3 Types of Programming Languages for Beginners: What to Choose?

It can be daunting to be a beginner in programming. Before you can start freelance web development, or build full-stack apps, or create servers and APIs or start a career in Linux administration, you need to learn a programming language. If you are someone venturing into tech and learning to program, then this article will help you make your decisions. This article will take you through the three types of popular programming languages and the basics of how to select the right language for you, and resources you can use to get started.

What are the Three Types of Programming Language?

The three most popular programming language types are scripting languages, markup languages, and programming languages.

• Scripting Languages: Scripting languages are used primarily for web development. These languages include HTML, CSS, PHP, JavaScript, Python, Ruby, and more. Scripting languages are used to create dynamic webpages, build content management systems, and can be used on the backend to program APIs and configure servers.
• Markup Languages: Markup languages are primarily used in creating webpages. HTML and CSS are the two most popular markup languages used to create websites. HTML is used to structure the webpages and CSS is used to style them.
• Programming Languages: Programming languages are used to build software or applications. These include languages such as Java, C++, C#, and so on. Programming languages are often used to build desktop applications and mobile applications.

When you are learning to program, it is important to choose the right language type and language for your needs. Depending on what your goals and objectives are, you need to select a language that will help you reach those goals.

How to Select the Right Programming Language for You?

When selecting a programming language, there are three things you need to consider. First, you need to think about what you want to achieve or what type of business, software, or application you want to build. Second, you need to consider the complexity of the language. Third, you need to think about the resources available to you, such as tutorials, books, videos, and forums. Let’s break these down a little more.

What do you want to build?

Knowing the type of application or business you want to build will help you decide which language you should focus on. If you want to build websites or content management systems, then scripting languages are your best bet. If you want to build desktop applications or mobile applications, then programming languages are the best option.

What is the complexity of the language?

The complexity of the language depends on the experience level of the programmer. If a language is too difficult or the syntax is not intuitive, then the programmer might get stuck in the early stages of learning and give up. Therefore, it is important to select a language that is intuitive and not too complex.

What resources are available for you?

Once you have decided what language you want to learn and the complexity of the language, you need to consider the resources available to you. Are there tutorials available for the language? Are there books or videos to help you learn? Are there forums or communities where you can ask for help? These are all important factors when you are learning to program.

Types of Programming Languages for Beginners

Now that you undersand the criteria to help you choose a programming language, let us look at the three types of programming language available to beginners

• Scripting Languages: For beginners who want to focus on web development, scripting languages are the best option. Python, Ruby, and JavaScript are popular scripting languages. They are relatively easy to learn and have great resources available to help you get started. They are also popular languages used by web developers, which means there is a lot of demand for these languages.
• Markup Languages: If your focus is on creating websites, then you should consider learning HTML and CSS. HTML and CSS are the foundations of web development and the best way to learn is to start with these two languages.
• Programming Languages: For those who want to create desktop or mobile applications, programming languages, such as Java and C++, are the best option. These languages are more complex but they have a lot of powerful features that will give you immense control.

Resources for Learning Programming Languages:

Once you have decided which type of language you want to focus on, there are many great resources available online that you can use to start learning.

• Youtube: YouTube is one of the best resources for learning programming languages. There are many great tutorials and videos available for those who want to learn.
• Websites: There are many websites with tutorials and courses on programming languages. Some of the most popular ones are Codecademy, Udemy, and Coursera.
• Forums: Finally, forums are great places to find help when you are stuck or need advice. Reddit and Stack Overflow are two of the most popular forums for aspiring programmers.

Conclusion

Choosing the right programming language depends on what you want to build, the complexity of the language, and the resources available to you. For beginners, scripting languages such as Python, Ruby, and JavaScript are great for web development; markup languages such as HTML and CSS are great for creating websites; and programming languages such as Java and C++ are good for creating desktop and mobile applications. There are many great resources available online, such as YouTube, websites, and forums, that can help you get started.