Top 5 Easiest Programming Languages for New Coders [2024]

Starting your coding journey in 2024 seems like all “fun and game", until you have to make your mind on which language to pick up. 

You need a language that's beginner-friendly and practical for building your own projects. With so many options out there, and multiple opinions, it can get confusing.

We've got your back! In this article, we’ll suggest the 5 easiest programming languages that are popular among new coders, conduct evaluation on each one, and finally, some basic tips and advice.

Let’s start.

What Makes a Programming Language Easy to Learn?

First off, when you're starting out in programming, selecting the right language directly impacts your learning journey. 

So, there will be some standards to help you decide whether the language is easy for you to pick up or not. Let’s break it down:

1. Syntax Simplicity

Syntax is the set of rules that define the structure of a programming language. An easy-to-learn language often has simple, human-readable syntax. 

For instance, Python is renowned for its clean, straightforward, and readable syntax, making it a favorite among beginners.

2. Community Support and Resources

Without question, having a supportive community can make a huge difference in your learning process. When you're stuck on a problem, access to forums, tutorials, and documentation can help you find solutions quickly. 

Or, on a more sentimental note, finding a group of like-minded colleagues who share your goals and motivation can make the learning experience even more exciting and fulfilling as you grow together.

Languages like JavaScript and Python have massive communities and tons of resources available, so you'll never feel alone in your learning journey.

Here are a few popular communities for support:

• Stack Overflow: A Q&A site where you can ask questions and get answers from experienced developers.
• Reddit: Subreddits like r/learnprogramming, r/Python, and r/JavaScript are great places to interact with fellow learners and get advice.
• GitHub: A platform for hosting and collaborating on code, where you can find open-source projects and contribute.
• Discord and Slack Channels: Many programming languages have dedicated channels where you can chat in real-time with other developers.
• Codecademy and freeCodeCamp Forums: These platforms offer interactive coding lessons and have forums where you can discuss problems and solutions.

3. Learning Curve and Practical Application

The term "learning curve" is often misunderstood. A steep learning curve actually means that you learn a lot in a short amount of time, which can be challenging but rewarding. On the other hand, a gentle learning curve means that learning is spread out over a longer period, which can make the initial stages easier to manage.

So, for beginners, to determine if a language has a manageable learning curve, look for these indicators:

• Gradual Introduction of Concepts: The language should introduce basic concepts first and then gradually build up to more complex topics, making it easier to follow along and build your knowledge step-by-step.
• Practical Projects Early On: The ability to create practical projects, like building a simple website or a game, early in the learning process can keep you motivated and make learning more enjoyable.
• Learning Resources: Tutorials, guides, and examples should be available, and starting with the basics and gradually progressing to advanced topics ensures that you can find help and guidance at every stage of your learning journey.
• Positive Feedback from Beginners: Look for reviews and feedback from other beginners who have found the language approachable and easy to learn. 

Top 5 Easiest Programming Languages to Learn In 2024

1. Python

Python is a versatile, high-level programming language known for its readability and broad applicability. It's used in web development, data science, artificial intelligence, automation, and more.

Sample Code:

# Simple Python code to print a greeting

name = input("What's your name? ")

print(f"Hello, {name}!")

Real-World Application: Python powers popular web frameworks like Django and Flask, is extensively used in data analysis and machine learning with libraries such as pandas and TensorFlow, and is employed for scripting and automation in various domains.

Learning Resources:

• Websites: Python.org, Real Python
• Forums: Stack Overflow, Reddit

2. JavaScript

JavaScript is essential for front-end web development, enabling interactive web pages. It's also used in back-end development with Node.js, and in mobile app development with frameworks like React Native.

Sample Code:

// Simple JavaScript code to print a greeting

let name = prompt("What's your name?");

alert(`Hello, ${name}!`);

Real-World Application: JavaScript is the backbone of web development, used by websites and applications worldwide. It powers client-side scripts, interactive elements, and is a crucial part of full-stack development.

Learning Resources:

• Websites: Mozilla Developer Network, JavaScript.info
• Forums: Stack Overflow, Reddit

3. Ruby on Rails

Ruby is known for its elegant and readable syntax. It's primarily used in web development through the Ruby on Rails framework, which simplifies many programming tasks.

Sample Code:

# Simple Ruby code to print a greeting

print "What's your name? "

name = gets.chomp

puts "Hello, #{name}!"

Real-World Application: Ruby on Rails powers many web applications and startups, including platforms like Airbnb and GitHub. Its convention over configuration approach makes it highly productive.

Learning Resources:

• Websites: Ruby-lang.org, Ruby on Rails Guides, Codecademy’s 10-hour Ruby course
• Forums: Stack Overflow, Reddit

4. Swift

Swift is Apple's programming language for iOS and macOS development. It's designed to be easy to read and write, with modern features that make it powerful and efficient.

Sample Code:

// Simple Swift code to print a greeting

print("What's your name?")

if let name = readLine() {

    print("Hello, \(name)!")

}

Real-World Application: Swift is used to develop iOS and macOS applications. Apps like Lyft and LinkedIn are built using Swift, and it’s the go-to language for Apple developers.

Learning Resources:

• Websites: Swift.org, Hacking with Swift
• Forums: Stack Overflow, Reddit

5. Scratch

Scratch is a visual programming language designed for children and beginners. It uses a drag-and-drop interface to create animations, games, and stories.

Sample Code:

// Scratch code is created using visual blocks, not text-based code.

when green flag clicked

ask "What's your name?" and wait

say (join "Hello, " (answer))

Real-World Application: Scratch is used in educational settings to teach programming concepts and logical thinking. It’s widely adopted in schools and coding clubs for young learners.

Learning Resources:

• Websites: Scratch.mit.edu, Code.org
• Forums: Scratch Community, Reddit

Choosing the right programming language can feel a bit overwhelming, and it probably won’t be the easiest, but it should be worthwhile along the road. 

Considering a few key factors, you can find a language that fits your interests, career goals, and learning style. Here's how you can decide:

How to Choose the Right Programming Language for You?

1. Personal Interests

Your personal interests play a significant role in your learning journey. Think about what excites you. Are you passionate about building websites, creating mobile apps, analyzing data, or designing games? 

Here’s how your interests can guide you:

• Web Development: If you love crafting interactive and dynamic websites, JavaScript and Python are essential. JavaScript is the backbone of front-end web development, enabling you to create interactive elements on web pages. Python, with its frameworks like Django and Flask, is excellent for back-end development, allowing you to manage databases and server-side logic.
• Mobile App Development: If creating mobile applications is your game, Swift and Kotlin are your go-to languages. Swift is designed by Apple and is used for developing iOS and macOS applications. Kotlin, on the other hand, is used for Android development and is known for its modern features and ease of use.
• Game Development: For aspiring game developers, C# with Unity and C++ with Unreal Engine are popular choices. Unity, powered by C#, is widely used for 2D and 3D game development. C++ is used in Unreal Engine, a powerful game engine known for creating high-performance games with stunning graphics.
• Data Science and AI: If you're fascinated by data analysis, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, Python is the language to learn. Python's libraries, such as pandas, NumPy, and TensorFlow, make it an excellent choice for data manipulation, statistical analysis, and building machine learning models.

2. Career Goals

Your career aspirations can also influence your choice of programming language. 

Different industries and roles often require specific languages, and aligning your choice with your career goals can help you build relevant skills.

• Web Developer: If you aim to become a web developer, master HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and a back-end language like Python or Ruby.
• Data Scientist: For a career in data science, go for Python and R. Python's extensive libraries for data analysis and machine learning, coupled with R's statistical capabilities.
• App Developer: Focus on Swift for iOS development and Kotlin or Java for Android development. These languages are the standard for mobile app development.
• Systems Programmer: If you're interested in systems programming or working with low-level computing, try picking up C and C++. 

3. Learning Resources

Access to quality learning materials can significantly impact your learning curve. Consider the availability of tutorials, courses, and documentation for the language you choose. Here are some specific resources to get you started:

• Python:
  • Websites: Python.org, Real Python
  • Courses: Coursera, edX
  • Books: "Automate the Boring Stuff with Python" by Al Sweigart, "Python Crash Course" by Eric Matthes
• JavaScript:
  • Websites: Mozilla Developer Network, JavaScript.info
  • Courses: Codecademy, Udemy
  • Books: "Eloquent JavaScript" by Marijn Haverbeke, "JavaScript: The Good Parts" by Douglas Crockford
• Ruby:
  • Websites: Ruby-lang.org, Ruby on Rails Guides
  • Courses: Codecademy, Coursera
  • Books: "The Well-Grounded Rubyist" by David A. Black, "Programming Ruby" by Dave Thomas
• Swift:
  • Websites: Swift.org, Hacking with Swift
  • Courses: Udemy, Coursera
  • Books: "Swift Programming: The Big Nerd Ranch Guide" by Matthew Mathias and John Gallagher, "Hacking with Swift" by Paul Hudson
• Scratch:
  • Websites: Scratch.mit.edu, Code.org
  • Courses: edX, FutureLearn
  • Books: "Scratch Programming for Kids" by Raj Venkatesan, "Scratch 3.0 Programming for Kids" by Raj Venkatesan

4. Community Support

A strong and active community can provide invaluable support as you learn. Look for languages with vibrant communities where you can ask questions, share knowledge, and find solutions to problems.

• Python:
  • Forums: Stack Overflow, Reddit
  • User Groups: Python Meetup Groups, PyLadies
• JavaScript:
  • Forums: Stack Overflow, Reddit
  • User Groups: JavaScript Meetup Groups, JSConf
• Ruby:
  • Forums: Stack Overflow, Reddit
  • User Groups: Ruby Meetup Groups, RubyConf
• Swift:
  • Forums: Stack Overflow, Reddit
  • User Groups: Swift Meetup Groups, Swift.org Forums
• Scratch:
  • Forums: Scratch Community, Reddit
  • User Groups: Scratch Meetup Groups, Scratch Day

5. Learning Curve

Understanding the learning curve of a language can help set your expectations and choose a language that aligns with your pace and learning style.

• Steep Learning Curve: Languages like C++ can be powerful but may require more time to master due to their complexity. They involve more intricate syntax and concepts, which can be challenging for beginners but rewarding in the long run.
• Gentle Learning Curve: Languages like Python and Scratch are designed to be beginner-friendly, with clear and readable syntax and extensive support. They allow you to get started quickly and see results early on, which can be highly motivating.

Summary

Choosing the right programming language is a key step in your coding journey, and it doesn’t have to be hard. 

Focus on your personal interests, career goals, available learning resources, community support, and the learning curve, and you’ll find a language that suits you perfectly. 

And keep in mind, the best language to start with is the one that aligns with your goals and keeps you eager to code. Happy coding!

Easiest Programming Languages FAQs

Q1. What is the easiest and hardest coding language to learn?

• Easiest: Python, Java, Ruby, Swift, Scratch, etc.
• Hardest: C++, PHP, Haskell, etc.

Q2. Is Python easier than Java?

Python is generally easier to learn than Java. Python's syntax is straightforward and resembles everyday English, making it more accessible. 

Java, while powerful and widely used, programming in Java is harder initially. However, it scales much better than Python.

Q3. Is Python enough to get a job?

Absolutely, Python can be enough to land you a job, especially in fields like web development, data science, artificial intelligence, and automation. 

To boost your job prospects, focus on mastering Python and its relevant frameworks and libraries, and consider gaining complementary skills like database management, version control, and cloud computing.