29 answers
Mason
Student
Rochester, Minnesota
1
Question
Updated
2371 views
What is the best language for new coders?
What is the best coding language for new coders?
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29 answers
Velu Alagianambi
Engineering Manager
7
Answers
Milpitas, California
Updated
Velu’s Answer
It depends on your goal, but here's a good place to start:
Python
- It's easy to read and great for beginners
- Useful for data work, web development, AI, and scripting
- Has a big community and lots of learning resources
Other Options Based on Your Interests
- Pick JavaScript if you're interested in web design or development
- Try Scratch if you're a young learner or a complete beginner; it's visual and fun
- Choose Swift if you want to create iOS apps
Python
- It's easy to read and great for beginners
- Useful for data work, web development, AI, and scripting
- Has a big community and lots of learning resources
Other Options Based on Your Interests
- Pick JavaScript if you're interested in web design or development
- Try Scratch if you're a young learner or a complete beginner; it's visual and fun
- Choose Swift if you want to create iOS apps
Jason White
Lead Product Manager- Network Security
179
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Jason’s Answer
Hey Mason,
Great question. Javascript, Python, and SQL are 3 of the most popular and commonly used coding languages so they are a great place to begin learning.
Great question. Javascript, Python, and SQL are 3 of the most popular and commonly used coding languages so they are a great place to begin learning.
Amanpreet dhaliwal
Software Engineer
3
Answers
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Updated
Amanpreet’s Answer
There's no one perfect coding language; it all depends on what you want to do. If you're just starting out, Python is simple and flexible. JavaScript is awesome for building websites. Scratch is great for beginners to understand coding basics. C# is ideal for creating games, and Java gives you a solid base for computer science and making apps.
kaustubh badgujar
Software engineering
1
Answer
Dallas, Texas
Updated
kaustubh’s Answer
You can learn JavaScript to start with, this will allow you to get experience in both front-end and back-end of web development, once you are proficient, you can pick python pretty easily.
Isabel Fimbres
Data Integration Analyst
3
Answers
Tucson, Arizona
Updated
Isabel’s Answer
Hi! For me, the best way to introduce yourself to programming is starting with SQL and then moving over to Python. SQL is a great way to begin the understanding of data and Python is definitely easier to read compared to other programming languages. W3Schools.com is a great site to learn and also any apps with fun games to get an interactive learning experience. :)
Christine Foglio
Manager Talent Acquisition
16
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Christine’s Answer
The best language for new coders to start with is usually Python. It’s one of the easiest programming languages to learn because the code looks a lot like English. You can use Python to build games, websites, apps, and even work with data or AI. It’s used by beginners and professionals, so what you learn early on can help you later in school or a career. Once you understand how coding works in Python, it’s much easier to learn other languages like JavaScript or C++ if you need them.
Sean White
Software Engineer
6
Answers
Jersey City, New Jersey
Updated
Sean’s Answer
Hi Mason,
To be honest there is not really a "best" language for learning how to code. The great thing about coding is once you learn one language, it becomes significantly easier to pick up another as they all share a lot of similarities. With that being said I would recommend picking from either Python, JavaScript, or Java. These are all very commonly used and have a wide variety of usage. Java may be slightly more difficult to learn at first compared to Python or JavaScript, but will make learning other languages like those much easier in the future.
Pick a language and watch free tutorials on YouTube
To be honest there is not really a "best" language for learning how to code. The great thing about coding is once you learn one language, it becomes significantly easier to pick up another as they all share a lot of similarities. With that being said I would recommend picking from either Python, JavaScript, or Java. These are all very commonly used and have a wide variety of usage. Java may be slightly more difficult to learn at first compared to Python or JavaScript, but will make learning other languages like those much easier in the future.
Sean recommends the following next steps:
Ryan Walsh
Software Developer
20
Answers
Oviedo, Florida
Updated
Ryan’s Answer
For new coders, I usually recommend starting with Python. It’s beginner-friendly because the syntax is simple and easy to read, which lets you focus on learning the core concepts of programming without getting too caught up in complex details. Python is also very versatile — it’s used in web development, data science, AI, automation, and more. Once you get comfortable with Python, it’s easier to learn other languages like JavaScript, Java, or C++.
Vamsi Vempati
Senior Frontend Engineer
1
Answer
Auckland, New Zealand
Updated
Vamsi’s Answer
Hi Mason,
It really depends on what excites you the most!
Want to make web applications? → JavaScript
Into data science or AI? → Python
Interesting in mobile apps? → Swift or Kotlin
If you're unsure, JavaScript is a pretty beginner friendly (and fun) place to start:
- It requires zero setup to get started - just open your browser and start coding on the console.
- You see results instantly - make a button, change font/colors, animate; it can be quite fun!
- There are plenty of tutorials, YouTube videos, Stack Overflow discussions in case you get stuck.
- With JavaScript, you can build not just websites, but also mobile apps, servers, even desktop programs.
It really depends on what excites you the most!
Want to make web applications? → JavaScript
Into data science or AI? → Python
Interesting in mobile apps? → Swift or Kotlin
If you're unsure, JavaScript is a pretty beginner friendly (and fun) place to start:
- It requires zero setup to get started - just open your browser and start coding on the console.
- You see results instantly - make a button, change font/colors, animate; it can be quite fun!
- There are plenty of tutorials, YouTube videos, Stack Overflow discussions in case you get stuck.
- With JavaScript, you can build not just websites, but also mobile apps, servers, even desktop programs.
Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
Electrical Engineer, Software Developer, and Career Mentor
520
Answers
Ethiopia
Updated
Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
If you're new to coding, Python and JavaScript are fantastic languages to start with. Python is simple to learn and is popular in data science, automation, and artificial intelligence. JavaScript helps you create interactive websites and lets you see your work come to life quickly. Both have big, friendly communities and lots of learning materials, plus there are many job opportunities. Starting with Python can give you a strong base, and then you can dive into JavaScript to discover the world of web development.
Grant Klingbeil
Mobile Device Management
1
Answer
Osseo, Wisconsin
Updated
Grant’s Answer
If you're starting to learn coding today, focus on a language that's useful for Artificial Intelligence. Many of the suggested languages are great for this. Remember, learning a coding language is like learning a new spoken language. Once you learn one, the next becomes easier, and the one after that even more so. Python is an excellent choice to begin with. It has lots of online resources, works on many platforms, and is widely used in AI. This will likely inspire you to explore other languages and grow your skills further.
Michael Holt
AI Manager/Solution Architect
2
Answers
Raleigh, North Carolina
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Great question, Mason! All these previous answers sum it up well... I manage a data science pod with data scientists who use Python to build AI models (Python is the go-to language for most AI/ML projects these days) and front-end developers who use HTML/JavaScript/CSS to build the web application that connects to the Python-based backend solution to call those AI models.
So where you should start depends on how you think...
1. Are you more analytical/math-oriented/logical? Then maybe Python is best since you likely prefer data science.
2. Or are you more creative/visual? Then maybe you start with HTML/JavaScript/CSS (ReactJS is a common framework) since you likely prefer building websites.
Also worth calling out that understanding the "why" and the fundamental goals you want to accomplish are just as important as learning how to code... Generative AI code generation tools are getting so good at coding that a lot of developer jobs will shift to focus more on working with those tools than writing code from scratch (i.e., maybe you prompt a Generative AI tool with "Write me Python code that trains a neural network to classify images into dogs vs cats" to get a first version of the code, and then you make minor tweaks as needed). Getting experience working with these Generative AI tools will be just as critical as learning to write code on your own
Sample Generative AI Tools that are already good at coding given text prompts: LLMs like OpenAI GPT-4.1 and Anthropic Claude Sonnet 4
Hope this helps!
So where you should start depends on how you think...
1. Are you more analytical/math-oriented/logical? Then maybe Python is best since you likely prefer data science.
2. Or are you more creative/visual? Then maybe you start with HTML/JavaScript/CSS (ReactJS is a common framework) since you likely prefer building websites.
Also worth calling out that understanding the "why" and the fundamental goals you want to accomplish are just as important as learning how to code... Generative AI code generation tools are getting so good at coding that a lot of developer jobs will shift to focus more on working with those tools than writing code from scratch (i.e., maybe you prompt a Generative AI tool with "Write me Python code that trains a neural network to classify images into dogs vs cats" to get a first version of the code, and then you make minor tweaks as needed). Getting experience working with these Generative AI tools will be just as critical as learning to write code on your own
Sample Generative AI Tools that are already good at coding given text prompts: LLMs like OpenAI GPT-4.1 and Anthropic Claude Sonnet 4
Hope this helps!
Matt O
Full Stack Developer
6
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Matt’s Answer
Hey Mason,
I would suggest the following languages with a light reason:
1. Java, it is a popular language and in high demand job wise. It has very strong support community, framework, and functionally.
2. Python, this is another popular language that I would say is easy to learn and has good support. It is used heavily for all kinds of processes from a back-end development / server side scripting point of view.
3. JavaScript, an essential language if you'll be doing web development
Hope this helps!
I would suggest the following languages with a light reason:
1. Java, it is a popular language and in high demand job wise. It has very strong support community, framework, and functionally.
2. Python, this is another popular language that I would say is easy to learn and has good support. It is used heavily for all kinds of processes from a back-end development / server side scripting point of view.
3. JavaScript, an essential language if you'll be doing web development
Hope this helps!
Michael Otieno
Software Engineer
1
Answer
Nairobi, Nairobi County, Kenya
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Hi Mason!
I know it can be overwhelming when starting to code and this means differnet people consider different languages the best. Right now I would say Javascript and Python are two of the best to start coding. Javascript allows you to do anything website(web) related. Python is good for a lot of things which makes it a great choice also a bonus if you have interest in AI and Machine Learning now or in the future.
I know it can be overwhelming when starting to code and this means differnet people consider different languages the best. Right now I would say Javascript and Python are two of the best to start coding. Javascript allows you to do anything website(web) related. Python is good for a lot of things which makes it a great choice also a bonus if you have interest in AI and Machine Learning now or in the future.
Daamini Juyal
Data Engineer
4
Answers
San Jose, California
Updated
Daamini’s Answer
Hi There!
The best language for new coders could be the one that interests you. You could start by learning SQL and Python. It is good to have experience in any database as this would help in your career progression. For programming, python would be a good start. It is easy to learn. Also has huge job demands.
Resources to help you begin:
1. Data camp
2. Kaggle
3. Leetcode
4. Free code camp
Hope this helps!
The best language for new coders could be the one that interests you. You could start by learning SQL and Python. It is good to have experience in any database as this would help in your career progression. For programming, python would be a good start. It is easy to learn. Also has huge job demands.
Resources to help you begin:
1. Data camp
2. Kaggle
3. Leetcode
4. Free code camp
Hope this helps!
Sainudheen Sain
IT Manager
2
Answers
Monroe Township, New Jersey
Updated
Sainudheen’s Answer
Hi Mason,
All previous answers would have given you a good direction on "which language" part. On top of that, once you decide a language, build your skills on how to map out a logical flow in the code to resolve a requirement or a problem, using programming constructs like functions, conditional statements, loops, exception handling and others. Becoming stronger in these foundational skills will allow you to learn any new language easily and quickly. In most cases, when you switch to a new language, you will still be following the same logical flow, but a different syntax.
All previous answers would have given you a good direction on "which language" part. On top of that, once you decide a language, build your skills on how to map out a logical flow in the code to resolve a requirement or a problem, using programming constructs like functions, conditional statements, loops, exception handling and others. Becoming stronger in these foundational skills will allow you to learn any new language easily and quickly. In most cases, when you switch to a new language, you will still be following the same logical flow, but a different syntax.
Charles Fannin
Cyber Security
4
Answers
Dade City, Florida
Updated
Charles’s Answer
This is going to depend on your goal for coding.
If you are looking to do work with Webpages, AI, or Automation I would say Python. (scripting language)
If you are looking to work on applications/software then you will want to look at languages like Java (compiling language).
If you are looking to do Videogame creation then C#.
Once you have a solid understanding of one language others will be easy to pick up. It's more important to pick a language that aligns with your interest and what you want to do as being engaged with the learning will make the language "easy" to learn.
If you are looking to do work with Webpages, AI, or Automation I would say Python. (scripting language)
If you are looking to work on applications/software then you will want to look at languages like Java (compiling language).
If you are looking to do Videogame creation then C#.
Once you have a solid understanding of one language others will be easy to pick up. It's more important to pick a language that aligns with your interest and what you want to do as being engaged with the learning will make the language "easy" to learn.
Sean Williams
QA Test Engineer
7
Answers
Marana, Arizona
Updated
Sean’s Answer
Hi Mason,
Lots of great answers here as someone who has learned over 10 languages myself Python to me was by far the simplest, most straightforward and intuitive programming language I have used. I think Java has some really great benefits that would apply to more advanced concepts so I understand how Java may be a good combo of easy and most beneficial overall to begin with. Not that Python is bad to start (I started on it) but Java is similar to C, C# and those are all very common languages used today it should be noted that Python is popular as well. Either way one of those will be a great start for you in my opinion.
Lots of great answers here as someone who has learned over 10 languages myself Python to me was by far the simplest, most straightforward and intuitive programming language I have used. I think Java has some really great benefits that would apply to more advanced concepts so I understand how Java may be a good combo of easy and most beneficial overall to begin with. Not that Python is bad to start (I started on it) but Java is similar to C, C# and those are all very common languages used today it should be noted that Python is popular as well. Either way one of those will be a great start for you in my opinion.
Alfred Abenojar
Solution Consultant
3
Answers
Mesquite, Texas
Updated
Alfred’s Answer
Hello Mason!
If you're trying to find a starting language for coding, Python and Java are excellent options to learn coding. Python is a simple language that has many different resources for you to learn from and search if you need an answer. Java is a programming language that is versatile and interact with many different applications. Each programming language is used for different tasks, but once you learn the basics of any language, you will have a greater understanding of most languages, even if it is a language you are unfamiliar with!
I hope this was helpful!
If you're trying to find a starting language for coding, Python and Java are excellent options to learn coding. Python is a simple language that has many different resources for you to learn from and search if you need an answer. Java is a programming language that is versatile and interact with many different applications. Each programming language is used for different tasks, but once you learn the basics of any language, you will have a greater understanding of most languages, even if it is a language you are unfamiliar with!
I hope this was helpful!
Terry Helm, ING. MIM, MTM
Solution Manager - Technical Consulting
9
Answers
Ballwin, Missouri
Updated
Terry’s Answer
Consider learning programming languages that are popular in 2025. Python, JavaScript, and Java are in high demand. It's also important to know Apache Spark, which is great for handling Big Data. Apache Spark is used for data analysis, machine learning, and processing data streams quickly.
R. Ulises Mendoza
7
Answers
Updated
R. Ulises’s Answer
Hi there!
I'm agree with most of the people here, picking up Python as the best one.
It's very versatile, and the syntaxy's is pretty simple.
I suggest you to go from:
- Simple concepts
- Functional Programming
- OOP Designs in Python
Where we usually do first OOP First, by teaching new learners I noticed that functional, has an easy path for them to be really understandable.
I'm agree with most of the people here, picking up Python as the best one.
It's very versatile, and the syntaxy's is pretty simple.
I suggest you to go from:
- Simple concepts
- Functional Programming
- OOP Designs in Python
Where we usually do first OOP First, by teaching new learners I noticed that functional, has an easy path for them to be really understandable.
Shell Li
1
Answer
Updated
Shell’s Answer
Hi Mason,
If you are new to coding, Python and Java are both excellent choices. There are many free resources online where you can learn either language. In addition, I suggest taking on daily challenges on LeetCode to keep your algorithm and data structure skills sharp. You can also use online code explainer tools (such as Python Tutor) to help you understand code step by step. If you ever encounter a coding question, don’t hesitate to ask an AI tutor—they can guide you through the solution, sometimes even better than traditional platforms like Stack Overflow.
If you are new to coding, Python and Java are both excellent choices. There are many free resources online where you can learn either language. In addition, I suggest taking on daily challenges on LeetCode to keep your algorithm and data structure skills sharp. You can also use online code explainer tools (such as Python Tutor) to help you understand code step by step. If you ever encounter a coding question, don’t hesitate to ask an AI tutor—they can guide you through the solution, sometimes even better than traditional platforms like Stack Overflow.
Aarti Jangid
Product Manager
2
Answers
Commerce, CA
Updated
Aarti’s Answer
I’d say the “best” language for new coders really depends on what you want to build, but generally, Python is the most beginner-friendly choice. It has simple syntax that reads almost like English, which makes it great for learning programming concepts without getting lost in complex rules. It’s also widely used in areas like web development, data science, AI, and automation—so the skills you gain are very practical.
If you’re more interested in building web applications, JavaScript is another excellent starting point since it powers most modern websites and pairs well with frameworks like React or Node.js. For those curious about mobile apps, Swift (for iOS) or Kotlin (for Android) are strong options.
The good news is that once you learn one language well, picking up others becomes much easier. Many professionals in tech fields, from startups to an ecommerce development company, often look for coders who understand the basics of problem-solving and can adapt to different languages as needed.
So my advice: start with Python for an easy entry, and then branch out into JavaScript or another language based on your career goals.
If you’re more interested in building web applications, JavaScript is another excellent starting point since it powers most modern websites and pairs well with frameworks like React or Node.js. For those curious about mobile apps, Swift (for iOS) or Kotlin (for Android) are strong options.
The good news is that once you learn one language well, picking up others becomes much easier. Many professionals in tech fields, from startups to an ecommerce development company, often look for coders who understand the basics of problem-solving and can adapt to different languages as needed.
So my advice: start with Python for an easy entry, and then branch out into JavaScript or another language based on your career goals.
Ritvik Shah
Advisory Analyst
4
Answers
San Jose, California
Updated
Ritvik’s Answer
If you are starting off your programming journey, your best bet would be to start off with Python as the syntax is easier to follow and looks a lot like English. Compared to Java and C++, there is less going on in the code, which allows for less confusion on what the code is saying. Python is also high in-demand these days as it can be used in various scenarios, such as web development, game development, automation, data science, and cybersecurity penetration testing. By learning just Python, it can open up a variety of opportunities for your future career. LeetCode and Codeacademy are great resources that teach you the Python language, starting from basic fundamentals to advanced concepts that make it easier for you to understand. The great thing about Python is that once you learn it, you can learn other languages quicker, such as JavaScript and SQL.
Rebecca Tang
Banking
2429
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to know that you have interest in coding.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Find a simple programming language to start, e.g. Python, Scratch, etc.
2. Find the language structure and syntax. There are plenty resources online.
3. Start doing some simple programming. When you familiar with the language, you can do some simple project, e.g. control toy car, robotic arm, etc. Practise makes perfect.
4. You can learn another language after familiar with one language.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions :
1. Find a simple programming language to start, e.g. Python, Scratch, etc.
2. Find the language structure and syntax. There are plenty resources online.
3. Start doing some simple programming. When you familiar with the language, you can do some simple project, e.g. control toy car, robotic arm, etc. Practise makes perfect.
4. You can learn another language after familiar with one language.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Aparna Manoj
Technical Product Manager
46
Answers
Sunnyvale, California
Updated
Aparna’s Answer
Great question! If you're just starting with coding, Python and Java are excellent choices. Python is known for its simple and easy-to-understand syntax, which means you can dive right into learning programming concepts without getting bogged down by complex rules. You can even teach yourself using online resources. It's a versatile language used in many areas like data science, machine learning, cybersecurity, and finance.
Java is another popular choice, especially in universities. It might be a bit more detailed, but it helps you understand how data works because you need to declare variable types like int, String, or char. This makes it clear and precise. If you're interested in object-oriented programming, Java is a fantastic option. While it can be more challenging to learn due to its verbosity, it offers a solid foundation for understanding programming concepts.
Java is another popular choice, especially in universities. It might be a bit more detailed, but it helps you understand how data works because you need to declare variable types like int, String, or char. This makes it clear and precise. If you're interested in object-oriented programming, Java is a fantastic option. While it can be more challenging to learn due to its verbosity, it offers a solid foundation for understanding programming concepts.
Alan Tram
Senior UX/UI Designer and Web Developer
1
Answer
San Diego, California
Updated
Alan’s Answer
Hi Mason!
Depends on what most interests you! If you're a visual based thinker like myself, Javascript allows for you to see the results of your code in realtime like for websites/mobile-apps. If you're interested in more of the robotics, AI, and hardware side of things then you'll find more merit in learning Python/C++. For Videogame development then it'll be C++/C# with a lot of math like Physics involved.
Programming is a vast ocean of routes and journeys one can take to find what they want to do with their skills in the future. To optimize time spent on studying and practice, definitely think to yourself what do I want to make in life and connect the languages most applicable to that practice!
Depends on what most interests you! If you're a visual based thinker like myself, Javascript allows for you to see the results of your code in realtime like for websites/mobile-apps. If you're interested in more of the robotics, AI, and hardware side of things then you'll find more merit in learning Python/C++. For Videogame development then it'll be C++/C# with a lot of math like Physics involved.
Programming is a vast ocean of routes and journeys one can take to find what they want to do with their skills in the future. To optimize time spent on studying and practice, definitely think to yourself what do I want to make in life and connect the languages most applicable to that practice!
Colleen Dierkes
Business Analyst
2
Answers
Indianapolis, Indiana
Updated
Colleen’s Answer
Learning Python is a fantastic choice because it's incredibly useful and versatile. It can help you improve and automate many tasks. Also, consider learning SQL. Kahn Academy offers free classes that are great for starting your journey, especially if you're interested in data analytics. SQL is excellent for working with data, and you can use it alongside Python.
The best language to start with is one you can apply to real-world situations right now. There's no better way to learn than by coding to solve real problems or projects.
Go to KAHN Academy to begin a free interactive course on SQL.
The best language to start with is one you can apply to real-world situations right now. There's no better way to learn than by coding to solve real problems or projects.
Colleen recommends the following next steps:
Chandler Calderon
Software Engineer
1
Answer
Brentwood, MO
Updated
Chandler’s Answer
I think the best language is the one that interests you the most or allow you to build something that interests you. If you don't have a particular interest I would recommend to start with Python, is a good all purpose language and it has a simple syntax.