JavaScript ( no relation to Java, despite their similar names) is the de facto programming language of the web. While Java does have a bit steeper of a learning curve than Python, it’s definitely manageable and one of the best options for first-time programmers. Notably, the Android OS is based on Java. It’s most commonly on the back ends of software applications, from large-scale enterprise applications to mobile apps. The Java Virtual Machine lets Java run on virtually any hardware and operating system, making it among the most widely used programming languages in the world. Not only is it a great introduction to the art and science of programming - it’s also one of the most sought-after languages at companies of all sizes (including HubSpot!), making it a solid foundation for a career. Java is another widely used general-purpose programming language that’s excellent for beginners. Python is also known for its broad range of libraries that allow you to extend the language to do just about anything, including software development, data analysis, machine learning, server-side web development, and a ton more. This makes it easy to learn relatively quickly and start building simple projects without sweating the details. Python is a high-level, general-purpose scripting language with syntax that is very simple and digestible compared to other programming languages. It has many qualities that make it perfect all-around for beginners. Many new programmers will gravitate to Python as their first language. Below, we’ll give you a rundown of each of these programming languages and others, while describing what they’re used for and why you might want to try each one. If you’re a beginner, most software engineers recommend learning Python, Java, or C first.

Macos programming languages