12 Best Programming Languages to Learn in 2026 (And Where to Start)

Want to learn coding in 2026? Your choice of programming language will shape your career path.

We analyzed data from thousands of developers, looked at industry trends, and compared salaries to see which languages are worth your time. Most have thriving open-source communities and a rich package ecosystem, which means more libraries, tutorials, and real projects to learn from.

Python tops the list for versatility, JavaScript stays essential for web development — but your choice depends on what you want to achieve.

This guide covers the 12 best programming languages to learn this year, with real salary data and practical examples for each:

• Python
• JavaScript
• TypeScript
• HTML/CSS
• Java
• SQL
• C++
• Bash/Shell
• PHP
• C#
• Go
• Kotlin
• Bonus: AI-driven development

TL;DR: The best programming languages to learn this year

According to data from the State of Tech Hiring 2025, Python and JavaScript are the most in-demand languages career-wise and also the most widely known among developers. 

The Stack Overflow Developer Survey 2025 confirms this trend, showing JavaScript (66%), HTML/CSS (61.9%), SQL (58.6%), and Python (57.9%) as the most popular programming languages.

Now, let’s explore them all in detail.

1. Python

• Type of programming language: High-level, interpreted, general-purpose
• Key application areas: Websites, data analysis, AI, automation
• Prerequisites: None — perfect first programming language to learn

Python is a versatile coding language that reads like English, making it one of the easiest options to pick up if you’re just starting out. 

Its famous readability makes it a friendly first step into computer science, where you’ll apply core ideas like algorithms and data structures to real problems.

It’s currently the #1 most in-demand language according to the CoderPad 2025 survey.

The best part: Python is flexible. 

You can use it to create programs like to-do list apps, build websites, analyze data with graphs and charts, or even create AI tools and automate processes. You’ll also practice breaking problems into small functions, then testing them inside your favorite editor or IDE.

Use cases:

• Creating websites and web applications
• Analyzing and visualizing data
• Developing AI and machine learning programs
• Automating repetitive computer tasks
• Building simple games and applications

Job titles:

• Python Developer
• Data Analyst
• Machine Learning Engineer
• Web Developer
• Back-end Developer
• Software Engineer
• DevOps Engineer

Average salary:

$124,325/year in the US for Python developers (October 2025), according to Indeed.

Where to learn: 

• Mimo’s Python Career Path: Learn Python fast to develop anything from web applications to artificial intelligence — build real-world projects, code with AI, and get an official certificate.
• Various online Python courses, e.g., Mimo’s Python course.

2. JavaScript

• Type of programming language: High-level, interpreted, client-side scripting language
• Key application areas: Web development, mobile apps, server-side programming, game development
• Prerequisites: Basic understanding of HTML and CSS  is helpful but not required

JavaScript is a programming language that makes websites interactive and dynamic. 

It can help you with various projects — from building sites and apps to creating games — and is relatively easy to learn. 

According to the Stack Overflow Developer Survey 2025, JavaScript remains the most widely used programming language, with 69% of professional developers using it. 

JavaScript keeps growing in popularity as it’s no longer just for websites. 

Now developers use it for building server applications with Node.js and even creating mobile apps with React Native.

Use cases:

• Building interactive websites and web applications
• Creating single-page applications (SPAs)
• Developing server-side applications with Node.js
• Building cross-platform mobile apps
• Creating browser-based games
• Implementing real-time features like chat and notifications

Job titles:

• Front-End Developer
• Full-Stack Developer
• Web Developer
• JavaScript Developer
• React Developer
• Node.js Developer
• Mobile App Developer

Average salary:

$105,499/year in the US for JavaScript developers (October 2025) according to Indeed.

Where to learn:

• Mimo’s Front-End Development Career Path teaches JavaScript along with HTML, CSS, and React.
• Online JavaScript courses like Mimo’s JS course.

3. TypeScript

• Type of programming language: Statically-typed superset of JavaScript
• Key application areas: Web development, enterprise applications, large-scale projects
• Prerequisites: Basic JavaScript knowledge recommended

TypeScript is a programming language that adds static typing to JavaScript, helping catch errors during development before your code runs. 

According to recent Stack Overflow surveys, TypeScript has become the 6th most popular programming language overall. While the CoderPad survey ranks it as the 4th most in-demand language among employers.

Big names like Microsoft, Google, and Slack are all using TypeScript for their large projects, fueling its growing popularity.

Use cases:

• Building large-scale web applications
• Developing enterprise software
• Creating more maintainable JavaScript codebases
• Developing Angular applications (where TypeScript is the default)
• Building complex React and Vue.js applications
• Server-side development with Node.js

Job titles:

• Front-End Developer
• Full-Stack Developer
• JavaScript Developer
• Angular Developer
• Enterprise Application Developer
• Software Architect

Average salary:

Similar to JavaScript at $105,499/year in the US (October 2025), but TypeScript skills might lead to more senior positions with higher compensation.

Where to learn: 

• Mimo’s TypeScript course helps you enhance your coding and build scalable apps with TypeScript.

4. HTML/CSS

• Type of programming language: Markup (HTML) and styling (CSS) languages
• Key application areas: Web development, user interfaces, email templates
• Prerequisites: None — perfect for absolute beginners

HTML and CSS are the building blocks of the web, working together to create the visual side of websites and apps you see online.

HTML provides the structure of web pages (headings, paragraphs, images), while CSS controls how these elements look and are positioned. 

These languages are especially rewarding for beginners since you can immediately see the results of your code in a browser.

Use cases:

• Building websites and web applications
• Creating responsive designs for mobile and desktop
• Designing email templates
• Prototyping user interfaces
• Creating digital portfolios and online resumes

Job titles:

• Front-End Developer
• Web Designer
• UI Designer
• Email Developer
• WordPress Developer
• Full-Stack Developer

Average salary:

$82,653/year in the US for web developers (October 2025) according to Indeed.

Where to learn:

• Mimo’s Front-End Development Career Path teaches HTML and CSS alongside JavaScript and React, helping you build a solid foundation in web development with hands-on projects.
• Online courses like Mimo’s CSS and HTML courses.

5. Java

• Type of programming language: Object-oriented, class-based, general-purpose
• Key application areas: Enterprise applications, Android development, web services, financial systems
• Prerequisites: None required, but understanding basic programming concepts is helpful

Java is a versatile programming language that works on any platform — write it once, and it runs anywhere. 

Large companies love Java for building serious business applications because it’s stable and reliable. 

While it’s a bit harder to learn than Python, Java’s structure helps catch errors early and write stronger code, which is why Java developers are in high demand in the job market.

Use cases:

• Building enterprise-level business applications
• Developing Android mobile applications
• Creating web services and APIs
• Programming financial and banking systems
• Developing cross-platform desktop applications
• Building e-commerce platforms

Job titles:

• Java Developer
• Android Developer
• Back-End Developer
• Software Engineer
• Enterprise Architect
• Full-Stack Java Developer
• DevOps Engineer

Average salary:

$91,024/year in the US for Java developers (October 2025) according to Indeed.

Where to learn:

• Java Programming and Software Engineering Fundamentals Specialization on Coursera offers training from beginner to intermediate level.

6. SQL

• Type of programming language: Domain-specific query language
• Key application areas: Database management, data analysis, business intelligence
• Prerequisites: None — can be learned as a first language

SQL (Structured Query Language) is the standard language for managing and manipulating databases. 

It’s straightforward to learn as it uses English-like syntax for commands such as SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE. 

Nearly every business relies on database systems for storing and accessing information, making SQL expertise valuable in almost any tech career.

Use cases:

• Managing and querying databases
• Extracting data for analysis and reporting
• Supporting business intelligence and analytics
• Building data-driven applications
• Migrating and transforming data between systems
• Automating data operations

Job titles:

• Database Administrator
• SQL Developer
• Data Analyst
• Business Intelligence Developer
• Back-End Developer
• Data Engineer
• Database Architect

Average salary:

$92,910/year in the US for SQL developers (October 2025) according to Indeed.

Where to learn:

• Online SQL courses, e.g., Mimo’s SQL course that provides a hands-on approach to learning database management, with interactive exercises that build practical skills for working with real-world data.

7. C++

• Type of programming language: General-purpose, compiled, object-oriented
• Key application areas: Game development, system software, embedded systems, high-performance applications
• Prerequisites: Basic programming concepts are recommended

C++ is the language behind most video games, operating systems, and performance-focused software. 

It gives you direct control over your computer’s resources, which is why developers use it for applications that need to be fast and efficient. Because it offers low-level memory access, careful design and testing are essential as projects scale.

C++ isn’t the easiest first language to learn, but mastering it helps you understand how computers work at a deeper level and can lead to interesting, specialized jobs with competitive salaries.

Use cases:

• Developing video games and game engines
• Building operating systems and system tools
• Creating embedded systems for IoT devices
• Developing high-frequency trading applications
• Programming resource-intensive simulations
• Developing performance-critical applications like browsers

Job titles:

• C++ Developer
• Game Developer
• Systems Programmer
• Embedded Systems Engineer
• Financial Software Developer
• Graphics Programmer
• Performance Engineer

Average salary:

$134,898/year in the US for C++ developers (October 2025) according to Indeed.

Where to learn:

• Udacity’s C++ Nanodegree program offers comprehensive training with hands-on projects focused on memory management, concurrency, and object-oriented programming.

8. Bash/Shell

• Type of programming language: Command-line scripting languages
• Key application areas: System administration, automation, DevOps, file management
• Prerequisites: Basic command-line knowledge is helpful

Bash/Shell scripting lets you create files with commands that your computer runs automatically. 

It’s great for automating boring tasks like organizing files or backing up data. 

Bash (a popular shell) gives you more programming features, while general shell scripting works across more systems. 

These skills are becoming more valuable as more companies move to cloud computing and need automated solutions.

Use cases:

• Automating repetitive system tasks and maintenance
• Managing files and directories in bulk
• Setting up development environments
• Configuring and deploying applications
• Processing text and log files
• Building automated backup solutions
• Creating CI/CD pipelines

Key professions:

• DevOps Engineer
• System Administrator
• Cloud Engineer
• Site Reliability Engineer
• Linux Administrator
• Back-End Developer
• Security Engineer

Average salary:

$142,000/year median pay in the US for Shell/Bash developers, according to Glassdoor.

Where to learn:

• DataCamp offers introductory courses on both Bash Scripting and Shell basics, teaching you how to automate tasks and work with command-line tools.

9. PHP

• Type of programming language: Server-side scripting language
• Key application areas: Web development, content management systems, e-commerce
• Prerequisites: Basic HTML and CSS knowledge recommended

PHP is a popular server-side programming language designed specifically for web development.

It powers over 75% of all websites that use server-side programming, including major platforms like WordPress, Facebook, and Wikipedia. 

PHP is relatively easy to learn with its simple syntax, and it integrates seamlessly with HTML, making it an excellent choice for beginners looking to build dynamic websites.

Use cases:

• Building dynamic websites and web applications
• Creating custom content management systems
• Developing e-commerce platforms and online stores
• Building RESTful APIs and web services
• Database operations and management
• Form handling and processing
• User authentication and session management

Job titles:

• PHP Developer
• WordPress Developer
• Back-End Developer
• Full-Stack Developer
• Web Application Developer
• CMS Developer
• E-commerce Developer

Average salary:

$89,540/year in the USA (October 2025) according to Indeed.

Where to learn:

• Udemy’s PHP From Scratch Course provides a comprehensive introduction to PHP programming fundamentals and practical web development skills.

10. C#

• Type of programming language: Object-oriented, general-purpose
• Key application areas: Windows applications, game development, enterprise software, web applications
• Prerequisites: No prior experience needed, but an understanding of programming basics is helpful

C# (pronounced C-sharp) is Microsoft’s programming language you can use to build a wide range of applications. 

It’s designed to be easier to use than C++ while maintaining similar power. 

C# is particularly popular for Windows apps and business software. It’s also the main language used for making games with the Unity game engine, which powers about half of all mobile games.

If you’re exploring iOS, you’ll often pair it conceptually with Swift for native experiences.

Use cases:

• Developing Windows desktop applications
• Creating video games with the Unity engine
• Building enterprise-level business applications
• Developing web applications with ASP.NET
• Creating cross-platform mobile apps with Xamarin
• Building cloud-based services on Microsoft Azure
• Developing Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality applications

Job titles:

• .NET Developer
• C# Developer
• Game Developer
• Software Engineer
• Unity Developer
• ASP.NET Web Developer
• Windows Application Developer
• Enterprise Application Developer

Average salary:

$100,142/year in the US for .NET developers (October 2025) according to Indeed.

Where to learn:

• Microsoft’s official C# Fundamentals for Absolute Beginners provides a comprehensive introduction from basic concepts to practical application development.

11. Go

• Type of programming language: Compiled, statically typed, general-purpose
• Key application areas: Cloud services, microservices, web servers, data processing
• Prerequisites: Basic programming knowledge helpful, but not required

Go (or Golang) is a modern programming language developed by Google that focuses on simplicity and performance. 

It combines the ease of programming like Python with the speed of languages like C++. 

Go compiles quickly to efficient binaries, which is why it’s popular for containers and distributed systems.

Go can handle large-scale systems and concurrent programming efficiently, which makes it extremely popular for cloud applications, server-side development, and modern DevOps tooling.

Use cases:

• Building scalable web applications and APIs
• Developing microservices and distributed systems
• Creating cloud-native applications
• Building DevOps and infrastructure tools
• Developing high-performance network services
• Data processing and analytics tools
• Creating command-line utilities

Job titles:

• Go Developer
• Backend Engineer
• DevOps Engineer
• Site Reliability Engineer
• Systems Programmer
• Cloud Engineer
• Software Engineer
• Platform Engineer

Average salary:

$122,383/year in the US for Golang developers (October 2025) according to Indeed.

Where to learn:

• Udemy’s Go: The Complete Developer’s Guide offers comprehensive training in Go programming fundamentals through hands-on projects and real-world applications.

12. Kotlin

• Type of programming language: Modern, statically typed, cross-platform
• Key application areas: Android app development, server-side applications, cross-platform development
• Prerequisites: No prior experience needed, but Java knowledge makes learning easier

Kotlin is a modern programming language that has become Google’s preferred choice for Android app development. 

It’s designed to be more concise and safer than Java while remaining fully compatible with Java code. 

Kotlin eliminates common coding errors, requires less boilerplate code than Java, and offers modern features that make development faster and more enjoyable for both beginners and experienced developers.

Use cases:

• Developing Android mobile applications
• Building server-side web applications
• Creating cross-platform applications
• Developing desktop applications
• Writing scripts and tools
• Backend service development
• Data science applications

Key professions:

• Android Developer
• Mobile App Developer
• Kotlin Developer
• Full-Stack Developer
• Backend Developer
• Cross-Platform Developer
• Software Engineer

Average salary:

$125,000/year in the US for Kotlin developers (October 2025) according to DevITJobs.

Where to learn:

• JetBrains Academy offers a Kotlin learning track with hands-on projects and interactive exercises designed by the creators of Kotlin.

Bonus: AI-driven development 

No matter which programming language you choose to learn in 2026, it’s important to stay updated with emerging technologies.

And AI is at the center of it all. 

Rather than replacing programmers, AI tools are making them more productive. 

For example, you might explore:

• AI code generators: Tools like GitHub Copilot and Amazon Q Developer that suggest code as you type
• AI code assistants: Applications like Cody by Sourcegraph that help with code explanations and debugging
• No-code AI builders: Platforms like Instance and Replit that create apps from text descriptions

Where to learn:

Mimo’s upcoming AI-Driven Development course teaches you how to leverage modern AI tools to become a 10x more productive software developer, regardless of your experience level. Sign up for early access!

FAQs

What is the best first programming language to learn for beginners?

According to the Stack Overflow 2025 survey data for the “Learning to Code” respondent category, these are the top 5 programming languages recommended for beginners:

• JavaScript: Tops the list for beginners because it runs in any browser, provides immediate visual feedback, and is essential for web development.

• HTML/CSS: While technically markup languages rather than programming languages, they’re the foundation of web pages and offer a gentle entry point with visible results.

• SQL: A specialized language for database queries that’s straightforward to learn and valuable across many industries that work with data.

• Python: An approachable language that works great for beginners while still being powerful enough for advanced applications.

• Bash/Shell: Provides practical utility for automation and working with computer systems directly, teaching fundamental computing concepts.

What are the best frameworks to learn in 2026?

Based on the CoderPad 2025 survey comparing what frameworks* developers know versus what employers demand, here are the top 5 frameworks to learn in 2026:

• React: The most widely known and in-demand JavaScript library for building user interfaces, with almost equal supply and demand among developers and employers.

• Node.js: Shows the biggest demand gap, indicating employers need more Node.js developers than are currently available in the market.

• Spring:  A popular Java-based framework with consistent demand from enterprise companies for building backend services.

• .NET Core: Microsoft’s cross-platform framework shows strong demand, particularly in enterprise environments where C# development is common.

• Angular: While slightly less popular than the others, Angular maintains strong employer demand and makes a great addition for frontend development.

* Programming frameworks are pre-built collections of code libraries, tools, and conventions that provide a foundation for developing software applications. 

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