The Best Programming Languages to Learn in 2023

Why do programming languages matter for software engineers?

Programming languages are the framework that shape the way software engineers think, code and collaborate, and the languages selected will determine the quality, performance and scalability of the software created. It’s vital for software engineers to be continuously curious and learn the latest programming languages to remain relevant professionally and able to deliver innovative outcomes. 

Top programming languages to learn in 2023 and beyond

Whether you’re a seasoned developer or researching a career shift, this list of programming languages will provide you with an introduction to those in demand. 

#1 Python programming

What is Python programming? Used by software developers globally for over 30 years, Python continues to be a major player. One of the most popular programming languages in software and web development, it is free, open-source and offers many benefits. 

✔ Easy to learn, read and use

Pretty much anyone starting out will be able to easily pick up how the syntax works, which makes it entirely possible to master and become a sought-after Python developer. 

✔ Vast collection of libraries

Python provides users with an extensive library, including pre-built modules and packages and access to functions that cover common projects such as mobile and web app development, to support with Artificial Intelligence (AI), video game creation and machine learning. 

✔ Extensive community support

The welcoming online community support with Python is known as a favourite amongst software developers of all experience levels. The vibrant forums are loaded with developers sharing their insights, troubleshooting and answering questions and there’s a welcome lack of elitist tech attitude. 

#2 JavaScript

One of the biggest perks of JavaScript is that it’s installed on most web browsers, so you can start coding with it right off the bat without needing to set up any new environment. As far as programming languages go, it is considered to be beginner friendly if you start out with the basic language, minus the libraries and frameworks. 

✔ Super speedy

JavaScript is known for being fast as all major web browsers support Just In Time (JIT) compilation, where the code doesn’t need to be compiled before running it. 

✔ Versatile and web compatible

JavaScript can be run in Node environments (open-source, cross-platform runtime environment), which are used for server-side programming, which means that it can be used  for client and server-side coding. It’s also used for making games for both mobile and browsers. 

✔ Time-saving frameworks

Code libraries with pre-written code for common programming tasks, along with frameworks that can be applied to specific scenarios to support you in building applications are on offer to save time as you won’t need to create code from scratch for every aspect of an application.  

#3 SQL programming

A programming language that communicates with databases, Structured Query Language (SQL programming) is often found in relational database management systems and helps with changing database index structures and tables. It’s also used to extract data subsets.  

✔ Powers through big data sets

Known for processing large data collections, without compromising the integrity of the data, SQL is a great programming language to learn as more businesses tap into the power of data-driven decision-making.

✔ Widely used language

SQL is used to query data across many companies worldwide, including the likes of Amazon, Google and Facebook, all of which have constructed their databases using it.

✔ Effective troubleshooting 

Issues can be simply diagnosed with SQL, with notifications of any syntax errors or indicators misplaced easily resolved as you go, instead of having to trawl through code at the end. 

#4 HTML

While not a programming language, HyperText Markup Language (HTML), is a system of coding used for marking up the structure for pretty much every page online. From page breaks and paragraphs to bulleted lists, headers and links, HTML creates page structure via tags which inform the browser what to do with text.

✔ Plays well with others

HTML integrates easily with many other programming languages without causing any problems. It’s also easy to edit as you won’t need a specific platform or interface, just a text editor such as Notepad or TextEdit for Mac will do the trick. 

✔ View changes immediately 

As soon as you make your edits, you can view the changes on the spot by simply saving and reloading the HTML page. There’s no need to run the entire code to find out where the errors are as you’ll see your updates right after reloading.

✔ Enables you to use native APIs

An Application Programming Interface, API, is a messenger that allows different applications to talk to one another. With the support of APIs, HTML can offer geolocation, event handling and drag and drop, amongst other features. 

#5 CSS

Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) describe how the HTML text elements should be displayed visually on the screen, defining the styles for each web page, from layout to display variation for different screen sizes and devices. Like HTML, CSS is considered to be a mark-up language as opposed to a programming language, however, both still require information to be codified. 

✔ Improved User Experience (UX)

CSS creates a more enjoyable experience of web pages for users by supporting user-friendly formatting. This includes considerations such as buttons and text placement being in logical locations that keep sites well organised and easy to visually navigate. 

✔ Swift development turnaround

For rapid results, you can apply set formatting rules and styles to a Cascading Style Sheet, then replicate it across multiple pages of a website that all require the same formatting, using only one line of code. This approach can get your site or app sorted at pace.

✔ Consistency in design

If you use the same CCS across the majority of a website, you’re going to encourage defined styles and layouts, which will ensure that fonts, colours and spacing, amongst other elements, remain consistent across your site or app, resulting in professional outcomes. 

Key factors to consider when choosing programming languages

Mastering multiple programming languages is ideal, so you’ll be able to service whichever project requirements cross your path, but when it comes to deciding which to learn first, take these factors into account. 

Job market demand

The surging demand for IT talent in Australia continues to outstrip supply and shows no signs of slowing, with businesses across all industries at various stages of digital transformation. 

A recent salary report from Aquent demonstrates healthy incomes can be expected for full-stack developers in Australia, with salaries ranging from $80,750 to $119,000 and at the senior end of the experience scale $115,500 to $151,250.

By completing a software engineering course and learning the programming languages required in these roles, you will be undoubtedly leveraging your professional potential.

Learning curve

It’s important to understand how quickly you will be able to grasp a new programming language prior to committing to it. A steep learning curve is likely to need much more time and effort, whereas an easier language will mean faster adoption and more efficient development timing.

Project requirements

Matching the programming language to the needs of the project ensures efficiency, scalability and optimal results. Essentially the right language will provide the needed libraries, frameworks and features necessary to meet the specific goals and desired functionality of the project. 

Community support 

Essential for those using programming languages is quality online community support – a place to collaborate and share knowledge can give developers permission to ask for help and access a wealth of resources. Collective wisdom from a programming community fuels growth and innovation.

Want to become a Software Engineer?

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You’ll complete all your projects in GitHub and walk away with a GitHub portfolio showcasing your new coding skills to prospective employers. 

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To discuss your transferable skills and course options, speak to a friendly course advisor today and take the first steps toward an exciting new career in tech.