10 Programming Languages to Learn in 2020

Submitted by Chandrani Dutta

(Department of BCA, Batch :2017-2020)

University Roll No. : 86

By the way, my list is a little bit different from the StackOverflow as I have used my experience to tweak a bit and what you should learn in 2020.

1. Java

Finally, Java, one of the most popular, powerful, and effective programming languages. Even though I have been using Java for years, there are still many things I have to learn, e.g. many Java 8 features and now the new release of JDK 13.

My goal for 2020 is to focus on recent Java changes on JDK 9, 10,11, 12 and 13. If yours is the same, then the complete java masterclass is an excellent place to start with; it was updated for Java 11 recently.

2. JavaScript

Believe it or not, but JavaScript is the #1 language of the web. The rise of frameworks like jQuery, Angular JS, and React JS has made JavaScript even more popular. Since you just cannot stay away from the web, it's better to learn JavaScript sooner than later.

Even if you are not using Angular JS or React JS, there are many other libraries, like jQuery, which are based on JavaScript, and it's also the number one language for client-side validation, which makes it worth to learn JavaScript.

If you decide to learn JavaScript in 2020, then this javascript masterclass is an excellent place to start with.

3. Python

Python has now toppled Java to become the most taught programming language in Universities and Academica. Btw, I have been trying to learn Python from last year, but somehow, its always get pushed down on my list of goals.

It's a compelling language and high to generate scripts. You will find a python module for everything you can think of like I was looking for a command to listen to UDP traffic on Linux but couldn't find anything, then I wrote a Python script in 10 minutes to do the same.

If you want to learn Python in 2020, the Python Fundamentals  from Pluralsight is the best online course to start with.

Btw, you would need a Pluralsight Membership to get access to this course, which costs around $29 per month or $299 annually (14% discount).  

If you don't have Pluralsight membership, I encourage you to get one because it allows you to access their 5000+ online courses on all the latest topics like front-end and back-end development, machine learning, etc.

It also includes interactive quizzes, exercises, and the latest certification material. It's more like Netflix for Software Developers, and Since learning is an essential part of our job, Plurlasight membership is a great way to stay ahead of your competition. You can also gift it to any programmer. 

They also provide a ten days free trial without any commitment, which is a great way to not just access this course for free but also to check the quality of courses before joining Pluralsight.

4. Kotlin

If you are thinking seriously about Android App development, then Kotlin is the programming language to learn in 2020. It is probably the next big thing happening in the Android world.

Even though Java is my preferred language, Kotlin has got native support, and many IDEs like Intellijent Idea and android studio is supporting Kotile for Android development.

If you want to learn Kotlin in 2020, then the complete android kotlin developer course is probably the best online course to start with.

5. Golang

This is another language I am thinking of learning in 2020. I know it's not very popular and, at the same time, hard to learn, but I feel its usage is going to increase in 2020.

Since there are not many Go developers around and many companies are going to adopt it, its probably the best time to learn Go, especially if you want to create frameworks and things like that.

If you can invest some time and become an expert in Go, you're going to be in high demand. So, how to start? Well, the Go: The complete developer guide from Udemy is the online course I am going to take to begin with Go, which I bought last month on just 10$ from Udemy sale price.

6. C#

I am not a big fan of C#, and probably I won't learn it in 2020, but you may want to. It's anyway a great language to developer GUI. Nevertheless, if you happen to decide to learn C# in 2020 then you can also check out the Learn to the code by making Games c# complete unity developer from Udemy, I see more than 200K students have enrolled in this course, which speaks for its popularity.

7. Swift

If you are thinking about iOS development, e.g. making apps for iPhone and iPad, then you should seriously consider learning Swift in 2020.

It replaces Objective C as the preferred language to develop iOS apps. Since I am the Android guy, I have no goal concerning Swift, but if you do, you can start with the ios 11 and swift 4 : The complete ios App development bootcamp, another excellent course from Udemy I bought last month.

If you don't mind learning from free resources, then you can also check out this list of free IOS course for more choices.

8. Rust

To be honest, I don't know much about Rust and its usage as I have never used it, but whatever I heard, it's the right language for developers. It has won first place for "most loved programming language" in the Stack Overflow Developer Survey from last a couple of years.

I think, If you are an experienced programmer and you're looking for a new language in 2020, Rust might be the right choice because developers love this language. If you decide to learn Rust in 2020, Rust Fundamental is reasonable to start with.

9. PHP

Yup, another surprise. If you thought that PHP is dead, then you are wrong. It's still alive and kicking. If you know, 50% of internet websites are built using PHP; hence you cannot ignore the power of PHP. Though it's not on my list of things to learn in 2020, it's still a great programming language to learn, and if I decide to learn PHP, then PHP for beginners is a good starting point.

10. C/C++

Both C and C++ are evergreen languages, and most of you know from your Academics btw, if you are doing some serious work in C++, then your Academic experience will not be enough. You need to join a comprehensive online course, like c++: From beginner to expert to become industry-ready.

That's all about some of the best programming languages you can learn in 2020. You can choose one or two languages from this list and focus on that. Even if you learn just one programming language apart from the one you use daily, you will be in good shape for your career growth. The most important thing right now is to make your goal and try your best to achieve it in 2020.