Programming skills are in high demand, and it’s unlikely the market for them is apt to fade anytime soon. Though sophisticated AI engines have begun to develop the ability to churn out basic sections of code, we still need human developers for the majority of new programs and technologies.
If you learn a programming language, and steadily hone your skill with that language, you should enjoy a stable and potentially lucrative career for life. The question is, which programming language should you tackle?
The Many Types of Programming Language
At their core, programming languages are simply different ways to organize, use, and notate information that relates to computer programs. Consistent data organization systems are vital to build new tools, communicate with others, and collaborate on shared projects.
Hundreds of programming languages have been developed over the years. Some have become obsolete or outclassed by new languages. Some are just emerging.
Some programming languages are capable of doing almost anything you could imagine, while others concentrate on niche applications. Accordingly, your selection of programming language to learn could have a large impact on your career and long-term potential.
Just keep in mind that after you learn one programming language, you’ll find it easier to learn another. If you want to expand your skills, or no longer care to pursue your initial choice, you can always pick up a new one.
Still, learning a programming language takes time, so it’s worth starting with one that’s apt to be useful to you.
What to Consider When Choosing a Programming Language
Some of the most critical factors you should consider when choosing a programming language include:
- Your personal goals. What are they? Are you trying to develop something specific? Just hoping to make a lot of money? Do you want to future-proof your career as much as possible? No two people are likely to have the same priorities. This is a highly personal decision, so it largely depends on your perspective.
- Demand. Try to gauge the current demand for this programming language. The more employers that are hiring for this type of expert, the higher your salary is apt to be and the easier time you’ll have finding new jobs. If you study an antiquated programming language that few companies use anymore, you won’t have a rewarding career.
- Versatility. Next, consider usage and versatility. Some languages are good for only one or two use cases, while others can be applied to almost anything. For example, JavaScript is one of the most versatile programming languages: It’s capable of helping you create web-page effects, animations, and even games. When in doubt, choose a programming language that’s highly versatile.
- Intuitiveness. Some programming languages are easier to learn and use than others. Languages that rely on semantic descriptions with clear logical rules are much easier to master than more abstract ones.
- Skill ceiling. What are the best programmers capable of doing with this language? Some languages are easy to learn, but there’s also not much to them. If you go with a language that features a higher skill ceiling, you can keep learning new things for years and possibly even decades to come.
- Support/popularity. How much support does this programming language receive? The more popular programming languages, which have lots of users and many forums where they discuss issues related to those languages, tend to be easier to learn and troubleshoot.
- Future. What does the future of this language look like? Is it going to evolve and continue growing, or could it be on its last legs?
Getting Started
Learning a programming language is possible for anyone who retains these three tools:
- Mentorship/guidance. Though it’s technically possible to learn a programming language entirely on your own, you’re probably going to learn much faster and be more successful if you have mentorship or guidance. Tapping into local communities or watching videos from specific teachers or influencers can help. If you need or want more personal support/coaching, you can search for a dedicated mentor to guide you.
- Practice. Like any other skill, programming improves with practice. You’re not going to get better unless you use the language actively on a regular basis. Commit to spending at least several hours every week, and preferably more than an hour every day, to fine-tune your skills.
- Consistency. You ought to be consistent if you want to build and maintain programming skills. If you fall out of practice for too long, or stop updating your knowledge, your skills will deteriorate.
It’s possible to launch a career with almost any modern programming language; each has its peculiar strengths and weaknesses. But if you know what your goals are, and you’re willing to do the research, you can identify the programming language that’s the best fit for your unique circumstances.
