"In the future, programming skills will be needed."
"I am also
considering working as an engineer in the future."
"I want to
acquire programming skills to improve work efficiency"
Even if you
feel like the above and want to start learning programming, many people may not
know what language to learn from.
Therefore, in
this article, we will introduce the top 10 recommended programming language
rankings that beginners in the 2022 edition should learn.
If you are
thinking of learning programming by yourself, please refer to it.
There are many
types of programming languages.
Language selection is very important for learning programming for the first time.
- What you want to make
- difficulty
- Number of job openings
- Number of teaching materials
Let's choose from various points of view.
The types and
characteristics of programming languages are explained in detail in "Explanation of types and characteristics of programming languages by application".
The criteria for ranking programming languages that beginners should learn are narrowed down to the following points.
- Is it easy to learn?
- Is there a lot of projects?
- Is it easy to apply?
- Does it match the 2022 IT industry trends?
Is it easy to learn?
Easy to learn
is very important for programming beginners.
This is because
many people are frustrated by choosing a programming language that is difficult
to learn from the beginning.
There is no
easy language to learn immediately, but the difficulty varies greatly depending
on whether it is easy to learn or not.
for example,
Scripting
language: The code you write can be executed immediately
and the results are easy to understand.
Compiler
language: Format the source code into a
computer-executable format before executing
There is a
difference in ease of introduction.
Ease of
learning a programming language is an important point for beginners to choose.
The ranking also considers this ease of learning.
Is there a lot of projects?
A language with abundant job offers and development projects can be
rephrased as being needed by the world.
In other words, if you can master a language with abundant projects, you
will be able to choose from many job offers when you get a job or change jobs,
which is numerically advantageous.
Even a language that you have learned and learned cannot even work if
there is no demand.
Some people who want to learn programming may be thinking about changing
jobs to engineers.
Also, even if you are not thinking about changing jobs, the number of
people who want to make money by programming as a side job is increasing.
For those who are thinking of changing jobs or doing side jobs, the
abundance of projects is also emphasized in the ranking.
Is it easy to apply?
Whether or not the selected language is easy to apply is also an
important criterion.
There is also a highly versatile programming language suitable for
various purposes such as web services, web apps, smartphone apps, and service
development using AI (artificial intelligence) in one language.
Basically, if the programming language becomes more skillful, it is
possible to create a program that behaves in the same way.
However, some languages, such as PHP, have server-side limited uses.
Even if you are a beginner, if you know what you want to make, you can
choose a language that can be developed according to your purpose.
However, if you're not sure what you want to create using a programming
language, choosing a language that's versatile and easy to apply may be one
criterion.
Does it match the 2022 IT industry trends?
If you're learning a programming language, it's also important to choose
one that matches the 2022 IT trends.
For example, languages related to fields with high social interest and
rapid technological development, such as AI, big data, and cloud, are important
from the perspective of abundant future projects.
It would also be nice to have a perspective on whether the language has
a future.
Recommended programming language ranking for beginners
Here are the top 10 programming language rankings recommended for
beginners.
1st place: Python
2nd place: JavaScript
3rd place: Ruby
4th place: Java
5th place: Swift
6th place: Go
7th place: C #
8th place: TypeScript
9th place: PHP
10th place: Kotlin
1st place: Python
First place is Python, one of Google's three major languages.
A scripting language that matches the ranking criteria of "easy to
learn," "easy to apply," and "whether it's a trend."
Often used for machine learning and data analysis, it is gaining
worldwide popularity. In addition, it is also attractive that it can be used
for a wide range of purposes such as improving work efficiency.
Stack Overflow's annual Developer Survey ranks third in 2021's most
popular programming language.
In the library section, Python data science libraries (NumPy, Pandas,
TensorFlow, etc.) are ranked in the TOP10, and you can see the high demand.
Python is a language often used in the fields of AI (artificial
intelligence) and IoT, which are constantly evolving. There is a wide range of
other things that Python can do, and it can be used in the following cases.
・ AI / machine learning
・ Web application development
・ Desktop application development
・ IoT system development
・ Statistics and data analysis
It has become popular as a highly versatile language.
It can be said that it is a recommended language not only for the field
of AI but also for those who want to create web applications.
Python is a scripting language that works with a small amount of code
and is easy to grammar, so even beginners can easily get started.
Also, because of the abundant libraries, very efficient development is
possible.
2nd place: JavaScript
JavaScript is a scripting language often used when developing websites
and web applications.
It is no exaggeration to say that the language is indispensable for
creating web pages together with HTML / CSS, so the number of projects is very
large.
Also noteworthy is the JavaScript execution environment
"Node.js", which allows JavaScript that normally operates only on the
browser to access the OS.
This enables server-side development with JavaScript, and it has been
established as a language with a wide range of uses, which is also the reason
for its high ranking.
JavaScript is a programming language that runs on the front end.
However, you can also develop on the server side by using Node.js etc.
Here's an example of what you can do:
・ Add action to web pages
・ Web application development
・ Game development
・ Smartphone application development
Like Python, JavaScript is also popular as a versatile language.
The hurdles to get started are low because you don't have to set up a
development environment and you can do practical things with a browser and a
text editor.
Also, since you can test on the browser, it can be said that it is a
recommended language for beginners in that you can check the execution result
immediately.
Google has released a learning app called "Grasshopper" for
programming beginners. With such services, you will have fun learning.
3rd place: Ruby
Ruby is a scripting language developed by Japanese Yukihiro Matsumoto.
Currently, its popularity overseas is declining, but in Japan it is
still reigning as a popular language with a large number of job openings.
By using an excellent framework called "Ruby on Rails",
development efficiency is improved, and it is often used especially by start-up
companies.
The most common use of Ruby is the development of web applications.
The world-famous "Twitter" and Japan's largest cooking recipe
site "Cookpad" were made with Ruby.
Here are some examples of what you can do:
・ Web application development
・ API creation
・ Smartphone application development
・ Scraping
Ruby can also be developed in a wide range, but it is said that it is
still difficult now because tools and materials are not yet available in the
machine learning field.
Ruby is recommended for those who want to create web applications with a
sense of speed.
It is a very easy language for beginners to start because the grammar is
easy to understand, it can be written with a small number of codes, and there
are many reference materials in Japanese.
It's the perfect programming language for anyone who wants to be a web
engineer from the beginning.
4th place: Java
Java, like Python, is one of Google's three major languages. A popular
compiler language that has been at the top of the list of job openings in Japan
for many years.
Companies that have introduced large-scale business systems often
develop in Java.
In addition, Android applications can also be developed in Java.
Since it is a compiler language, the difficulty of getting started is a
little higher. There is also a learning cost. However, if you acquire the
skills, it will be easier to change jobs because there are a lot of job offers.
Java is a highly versatile language that works even if the environment
in which software is developed and the environment in which it is executed are different.
Here are some examples of what you can do:
・ Business system development
・ Web application development
・ Android application development
・ Desktop application development
・ Embedded system development
・ IoT system development
As mentioned above, Java is a very wide range of languages that can be
developed.
Java is often used in the development of large-scale business systems
that require stability.
For those who are focused on developing Android apps, Kotlin, which is
introduced in 10th place, is also recommended.
Java is a compiled language, which is a bit difficult for beginners to
learn. It is undeniable that learning costs will be incurred.
However, by learning Java, you can acquire high programming skills.
In addition, it will be easy to study because the information is
abundant and the learning environment is in place.
5th place: Swift
Swift is a programming language announced by Apple in 2014 that can be
developed for Apple products such as iPhone and iPad.
Although the number of job openings is still small, it is expected to
increase further in the future as it is the language used for Apple products
that continue to innovate.
Swift is the language used for Apple products, as mentioned earlier.
In addition to iPhone and iPad, it is also used to make Apple watch and
Apple TV apps.
Here are some examples of what you can do:
・ App development for Apple products
・ Web application development
・ Web server creation
As mentioned above, Swift can now also develop web applications.
There is little Swift that can be done, but it is possible that future
Web development will be centered on Swift.
Swift is an easy-to-read and easy-to-write language, so it is
recommended for beginners.
If you're interested in developing apps for Apple products, don't
hesitate to study Swift.
When learning Swift, use Xcode, an IDE (Integrated Development
Environment) that has functions such as an editor, debugger, and GUI designer.
Learning is easy with Xcode's Playground.
6th place: Go
The Go language ranked 6th is a programming language developed by
Google. It is a compiler language that is becoming popular worldwide due to its
high stability and ease of writing.
Go language is a compiler language, but it is characterized by being
very simple to write.
Therefore, it is very easy to get started compared to other compiler
languages such as Java.
It can be said that it is a highly promising language in which demand
can be expected to grow in the future.
The Go language is a language commonly used when developing web servers
and applications.
Here are some examples of what you can do:
· Building a web server
· application development
· Creating command line interface (CLI) tools
· PaaS
The Go language, which is often widespread, can also create web
applications for multiple platforms.
It is also used to create PaaS (Platform as a Service) that allows
system development and maintenance to be freely performed on the borrowed
server.
Go is easy to understand even for beginners because it is not
object-oriented, which is said to be difficult to understand the concept
itself.
It's a relatively new language, but it's also easy to get started
because you can learn it on learning sites such as Dot Install.
However, it will be positioned as a little more difficult than Ruby and
JavaScript.
7th place: C#
C # is an object-oriented compiler language developed by Microsoft. It
is based on C language.
Not only applications for Windows, but also games and VR development, so
the number of jobs offers is abundant.
C # is also used in the game integrated development environment
"Unity", which boasts a high market share.
Flat-rate game services such as Google's "Stadia" and Apple's
"Apple Arcade" have also started, and the game industry is expected
to become even more exciting.
Along with that, we can expect stable demand for C #. C # is a
recommended language for those who want to take on the challenge of making
games.
Here's what you can do with C #:
・ Web application development
・ Desktop application development
・ Smartphone application development
・ VR / MR development
・ Game development
If you can master C #, you can cover a wide range of fields as mentioned
above.
When making games, the game development platform "Unity" is famous,
and the C # language is used to pay attention to the details of the games made
with that Unity.
You can also develop VR using that, Unity. If you are interested in game
development or the VR market, learning C # will be a shortcut.
Since C # is based on C language, it is a little more difficult to
learn.
However, since there are many reference articles that can be read on the
Internet, it is comparable to other easy-to-learn languages in terms of
learning environment.
8th place: TypeScript
TypeScript, known as an interoperable JavaScript superset.
Developed by Microsoft and selected as the standard language within
Google, it can be said that it is a language with high expectations for the
future.
What you can do with TypeScript is basically the same as JavaScript.
Development is possible on either the front side or the server side.
Compared to JavaScript, which is a dynamically typed language that does
not know whether an error will occur until program execution, TypeScript is a
statically typed language, so it is a language that can prevent errors before
it happens.
TypeScript features shorter and easier-to-read code than JavaScript.
However, as demand increases, it is expected that teaching materials
that are easy to understand in Japanese will come out, so it is a language that
is expected in the future.
9th Place: PHP
PHP is a scripting language specialized for server-side web development.
The number of jobs offers is second only to Java, and it can be said that it is
a language that is still in demand.
The description is easy to understand and it is popular as a language
for beginners.
On the other hand, even if there is a mistake in the code, it will work
and unexpected errors may appear later, so it is a language that you should
always be aware of writing correct code.
Also, since it is limited to the server side, its versatility is low.
Even so, it is a programming language that can be fully recommended due to the
large number of job openings, abundant materials, and ease of learning.
The main thing you can do with PHP is to develop web applications.
In addition, you can introduce an inquiry form in the website, create a
login function, and systematize a part of the website.
WordPress is a standard CMS (content management system) for blogs and
web media.
According to W3Techs, WordPress makes about one-third of the world's
websites.
That WordPress is developed in PHP. From this, you can see the high
demand for engineers who can use PHP.
PHP is a language that even beginners can easily learn because there is
a wealth of information on the Internet and it is also a scripting language.
10th Place: Kotlin
Kotlin is a language officially recognized by Google on Android, and is
a language in demand as a language for developing Android applications.
It is also a programming language designed for mutual use with Java.
Compared to Java, the number of job openings is still small, but it can
be said that it is a language that looks forward to the future.
Kotlin allows you to develop Android apps and web apps.
Android apps were often developed in Java, but as the demand for Kotlin
has increased, large companies such as Yahoo! and LINE are now developing using
Kotlin.
You can also develop web apps, so it's a recommended language for anyone
who wants to develop both Android apps and web apps.
Kotlin follows Java and is a programming language with a slightly higher
learning difficulty.
However, it can be said that the hurdles will be lowered a little
because it can be written with shorter code than Java, and learning services
and teaching materials are relatively complete.