Top 5 list: the easiest programming language to learn and the hardest to master

If you want to learn programming, which programming language should you start with?

Asking a programmer for the easiest language to learn is like asking someone what flavor of ice cream they like best. There is no real correct answer. Everyone will have their own preferences.

As the developer and educator Marek Zaluski once said, "Programming languages are created by programmers for programmers."

It's like an inside secret that only a few people know, and may make those who are just entering the field of software engineering feel intimidated.

On the other hand, you cannot become an excellent software engineer without mastering popular programming languages.

This article will compare the simplest programming language and high-level programming language.

Easy-to-use programming language

1. HTML

HTML is the language used to encode most web pages. It uses tags and elements to define how text, images, and interactive forms are displayed. Usually, HTML will be supported by Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) to define complex styles; and JavaScript for scripting programs. The ease of use of HTML makes it an ideal language for beginners. The language's ease of learning is reflected in the following aspects:

• Simple structure, with human-readable start and end tags
• You can use the WYSIWYG editor and watch the code changes in split view
• You can easily find and fix bugs

2. JavaScript

Together with HTML and CSS, JavaScript created the Internet. The simplicity of JavaScript lies in:

• It is designed for non-programmers, suitable for beginners; it is an ideal entry language
• It is very common, so most browsers are used as the default environment
• No compiler is needed to check the running status of JavaScript, and the result can be checked immediately
• JavaScript has a huge community, which is helpful for beginners

3.C

C is a universal language, and most programmers learn it before learning more complex languages. From Unix and Windows to Tic Tac Toe and Photoshop, several of the most commonly used applications today are built on C. Its simplicity lies in:

• Simple syntax, only 32 keywords
• Data structure is easy to understand

4. Python

Python is the successor of the ABC language and is a high-level general-purpose programming language. Python is the favorite of web developers, data scientists, ML/AI professionals, and embedded application developers. It is easy to learn because:

• The language is obsessed with the readability of the code and often uses English words
• It is known for its heavy use of whitespace, making it less intimidating
• It has several libraries for various applications
• It is supported by a huge community of programmers, and all your questions may be answered

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 back-end developers and security applications. It is easy to learn because:

• Intuitive grammar, concise and suitable for beginners
• It is a structured language with almost no deviations
• If you have previous experience in object-oriented programming, it's even easier

Hard to learn programming language

1.C++

C++ is an extension of C. It is said that Google Chromium browser, several Microsoft applications, and even Morgan Stanley's financial modeling are all done in C++. The difficulty lies in:

• It has a complex syntax to support versatility
• It is a very inclusive language-you can do everything that is technically feasible, even if it is not logically correct
• It's best to be learned by someone who already has a foundation in C programming

2.Prolog

Prolog is one of the earliest logic programming languages and is now used in artificial intelligence applications and natural language processing. It is difficult to learn because:

• It is an unconventional language, and its data structure is different from other programming languages
• It needs an unreasonable competitive compiler
• It forces programmers to think carefully about their logic in advance
• Online resources and Prolog code cannot be adapted to your needs without thinking

3.LISP

It is the second oldest programming language after FORTRAN and is still used in the fields of advanced systems and artificial intelligence. The difficulty lies in:

• It is a fragmented language with domain-specific solutions
• The syntax in LISP uses parentheses extensively, which may be difficult to get used to

4.Haskell

Haskell is a polymorphic statically typed purely functional language based on lambda calculus. It is named after the mathematician Haskell B Curry and is mainly used for research, industrial applications and teaching. The difficulty lies in:

• It follows a 100% functional paradigm, unlike most modern languages that accept imperative commands
• It's hard to understand the nuances of compilation and bug fixing in Haskell
• A lot of technical terms are involved, which may discourage beginners

5.Malbolge

Malbolge is named after the eighth level of hell in Dante’s Hell and is an example of "esolang" (an esoteric programming language). It took two years to write the first Malbolge program. Other languages in this category are INTERCAL and Cow, and most people will regard these languages as a challenge.

The difficulty lies in:

• It uses obscure symbols
• Not many programmers spend time learning it, so there are fewer learning resources
• It is a self-modifying language that can lead to unstable behavior

Original list address: https://www.springboard.com/library/software-engineering/top-programming-languages/