Learning programming languages can open doors to new opportunities. But with so many languages out there, it’s imperative to pick the appropriate ones to best suit your career, personal goals and interests. Computer programming languages are essential to know if you have an interest in the various careers available in development, programming, ethical hacking, analysis, and engineering, among others like DevOps.

In this guide, we explore the various facets that set programming languages apart, the reasons to learn each one, the languages best suited for different career paths and an exhaustive programming languages list.

By ROB SOBERS

Why Learn Programming Languages?

Learning programming languages can help create career opportunities and give you the freedom to forge your own path. Many people learn to code as a hobby and thoroughly enjoy all of the challenges and rewards that come with it. Programming languages are not just interesting — learning them is also a great career move. If you have knowledge in a niche field or market, programming skills make you a huge asset for that particular vertical. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field of software development is projected to grow 24% with 302,500 additional jobs opening up from 2016 to 2026. The more languages you learn, the easier it will be to pick up new ones. Becoming well-versed helps you build your knowledge base if you ever want to create your own language to solve a specific problem. 

This knowledge base of different languages also helps you get better at the languages you already use and can help improve your job performance too. There are many fields and jobs that utilize programming languages to help with development and programming, computer engineering and to create better cybersecurity through pen testing as well. Some great positions that use programming languages include:

• Software application developer

• Computer systems engineer

• Computer systems analyst

• Business intelligence analyst

• Database administrator

• Cybersecurity positions

• Web developer

• DevOps engineer

Many system admins are looking to move to a similar but different position that gives them the chance to dive into the world of software development. If you’re looking to get into DevOps from a sysadmin or other position here are some of the most sought-after skills:

• Scripting

• Cloud computing

• Configuration

• Concepts in Continuous Integration and Deployment (CICD)

• OS Admin

• Monitoring

• Infrastructure as Code (IAC)

In order to select the right language, it's imperative to choose the language that best fits your goals, personal and career-focused. This visual below by Varonis contains some of the most popular programming languages, what tasks they're used for, the fields they’re used in and the career paths they best fit. From robotics to video game software development to DevOps to cybersecurity this guide covers it all to help you find the language that makes the most sense for you! 

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