Top 10 Best Programming Languages To Learn in 2023

Shivani Goyal

0 min read

Top 10 Best Programming Languages To Learn in 2023

0 min read

Table of content:

C
C++
HTML
Python
JavaScript
Java
PHP
R Programming
Swift
Kotlin
Conclusion

The tech world, or rather the world of programming has an extremely dynamic and fast-changing environment. An integral part of this world is the multitude and different types of programming languages that help us communicate with computers and give them instructions. Unsurprisingly, with the boom in technology, jobs in coding have gained significant popularity as well. The need for skilled programmers, developers, coders, etc. is growing at a high rate, with no signs of slowing down.

With so many languages gaining popularity, many of you must be wondering about which are the best programming languages to learn if you want to (help bag the best possible job with high pay) and make the most of the multiple job opportunities. We all know that organizations across the globe, big and small, are moving towards gamified events like hackathons and coding competitions to tap into the pool of top talent in the programming world. More and more programmers are also taking advantage of these opportunities and showcasing their skills & innovative abilities through them. Coding enthusiasts, novices, and professionals are also on the lookout for the best programming languages to learn to add to their skill set. To help all such individuals out, in kickstarting their hackathon journey, progressing their programming career, and upskilling, we have prepared a list of the 10 best programming languages to learn in 2023. Have a look!

1. C

C is one of the oldest yet one of the top programming languages and is still widely used across platforms. This general-purpose language was originally developed in the 1970s, and still holds its clout amongst coding experts. Here are a few key features of the language which show why it is one of the best programming languages to learn and have in your arsenal.

Difficulty Level	Intermediate to Advanced
Benefits	Easy to run Building blocks for other programming languages Fast, flexible, and portable Useful in making low-level codes Comes with function-rich libraries Is a middle-level language Procedure oriented Algorithm and data structure implementation Dynamic memory allocation Quick compilation Ease of debugging
Disadvantages	Does not support OOP concepts Not object-oriented Inefficient runtime checking Concept of namespace is not implemented Inefficient memory management Absence of garbage collector No exception handling No constructor and deconstructor
Skills Needed	Problem-solving, and basic computer knowledge.
Others	It is best utilized to locate openings in data arrays or networks and reverse engineering. C is also used to make low-level codes. Users of C mainly ensure that a specific website has no loose ends or susceptibilities, and also seek out openings that may hamper a site.
Annual Salary Projection	$76,500

Also read: What Is C Programming? Know The History, Basics, And Importance

2. C++

Bjarne Stroustrup developed C++ as an extension to C with the purpose of inducing the object-oriented paradigm in it. Also known as ‘C with classes’ this is also one of the most popular programming languages, hence landing it a spot on this best programming languages list.

Difficulty Level	Intermediate to Advanced
Benefits	Object-oriented Problem-oriented Multi-paradigm Allows low-level manipulation Allows control over memory management High-level abstraction Compatible with C Portable and scalable Is versatile, and scalable Has a large community
Disadvantages	Scope of misuse of pointer Does not allow high-level programming Doesn’t support built-in threads Security issues Absence of garbage collector
Miscellaneous	Since both C and C++ are interconnected, organizations seek developers who have a sound understanding of both programming languages. C++ developers usually build applications, best suited for mobile and desktop.
Skills Needed	Both C and C++ are geared toward low-level management of computer resources, and knowledge of computer functions such as memory management is beneficial.
Annual Salary Projection	$76,500

Learn the basics of C++ with Unstop Pro Membership!

3. HTML

Almost 90% to 95% of websites use HyperText Markup Language (HTML). This figure itself is enough to support the claim that HTML is one of the most used programming languages, and hence also one of the best programming languages to learn for those looking to either participate in hackathons/ coding competitions or progress their careers otherwise. The table below lists some important points about the language.

Difficulty Level	Beginner-friendly
Benefits	Widely used Useful in building the structure of a website Lightweight hence short load time Simple to edit Lose/ flexible syntax Templates Local storage Can be integrated with other languages Allows information stockpiling Useful in web designing Allows for large data storage Multiple tags and attributes
Disadvantages	Static language i.e. not dynamic Lengthy code Limited security features Editing not centralized
Miscellaneous	According to some experts, HTML is an initial stepping stone for developers or programmers toward learning about tech and AI.

It is evident that HTML is an essential component of website interface design and is one of the best programming languages to learn if you want to multiply your chances of employment in the programming world. Also read: What Is The Difference Between HTML and CSS?

4. Python

Python lands a spot on the best programming languages to learn list as it is one of the most popular high-level, general-purpose programming languages right now. Some even believe that Python is the future of programming languages, making it a weapon every up-and-coming programmer must have in their skill set.

Difficulty Level	Beginner (easy to learn)
Benefits	Open source Strong text processing and integration Very easy to learn, read, and write Multiple third-party libraries Large and supportive community Is a high-level programming language Increases productivity and speed Multi-purpose Built-in structures Cross-platform compatibility Dynamically typed and interactive Portable interpreted language Internet of Things (IoT)
Disadvantages	Inefficient memory-intensive tasks Time-consuming Slow execution speed Multiple runtime errors
Miscellaneous	There are multiple lucrative career opportunities for Python programmers. For example, a Python programmer may take the role of a SOC support expert in specific firms. In this position, they will develop devices and scripts to protect their designated site from cyber-attacks. Likewise, they may utilize data, logs, and artifacts to analyze the foundation of the issues.
Skills Needed	Problem-solving, abstract thinking
Annual Salary Projection	$72,500

Also read: Check out the 10 Most Important Features Of Python!

5. JavaScript

JavaScript, long for JS, is one of the best programming languages to learn and employ in hackathons/ coding competitions. It is one of the core technologies of the World Wide Web and is best known as a scripting language for web pages. Designed by Brendan Eich, the language is what makes ‘web pages come alive’. As per many online resources, JS is one of the most used programming languages, and hence the features on this programming languages list.

Difficulty Level	Beginner-friendly
Benefits	Increased speed and fast execution Interoperable Simple to work with and comprehend Had rich interfaces Is extendable and versatile Data validation in the browser itself i.e. server load Supports all browsers Compatible with multiple languages Multiple open-source projects Rich interfaces
Disadvantages	Issues with client-side security No debugging Issues with rendering client -side not secure Supports only one inheritance Code is visible to everyone Interpretation differs from browser to browser
Miscellaneous	JS designers/ developers utilize codes when guests visit their site, which complements the core usefulness of the website. Such a concept may also create antagonistic usefulness covered by the guest, for example, if a hacker gains access to the site, they will attempt to utilize malevolent codes to run a program. With a proper understanding of JavaScript, users can analyze the situation and counter-use the codes used by hackers.

Also read: What Is The Difference Between Java And JavaScript?

6. Java

Java appeared 27 years ago in May 1995, and since then it has been one of the most popular programming languages around. The language is designed in a way that it has very few implementation dependencies, a feature that has made it one of the top programming languages. James Gosling originally developed the language at Sun Microsystems for interactive television, but it came to be highly advanced for the TV industry back in the 1990s. But the language found its place in the programming world where it still sits on the pedestal. Below are a few pros and cons of the language to help you understand its importance and functionality.

Difficulty Level	Beginner-friendly
Benefits	Easy-to-use Easy-to-learn Platform-independent Multithreaded language High-level Object-oriented language WORA i.e. write once, run anywhere Robust and secure Runtime environment Automatic garbage collector Efficient memory allocation Stable and portable Distributed language
Disadvantages	Slow performance Higher memory consumption No explicit pointers Less interactive Complicated UI No backup Complex codes
Miscellaneous	Java-compiled code runs across platforms (that support Java) without the need for recompiling. Multiple uses eg. web/ mobile/ desktop applications, games, web & application servers
Skills Needed	Problem-solving, knowledge of the object-oriented structure
Annual Salary Projection	$79,000

Java is one of the best programming languages to learn for every coder/ developer out there. Want to test your Java/ programming skills? Register for Code-A-Thon: A coding challenge to test your programming skills!

7. PHP

PHP (Hypertext Preprocessor) is open-source with diverse uses varying from managing dynamic content to building entire e-commerce sites. The table below highlights some of the most important aspects of the language. It shows why PHP has a recurring spot on the best programming language lists and why it is beneficial to have a good understanding of the language.

Difficulty Level	Beginner-friendly
Benefits	Open-source Server-side scripting language Free to use Easy to learn Compatible with multiple platforms Fast loading time Stable Can reuse the code Easy code management Good library support Built-in database connection Large community Can be combined with many other languages
Disadvantages	Security issues Weak type leading to incorrect data Doesn’t work for giant content-based applications Does not allow modification of the core behavior of online apps Poor handling errors Difficult to manage
Miscellaneous	One of the advantages of working in PHP is that it is integrated with many popular databases including- Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, PostgreSQL, Sybase, Oracle, and Informix. PHP is frequently used in the protection and security of a website. It examines data circulations originating from input parameters, as well as prudent strategies in a web application.
Skills Needed	Simple if you have a background in programming languages, but relatively easy to learn for newcomers
Annual Salary Projection	$81,500

Check out the detailed article: Learn about the advantages and disadvantages of PHP here!

8. R Programming

R programming is one of the most popular programming languages for statistical computing, and statistical software development, which is also used as a data analysis tool. Given its utility in data mining, R is one of the most in-demand programming languages in the Data Science field. This scope also makes it one of the best programming languages to learn in 2022.

Difficulty Level	Beginner-friendly
Benefits	Object-oriented Open-source Procedural programming Platform independent Package arrays Facilitates plotting and graphing Brilliant data wrangling support Easy and interactive reporting Facilitates machine learning operations
Disadvantages	More memory-intensive Security issues Complexity Slow
Miscellaneous	R programming is a growing segment in the programming world with bright prospects. As the language evolves it is expected that some of its disadvantages will fade out, making it more efficient in the future.
Skills Needed	Easier for people with knowledge of Javascript or Python, but it’s recommended for people with a firm grasp of mathematics
Annual Salary Projection	$91,000

Also read: Upcoming Hackathons 2022 Every Engineering Student Must Know!

9. Swift

Created in 2014, it is mainly used in developing applications for IOS. Although a new language in the programming world, it does deserve attention in the current programming scene and is one of the best programming languages to learn for all.

Difficulty Level	Beginner-friendly
Benefits	Clean syntax i.e. easy to read and write Easy to maintain Safe to use Efficient memory allocation and management Code structure is concise Code is interactive High speed Namespace identifier Development community Intuitive app building Multiple dynamic libraries Scalable Interoperable with Objective-C
Disadvantages	Comparatively new hence has limited community Inefficient inoperability with IDEs and third-party tools Inadequate support
Miscellaneous	An additional advantage of Swift is its integration with Objective-C. Swift is used on Mozilla Firefox, FlappyBird, and WordPress.

10. Kotlin

This general-purpose language is designed to be fully interoperable with Java, Java Virtual Machine (JVM), and Java libraries making it one of the best programming languages to learn in 2022. This interoperability allows for slow migration from Java to Kotlin. It quickly emerged as one of the best and most popular programming languages for Android App development.

Difficulty Level	Beginner-friendly
Benefits	Easy to learn Easy to maintain Lesser bugs Robust and reliable Kotlin codes can run on JVM Combative assumption Interoperable with Java and Java libraries Functional as well as procedural programming Increases efficiency and productivity
Disadvantages	Low compilation speed Is rather new, hence limited learning resources Differs from Java Compilation fluctuations
Miscellaneous	As per some reports, on 7 May 2019, Google announced Kotlin as a preferred language for Android app developers. Having a solid understanding of this language and its application can help you get ahead of the crowd and establish yourself.
Skills Needed	Prior experience with programming languages, particularly Java
Annual Salary Projection	$136,000

Conclusion

As technology expands, the need to understand existing programming languages increases. With an emphasis on the potential talent of today’s youth, early career professionals must utilize their skills and participate in hackathons, competitions, and challenges. In the meanwhile, exploring the scope of these best programming languages to learn in 2022 will help you upskill and increase your chances of landing your dream job.

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Edited by

Shivani Goyal

Manager, Content

I am an economics graduate using my qualifications and life skills to observe & absorb what life has to offer. A strong believer in 'Don't die before you are dead' philosophy, at Unstop I am producing content that resonates and enables you to be #Unstoppable. When I don't have to be presentable for the job, I'd be elbow deep in paint/ pencil residue, immersed in a good read or socializing in the flesh.

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Computer Science