Which Coding Language To Learn First?

By Samantha Anderson

Last Updated: February 28th 2024

Top coding language to learn

Choosing a coding language that aligns with your interests and career goals

Feeling overwhelmed with all the coding languages out there?

Let us help you break down the top languages to learn first.

It's important to choose a tech stack that aligns with your interests and career goals.

Learning the basics of programming concepts and building a strong foundation in coding will also be beneficial regardless of the tech stack you choose.

In general, we recommend if you're interested in building beautiful and functional websites, start with HTML/CSS and JavaScript.

If you're more interested in back-end development and data analysis, a language like Python would be a better fit.

At the end of the day, the best thing you can do is think of which job you would like to hold and work your way backward from there.

We find one of the most productive ways to narrow down the right tech stack for you is to search local job listings in your area and take note of which languages are listed most often.

Here is a breakdown of the coding languages we recommend you start with:

  1. HTML/CSS

    If you're just getting started with web development, HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) and CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) are a great place to begin.

    HTML and CSS are the building blocks of the internet.

    HTML is a simple language that's easy to learn and understand, making it an ideal starting point for beginners.

    You can start by creating simple web pages and gradually move on to more complex projects.

    CSS, on the other hand, provides an opportunity to experiment with design, which can be a fun and rewarding process.

    TL/DR… HTML is used for creating the structure and content of web pages, while CSS is used for styling and layout.

    Both are essential skills for web development.

    With HTML and CSS, you can create beautiful and functional web pages that look great on any device.

    Mastering them can set you on the path to becoming a proficient front-end developer.

    You can join Nucamp’s Web Development Fundamentals bootcamp to learn HTML/CSS.

  2. JavaScript

    Once you've got a handle on HTML and CSS, it's time to move on to JavaScript.

    JavaScript is a powerful scripting language that is used for creating dynamic, responsive, and interactive websites.

    With JavaScript, you can add animations, user interactions, and other cool features to your web pages.

    JavaScript is a versatile language that can be used for a wide range of applications, including web and mobile app development, game development, and even machine learning.

    It's also an excellent language for learning coding concepts such as variables, loops, and functions, which are fundamental to most coding languages.

    Plus, it's the most popular language for front-end web development, so it's definitely worth learning.

    Learn the basics of JavaScript in Nucamp’s Web Development Fundamentals bootcamp and further your JavaScript knowledge with the Front End or Full Stack bootcamps.

  3. Python

    Python is a high-level coding language that's easy to learn and has a simple syntax, making it an excellent first language for beginners.

    It's a general-purpose language that can be used for a wide range of applications, including web development, data analysis, machine learning, and automation.

    Python's popularity has grown in recent years, and it's now one of the most widely used coding languages in the world.

    It has a large and active community, making it easy to find resources and support for learning and development.

    Python also has a vast library of modules and frameworks, making it easy to develop complex applications quickly.

    It's an excellent language for learning coding concepts such as data types, control structures, and functions, which are fundamental to most coding languages.

    Nucamp’s Back End bootcamp teaches you data structures and algorithms with Python and SQL.

With so many different coding languages out there, it can be overwhelming to know where to start.

Each has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it's worth doing some research to find the best fit for you.

No matter which languages you choose to learn first, the most important thing is to get started.

It's never too late to learn something new and start a new career path.

So go ahead and dive in – who knows where coding might take you next!

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Samantha Anderson

Marketing Manager

Part Illustrator, part Graphic Designer, and part Digital Marketer—with a sprinkle of sales savvy and a dash of empathy. I'm all about using my creativity to craft captivating stories through both illustration and writing. When I'm not at my computer, you'll find me drawing nature inspired patterns and portraits on my other favorite screen: my iPad. To keep myself inspired (and to get away from my slight tech addiction) I garden, golf, and go on nature walks with my dog and cat leading the way.