Knowledge of a programming language is an increasingly important asset on the job market, as the demand for software developers will increase by 17% in the coming years.

However, when you start out in programming, you may be confused by the hundreds of languages you can choose from.

Speaking of languages, here is a list of the most popular ones to help you decide:

Python
Python is an open source programming language interpreted on the server side and not compiled. Created by Guido van Rossum, it is used for web development, development of video games and other software, as well as for graphical user interfaces. It has been used in the creation of Instagram, YouTube and Spotify, among others, and is one of Google’s official programming languages.

Java
Java is probably the most well-known programming language. It is used by developers to create and run computer applications. It is probably running on your computer and on your web browser. It is also used on most other digital media (smartphones, consoles, software).

Developers with knowledge of Java are in high demand. The language is constantly evolving, so the challenge is constant. However, the Java language consumes much more memory than C++ and its simulations are slow. Moreover, it is not the easiest language to learn (although not the hardest either).

Python has several advantages: it is the easiest programming language to learn; it has many tools and features that make programming easier.

However, it is slower than compiled scripts, and is unsuitable for mobile software development. Its users often complain about its design, which requires more testing than other languages, and has errors that only appear at startup.

C
Created between 1969 and 1973, it is one of the oldest programming languages. It supports structured programming, lexicon variations and recusions, while a static type system prevents many accidental operations. This language is used for operating systems, software development, and hardware.

The C language has the advantage of allowing the development of software that can run on different platforms without too many modifications. Moreover, it is quite simple and can be integrated on almost any modern microprocessor.

The biggest advantage of this language is that almost all contemporary programming languages are more or less derived from it. Thus, once one knows the C language, other languages become much simpler. But the C language has no verification mechanism regarding execution, does not support object-oriented programming (which is the reason why the C++ language was created), and is not very easy to learn.

C++
C++ is an object-oriented programming language (filling the gaps of the C language) considered the best language when it comes to creating large-scale applications. It is notably used to develop software, operating systems, video games and search engines. Learning this language will get you noticed and allow you to program an application that will work while respecting your computer’s capabilities.

On the other hand, it is important to know that C++ is a very difficult language to learn because it is very complex.

JavaScript
JavaScript is often used as a client-side scripting language, which means that its code is embedded in an HTML page. When a user displays a page with JavaScript, the script is sent to the browser, which must then react. JavaScript is found in site fronts, analytics tools, widgets and web interactions. This programming language is very easy to learn, and can be used with other languages. In addition, its functions can be executed immediately. The only drawbacks are the fact that JavaScript can be exploited as a security breach, and the fact that it can be interpreted differently by different browsers.

C#
C# is a powerful and flexible programming language, which can be used for various software and applications. With this language, you can usually develop whatever you want. In addition, with the .NET library, you have access to a large directory of features. This is not the only advantage: the structure you learn with C# is based on C, so it can be transferred to other programming languages. Like C++, C# is difficult to learn and has no cross-platform capabilities. But it’s worth the effort because the coders who master it are among the most in demand.