Asking a programmer which language is the easiest to learn is like asking a person their favorite ice cream. Everyone has their preferences and there is never really a right answer.
As developer and educator Marek Zaluski once said, " Programming languages are made by programmers, for programmers ". It's almost like an insider secret that only a few people know, and can be intimidating for those new to software engineering.
But on the other hand, you can't be a good software engineer without mastering a popular programming language.
Recently, the Springboard platform listed a list of Top 5 programming languages that are the easiest to learn and the most difficult to learn, which can be used as a reference for those who are just entering the industry or want to change careers.
01
Easy to learn programming language
1、HTML
HTML is the language used to code most web pages. It uses tags and elements to define how to display text, images and interactive forms. HTML is often supported by Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) to define complex styles; and JavaScript for scripting programs.
According to Springboard, HTML's ease of use makes it an ideal language for beginners. And pointed out that the easy learning of the language is embodied in:
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It has a simple structure with human readable start and end tags
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You can use the WYSIWYG editor and watch code changes in split view
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You can easily find and fix bugs
2、JavaScript
According to Springboard, the simplicity of JavaScript lies in:
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It is designed for non-programmers and is beginner-friendly; ideal for getting started with the language
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It's so common that most browsers use it as the default environment
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No need for a compiler to see JavaScript in action, and the results can be seen immediately
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JavaScript has a huge community, helpful for beginners
3、C
C is a general-purpose language that most programmers learn before learning more complex languages. From Unix and Windows to Tic Tac Toe and Photoshop, several of today's most commonly used applications are built on C. Its simplicity lies in:
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The syntax is simple, only 32 keywords
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Data structures are easy to understand
4、Python
As the successor of the ABC language, Python is an advanced general-purpose programming language. Python is a favorite of web developers, data scientists, ML/AI professionals, and embedded application developers. The reasons Springboard thinks it's easy to learn are:
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The language is obsessed with code readability, often using English words
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It's known for its heavy use of whitespace to make it less intimidating
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It has several libraries for various applications
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It's backed by a huge community of programmers who probably have the answers to all your questions.
5、Java
Java is a class-based, object-oriented, general-purpose programming language. It is designed to run across environments - Write Once, Run Anywhere (WORA). It is one of the most popular languages among backend developers and security applications. Its easy-to-learn performance is:
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Intuitive syntax, concise and beginner-friendly
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It is a structured language with few biases
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Easier if you have previous experience with object-oriented programming
02
Difficult to learn programming language
1、C++
C++ is an extension of C. Google’s Chromium browser, several Microsoft apps, and even Morgan Stanley’s financial modeling are said to be done in C++. Its difficulty lies in:
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Has a sophisticated syntax to support versatility
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is a forgiving language - you can do everything technically possible, even if it's not logically correct
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Best learned by someone who already has a background in C programming
2、Prolog
Prolog was one of the first logic programming languages and is now employed in artificial intelligence applications and natural language processing. The difficulty lies in:
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It is an unconventional language with data structures different from other programming languages
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It requires an unreasonably competent compiler
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It forces programmers to think hard about their logic up front
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Online resources and Prolog code cannot be easily and directly adapted to your needs
3、LISP
It is the second oldest programming language after FORTRAN and is still used today in advanced systems and artificial intelligence. The difficulty lies in:
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is a fragmented language with domain-specific solutions
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The syntax in LISP makes extensive use of parentheses, which can be difficult to get used to
4、Haskell
Haskell is a polymorphic statically typed pure functional language based on lambda calculus. It is named after mathematician Haskell B Curry and is mainly used in research, industrial applications and teaching.
The difficulty lies in:
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Follows a 100% functional paradigm, unlike most modern languages that accept imperative commands
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Difficulty understanding the nuances of compilation and bugfixing in Haskell
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A lot of jargon is involved, which can be daunting for beginners
5、Malbolge
Malbolge, named after the eighth hell in Dante's Inferno, is an example of "esolang" (esoteric programming language). It took two years for the first Malbolge program to be written. Other languages in this category include INTERCAL and Cow, which most people would consider a challenge.
The difficulty lies in:
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use obscure symbols
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Not many programmers take the time to learn it, so there are fewer learning resources
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is a self-modifying language and can lead to erratic behavior
Although the list lists ten easy-to-learn and difficult-to-learn programming languages, it is just for your reference. Choosing a language that suits you and is more popular is the most important consideration for every buddy who is new to programming.