17 Easiest Programming Languages in 2022: A Detailed Review

Learning how to code can be challenging. Whether they are learning to code through online courses, a coding bootcamp, or college courses, many aspiring developers still feel overwhelmed. To solve this, beginning programmers should learn programming with one of the easiest programming languages.

If you want to become a software engineer, a web developer, or any of the many career paths for developers, start with a beginner-friendly coding language. This review will break down the best programming languages to learn for beginners in 2022. 

The five easiest programming languages are:

• JavaScript
• Ruby
• Python
• Java
• C/C++

17 Easiest Coding Languages to Learn for Coding Beginners

Many coding newbies ask, “Which programming language should I learn first?”. Yet there isn’t one answer when it comes to deciding the best first language to learn programming. This depends on your career goals and what programming skills your ideal job demands.Here’s a detailed programming languages list for beginners, giving you a wide range of options to start with. Learning many of these languages will help you break into the tech job market quickly. You can gain these skills through specific bootcamps like the best C# bootcamps. Likewise, many of the best web development bootcamps have general courses to learn to code.

1. HTML

HTML stands for Hypertext Markup Language. Although, it isn’t technically a programming language, learning how to create an HTML page is often the first step in learning how to program. You might recognize “HTML” as part of a link to a website or in your browser’s address bar. 

HTML was originally used to help people format their text documents, so they can be presented to readers more immaculately. With HTML, you build documents with building blocks named elements.

For example, the element that contains the main content of an HTML page is named the “body” element. Inside the body element, you will often see multiple “paragraph” elements represented by a “<p>” that indicates to the browser where each paragraph resides.

RELATED READING: HTML
To be as effective and efficient as possible when writing HTML, it’s helpful to have an editor that does some of the work for you. Check out our complete list of the Best HTML Editors to find an option that suits your preferences.

2. CSS

Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) allows you to change the appearance of your HTML in browsers. This popular language for coding is most commonly used to define how a webpage should look when viewed by a browser. For example, you can set the text color or background color of certain elements with CSS.

Developers can also define animations and when they should be shown to the user, decide when to hide or show certain content, and control the positioning of the page’s elements. Used properly, CSS can improve the look, readability, and functionality of a website.

In fact, the article you’re reading right now is built with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. CSS is an ideal language for beginners because, like HTML, it will help you execute basic development tasks.

RELATED READING: CSS
When you start landing web development interviews, it’s crucial that you be prepared to answer some Common CSS Interview Questions, since any prospective employer will expect you to have mastered the technology.

3. JavaScript

JavaScript (JS) is commonly used in combination with HTML and CSS to implement client-side functionality through small “scripts.” This is why it’s often referred to as a “scripting language.” This functionality includes actions like showing more details when a user clicks on a button or enhancing a text field to show the user if their password satisfies security requirements.

But Javascript can also be a complex language. With this scripting language, you can securely send and retrieve information to another server. Using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript together in this way is often referred to as front end development.

However, just because JavaScript is usually used to manipulate HTML elements or provide UI functionality doesn’t mean that those are its only functions. JavaScript is still powerful enough to accomplish tasks like implementing a search algorithm, analyzing data provided by a user, or solving mathematical equations. There are even game engines built with JavaScript that can have impressive results!

JavaScript isn’t limited to implementing client-side functionality. Projects like Node.js allow developers to create standard server-side functionality with JavaScript. With Javascript, you can be an effective developer on the front end and the backend.

JavaScript demonstrates that just because a programming language is typically used in a certain way, this may not be its only use. While many people think of JavaScript as a simple scripting language, there are no limits to what you can do with it (or any programming language, for that matter). To learn JavaScript quickly, look for the best JavaScript bootcamps.

RELATED READING: JAVASCRIPT
If you’re just getting started with JS, the most important thing you can do to improve your skills is to get lots of practice. For great opportunities to put your new coding skills to work, take a look at our comprehensive list of the Best JavaScript Coding Challenges Online.

4. Python

Python is an easy, general-purpose coding language designed with readability in mind. As one of the easiest programming languages, it’s often used as an introductory language for college students beginning their Computer Science study.

There are many ways to use Python, like implementing backend functionality for websites through libraries like Django and analyzing data. Python can also be used as a scripting language as a part of a larger program. Still, its popularity and longevity mean Python has been used for just about everything.

If you want to start creating your first program with Python, download and install a development environment on your computer. This may be the only factor that makes Python longer to learn than JavaScript.

RELATED READING: PYTHON
There are limitless online resources for learning Python, but if you’re the type that prefers something a bit more traditional, be sure to check out our full list of the Best Python Books that will get you up to speed with this in-demand language.

5. Ruby

Ruby is a programming language with a focus on simplicity and productivity. The Ruby on Rails framework makes it easy to use Ruby to create and provide web applications to users.

Ruby is often compared to Python, as the two languages have common use cases. Similar to Python, Ruby is a capable scripting language and can be used for analyzing data. Ruby has increasingly been used for web development and all developers agree, it’s one of the easiest programming languages to learn. Many companies like Airbnb, Hulu, and Shopify have used Ruby for web development.

Not only does Ruby have a huge community of developers, but there are many excellent books on Ruby programming and free online resources to learn Ruby. Learn to Program is an online book that uses Ruby to teach you the basics of writing a program. For a more whimsical, illustrated experience of learning the same concepts, you can read Why’s (Poignant) Guide to Ruby.

RELATED READING: RUBY
If you plan on specializing in this language, make sure you’re prepared to answer some of the Most Common Ruby Interview Questions to impress your prospective employers.

6. Java

There are tons of online resources to learn Java, one of the easiest and best programming languages to learn. Java is many developers’ first exposure to the principles of Object-Oriented design. It’s commonly used to teach college students the basics of design patterns and software engineering.

As another general-purpose programming language, Java is one of the most popular for enterprise development, perhaps due to its straightforward nature, stability, and large developer community. 

One notable project that uses Java is the Android Software Developer Kit (SDK). This project allows developers to create applications that function on devices that use the Android Operating System.

Netflix can also attest to what a powerful language Java is. This popular programming language was used to build the foundation of Netflix’s streaming service. Uber, Instagram, Spotify, and Pinterest have also used Java for web development.

For someone starting with programming, it might feel a little overwhelming to learn Java compared to Python. While Java is certainly not one of the hardest coding languages to learn, it’s much more involved than Python but still requires a development environment. Attend any of the best Java bootcamps to master this programming language in 2022.

7. PHP

PHP is one of the easiest coding languages if you know HTML. PHP stands for PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor and is another general-purpose programming language. However, its actual use is largely to provide the backend server functionality that is essential to many websites today.

PHP makes it easy for developers to retrieve and store data in databases while also processing and replying to users’ requests. This coding language is considered one of the easiest programming languages due to how seamlessly its responses can be presented to a user’s browser through HTML.

Some notable projects and services that use PHP include Facebook, Tumblr, and WordPress. It’s easy to see how PHP has remained influential, even with newer programming languages trying to dislodge it from its hand in backend web development.

Creating your first PHP program is as easy as embedding PHP code into an HTML page and uploading the file to a server that can process it. Many online resources will help you learn PHP.

Laracast’s “The PHP Practitioner” video series is a fantastic free resource for beginners to build a fundamental understanding of web development and basic PHP programming concepts.

8. C/C++

C and C++ aren’t only some of the easiest programming languages but they’re perfect languages for building high-performance systems. These are both vital lower-level programming languages that are especially useful in the context of creating systems that require a high level of performance.

C++ can be thought of as an extension to the C programming language, adding features like object-oriented programming. Still, there are many similarities between C and C++, especially for someone looking for an easy programming language to learn.

These languages are often referred to as low-level languages because they leave a lot of memory management to the programmer. They also allow you to use pointers to work with data structures to manipulate the information involved with your task.

While all programming languages require you to be exact with what you’re telling the computer to do, this is especially apparent in C or C++. If you’re not careful when working with these languages, you can accidentally access an incorrect portion of memory, causing unexpected behavior.

A few projects that use these languages include the Linux Kernel, which is written in C, and Adobe’s Photoshop software, which is written in C++. Programmers skilled in these languages will be in high demand and invaluable to an organization that creates programs in which performance is very crucial.

For someone just starting, C and C++ can be intimidating because of the added complexity of the way you manage and interact with the programs’ memory. At the same time, however, beginning your journey with one of these lower-level languages can prepare you to understand more nuanced topics.

RELATED READING: C/C++
Get prepared for technical interviews by studying these Top C++ Interview Questions.

9. C#

Microsoft developed this general-purpose coding language. It’s especially suited for building programs for Windows environments and creating web applications in combination with the .NET Framework.

While C# offers support for many programming styles, it’s often used in an object-oriented way like Java. Its syntax has many similarities with Java’s as well, so a programmer skilled in either of these languages shouldn’t have much difficulty transitioning between them.

Among the easiest programming languages here, C# has an “average” difficulty. While you have to set up and run a compiler to build your programs, you likely won’t have any issues reading and understanding the syntax for your program.

There are many helpful online resources for learning C# given the size of its community. Most answers can be found either by using a search engine or reviewing tutorials on the type of problem you are working on.Perhaps one of the most recognizable projects that use C# is the Unity game engine.

The game engine allows game developers to build a game that’s compatible with multiple platforms at once. If you’re interested in a game development career, you might want to consider starting with a Unity tutorial.

RELATED READING: C#
If you’re interested in game development, be sure to check out our guide to the Best 2D Game Engines to get started creating your own games.

10. R

R is a coding language that is primarily used for data science, deep learning, and machine learning. This programming language focuses on data analysis and data visualization. Thus, it might not be the best language to start with if you’re looking to acquire skills and knowledge of the problems you’ll experience as a programmer.

Like Python, R is commonly used to perform statistical analysis of data, as well as build web applications or write scripts to accomplish various tasks. If you’re just starting with programming, becoming familiar with a general-purpose language like Python instead of R may result in more tangible benefits in the long run.

Still, if you’re considering becoming a data scientist or simply love working with statistics, you should consider learning R . This is especially true if you’re interested in bioinformatics, as jobs in this field often require knowledge of R.

11. Go

Go is a general-purpose programming language developed by Google around 2007 with syntax and use-cases similar to C and C++. Its goals were to simplify the syntax and general complexity of these and other languages to make it one of the easiest programming languages to learn.

Go is often used to implement components of larger projects where execution speed is important. For example, in 2014 Dropbox used Go to improve the performance of its backend systems, especially concerning accessing its database.

If Go sounds like the language for you, Caleb Doxsey’s free book An Introduction to Programming in Go is a great resource. It will guide you through setting up your Go programming environment, show you how to compile your first Go program, and teach you essential programming concepts.

12. Rust

Rust is another general-purpose programming language based on C and C++. Rust is built by Mozilla, the developers of the popular web browser Firefox, which first appeared around 2010.

Compared to Go, which tries to make things as simple as possible, Rust is very strict on how you interact with memory. This approach minimizes the possibility of bugs or vulnerabilities in programs while maintaining a high level of performance.

As a result, Rust is an increasingly popular choice for building systems where safety and security are essential. For example, developers planning an Operating System or an HTTP server will greatly benefit from these restrictions. These measures ensure that the different processes executed only have access to the data and memory that they’re supposed to.

One great demonstration of how Rust is used can be found in the Firefox browser itself. It was used to improve the efficiency of the CSS engine while simultaneously reducing the number of potential security vulnerabilities.

Even though Rust is especially appropriate for dealing with this kind of system-level programming, it’s not unheard of for people to start their programming journey with Rust. If the security focus of Rust sounds intriguing, you’ll want to either start with “A Gentle Introduction to Rust” or The Rust Programming Language.

13. Swift

Apple developed Swift in 2014 specifically for use within its own technological ecosystem. When we say technological ecosystem, we’re referring to macOS and iOS, the operating systems that devices like MacBooks and iPhones use.

If you’re interested in building programs or mobile apps for these environments, Swift is a great language to learn. It’s also easy to read and write, so it’s a good option for novice programmers. To guide beginning coders through the Swift programming language, Apple created a free application called Swift Playgrounds. 

Even if you have zero programming experience, Swift Playgrounds will help you quickly learn the fundamentals of Swift and become confident in your ability to learn more complex concepts. Swift Playgrounds provides direct guidance as you learn Swift, and it’s a useful resource that will teach you skills applicable to any programming field.

14. Erlang

Erlang is a functional, general-purpose programming language. As one of the easiest programming languages for beginners, it made its first appearance in 1986, and it focuses on concurrent programming.

Concurrent programming means that its features and restrictions are ideal for building systems where multiple, distinct processes need to run simultaneously while still communicating with each other. Unlike many of the other programming languages on this list that support multiple programming styles, you can only program Erlang functionally.

Functional programming emphasizes the use of mathematical functions to accomplish tasks. This type of programming usually reduces the reliance on an external state or data. Ultimately, it is easier to debug and more likely to be executed safely alongside other processes.

This can be difficult to wrap your mind around if you’re still picking up the basics of programming, as it’s more common to start learning imperatively. In comparison, a program in an imperative style makes it easy to access and modify external information that is shared throughout the program’s execution.

15. Elixir

Elixir is an extension of Erlang, but it adds its own syntax and tooling that has especially been used to build scalable web services. Discord is one of the most recognizable projects and uses Elixir to support more than five million concurrent users while processing millions of events per second. Pinterest used Elixir too, to improve the performance of its API service.

With that being said, it might make sense to start with Erlang or Elixir as a first language if you’re willing to learn functional programming concepts. Elixir is also useful if you’re interested in designing systems that provide services where scaling to heavy demand is important.

A helpful resource for the first-time programmer interested in starting with Elixir is Joy of Elixir. It makes a few assumptions about what you’re already familiar with and has a playful tone to help you work through the book.

16. Scala

As one of the best programming languages to learn for beginners, Scala builds on a foundation laid by Java. It brings a focus on functional programming and concise, flexible syntax.

Scala’s additions make it easier for expert developers to solve problems more efficiently, but these features and flexibility can confuse beginners on how to complete tasks. Backend functionality is also one of the primary uses of Scala. 

Twitter first picked up the language for performance reasons in 2009, and it is perhaps one of the largest Scala users. Most online learning resources for Scala assume you already have at least some experience in programming. However, “Introduction to Programming and Problem Solving Using Scala” is a great resource for beginning programmers.

In this lecture, there’s a video series created by Mark Lewis and is available for free on YouTube. Self-motivated individuals with a strong math background might find some success using these videos to work through the accompanying textbook (of the same name).

Twitter has also put together a resource for established programmers who want to quickly learn Scala. Its “Scala School” is a collection of pages that walk you through everything that makes Scala special.

RELATED READING: SCALA
Want to learn more about this popular back end language? Head over to our brief introduction to get an answer to the question What Is Scala?

17. Clojure

This coding language is a modern functional programming language from 2007 based on Lisp, a language that first appeared in 1958 with a unique parenthetical syntax.

Clojure added features like immutable data structures to Lisp. This feature makes it easier to write concurrent systems. An immutable data structure cannot be directly modified after it’s created.

To the average programmer, this may sound restrictive but it also means that information in a function or program working with one of these structures won’t change unexpectedly. Considering Clojure’s focus on being useful for concurrency, it’s not surprising that it’s often used for building services where this is important.

Companies as large as Walmart use Clojure for backend services to build systems that can easily handle large volumes of activity. Because Clojure is a functional programming language, learning it as your first language may be difficult if you’re not already familiar with computer science concepts, especially with Clojure’s unique syntax.

If you already have some technical experience and are comfortable working on the command line, Clojure for the Brave and True is a helpful, free resource for learning this language!

RELATED READING: CLOJURE
Now that you’ve been introduced to Scala and Clojure, you might be wondering how they compare head-to-head. To find out, read our comparison: Clojure vs Scala.

What Is the Easiest Coding Language to Learn First?

In my opinion, and that of many others, JavaScript is the easiest programming language. You can start learning JavaScript with nothing more than your web browser and a text editor.

What About the Rest of the “Easiest Programming Languages”?

In terms of overall complexity for someone just starting with programming, you could argue for a ranking like the following, with the first being the easiest:

1. HTML and CSS

HTML and CSS aren’t really programming languages, but they will give you familiarity with using a text editor and building documents according to well-defined rules. Understanding HTML and CSS will help you learn the fundamentals of programming for bigger, more complex projects. 

2. JavaScript and PHP

JavaScript and PHP are perhaps the easiest programming languages in this list for getting a tangible result you can play with when combined with HTML and CSS. Having this skillset will help you learn any of the hardest coding languages quicker, and in turn, will increase your career opportunities in tech. 

3. Python, Ruby, Go, R, and Swift

These are straightforward, designed to be easy to learn, and have a clean syntax. There’s a friendly community online for these programming languages too, and many training courses for programming will teach you the basics. Plus, you can use these languages for mobile applications, desktop applications, and so much more. 

4. Java and C#

These two languages are moderately complex, but they’re also well-established with many resources to answer any questions you have. Java and C# may not have simple syntax like the coding languages above, but they’re in-demand languages. 

5. C and C++

C and C++ are at a low enough level that you’ll eventually have to be aware of how you manage your memory in addition to learning basic programming concepts. Yes, the intuitive syntax and memory make it harder to learn than Python. However, neither of these languages would be considered super complex. 

6. Rust, Scala, Clojure, Erlang, and Elixir

These languages are functional-focused, which can be difficult to wrap your mind around. They are complex enough to possibly be frustrating for beginners. However, keep in mind that ease-of-use isn’t the only thing you should consider.

The easiest code to learn might not be the best one for you. If you have specific goals of problems to solve or systems to build, you’ll want to review each programming language mentioned above and see which seems most appropriate.

Each of these programming languages offers different benefits and uses for developers. While they all are at the same difficulty level, you might not need to learn them all at the same time. 

Which Programming Language Should I Learn First? 

The first programming language you should learn depends on what career you want and how you want to use the coding language. Many developers find value in the easiest programming languages as they provide a wide array of different uses and purposes. However, how quickly and successfully you learn some coding languages may depend on how well you know another, like Erlang and Elixir.

By learning the basics of a programming language, you are setting yourself up for success as you prepare to learn through self-study, attend a coding bootcamp, or earn a college degree. 

Easiest Programming Languages to Learn FAQ