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What Are Some Popular Programming Languages?

Computer programming languages (also programming languages or, sometimes, coding languages), are various languages for expressing a set of detailed instructions for a digital computer.1 In the simplest terms, they tell computers what to do.

While many different programming languages exist—with estimates ranging from a low of around 200 to 300 to a high of several thousand, depending on the source—there are a few that stand out as more popular than the rest. In this article, we will start by diving a bit deeper into what a programming language is before providing an overview of a few popular programming languages according to the TIOBE Index.2

What Are Coding Languages?

A computer program is a “detailed plan or procedure for solving a problem with a computer; more specifically, an unambiguous, ordered sequence of computational instructions necessary to achieve such a solution.”3 The “ordered computational instructions” are what we refer to as a computer programming language or coding language.

In linguistics, syntax refers to the grammatical arrangement of words in a sentence.4 In computing, syntax refers to the structure of statements or elements in a computer language.4 In computer programming, humans (programmers) supply specific words/word sets in a specific order (syntax) to instruct the computer what to do.

In both spoken language and coding language, syntax determines and affects meaning; it is the basis upon which language is built. Every programming language has its own unique coding syntax.

What Coding Languages Are Important to Learn?

Now that we have answered the question “What is a coding language?,” the next question becomes “Which of the different coding languages are important to learn?” The following list includes some of the most commonly used programming languages, according to the TIOBE Index.2

Python

Python is consistently one of the most (if not the most) commonly used programming languages. It is widely considered easy to learn and understand and therefore a great coding language for beginners. But another reason that Python ranks among the most popular computer coding languages is because of its many applications—it can be used in machine learning (a subset of artificial intelligence (AI)), web development, financial analysis and more. (Importantly, however, Python is not used in mobile app development.)

Java

Java, not to be confused with JavaScript, is a widely-used object-oriented programming language and a software platform. Because Java is based on the C and C++ programming languages, its syntax shares similarities with them. One of Java’s biggest pros is that it is a write once, run anywhere (WORA) programming language. It runs on billions of devices, such as notebook computers, mobile devices, gaming consoles and medical devices.5

JavaScript

JavaScript (JS) is a scripting or programming language that allows developers to create dynamic or interactive web pages, that is, web pages that do more than display static content.6 It can be used to create interactive maps, image carousels, audio and video, drop-down menus, animated graphics and more.

Although native to the web browser, over time, JS developers established libraries, frameworks and programming practices so that it could be used outside of web browsers. Today it is used for both front-end and back-end development.7

SQL

SQL (Structured Query Language) is a computer programming language that is used to retrieve and process information from a relational database. (A relational database stores information in a table made up of rows and columns that represent different data attributes and the various relationships between them.8) The SQL query structure resembles natural language but with a limited and fixed syntax.9

HTML

Although not technically a programming language, HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) is used to build web pages and continues to be a popular coding language. (Markup languages are used for structuring and formatting web pages and mobile apps, whereas programming languages are used for designing computer software or operating systems.)

HTML consists of a series of elements, which generally comprises an opening tag, content and a closing tag (though not all tags have a closing tag). The opening and closing tags (e.g. for a paragraph, italics, or heading) are referred to as enclosing tags, as they enclose or surround different parts of the content to make it appear or act a certain way.10

CSS

CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) is used in conjunction with HTML (or another markup language). It is a stylesheet language that is used to describe how HTML elements will display on a screen/in a browser. Although HTML tags can be used to add emphasis (like boldface or italics) or set font size for various headings, the resulting output is basic. If everyone used only HTML to format their web pages, web pages would look pretty boring. By using CSS, developers have the ability to create their own styles.

Despite not being programming languages in the strictest sense, both HTML and CSS are nevertheless consistently rank on lists of common programming languages.

What Is the Best Way to Learn Coding Languages?

Because everyone learns differently, there is no single best way to learn coding. Some people may decide to learn programming by teaching themselves—reading books about coding, watching online tutorials, utilizing coding toolkits and so on. Studying coding in an undergraduate or undergraduate degree program is another route.

But yet another way to learn to code is by enrolling in a coding bootcamp. Coding bootcamps take less time to complete than a degree program in computer science, for example, and they also cost less. While advanced coding bootcamps for experienced coders do exist, many coding bootcamps are designed for beginners and do not require prior coding experience. Because bootcamps provide a more structured and immersive approach to learning how to code than the self-teaching route, it can make staying on track a bit easier. The convenience of having an instructor to answer questions and evaluate work could also be a major benefit for some. And last but not least, earning a certificate upon graduating from a coding bootcamp could be a valuable asset in the job market.

Potential Career Paths for Coders

Certain computer-related career paths may require not only knowledge of programming languages but also an undergraduate or graduate degree. The following are some examples of potential career paths for coders:*

Web Developer

Web developers create and maintain websites. They are also responsible for the site’s technical aspects and may also create its content.11

  • Back-end web developers handle the overall technical construction of a website. They create the site’s basic framework and ensure its functionality.11
  • Front-end web developers create the technical features for the front-end (user-facing) portion of a website. They develop the site’s layout and integrate graphics, applications and other content. They may use a variety of computer languages to create websites and apps, such as HTML or JavaScript.11
  • Full-stack developers handle both the front and back ends of a website.

Educational requirements for web developers vary—some employers may prefer candidates who hold a bachelor’s degree in computer science or programming, for example, while other employers may only require a high school diploma. Web developers must thoroughly understand HTML, and they often must know other computer programming languages as well, such as JavaScript or SQL.11

Computer Programmer

Computer programmers write, modify and test code and scripts for computer software and applications to function properly. In some organizations, software developers or engineers will design programs and then hand them off to computer programmers to write the code and bring the program to life. But in other organizations, design and coding may overlap, and so programmers at those organizations may handle both responsibilities. With experience, some computer programmers may become software developers.12

While computer programmers typically need to hold a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology or mathematics, some employers hire workers with other types of degrees or experience in specific programming languages.12

Software Developer

Software developers create computer applications that allow users to carry out specific tasks, and they also create the underlying systems that run the devices or control networks. To create a new piece of software, developers begin by analyzing users’ needs and developing the core functionality to address those needs.

They then design each piece of an application or system and figure out how those pieces interact with one another. In some organizations, software developers both design and code their software, but in others, they work closely with programmers who write the code for them.13

Software developers typically need to hold a bachelor’s degree in computer and information technology, or a related field such as engineering or mathematics, and they must have a strong background in computer programming.13

* DigitalCrafts cannot guarantee employment, salary, or career advancement.

What You Will Study in the DigitalCrafts Software Development Bootcamp

The DigitalCrafts Software Development Certificate: Full Stack program covers both front-end and back-end web development. This full-stack program is designed to help learners prepare to pursue a career path in software development, and it also offers the opportunity to earn college credit upon completion.

In this 15 to 30 week online software development bootcamp, learners will study coding languages, frameworks, editors and more, including the following:

  • HTML/CSS
  • JavaScript
  • SQL
  • JSON Data
  • MongoDB
  • Node.js
  • React.js
  • Notepad++
  • Visual Studio Code
  • Amazon Workspaces
  • JQuery

Learners can attend live interactive lectures, study and complete assignments throughout the week. Additional bootcamp benefits include an optional, free introductory course; elective workshops; and career support resources.

DigitalCrafts also offers a Cybersecurity Certificate program. It offers learners the opportunity to study technical skills, fundamentals and tools used in the cybersecurity field that can help them prepare to pursue entry-level roles upon graduation. This online cybersecurity bootcamp is designed to help learners prepare for several CompTIA certification exams, and a voucher is provided at program completion to cover the cost of one CompTIA exam chosen by the learner. It comes with the same additional benefits as our coding bootcamp.

How to Apply to the Coding Bootcamp at DigitalCrafts

The DigitalCrafts admissions process is a simple, two-step process:

  1. Fill out and submit your application form online and
  2. Meet with an Admissions Advisor.

After being admitted and submitting your refundable deposit, an onboarding email with details about your class and how to get ready for your online coding bootcamp will be sent to you. Classes begin every five weeks on Wednesdays. For more information, visit our page on how to apply.


1 David Hemmendinger, “Computer Programming Language,” Brittanica, https://www.britannica.com/technology/computer-programming-language (last visited 10/1/2024).
2 TIOBE, TIOBE Index, https://www.tiobe.com/tiobe-index/ (last visited 10/1/2024).
3 The Editors of Encyclopaedia Brittanica, “Computer Program,” Brittanica, https://www.britannica.com/technology/computer-program (last visited 10/1/2024).
4 “syntax,” Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus, https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/syntax (last visited 10/1/2024).
5 “What Is Java,” IBM, https://www.ibm.com/topics/java (last visited 10/1/2024).
6 “What Is JavaScript?,” MDN, https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Learn/JavaScript/First_steps/What_is_JavaScript (last visited 10/1/2024).
7 “What Is JavaScript (JS)?,” AWS, https://aws.amazon.com/what-is/javascript/ (last visited 10/1/2024).
8 “What Is SQL?,” AWS, https://aws.amazon.com/what-is/sql/ (last visited 10/1/2024).
9 Vladimir Slamecka, “Query Language,” Brittanica, https://www.britannica.com/technology/query-language (last visited 10/1/2024).
10 “HTML Basics,” MDN, https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Learn/Getting_started_with_the_web/HTML_basics (last visited 10/1/2024).
11 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, “Web Developers and Digital Designers,” https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/web-developers.htm (last visited 10/1/2024).
12 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, “Computer Programmers,” https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-programmers.htm (last visited 10/1/2024).
13 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, “Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers,” https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm (last visited 10/1/2024).

Not all programs are available to residents of all states. REQ2069771 10/2024