The six easiest programming languages ​​to learn for beginners

【51CTO.com Quick Translation】Learning programming may seem like a daunting task, but it is actually not as difficult as you might think. With a large number of resources available online, active communities, and many experts on social media, learning programming is much easier now than in the past, and even children can learn programming as quickly as possible.

However, the key to learning programming is to find a suitable language. Here are six programming languages ​​that are easiest for beginners to master.

1. JavaScript

Don't confuse JavaScript with Java. Java is an object-oriented programming language that can be used to write cross-platform applications. Even to develop simple programs, objects must be designed; JavaScript is a literal scripting language that provides a very rich set of internal objects for designers to use. The reason why JS is so popular is that it is cross-platform. Since JS runs in the browser itself, you don't even need a compiler. You only need a notebook application or Sublime Text to write it.

If you want to get into web development, JavaScript is an excellent entry-level language. JavaScript is a relatively forgiving and dynamically typed (weakly typed) programming language for beginners. In addition, JS syntax is similar to C syntax, so learning JS allows you to continue your studies in the field of programming, such as learning the more difficult programming language C++.

However, some people, such as Matthew Mombrea, believe that JavaScript is actually a bad entry-level language. Mombrea believes that it is well known that JS is a bad example of object-oriented programming (OOP). In addition, although JS is a weakly typed language and helps to improve efficiency when programming, errors will not be discovered until runtime. He claims that if you want to make a career in software development, JavaScript is not a good place to start. But as an entry-level language to the world of programming, JS is still a good choice.

use:

• Web Development

advantage:

• Cross-platform compatibility
• No compiler required
• Facilitates learning other languages

shortcoming:

• Bad example in OOP
• Weakly typed languages
• Difficult to debug

2. Ruby on Rails

The biggest advantage of Ruby on Rails is that it is easy to read, which makes it easier for people with little programming experience to master. Ruby is a dynamic, object-oriented scripting language that is widely used in web development. Websites including Groupon and GitHub use Ruby on their backends.

Ruby is easier to learn because you don't have to learn a lot of commands. Although Ruby is a framework, it is a collection of Ruby shortcuts, and many training courses teach Ruby on Rails.

It's perfect for beginners, and as One Month points out, there are so many startups hiring Ruby on Rails developers that you can probably find a good job even if you only have entry-level experience.

use:

• Web Development

advantage:

• Widely used
• Collection shortcut keys
• Job market is promising

shortcoming:

• Ruby on Rails is basically a set of shortcuts

3. Python

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Python is also an entry-level programming language for beginners. Python can be used for web development applications and desktop applications. This dynamic language supports OOP programming, procedural programming, and functional programming.

In addition, it is an open source language, which means it is free to get started and has a very active community. Joel Lee explains in detail why Python is useful (http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/reasons-python-programming-not-useless/).

However, Python is a bit complex as an entry-level programming language. For example, it is important to maintain certain naming and indentation details. But considering its flexibility and large community, Python is still an easy programming language for beginners to learn.

use:

• Web Development
• Application Development

advantage:

• For desktop and web applications
• Open Source

shortcoming:

• There are specific requirements, such as standardized command conventions

4. Java

Java is still one of the oldest programming languages. Java is the foundation of web applications, desktop programs, operating systems, and more. This object-oriented, class-based programming language is widely used; in addition, it is one of the most popular languages.

However, despite its widespread use and popularity, Java is a bit more complex when compared to other entry-level languages. Java's syntax is largely derived from languages ​​like C and C++, so many programming learning and intensive training courses start with C/C++ and then teach Java. If you are looking for some Java application examples? Why not check out these five websites (http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/top-5-websites-for-java-application-examples/).

However, Java also forces programmers to think in terms of programs. Therefore, you have to think about how the computer processes information. Java is still a great programming language for beginners because it provides a solid foundation in analytical programming knowledge.

use:

• Web Development
• Application Development

advantage:

• Very popular
• A language with a long history
• Rich resources
• Coding Challenges Build a Solid Programming Foundation

shortcoming:

• The syntax comes from C/C++, so it might be better to start with C/C++
• Requires a very analytical mindset

5.C/C++

C and C++ are both excellent introductory programming languages. In addition, with the help of these websites (http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/3-websites-started-learning-programming-language/), you can quickly get started with C and C++.

If you're interested in game development, C++ is an excellent language to start with because it's often used to develop games and game engines in addition to web development applications, mobile applications, and desktop applications.

Both C and C++ provide an introduction not just to programming, but to computer science as a whole. Even if you focus on other programming languages, the foundational knowledge provided by C/C++ is valuable.

However, C++ can be challenging for beginners at first, but if you can overcome this difficulty, it will be very rewarding.

use:

• Application Development

advantage:

• Excellent computer science foundation
• Suitable for software and game development

shortcoming:

• C++ is a bit harder to learn than C

6. C#

C# is a great choice for beginners. Startup time is fairly quick: just download Visual Studio Express and you'll get a full installation of all the necessary elements, such as SQL Express. C# can be used for a wide range of purposes, from web development to console applications. The syntax is based on C, so like C++ and C, it provides an excellent foundation for computer science.

However, Visual Studio does have aspects such as auto-completion and automatically generated project files. C# can be complex, unlike languages ​​like C and Ruby, which have multiple compilers and interpreters. But with its easy-to-use IDE and wide range of uses, C# is also a good choice for beginners to learn programming.

use:

• Application Development

advantage:

• Widely used
• Visual Studio makes it easy to get started
• Excellent computer science foundation
• Easy to use IDE

shortcoming:

• Complex compiler

Conclusion

HTML is not included in this article, and you may ask: why not introduce it? Considering that HTML is extremely easy to learn, it is often taught in many middle schools. In fact, HTML is also the first language I learned; in just a few hours, I went from a novice to a fairly advanced level. As many people know, HTML is a markup language, not a programming language. So, unfortunately, it does not fully meet this standard.

However, HTML is applicable to a wide range of fields, so it is worth mentioning as a simple language (not a programming language) for beginners. HTML is widely used in web development, so you can learn CSS from it (like HTML, CSS is also not a real programming language), and finally learn standard programming languages ​​like JavaScript.

Which programming languages ​​do you think are easiest for beginners? Feel free to leave a message to exchange ideas, and also feel free to tell us what your first language is.

Original title: 6 Easiest Programming Languages ​​to Learn for Beginners

By Moe Long

[Translated by 51CTO. Please indicate the original translator and source as 51CTO.com when reprinting on partner sites]