need for a compilation phase.

Dynamic Types: Python infers the data type at runtime, so you don’t have to declare it.

Batteries Included: Python has a rich standard library with a wide range of functionality built-in.

Object-Oriented: Python supports object-oriented programming (OOP) and other paradigms, enabling a clear and efficient coding style.

Large & Active Community: Python has a tremendous ecosystem of resources, tutorials, and libraries due to its large and active community.

Extensible & Embeddable: Python is extensible in C and C++, allowing for top-notch performance optimization. It’s also embeddable, allowing you to put your Python code in your different language codebase.

Cross-Platform: Python programs can run seamlessly across various platforms, including Mac, Windows, and Linux, without any problem.

Automatic Garbage Collection: Python’s garbage collector clears out unused objects automatically, efficiently managing memory usage.

Large Standard Library: Python supports most programming tasks like file reading, writing, and regular expressions.

Multipurpose: Python can be used in various projects, including web, game development, machine learning, AI, and scientific computing.

GUI Programming Support: Python provides libraries like Tkinter, PyQt, or Kivy, allowing you to create graphical user interfaces with ease.

Despite its simplicity, Python’s power is undeniable. Large tech companies like Google, Facebook, and Instagram use Python daily. Researchers, data scientists, and machine learning practitioners highly regard it.

What is Python used for?

Python is a powerful and versatile language that can be used for a wide range of applications. Here are 7 of the most popular use cases for Python:

Web Development: With frameworks like Django and Flask, Python makes building and maintaining secure and scalable web applications easy.

Data Analysis: Python is widely used in scientific computing and data analysis. With libraries like Pandas, NumPy, and Matplotlib, you can manipulate, analyze, and visualize data like a pro.

Machine Learning and AI: Python is widely used for machine learning, artificial intelligence, and deep learning. Libraries like scikit-learn, TensorFlow, and PyTorch provide tools for creating predictive algorithms, training neural networks, and more.

Automation and Scripting: Python is commonly used for automating repetitive tasks. You can automate anything from moving and renaming files to extracting data from web pages.

Web Scraping: Python is a popular choice for web scraping with libraries like Beautiful Soup and Scrapy. You can extract data from web pages, even if it’s unstructured.

Cybersecurity: Python is used for various security tasks, such as malware analysis, scanning, penetration testing, and more. Its simple syntax, and powerful libraries make it a favorite among security experts.

Embedded Systems and IoT: MicroPython is a lean and efficient implementation of Python 3 that includes a small subset of Python’s standard library and is optimized for microcontrollers.

Python’s simple syntax and extensive library ecosystem make it a versatile tool for various software development and data analysis tasks. Get started with Python today and discover the endless possibilities it has to offer.

Why You Should Choose Python

Programming Novice

If you’re new to coding, Python is one of the best languages to start with. It has a clean and straightforward syntax that’s easier to learn, even if you don’t have any coding experience. Unlike other programming languages that can be overwhelming due to complex syntax, Python prioritizes readability and simplicity.

It’s also a versatile language, meaning you can use it in various fields, including software and web development, data analysis, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. This provides countless opportunities to explore different areas of interest as you develop your coding skills.

If You Know Your Path

Suppose you have decided which career path you’ll go to. In that case, Python is the perfect language if you want to be a Data Analyst, Data Engineer, or Machine Learning Engineer.

Java: Your Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming and Enterprise Application

Features of Java

Discover the power and versatility of Java, one of the most popular programming languages today. Thanks to its object-oriented approach and flexibility, Java has become a go-to language for developers facing various complex challenges. Here are some of the key features that set Java apart:

Platform Independence: It is a compiled language, “Write Once, Run Anywhere” – that’s the Java way. Once your code is written and compiled, it can run on any device or platform that supports a Java Virtual Machine (JVM) without recompilation.

Object-Oriented: Java revolves around creating objects, making solving multifaceted problems easier. With concepts like inheritance, polymorphism, encapsulation, and abstraction, Java is designed to help you build effective and powerful applications.

Strongly Typed: Java ensures robust and reliable results and reduces potential errors by checking all variable types at compile time.

Multithreading: Running multiple parts of a program concurrently can greatly enhance the performance of complex, CPU-intensive applications. Java provides built-in support for multithreading.

Automatic Memory Management: Java handles memory allocation and deallocation automatically thanks to its garbage collection system, reducing the risk of memory leaks.

Security: Java is built with security in mind, featuring numerous features such as bytecode verification, advanced authentication mechanisms, and encryption.

Robustness: Exception handling and type-checking mechanisms are integral parts of Java, making it a robust solution for avoiding common program errors.

Performance: JVMs and JIT compilers have increased Java’s speed and performance, assuaging concerns that Java was slower than other languages.

Large Standard Library: Java’s library provides reusable code for network programming, database connection, utilities, file handling, user interface design, and more.

Support for Distributed Computing: Create truly powerful and versatile applications by using Java’s robustness in distributed computing.

With Java, you can build enterprise-level applications, including web, mobile, and desktop applications, games, and real-time systems. The possibilities are endless.

What is Java used for?

Java has become an essential tool in computing due to its versatility, being used across a wide range of computing platforms. Here are just a few ways Java is being utilized in development:

Enterprise Applications: Java Enterprise Edition (Java EE) provides a sturdy and secure software platform for creating distributed, transactional network applications, which is why Java is commonly used to build enterprise-level business applications.

Web Applications: Java’s support for web application development through Servlets, Struts, or JSPs serves users through a web browser. With frameworks like Spring Boot, building robust web applications has never been easier.

Mobile Applications: Java is the leading language used for developing Android applications. The Android SDK has all the necessary tools, libraries, and documentation to put Java to work!

Desktop GUI Applications: Graphical user interfaces (GUIs) for desktop applications can be built using Java’s APIs, such as Abstract Window Toolkit (AWT), Swing, and JavaFX.

Embedded Systems: Java isn’t just limited to larger systems. It can be programmed to work on smaller devices and embedded systems, making it ideal for creating platform-independent software.

Middleware Products: It’s used in creating web and application servers, application development tools, and more. Some examples include Google’s Web Toolkit, Apache’s Tomcat, Eclipse, etc.

Big Data Technologies: Java is essential in managing and handling vast data. It is a pivotal coding language in software development, especially in big data technologies like Apache Hadoop and Apache Storm.

In summary, Java is an incredibly versatile and widely adopted programming language that can be used in various areas of software development. Whether through building web and mobile applications or powering enterprise-level and scientific software platforms, Java has repeatedly proven why it’s “the go-to guy” in the programming world.

Why You Should Choose Java

Programming Novice

Java is an excellent first language to learn if you’re starting in programming. Why? For starters, it’s an object-oriented, statically-typed language that will introduce you to essential programming concepts like inheritance, classes, objects, and polymorphism. And because of its “Write Once, Run Anywhere” principle, you won’t have to worry about running your code on different platforms.

Java’s strong typing and built-in error checking make it easy for beginners to understand errors and debug their programs effectively. And by learning Java, you’ll gain highly relevant skills in enterprise-scale applications and Android mobile app development. Knowing Java can open up a world of job opportunities.

But it’s not just about job prospects—the Java community is active and supportive, providing beginners with resources and assistance when they encounter problems. Plus, once you understand Java, you’ll have an easier time picking up other languages with similar syntax, like C#.

If You Know Your Path

Suppose you have decided which career path you’ll go to. In that case, Java is the perfect language if you want to be a Backend Developer or Android Developer. Furthermore, you should choose Java if you want to build enterprise-level applications like banking or fintech.

Comparison: Java vs Python vs JavaScript

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which language is better for beginners, Java, Python, or JavaScript?

This largely depends on what the beginner aims to achieve. Python is generally recommended for beginners due to its simple and clean syntax. However, if the beginner is more interested in web development, JavaScript might be a good first choice. Java could be a bit challenging for a complete beginner because of its somewhat complex syntax, but it is very beneficial for anyone aiming to develop Android apps or enterprise-scale applications.

2. Are all three languages, Java, Python, and JavaScript, suitable for web development?

Yes, all three languages can be used for web development. JavaScript is predominantly used for client-side scripting although with Node.js, it’s also used for server-side scripting. Python, with frameworks like Django and Flask, is a great language for server-side web development. Java, too, is used for server-side web development using technologies like Servlets, JSP, and frameworks like Spring and Struts.

3. Between Java, Python, and JavaScript, which language has the most job opportunities?

All three languages have vast job opportunities as they are all widely used in the industry. JavaScript is very popular in web development, Python in data science, machine learning, AI, and web development, and Java in enterprise-level applications, Android development, and web development. The demand for these languages may vary based on geographic location and industry.

4. Is it necessary to learn all three languages – Java, Python, and JavaScript?

Not necessarily. While having knowledge of multiple languages is definitely beneficial and can make you a more versatile programmer, it’s not essential to learn all three. What’s more important is gaining proficiency in at least one language and understanding programming fundamentals, which can then be transferred to learning other languages if required.

5. Should I Learn Java for Android or JavaScript for Cross-platfrom mobile development?

This is depends on your goal. If your goal is work for enterprise big companies learning Java for Android development is right option, and if you goal is to work with startup and mid-size companies or your goal is building your own startup then learning JavaScript (React Native) is the right path.