15 answers
Isabella
Student
Moraga, California
3
Questions
Updated
3458 views
What programming language is the best and easiest to learn?
I’m a rising sophomore in high school, and am now starting to realize how important being able to code is, especially if I want to land internships and research positions. So, I’m planning to learn over the next few months, but I wanted to know what programming language would be the best to learn. I am not planning to pursue computer science in any means, but I do want to have some basic knowledge so I can put it on my resume. Mostly, I am aiming to land internships in biology and chemistry as I want to go into pre-med.
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15 answers
Nate Scott
Software Engineer & Cybersecurity Engineering
3
Answers
Mukilteo, Washington
Updated
Nate’s Answer
My answer might surprise you: the best programming language, and also the easiest to learn, is actually English. That's right, the era of programming is over; now most coding work is replaced by AI agents. Therefore, what you should learn is not a specific programming language, but programming thinking.
Lily Wu
Software Engineer
1
Answer
Austin, Texas
Updated
Lily’s Answer
Python is likely the easiest language to start with for learning basics. Since you're pre-med and might want a research career, consider learning some basics of MATLAB too.
Nizar Elkhatib
System Administrator
4
Answers
Bolingbrook, Illinois
Updated
Nizar’s Answer
As a beginner you should start with Python since it is a high level programming language and easy to learn and go through. This will give you a sense of syntax of programming language. Give it some time. Programming doesn't go through in a very short time. It is like exercising you need to digest things, and do a lot of practice. After that go to programming in Java since it is the most popular one in programming languages.
Good luck in doing this.
Good luck in doing this.
Dennis Taylor
Self-employed
110
Answers
Columbus, Indiana
Updated
Dennis’s Answer
Hello Isabella,
Learning to program a computer is like learning a new language. You are communicating with a machine to tell it what you want done.
Any prromramming language has rules, syntax and "words" that make the processor do something. Think of the instruction Set as nouns and verbs, etc.
Here is a reference to an article addressing what language are in use today( it's a pretty long-winded URL, isn't it?) :
https://www.pluralsight.com/resources/blog/upskilling/top-programming-languages-2025?utm_source=linkedin&utm_medium=paid-social&utm_campaign=upskilling-and-reskilling&utm_term=brand-na-brand-na-inform-all-evergreen-traffic-2025&li_fat_id=d2a449dd-9021-4700-9330-833a0690b75f
Programming is speaking in a differnet language - usually, one focused on math and logic functions. If you become a scientist, you may need to analyze data, create plots and graphs or even create a mathematical model of what you are studying. So, even if you don't intend to be a software expert, you will need to know something about computers and software.
I will let software experts tell you more about computer software.
I will leave you with this: "Written music" is perhaps the oldest programming language that exists. We have musical works composed by Mozart, Bach, Beethoven and many others who lived several hundred years ago. Yet, musicians today can interpret the music they wrote and still pretty much produce the same sounds that the composers had in mind. And, they can do it with instruments that are different than what existed at that time. That's what programming is all about.
Good luck, Isabell!
Learning to program a computer is like learning a new language. You are communicating with a machine to tell it what you want done.
Any prromramming language has rules, syntax and "words" that make the processor do something. Think of the instruction Set as nouns and verbs, etc.
Here is a reference to an article addressing what language are in use today( it's a pretty long-winded URL, isn't it?) :
https://www.pluralsight.com/resources/blog/upskilling/top-programming-languages-2025?utm_source=linkedin&utm_medium=paid-social&utm_campaign=upskilling-and-reskilling&utm_term=brand-na-brand-na-inform-all-evergreen-traffic-2025&li_fat_id=d2a449dd-9021-4700-9330-833a0690b75f
Programming is speaking in a differnet language - usually, one focused on math and logic functions. If you become a scientist, you may need to analyze data, create plots and graphs or even create a mathematical model of what you are studying. So, even if you don't intend to be a software expert, you will need to know something about computers and software.
I will let software experts tell you more about computer software.
I will leave you with this: "Written music" is perhaps the oldest programming language that exists. We have musical works composed by Mozart, Bach, Beethoven and many others who lived several hundred years ago. Yet, musicians today can interpret the music they wrote and still pretty much produce the same sounds that the composers had in mind. And, they can do it with instruments that are different than what existed at that time. That's what programming is all about.
Good luck, Isabell!
William Wang
Senior Technical Program Manager
5
Answers
Redmond, Washington
Updated
William’s Answer
Start with Python, but ultimately is what project do you like the most and which language can help you build that.:
Here's a list I've found from people recommending using:
freecodecamp - https://www.freecodecamp.org/
Helsinki - https://programming-23.mooc.fi/part-1
exercism - https://exercism.org/tracks/python
pynative - https://pynative.com/python-basic-exercise-for-beginners/
py4e - https://www.py4e.com (YouTube tutorials)
HarvardX CS50P - https://learning.edx.org/course/course-v1:HarvardX+CS50P+Python/home
w3schools - https://my-learning.w3schools.com/tutorial/python
once comfortable with coding - https://www.codewars.com/dashboard
Here's a list I've found from people recommending using:
freecodecamp - https://www.freecodecamp.org/
Helsinki - https://programming-23.mooc.fi/part-1
exercism - https://exercism.org/tracks/python
pynative - https://pynative.com/python-basic-exercise-for-beginners/
py4e - https://www.py4e.com (YouTube tutorials)
HarvardX CS50P - https://learning.edx.org/course/course-v1:HarvardX+CS50P+Python/home
w3schools - https://my-learning.w3schools.com/tutorial/python
once comfortable with coding - https://www.codewars.com/dashboard
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
1091
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Isabella,
Different programming languages have different strengths and weaknesses and are used for different purposes. But python is a good start. It's a fairly easy intuitive language, widely used in data science but also in many science fields. And once you understand python, other languages should come easily (if you need any more).
You'll find lots of free materials to learn python, but just about every online learning platform also has courses if you prefer a more structured approach.
Here are some free courses and a book:
https://www.freecodecamp.org/news/search/?query=python
https://www.freecodecamp.org/news/the-python-handbook/
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Different programming languages have different strengths and weaknesses and are used for different purposes. But python is a good start. It's a fairly easy intuitive language, widely used in data science but also in many science fields. And once you understand python, other languages should come easily (if you need any more).
You'll find lots of free materials to learn python, but just about every online learning platform also has courses if you prefer a more structured approach.
Here are some free courses and a book:
https://www.freecodecamp.org/news/search/?query=python
https://www.freecodecamp.org/news/the-python-handbook/
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Johnny Tran
Software Engineer
6
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Johnny’s Answer
For what you want to do, Python would be a good fit. It is relatively easy to learn for beginners and is one of the more popular languages used in data science. It is also a general-purpose language, so you can even use it for other applications like robotics, game programming, and software development. Since it is so popular, you should have no trouble finding resources online to help you learn. And the best way to get better is to practice! Work on some simple programs and build your knowledge up from there.
Eventually, you'll find that the choice of programming language is just the start, and you'll want to also learn more about computer science fundamentals like data structures and algorithms. That will teach you how to approach and think about problems, and how to write programs to solve them efficiently. Think of it like learning a human language: while at first you learn the grammar and spelling to put together simple sentences, eventually you begin to learn literary concepts and rhetoric in order to write a speech or essay that conveys more complex ideas.
The best part is that these computer science skills are transferable across languages, so even if you come across a research or internship opportunity that doesn't use Python for example, don't count yourself out! You'll have to confidence to be able to pick up whatever programming language you need for the job by knowing the fundamentals.
Find an online tutorial about Python
Write some simple programs in Python
Learn more about computer science concents like data structures and algorithms
Eventually, you'll find that the choice of programming language is just the start, and you'll want to also learn more about computer science fundamentals like data structures and algorithms. That will teach you how to approach and think about problems, and how to write programs to solve them efficiently. Think of it like learning a human language: while at first you learn the grammar and spelling to put together simple sentences, eventually you begin to learn literary concepts and rhetoric in order to write a speech or essay that conveys more complex ideas.
The best part is that these computer science skills are transferable across languages, so even if you come across a research or internship opportunity that doesn't use Python for example, don't count yourself out! You'll have to confidence to be able to pick up whatever programming language you need for the job by knowing the fundamentals.
Johnny recommends the following next steps:
Rebecca Tang
Banking
2424
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to know you have interest to learn programming.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Pick a easy computer language to start, eg scratch, python, etc. You can find the language structure and syntax online
2. Start doing some simple programming
3. When you familiar with the language, you can try to do some simple projects, eg. control a toy car or robotic arms
4. You can do the same to learn another language
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God you!
Below are my suggestions:
1. Pick a easy computer language to start, eg scratch, python, etc. You can find the language structure and syntax online
2. Start doing some simple programming
3. When you familiar with the language, you can try to do some simple projects, eg. control a toy car or robotic arms
4. You can do the same to learn another language
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God you!
James Constantine Frangos
SOFTWARE ENGINEER SINCE 1972; NUTRITIONIST SINCE 1976.
7094
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Good Day Isabella! Python is currently the most sought-after programming language. SEE https://codefinity.com/get-started/spa/v8_new_brl?
ALSO https://alison.com/course/introduction-to-programming-with-python-revised? Practice coding in Python.
For many coding students, HTML, CSS, Python, Java, JavaScript, C and Ruby are among the easiest programming languages to learn. SEE https://www.forbes.com/advisor/education/it-and-tech/easiest-programming-language-to-learn/
What is the Easiest Programming Language to Learn?
The easiest programming language to learn depends on your goals and the type of projects you want to work on. However, some languages are widely regarded as beginner-friendly due to their simplicity, readability, and extensive learning resources.
HTML
HTML (HyperText Markup Language) is often considered the easiest language to start with. It is a markup language used to structure web pages. Its syntax is straightforward, consisting of tags like <body> and <h1>. HTML is ideal for beginners interested in web development and is often paired with CSS and JavaScript for styling and interactivity.
Python
Python is one of the most popular and beginner-friendly programming languages. It was designed with readability in mind, using simple syntax that resembles English. Python is versatile and used in web development, data science, machine learning, and more. Its extensive libraries and active community make it an excellent choice for beginners.
JavaScript
JavaScript is another beginner-friendly language, especially for those interested in web development. It allows you to create interactive web pages by adding dynamic elements like buttons and animations. JavaScript is easy to test directly in web browsers, making it accessible for experimentation.
Scratch
For absolute beginners, especially children, Scratch is a visual programming language that uses drag-and-drop blocks to teach programming concepts. It’s an excellent way to understand logic and flow without worrying about syntax
Java
Java is a structured, object-oriented language with a syntax similar to English. It is widely used in backend development, mobile apps, and enterprise applications. Java’s "write once, run anywhere" philosophy makes it a practical choice for beginners
Why These Languages Are Easy
These languages are easy to learn because they have simple syntax, extensive documentation, and active communities. They also provide immediate feedback, allowing learners to see the results of their code quickly.
Choosing the Right Language
If you’re interested in web development, start with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. For general-purpose programming or data science, Python is an excellent choice. If you aim to build mobile or enterprise applications, Java is a strong contender.
Learn more
codecademy.com
springboard.com
Do not view big data with trepidation because you shall become very proficient.
The money you were going to spend on course fees is better spent on some Python-containing programming interface. SEE https://gizmodo.com/download/python
GOD BLESS!
ALSO https://alison.com/course/introduction-to-programming-with-python-revised? Practice coding in Python.
For many coding students, HTML, CSS, Python, Java, JavaScript, C and Ruby are among the easiest programming languages to learn. SEE https://www.forbes.com/advisor/education/it-and-tech/easiest-programming-language-to-learn/
What is the Easiest Programming Language to Learn?
The easiest programming language to learn depends on your goals and the type of projects you want to work on. However, some languages are widely regarded as beginner-friendly due to their simplicity, readability, and extensive learning resources.
HTML
HTML (HyperText Markup Language) is often considered the easiest language to start with. It is a markup language used to structure web pages. Its syntax is straightforward, consisting of tags like <body> and <h1>. HTML is ideal for beginners interested in web development and is often paired with CSS and JavaScript for styling and interactivity.
Python
Python is one of the most popular and beginner-friendly programming languages. It was designed with readability in mind, using simple syntax that resembles English. Python is versatile and used in web development, data science, machine learning, and more. Its extensive libraries and active community make it an excellent choice for beginners.
JavaScript
JavaScript is another beginner-friendly language, especially for those interested in web development. It allows you to create interactive web pages by adding dynamic elements like buttons and animations. JavaScript is easy to test directly in web browsers, making it accessible for experimentation.
Scratch
For absolute beginners, especially children, Scratch is a visual programming language that uses drag-and-drop blocks to teach programming concepts. It’s an excellent way to understand logic and flow without worrying about syntax
Java
Java is a structured, object-oriented language with a syntax similar to English. It is widely used in backend development, mobile apps, and enterprise applications. Java’s "write once, run anywhere" philosophy makes it a practical choice for beginners
Why These Languages Are Easy
These languages are easy to learn because they have simple syntax, extensive documentation, and active communities. They also provide immediate feedback, allowing learners to see the results of their code quickly.
Choosing the Right Language
If you’re interested in web development, start with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. For general-purpose programming or data science, Python is an excellent choice. If you aim to build mobile or enterprise applications, Java is a strong contender.
Learn more
codecademy.com
springboard.com
Do not view big data with trepidation because you shall become very proficient.
The money you were going to spend on course fees is better spent on some Python-containing programming interface. SEE https://gizmodo.com/download/python
GOD BLESS!
Piyush Agrawal
Computer Engineer
2
Answers
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Updated
Piyush’s Answer
You can begin with Python or JavaScript and then progress to languages like Java, which are compiled or semi-compiled. As you learn more complex languages, you'll be able to write more efficient code.
Russ Efendiyev
17
Answers
Updated
Russ’s Answer
Really any language that's not focused on the language itself but rather that programming paradigms that it teaches - like loops, functions, variables, etc etc etc. Java would be a good one if you wanted me to pick one. The ones that are most helpful however are ones that are geared for teaching how to code and not your traditional ones like Java/Python/etc. Usually they have less popular names but are powerful as their goal is to depict how to think about coding.
Richard A. (Tony) Eckel
49
Answers
Updated
Richard A. (Tony)’s Answer
Isabella,
Python. It is an interpretive language that is highly structured and useful in science almost everywhere.
Lots of tutorials on-line, free tools, works on every computer out there, and lot of folks willing to help (even if they don't know what they are doing....)
Tony
Python. It is an interpretive language that is highly structured and useful in science almost everywhere.
Lots of tutorials on-line, free tools, works on every computer out there, and lot of folks willing to help (even if they don't know what they are doing....)
Tony
yazan Al-bikawi
Pre-sales Engineer/ Solution Engineer
3
Answers
Kraków, Lesser Poland Voivodeship, Poland
Updated
yazan’s Answer
I began learning programming with C++ and Java before moving on to Python. I suggest focusing on a main function or area of interest first, then choosing the most popular programming language in that field. Python is a great choice because it's very common and has many helpful libraries.
Mervin Johnson
Product Manager
1
Answer
Franklin Township, New Jersey
Updated
Mervin’s Answer
Hi Isabella, starting with JavaScript and Python is a great idea! Both languages have free courses available on Udemy. JavaScript will help you understand how websites are built and how backend servers handle data. Python is versatile and useful for many areas. It's essential for data cleaning in data analyst roles and is valuable for writing programs as a data scientist in the AI industry. You can also find free Python courses on websites like DataCamp, Coursera, and Codecademy.
Ray Bishop
Software Engineer
1
Answer
Clinton, Maryland
Updated
Ray’s Answer
I've been a computer program for 26 years. Today I program in cobol for mainframe but today, things are moving toward off mainframe computing. I'd prefer python to learn as it's being used to solve many tasks such as writing small tools for small tasks such as filtering thru records or comparing results of large datasets to using python to robot or equipment controllers. And it's a much more readable language than other languages. However, first you will have to determine, is it flexability you want or is speed critical. If speed is essential to your needs and it's having to do with a large amount of data, then I would say C/C++ is the way to go. But if speed is not critical for the task, then learn python.