The Best Programming Languages to Learn in 2024

Joining a programming language course is one of the best decisions you can make if you’re aiming for a job within the fast-growing tech industry. Programming skills are required in roles including everything from a Web Developer to a Data Scientist - learning a new programming language can only open doors.

However, with hundreds of different languages to choose from, it can be tricky to know which one will be the most beneficial to know. We’ve put together this list of programming languages to learn this year to help you develop a wide range of skills applicable to a variety of roles. 

In this article we explore:

1. Python
2. JavaScript
3. Java
4. C++
5. C#
6. PHP
7. SQL
8. R
9. Ruby
10. Scala
11. Swift
12. Go

Python is one of the world’s most popular programming languages, often utilised within an impressive range of roles including: 

• Software Engineers
• Web Developers
• Research Scientists 
• Data Analysts

It’s also regarded as one of the easiest programming languages to pick up because the Python syntax often resembles English. So, if take a Python course, you'll find it easy to get to grips with the code quickly.

UK jobs that require Python skills can pay around £67,500 on average. So, whether you’re a complete beginner, fairly proficient or a seasoned pro, we suggest brushing up on your Python skills to stay ahead this year.

Another timeless programming language that is still highly relevant this year is JavaScript.

It’s almost impossible to find a Software Developer role that doesn’t involve JavaScript in some way. If you’re not working with JavaScript directly, you’ll likely interact with its libraries, such as Node.js, React, and .jQuery, at some point in your digital career.

When considering website-based coding, think of JavaScript as a core skill. According to recent research, you can make around £57,500 in the UK on average as a JavaScript Developer.

If you’re interested in embarking on a career in front-end or full-stack web development, look for an introductory JavaScript programming course to get you started.

Essentially the parent of JavaScript, Java is now mostly associated with game development. It’s an open-source, object-oriented language, making it a popular choice for creative coding by artists and designers.

However, that’s not the only sector in which Java is useful. You can find Java coding just about anywhere, from banking and retail to Android and scientific research – with data indicating that Java Developers make around £62,500 on average per year.

If you’re already into coding and programming, you might be looking to pick up a more powerful and complicated languages this year.

C++ is the language behind many of the most significant operating systems we use today, such as Windows, iOS, Android, and Linux. It’s also the language responsible for some seriously complex applications, like Photoshop and Google Chrome.

It’s less known than languages that have simpler syntax, but it’s a great advantage when building complicated tech like graphic engines, autonomous systems, or even new coding languages.

It could even help you get on board with more profitable projects, with the median wage for a C++ Developer standing at £57,500 in the UK.

C# (pronounced “C sharp”) is another object-oriented language commonly used within game development. As a member of the “C” language family, it shares similar logic to its fellow, C++. However, C# is regarded as easier to use than C++.

It is commonly used for Windows and Xamarin applications and it is the recommended language for building games using the popular Unity engine. 

C# is a particularly good language to learn if you’re interested in making VR applications. The language’s specific syntax makes it easy for 3D development.

Picking up the skill could see you take home a salary of around £52,500 as a C# Developer in the UK.

PHP is a programming language mostly used for web development – from WordPress websites to platforms like Facebook. It’s a fairly simple language with logic and syntax you can master pretty quickly. But it can also be applied to more complex tasks such as data analytics.  

PHP is still widely used in 2021, with many businesses opting for PHP websites and applications that can be programmed without complexity.

PHP developers in the UK can make around £47,500 on average.

Though not a coding language used specifically for building new applications, SQL is a popular Data Manipulation language with many advantages. It can be applied to a wide range of tasks from troubleshooting to data source combination.

If you’re pursuing a career in Big Data, learning SQL is essential. Many employers specifically hunt for candidates with this skill.

The average salary for those working with SQL sits at around £52,500 in the UK currently. However, there are many roles that see SQL efficiency as an advantage, from junior to the most senior positions. As a coding language designed to interact with relational database management systems, a huge number of industries and sectors require its expertise.

Another programming language more suited to statistical and analytical tasks is R.

R is very popular in business sectors thanks to its fairly simple syntax and data modelling qualities. It’s usually used to discover, model, and display data in a digestible format.

R is a great choice for those specifically looking to work in Data Analytics  as it is regarded as a language that’s simpler and easier to implement. Data Analysts are in demand. So adding R skills to your CV could earn you an average base salary of £47,500 per year as a Data Analyst.

Ruby is a great starting place for budding developers as the framework allows you to achieve a good end result without having to churn out an excessive amount of code.

It is a programming language used most often to building websites and web applications. The open-source web application framework Ruby on Rails uses Ruby and contains a veritable treasure trove of learning guides to get you started for free.

Ruby is also regarded as simple to learn and is celebrated for its ability to absorb and simplify the more repetitive tasks involved with development.

Though its debut was only in 2004, Ruby is still one of the leading programming languages used on the web today. It’s also highly in-demand with employers in the digital industry.  Ruby coders can expect to earn up to £67,500 on average in the UK.

Another popular programming language is Scala, which is often seen to be an alternative to Java.

Scala is a multi-paradigm language, supporting both object-oriented and functional programming, making it a “general purpose” language applicable to many different areas of development.

Though its function is powerful, Scala is known for precise and succinct syntax. It’s regarded as straightforward to learn, despite its wide range of impressive capabilities.

Learning this dynamic language could open the door to roles earning around £93,948 on average in London.

If you love working with Apple products, Swift could be the perfect programming language for you to learn this year.

It’s used to build applications, games, and software iOS devices including iPads, iPhones, Apple Watches and Apple TV. Its syntax is moderately easy to pick up, especially if you already have other programming languages in your arsenal.

With Swift skills, you could become an iOS Developer with an average salary of £66,480 in London.

Are you more of a Google fan than an Apple enthusiast?

Go, formerly known as Golang, is one of Google’s favourite programming languages, despite it being regarded as low level in terms of complexity. Go is almost comparable to simplified C or C++.

It is favoured specifically by Systems Engineers and Software Engineers – who are earning around salaries of £57,500 to £62,500 on average in the UK.

Despite the syntax being easier to learn and use, Go can in fact help build powerful technology like data pipelines and web servers. You can even build machine learning and AI programs with it if you’re interested in this field of research.