June 12, 2024
Reading Time: 3 minutes

The topic of what programming to learn in a certain year creates so much buzz in the tech world. Most starting programmers goes with this type of questions in various online communities such as Quora and Stackoverflow.

So what really is the best programming language to learn in 2024?

As I am preparing to this answer this very question myself, I have come up with two guiding principle on considering one; first is why and the second are the use cases of the language.

1. Python

Why Learn It?

Python remains a top choice due to its simplicity and readability, making it an excellent starting point for beginners. Its versatility allows it to be used in web development, data science, artificial intelligence, and more. With a vast ecosystem of libraries and a supportive community, Python provides robust resources for solving complex problems efficiently.

Use Cases:

• Web Development (Django, Flask, FastAPI)
• Data Science and Machine Learning (Pandas, TensorFlow, PyTorch)
• Automation and Scripting (for personal and professional consumption)

2. Javascript

Why Learn It?

JavaScript is the backbone of web development, enabling dynamic and interactive web pages. Its frameworks and libraries, such as React, Angular, and Vue.js, are essential tools for front-end developers. Additionally, with Node.js, JavaScript has expanded its reach to server-side development.

In addition, javascript is the language built-in in the browsers so it is the main language used in creating interactive web pages.

Use Cases:

• Front-End Web Development
• Server-Side Development (Node.js)
• Mobile App Development (React Native)

3. Go (Golang)

Why Learn It?

Go, developed by Google, is known for its efficiency, simplicity, and strong performance in handling concurrent tasks. It's gaining traction in the fields of cloud computing, server-side applications, and distributed systems due to its speed and ease of use.

If you want a compiled (or fast executables) language but with simplified syntax such as python, you will never go wrong in selecting this language.

Use Cases:

• Cloud Services
• Distributed Systems
• Network Programming
• Desktop Programming and Utilities Building

4. Rust

Why Learn It?

Rust is praised for its memory safety and performance, making it a preferred choice for system-level programming. It’s particularly useful for applications that require high performance and reliability, such as game engines, operating systems, and browser components.

Use Cases:

• System Programming
• Game Development
• Performance-Critical Applications

Conclusion

Choosing the best programming language to learn in 2024 depends on your career goals and interests. Whether you're drawn to web development, data science, system programming, or mobile app development, there's a language tailored to meet your needs. Note that this post does not cover languages to select for mobil app developments. Python and JavaScript are safe bets for versatility and job opportunities, while Go and Rust cater to more specific niches with high growth potential. Explore these languages, consider their use cases, and pick the one that aligns best with your aspirations. Happy coding! 😄