Exploring Programming Languages Insights with RightFirms Blog

If you are new to software development, knowing where to start is the most challenging part of learning programming. Several hundred programming languages are used daily, each with quirks and challenges. The best news is that as you begin your career as a software developer, you'll start to learn the best coding language for your interests and goals.This blog post will cover the most in-demand programming languages and how to learn them to kickstart a coding career. What is a programming language? A programming language is a set of instructions written in a particular syntax to tell a computer what to do and how to do it. Mastering a programming language will enable you to create software applications, websites, and other digital tools shaping our world. Principal Programming Language Types There are many different programming languages, each with unique advantages and disadvantages, so consider this when choosing the best ones to learn.The main categories of programming languages are as follows: Languages for procedural programming: These languages decompose issues into sequential steps. Typical examples are Pascal, C, Cobol, and BASIC.Functional programming languages focus on altering data structures without changing existing data to provide more predictable results. Some well-known functional languages include Scala and Haskell. Programs in object-oriented programming languages are structured around objects that hold information (properties) and actions (methods). Python, Java, and C++ are well-known examples of this object-based methodology.  Scripting and dynamic languages are lightweight programming languages frequently used to add interactivity to web pages or automate processes. Two popular scripting languages are JavaScript and Ruby.  Logic programming languages use logic and reasoning to solve problems. They offer a distinct method for solving issues and are frequently employed in applications involving artificial intelligence. Prolog is a well-known example of a logic programming language.  Top Programming Languages to Learn in 2025 As more than 700 programming languages are available, you probably want to know which is best to learn. Ultimately, your decision will be influenced by your professional objectives, skill level, and the languages companies use in their workplaces. These are the top 15 programming languages to learn in 2025 to get you started. 1. JavaScript With increasing demand for dynamic web applications, becoming a professional software developer is nearly impossible without learning JavaScript. According to Stack Overflow's 2024 Developer's Survey, JavaScript is the most popular programming language among developers for the eleventh year in a row, with 62% of survey respondents reporting that they had used it the past year. Most of the most visited sites on the web, including Facebook, Twitter, Gmail, and YouTube, use JavaScript to develop interactive web pages and dynamically display content to users. The extensive list of applications makes JavaScript one of the finest programming languages to learn.Major Features: Versatility: JavaScript can be utilised for front-end as well as back-end development.Interactivity: It provides dynamic functionality to web pages, making them engaging and responsive.A large community: The JavaScript community is significant and growing! Those looking to learn it can find extensive online resources, including tutorials, frameworks, and other tools that make learning and troubleshooting easier.Prerequisites: A foundational grasp of HTML and CSS is advised for efficient JavaScript web development.Skills Required: Potential JavaScript programmers should be capable of addressing problems and interested in procedural reasoning, logic, and problem-solving.Platforms: Node.js server-side environments and web browsers. Examples of Use: Developing dynamic web components Constructing dynamic online apps Creating apps that are only one page (SPAs) Including user interfaces and animations JavaScript engineers typically make around $116,340 a year, as per Indeed Oct 2024. 2. Python Python is arguably the most accessible programming language on this list. Its syntax is straightforward and intuitive, particularly for English speakers, since it follows grammar rules. This makes it a favourite among beginners looking for the best programming languages to learn for themselves.Key Features: Readability: Python's simple and concise syntax is similar to natural language, making it more straightforward to learn and maintain. Versatility: It’s widely used in web development, data science, scripting, machine learning, and other applications. Extensive libraries: Thanks to a vast collection of pre-written code (libraries), it’s easy to simplify complex tasks and streamline development with Python. Prerequisites: Programming in Python requires a basic understanding of computer science concepts, which is helpful but not integral. Skills Needed: Python programmers should be solution-focused and interested in structures and data analysis. Platform: All major operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux) Use Cases: Web development (back-end)Data science and machine learningScripting and automationScientific computingGame development (with frameworks) Average Salary: Python developers earn around $125,102 per year as per Indeed Oct 2024 3. SQL In addition to Python, SQL coding is crucial to effectively using data in web applications and is, therefore, among the best programming languages to learn. While other coding languages are on our list, SQL explicitly allows storing, retrieving, and manipulating data in a given relational database. Key Features: Standardised use: SQL is supported by a majority of database management systems. Declarative ability: Its operation depends on what information to fetch or handle rather than the exact steps. Relational functionality: SQL allows querying and handling information among related tables in a database. Prerequisites: Familiarity with database management concepts is ideal for SQL. Skills Required: SQL programmers must learn data structures, storage, and retrieval. Platform: All major database management systems (e.g., MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle) Use Cases: Data retrieval and manipulation in relational databasesMaking reports and data analysisMaintenance and management of databasesIntegration with other programming languages for data-driven applicationsThe average Salary as per the Glassdoor June 2024 is  $116,507. 4. Swift Swift has become the popular language for creating contemporary iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS applications. Apple introduced Swift in 2014, a new programming language to develop iOS and macOS applications. Swift has been optimised for performance and built from the ground up to match the realities of modern iOS development, making it one of the best programming languages to learn for aspiring iOS developers. These developers will likely remain in demand as Apple products remain the most profitable mobile app marketplace. Key Features: Modern Design: Swift offers a safe, readable, and expressive syntax for efficient development. Platform Integration: It seamlessly integrates with Apple's development tools and frameworks. Safety Features: Swift emphasises memory and type safety, reducing crashes and errors. Prerequisites: Ideally, those looking to specialise in Apple programming are interested in iOS functionality. Skills Needed: Coders working in Swift should have some existing familiarity with Apple's development tools (Xcode)> Platform: Apple platforms (iOS, iPad, macOS, watchOS, tvOS) Use Cases: Building native iOS, iPad, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS applicationsMaking multimedia applications and computer games for Apple devices Mean Salary: $119,319 (Indeed, Oct 2024)  5. Java Java is still a leader in programming, particularly for enterprise software development. Its write-once, run-anywhere concept and mature environment make it a go-to option for developing large-scale applications such as servers. Key Features: Platform independence: Java code can be executed on multiple operating systems without alteration.Object-oriented functionality focuses on code reusability and maintainability by following object-oriented concepts.Large libraries and frameworks: Java has a healthy collection of libraries and frameworks supporting various development purposes.Prerequisites: Basic notions of coding could be helpful.Skills Required: Analytical minds, object-oriented programming principles, knowledge of major Java libraries and frameworks (in case of higher-level development)Platform: Every central operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux)Applications: Enterprise application construction (web, desktop, mobile with frameworks)Big data processing (Hadoop)Android developmentEmbedded system development Average Salary as per (Indeed, Oct 2024) $91,234 Best Programming Languages to Learn to Fulfill Your Career Aspirations Only you can answer the question of the best programming language to learn for your career aspirations. Your choice should be based on your career interests and whether you want to develop front-end or back-end web-based software. In brief, this is what we have discussed so far: Front-end web development: JavaScript, TypeScriptBack-end web development: JavaScript, TypeScript, Python, Go, Elixir, C#Mobile development: Swift, Java, C#Game development: C#Desktop applications: Java, Python, JavaScript, TypeScriptSystems programming: C, Rust, Go It’s Code Time Computer programming is a fast-changing field; however, the languages above bear much staying power. Learning one or more of them will place you in an excellent position this year and for years. Once you master one programming language, learning a second language will likely be easier since you can draw on existing knowledge.