Written by Coursera Staff • Updated on
Read this guide to to determine the best language for app development depending on your project scope and needs.
Hundreds of programming languages exist, each with its own syntax and purpose. As with human languages, there's not a single programming language you can use for everything. The best programming language for app development depends on the type of application you want to build and which platform you plan to use. For example, do you want to create something for mobile devices or develop desktop applications? If you don't have a project in mind, you can still use the following article to narrow your options. Read on to learn more about popular programming languages and their use cases.
Read more: 5 Types of Programming Languages
General-purpose programming languages
If you're unsure what type of app you'd like to develop or which platform you'd like to use, consider learning a general-purpose programming language. General-purpose programming languages can be used across various domains to create many different types of programs. Here are a few popular examples of general-purpose programming languages:
Python. Python is an excellent first language to learn if you're new to programming. It is a beginner-friendly, object-oriented programming language suitable for projects ranging from artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) applications to web development and data science. Learn more about Python by reading What is Python Used For? A Beginner's Guide.
C++ (C plus-plus). C++ is another beginner-friendly, object-oriented programming language. If you want to learn a general-purpose programming language but are also interested in how computers work, embedded systems, or the Internet of Things (IoT), C++ could be a great starting point for you. Get started by reading What is C++? (And How to Learn It).
Read more: Python vs. C++: Which to Learn and Where to Start
Best language for mobile app development
If you want to develop a mobile application, consider which platform you want to use. The most popular mobile operating systems worldwide include Google's Android and Apple's iOS [1].You can also develop cross-platform apps or mobile applications that both Apple iOS and Android users can enjoy.
Best language for iOS app development
Swift is the preferred language for iOS development. As a successor to C, C++, and Objective C, Swift was designed to be beginner-friendly and can coexist alongside existing Objective C and C++ files in a program. The Swift Playground app is also notable. It's an interactive platform for mobile app developers to learn and experiment with Swift for the first time. Swift can be used to program apps for Apple's mobile and desktop operating systems.
Read more: Programming in Swift: Benefits of this Popular Coding Language
If you're interested in becoming an iOS developer, you'll need to familiarize yourself with Xcode. Xcode is a development environment and suite of tools used to develop, test, and distribute applications. It includes a code editor, debugger, and several prototyping and testing tools to help you throughout the entire development process.
Best language for Android app development
Java is a popular language for Android app development. It's reliable and includes extensive resources and documentation that can be invaluable to new programmers. It's also a general-purpose, object-oriented language, making it versatile and relatively simple to learn.
Read more: What is Java Used For?
Although many Android applications use Java, Kotlin is the preferred language for Android development. It is better supported, more concise, and completely open source or free to use. It employs both object-oriented and functional constructs, allowing developers to use either style or a combination of the two. Similar to the relationship between Swift and Objective C, Kotlin is interoperable with Java, meaning you can use an existing Java codebase with Kotlin.
Android Studio is an ideal integrated development environment (IDE) for Android app development. It fully supports Kotlin and includes a built-in Java-to-Kotlin converter.
Best language for Android and iOS app development
React Native is a powerful and popular framework for hybrid app development. It is a JavaScript-based framework that includes pre-written code and configurations, simplifying the cross-platform development process and enhancing the performance of mobile applications. Having a solid understanding of the JavaScript and React languages is recommended, but you may be able to learn the basics alongside React Native. If you were already considering learning Java but are curious about learning JavaScript for cross-platform mobile app development, consider reading Java vs. JavaScript: What's the Difference?
Read more: What is React Native? Beginner's Guide and FAQ
Best language for web app development
JavaScript is the no. 1 most commonly used programming language among developers worldwide [2]. It is known for its cross-platform versatility and ability to create dynamic, interactive web applications. JavaScript also provides a variety of libraries and frameworks to support your efforts. If you want to create an application with real-time functionalities, such as a chatbot, JavaScript is an excellent choice for the job.
Read more: Easiest Programming Languages to Learn for Front-End Development
In-demand programming languages
If you want to learn a new programming language to launch or advance your career as a developer, consider the popularity of the languages you're considering. According to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), here are 10 of the most popular languages for app development:
Kotlin
Swift
JavaScript/TypeScript
Python
Java
Rust
C#
Go
Dart
PHP
Read more: Most Popular Programming Languages in 2024
Skills you'll need to learn app development
Basic computer literacy. You’ll need to be proficient with computers and learn to navigate various operating systems.
Familiarity with basic programming concepts. While you don't need to be a master programmer, understanding basic programming concepts will make learning how to program apps much more straightforward.
Patience and attention to detail. You’ll need to be patient, pay close attention, and be willing to experiment until you develop your knowledge. Application developers spend a great deal of their time problem-solving.
Knowledge of user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design.Great apps follow UI/UX design principles to ensure users have a positive and seamless experience.
Here are a few resources you can use to get started:
What is an Android App Developer? Your 2024 Career Guide
What is an iOS app Developer? 2024 Guide
What is a Game Developer? (And How Do I Become One?)
Mobile App Development: Quick Start Guide
How to Become an Oculus Developer in 4 Steps
What is a WordPress Developer and How to Become One
How long does it take to learn an app development language?
Learning an app development language will take some time and effort. On average, it takes from three to six months to learn the basics of a new programming language. However, this can vary depending on your experience with coding, computer science, and technology.
Learn application development with Coursera
You can study online at your own pace with industry leaders on Coursera. Consider earning Meta's iOS Developer Professional Certificate or Android Developer Professional Certificate. Both programs move through programming fundamentals before advancing to the concepts you'll need to develop an app on your own. Or, start sharpening your user experience skills by enrolling in Google's UX Design Professional Certificate.
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