6 Easy Programming Languages

Knowing how to program is becoming increasingly valuable. Whether you want to build a website, create an app, or analyse data, programming is the key to unlocking these abilities. However, the thought of learning to code can be intimidating. The good news is that not all programming languages are hard to learn. Some are beginner-friendly.

When we say a programming language is "easy," we mean it has a simple syntax, clear structure, and plenty of resources to help you learn. These languages allow beginners to get started quickly without feeling overwhelmed. They provide a gentle introduction to the world of coding, making the learning process enjoyable rather than stressful.

1. Python

Python is often the first language recommended to beginners, and for good reason. It’s simple, straightforward, and incredibly powerful. If you're starting, Python is a fantastic choice.

One of the biggest reasons Python is easy to learn is its clean and readable syntax. Unlike some other programming languages that use complex punctuation, Python relies on indentation and straightforward keywords. This makes it look more like plain English, which helps new learners understand and write code without getting lost in a maze of symbols. To print “Hello, world!” in Python, you write:

print("Hello, World!")

Another reason Python is beginner-friendly is its extensive library of resources. There are countless tutorials, courses, and forums where you can find help. If you ever get stuck, there’s a good chance someone else has faced the same issue, and you can find a solution online. 

Python is also incredibly versatile. It's used in various fields like web development, data science, automation, and game development. This means that no matter what your interest is, you can do it with Python. For example, if you're interested in web development, frameworks like Django and Flask make it easy to create web applications. If data science is more your thing, libraries like Pandas and NumPy can help you analyse data efficiently.

2. JavaScript

JavaScript (not to be confused with Java) is another excellent language for beginners, especially if you're interested in web development. It's the backbone of the web, used to create interactive and dynamic websites. If you've ever clicked a button on a website and something happened, there's a good chance JavaScript was involved.

JavaScript is easy to learn because you can see results quickly. All you need is a web browser and a text editor. You can write your code, save it, and immediately see it in action. This immediate feedback helps you understand how your code works and keeps you motivated as you learn.

JavaScript's syntax is also reasonably straightforward. While it might look slightly more complex than Python initially, it’s still much easier to grasp than many other programming languages. To print “Hello, world!” in JavaScript, you write:

console.log("Hello, world!");

Additionally, there are tons of resources available to help you learn. From online tutorials and videos to interactive coding platforms like Codecademy, you have plenty of options to guide you.

One of the coolest things about JavaScript is that it’s not just limited to the web. With the advent of technologies like Node.js, you can also use JavaScript for server-side programming. This means you can use one language to handle both the frontend (what users see) and the backend (the server and database). This full-stack capability makes JavaScript a powerful and versatile tool in your coding toolbox.

JavaScript is also very popular, meaning a large and active community exists. If you run into problems or have questions, you can easily find answers on forums like Stack Overflow or communities like Reddit. This support network can be beneficial when you’re just starting.

3. Ruby

Ruby is another great language for beginners, especially if you want to dive into web development. Ruby is known for its simplicity and elegance, which makes coding feel natural and intuitive. It’s designed to be easy to read and write, which helps beginners grasp concepts quickly.

One of the standout features of Ruby is its clean and human-friendly syntax. The language was created with the principle of making programming enjoyable. This means the code often reads like plain English, making it easier to understand what’s happening. This readability reduces the learning curve and helps you focus on solving problems rather than deciphering complex code. To print “Hello, world!” in Ruby, you write:

puts "Hello, world!" 

Ruby also has a very helpful and active community. There are countless tutorials, forums, and resources available to guide you. If you ever run into issues, you can usually find someone who has faced the same problem and is willing to help. This support can be a huge confidence booster when learning something new.

One of Ruby's most popular uses is in web development, thanks to the Ruby on Rails framework. Rails is a powerful, easy-to-use tool that simplifies many common web development tasks. With Rails, you can build web applications quickly and efficiently. It handles much of the heavy lifting, so you can focus on creating your application rather than getting bogged down by details.

Despite its ease of use, Ruby is also quite powerful. It's used by many big companies and startups alike, which means the skills you learn are valuable and can open up career opportunities. Companies like Airbnb, Shopify, and GitHub use Ruby on Rails for their web applications.

4. HTML/CSS

HTML and CSS are the fundamental building blocks of the web. Learning these two languages is necessary if you’re interested in creating websites. They are easy to pick up and are often the first step in web development.

HTML, or HyperText Markup Language, is used to structure content on the web. Think of it as the skeleton of a webpage. It tells the browser what each part of the webpage is—whether it’s a heading, paragraph, image, or link. The syntax is straightforward, using tags like <h1>, <p>, and <img> to define different elements. You can create a simple webpage with just a few lines of HTML, making it accessible for beginners.

CSS, or Cascading Style Sheets, is used to style and layout HTML content. If HTML is the skeleton, CSS is the skin and clothes. It allows you to add colours, fonts, spacing, and positioning to your webpage. CSS uses selectors and properties to apply styles to HTML elements. For example, you can change the colour of all paragraphs on your page with a simple rule like p {color: blue; }. This separation of content (HTML) and style (CSS) makes it easier to manage and update the look of your site.

One of the reasons HTML and CSS are easy to learn is the abundance of resources available. Countless tutorials, videos, and interactive platforms like Codecademy guide you through the basics. You can find example code, experiment with it, and see the results instantly in your browser. This immediate feedback helps you learn quickly and stay motivated.

Another benefit is the visual nature of HTML and CSS. As you write code, your webpage takes shape right before your eyes. This visual progress is very satisfying and reinforces your learning. You don’t need to worry about complex logic or syntax errors—focus on building and styling your webpage.

5. Swift

Swift is a powerful and intuitive programming language created by Apple. It's designed to build iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS apps. If you’re interested in developing apps for Apple devices, Swift is the language to learn.

One of the main reasons Swift is considered beginner-friendly is its modern and clean syntax. Swift code is easy to read and write, which helps new programmers understand the language quickly. For example, to print “Hello, world!” in Swift, you write:

print("Hello, world!") 

This simplicity makes Swift an excellent choice for beginners. Swift also includes features that make programming safer and easier. It catches common programming errors before they happen, meaning fewer bugs and crashes. This is especially helpful for beginners, as it prevents many frustrations of learning to code. For example, Swift’s options help you handle missing data safely, reducing the chance of unexpected errors.

Another advantage of learning Swift is the strong support from Apple. Many resources are available, including the official Swift documentation, tutorials, and courses. Apple’s development environment, Xcode, also provides helpful tools like a code editor, debugger, and simulator, making building and testing your apps easier.

Swift is also a fast and efficient language. It’s designed to be fun and powerful so that you can create high-performance apps without a steep learning curve. This makes it ideal for beginners and experienced developers who want to build robust applications. 

Additionally, Swift has a growing and supportive community. You can find help and advice on forums like Stack Overflow or join local meetups and online groups. This community support is invaluable when you’re learning a new language, as you can get answers to your questions and share your progress with others.

6. Go (Golang)

Go, also known as Golang, is a programming language created by Google. It’s designed for simplicity, efficiency, and scalability, making it an excellent choice for beginners and experienced developers. Go is worth considering if you want a straightforward and powerful language.

One of the main reasons Go is easy to learn is its clean and simple syntax. Go’s syntax is designed to be clear and concise, which helps you focus on solving problems rather than getting lost in complex code. For example, here’s how you write a simple “Hello, world!” program in Go:

print("Hello, world!")

This straightforward approach makes Go accessible to new programmers.

Go also strongly emphasises performance and efficiency. It's designed to be fast and handle multiple tasks simultaneously, making it ideal for building web servers, networking tools, and other applications that need to hold many requests quickly. Despite its efficiency, Go keeps its syntax and concepts simple, a big plus for beginners.

Another advantage of Go is its standard library. It has a comprehensive set of tools and libraries for handling tasks like web development, file handling, and concurrent programming. This means you don’t need to rely on many external libraries to get started, simplifying the learning process.

Go also promotes good programming practices. It has built-in tools for formatting your code, managing dependencies, and testing your programs. These tools help you write clean, maintainable code from the start. This focus on good practices makes you a better programmer and prepares you for working on larger projects. 

The Go community is another valuable resource for beginners. Many tutorials, forums, and documentation are available to help you learn. The official Go website provides excellent resources, and the community is active and supportive. If you run into problems or have questions, you can usually find someone willing to help.

TL;DR

Easy Doesn’t Mean Ineffective

Learning to code doesn't have to be scary. Starting with an easy-to-learn language can make the process enjoyable and rewarding. These languages aren't just beginner-friendly; they are also powerful and versatile, capable of handling various projects, from web development to data analysis and app creation. 

Remember, an easier language doesn't mean fewer capabilities. Major companies and developers worldwide use these languages for complex and high-performance applications. The key is to pick one that interests you and start experimenting. Use the resources available—tutorials, forums, and online courses—to guide you. Happy coding!