Choosing the best coding language to learn can have a significant impact on your career trajectory in tech. Whether you are an entry-level software programmer, an experienced software engineer, a database administrator who wants to become a database developer, or you’re just eager to work on projects that involve AI and other emerging technologies, it helps to know which coding languages are in demand.To help jump-start your research into the best coding language to learn, we’ve assembled a list of some of the most popular coding languages in 2025 based on their versality, ease of use and demand across a wide spectrum of industries. (This is by no means a comprehensive list, given that there are literally thousands of coding languages in existence.)Let’s get started with one coding language that has many applications, and whose name was inspired by the BBC comedy series, “Monty Python’s Flying Circus” — Python.
10 top coding languages in 2025 and what they’re used for
1. PythonImplemented in 1989 and still a contender for the best coding language to learn, Python is widely used in web development, game development, statistical analysis, AI, and computational science. Its simplicity, readability and versatility making it a popular choice for seasoned developers and newcomers alike. Canadian businesses across a variety of industries use Python to automate processes, analyze data and create dynamic web applications.2. JavaFirst appearing in 1995, Java is an object-oriented programming language designed to enable programmers to write code once and run it on any compatible platform without needing further revisions.And it runs on a lot of platforms. Another contender for best programming language to learn, Java powers everything from web applications and Android apps to enterprise-level applications to large-scale systems and server-side applications.Its platform independence and strong community support continue to make Java an ideal choice for organizations aiming to develop secure and scalable applications that enhance operational efficiency and deliver exceptional customer experiences.3. JavaScriptDespite a similar name and first appearing in 1995, JavaScript is distinct from Java. Powering the interactivity and functionality of most websites, it’s the backbone of web development and, alongside HTML and CSS, one of three core technologies behind the web.Thanks to runtime system environments like Node.js, JavaScript can be used outside of browsers too, and is widely used by Canadian businesses for both front-end (the visual component that users interact with) and back-end (behind-the-scenes data management and processing that powers the front-end) development.4. KotlinA cross-platform, general-purpose, high-level programming language developed by Czech software company JetBrains that first appeared in 2011, Kotlin has gained traction among Canadian programmers thanks to user-friendly features such as its concise syntax, strong community support and seamless interoperability with Java. This versatile language is a particular favourite in mobile app development, where it powers applications for both Android and iOS platforms.Outside the mobile space, Canadian tech giants and startups alike have embraced Kotlin for its ability to enhance productivity and reduce boilerplate code (that is, sections of code repeated in multiple places with little to no variation), making it an ideal choice for agile development teams.5. TypeScriptTypeScript, a powerful superset of JavaScript that first appeared in 2012, boasts features like static typing and enhanced tooling that streamline the coding process for both client-side and server-side applications. Programmers appreciate its ability to catch errors early in the development cycle, which not only boosts productivity but enhances code quality, helping TypeScript play a pivotal role in the development of web applications that are both scalable and easy to maintain.6. CC is a foundational language in computer science, first appearing in 1972 and still widely used in operating systems, databases and embedded systems found in hardware and products ranging from microwave ovens to childproof locks. Its efficiency and ubiquity makes it a popular choice for cross-platform development.In the business world, financial institutions can use C to develop high-performance trading platforms with rapid data processing and real-time analytics. The tech industry might harness C for applications that require direct hardware manipulation, ensuring optimal performance. The legal sector uses C to create secure and reliable systems for managing sensitive information. Many open-source projects and critical infrastructure, like the Linux kernel, are also written in C.7. C++As its name implies, C++ is the successor to the C programming language. Its object-oriented features make it useful for designing complex software systems.C++ is used in game development and graphics programming, high-performance apps, and system and software development. Financial services companies may use C++ to develop trading algorithms and risk management systems. It’s also used extensively in scientific computing and engineering simulations.Its versatility and complexity have one notable cost, however (see below) – it has a reputation for being difficult to use.8. C#Developed by Microsoft, the C# programming language is widely used for developing Windows applications and games. Its comprehensive libraries and frameworks, including Microsoft’s own proprietary .NET software, support rapid development, making it a versatile and efficient choice for many projects.9. SQLLike the C coding language, SQL, or Structured Query Language, has been around since the 1970s (1973, to be exact). Programmers use SQL to query, modify, add and delete data in relational databases, which are foundational to many business applications.SQL is essential for extracting and analyzing large datasets to enable data-driven decision-making. Financial services companies, for example, might use it to analyze transaction data, while the legal sector uses it to efficiently manage case files, allowing lawyers to quickly access critical information.10. PHPReleased in 1995, PHP might face competition from newer programming languages, but remains vital for server-side web development. It powers many websites and e-commerce platforms as well as several well-known content management systems including WordPress and Drupal.Perhaps more importantly, PHP’s open-source nature often makes it more cost-effective than other languages, enabling businesses to save on development costs while still delivering high-quality web experiences. However, it’s critical that businesses adopting the language use its newest version, as previous versions can often remain widely used despite their lack of security.
Other coding languages to consider learning
Depending on your professional interests and desired career track in tech and IT, you may also want to explore some of the other programming languages below.GoKnown for its efficiency and performance, Go is a preferred language for many tech pros developing cloud services, microservices, distributed systems and other performance-critical applications.Backend systems powered by Go can easily handle large volumes of data, allowing for faster processing and real-time analytics. The language’s concurrency model enables teams to develop applications that can perform multiple tasks simultaneously, significantly reducing downtime and improving service delivery. It also features fast compilation, which allows developers to write and test code quickly.RR is a programming language used for data analysis, statistical modeling and data visualization, making it a go-to tool for many professionals in the data science community. Canadian businesses might leverage R for its exceptional data analysis capabilities, which enables them to develop predictive models that can help leaders make informed decisions and drive strategic growth.RubyA general-purpose, open-source, cross-platform programming language first released in 1995, Ruby is often used to power web-based and e-commerce applications. It’s considered an ideal language for beginners to learn (see below) thanks to its emphasis on programming productivity and simplicity.RustWith unique features such as memory safety without garbage collection, Rust is a popular language for systems programming and used by businesses to build secure, efficient applications. Industries like finance, gaming, and technology are particularly drawn to Rust’s capabilities, as they allow for the creation of high-performance systems that reduce the risk of bugs and crashes.SwiftDeveloped by Apple and released in 2014, Swift can be used to not only develop applications for Apple’s own operating systems such as iOS, but Windows, Android and Linux as well.
Some FAQs
What is the best language to learn to code?There is no single best coding language to learn – it depends on your needs. In fact, novices wondering which is the best programming language to learn should know there are many other valuable and widely used coding languages that we do not cover in this post. But we hope the examples provided give you a good starting point for deciding what you might want to learn.For example, if you’re aiming to work on AI projects, Python, C++, Java and R are all contenders when it comes to the best coding language to learn for developing AI applications, from machine learning models to real-time decision-making systems. Additionally, you may want to consider learning languages like Julia, Prolog and Lisp. (The latter is one of the oldest languages used in AI!)For more context around what Canada’s tech leaders are focusing on this year and the talent they’re looking for to help them achieve their goals, check out our 2025 Canadian tech hiring trends blog.What is the best coding language to learn as a beginner?As a foundational language, C is often considered easy to learn – it’s based around only 32 keywords – though it helps to have a basic understanding of programming syntax, which generally requires users to remember specific symbols and characters for code to run correctly.Python is widely regarded as one of the easiest programming languages to learn, its simplicity and readability making it an excellent choice for those new to programming.JavaScript can also be an effective first programming language, especially for users already familiar with HTML and CSS, though transitioning from HTML and CSS to JavaScript can be challenging because JavaScript introduces programming concepts such as variables, loops, functions, and event handling, which can require more versatile thinking than the comparatively static HTML and CSS.As mentioned above, Ruby is considered an excellent choice for beginners: It’s free, open-source, and works across Windows, iOS, and Linux. Perhaps more importantly, its syntax is designed to resemble the English language, so users don’t have to spend as much time memorizing symbols to write code.Is HTML a coding language?While useful to learn, Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) is not considered a programming language. Instead, per the name, it’s a markup language that defines the content and structure of web pages, often assisted by technologies such as Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), which affects a web page’s layout, and programming languages such as JavaScript, which affects its behaviour. A form of HTML known as HTML5 can also be used to display video and audio together with JavaScript.HTML’s semantic markups, which establish how web browsers display elements like headings, paragraphs, images and lists, might resemble code. But its focus on presentation and structure is a distinct contrast from the algorithms and logic used to run applications developed with programming languages like Python, Java, or JavaScript.Is C++ hard to learn?The opposite of beginner-friendly, C++ is often considered a difficult language to learn because of its complexity, which provides experienced programmers with a high number of control and customization options but can be daunting for newcomers.For example, its syntax features multiple ways to initialize variables including parentheses, braces ({}), or assignment operators, which can lead to confusing or undefined behaviour if entered incorrectly. Its error messages can often be long, difficult to understand and span multiple lines, making it hard for even experienced programmers to detect and debug mistakes.Finally, its long history means that many C++ applications include legacy code written in older versions of the language that may not follow modern best practices. This can make it even more difficult to learn and use effectively, as programmers need to be aware of both old and new features and how they interact.How can I improve my coding skills?An excellent question we provide some suggestions for below.
How to level up your coding skills in 2025
For many coders, choosing the best coding language to learn is often easier than deciding how to learn it. To help get you started, here are five ways to boost your programming skills:Learn from your peersFind an open-source library that interests you on a site like GitHub, Bitbucket or the Canadian government’s Open Resource Exchange and read the code until you have a good idea of how it works. Seeing how different people approach problems will help you think more creatively as a programmer.Attend a coding bootcampCoding bootcamps, many of which are available online, can offer a fast path to gaining skills in programming and other areas of technology. Some examples include Lighthouse Labs, App Academy, General Assembly and SheCodes. (A quick internet search will help you discover many more.)Start a projectContribute to open-source projects that interest you or start your own project from scratch. This practical experience can enhance your skills and keep you engaged in your work.Get active in the coding communityContributing to Q&A and self-learning sites like GeeksforGeeks, Stack Overflow, Canada Learning Code and Codecademy can help to improve your coding skills. You can also make valuable industry contacts who could potentially recommend you for projects and open positions.Earn a certificationThere are two main reasons for getting a certification. First, it helps you to hone your programming skills. Second, earning in-demand certifications can help bolster your resume and give hiring managers the confidence that you have the skills and knowledge needed for the job.Are you an experienced programmer looking for work in Canada’s tech industry? Check out our latest tech jobs.
Need more insights on in-demand tech and IT skills?
Download the ReportWhat types of tech and IT skills are employers looking for, in addition to knowledge of top coding languages? Research conducted for Robert Half’s report, Building Future-Forward Tech Teams, offers a few insights.Click on the link below to learn how Canadian technology leaders are identifying the talent they need for critical projects and building teams for the future. You’ll also find out where skills gaps are most evident in today’s technology departments. Plus, you’ll get a detailed look at the knowledge and skills that can help you to work effectively with AI, depending on your role.
