Which Programming Language is Best to Learn for Beginners?

There are dozens of programming languages out there, so deciding what language to learn as a beginner can be tricky. Python is one of the most popular and most accessible languages to learn. There are extensive libraries of tools available online to help you create excellent programs, and it can be used by itself, or as part of a broader framework. Additionally, the job market for programmers fluent in Python has been growing significantly in recent years which makes it the best language to learn as a beginning programmer.

What is Python?

Python is highly versatile, and the easy-to-learn language that has become incredibly popular amongst developers since its development in 1991. It is an interpreted language used primarily in web, video game, and software development. When you run a program created with an interpreted language, the code is reduced to machine-specific instructions. Other interpreted languages include the popular Java and C++, but Python has proven much easier to learn than these other older languages.

According to Python.org, an interpreted language like Python requires fewer lines of code to make a program run ’ sometimes up to ten times less! This shorter length means that a lot of time can be saved by using Python as opposed to other languages. Where programs created using some of the older languages, such as C++, may take a year to code fully, a Python programmer can finish the same program in about two months. The short programming time and program length make it an excellent option for programmers juggling multiple projects as well as for companies that like short turnaround times.

The biggest downside of Python is that its programs can run slow when compared to those programmed with some other languages. This is because Python is an interpreted language as opposed to a compiled language, which would save a program as machine-specific instructions instead of reducing the code to machine-specific instructions when the program runs, as interpreted languages do. However, despite the speed of the program itself, Python emphasizes a fast “edit-test-debug cycle,” and when a bug does appear, it is easy to find and fix when compared to other languages.

The Growing Demand for Python Programmers

The growing demand for AI, machine learning, and data mining have created an ideal environment for programmers fluent in Python. According to Coding Dojo, Java remains the most popular language amongst new job listings, but Python was the only dominant language to show up in more job listings in 2018 than the previous year. This rise in popularity is because the language appeared in an additional 5,000 listings from 2017. In addition to an increase in job opportunities, the average salary has also risen over $20,000 since 2014, coming in at $108,000 annually. The continually increasing job opportunities and average pay make Python an attractive language to start a career in programming.

Some of the most popular websites and social media platforms in the world were built, in whole or in part, using Python. For example, Instagram’s video sharing functionality showcases the ability of the language to work well alongside other programming languages. The app’s video sharing functionality creates an easy way for people to share video alongside still images millions of times a day. Similarly, Reddit relies on Python for several of the website’s most important user-centric features. Other sites were built entirely using Python. An example of this is Survey Monkey. Interactivity is at the center of the online survey website, and Python has made that functionality possible. Google has also been vocal about the usefulness of Python and Python programmers, saying, “…dozens of Google engineers use Python, and we're looking for more people with skills in this language.”

The fact that Python is easy to learn, can be used in a variety of environments, requires fewer lines of code than other languages, and is currently used on some of the most prominent websites and platforms is enough reason to suggest that the open-source language is the best starting place for a beginner in programming languages. A growing job market with increasingly lucrative opportunities further solidifies Python as the smartest option to begin a career in programming code.

Frameworks you need to know right now for PHP

Time is money in the software business. With globalized competition in every niche, the pressure is on to get a product to market fast, as seizing the first-mover advantage is crucial to success. 

To save time, most successful companies have their programmers use frameworks rather than having them crank out code from scratch. This makes sense, as this reduces costly mistakes, standardizes work flow, and frees up hours spent on repetitive work.

Which frameworks are best for programmers? 

Frameworks can be applied to any programming language – PHP is no different. Having one in place when programming in this language can save enormous amounts of time and grief – below, we’ll look at a few that can help radically increase productivity.

Laravel

Laravel is a very popular tool among PHP coders thanks to its well-constructed syntax and easy to understand interface. This helps programmers to cache/queue websites or send an authentication prompt faster than if they had to create the relevant code on their own.

Its immense popularity has created a large community around this application. Any coder that runs into a roadblock need only ask a question or search numerous discussion forums to get the answer they need to move forward.

Because of these advantages, Laravel has been used to construct the back end of web applications and websites for everything from app developers to major corporations. As such, every PHP coder should have a shortcut to this program on their workstation.   

Symfony

Although this interface can be confusing for some, Symfony is a powerful software development tool in the hands of experienced developers. Take Drupal for example, as this popular content management platform had its later versions built with the help of reusable PHP components that are included within this framework.

Like Laravel, its widespread utilization means Symfony has a dedicated community of programmers who swear by it. This is good news for neophytes, as there are active communities online that can help overcome the initial confusion caused by processes such as object configuration, routing, and others. 

CodeIgniter

Any programmer starting out in web development can get intimidated by what is expected of them in the workplace. Thankfully, CodeIgniter has simplified the process of programming in PHP to the point where most new users will feel confident about their coding within a matter of days.

This is possible due to libraries which make mundane tasks like writing SQL queries far simpler than it is by hand. For most basic websites, users of CodeIgniter need only copy and paste the code from these libraries and make modifications where necessary.

With numerous plugins like Dataspark – which makes database creation a breeze – it is useful for a wide variety of web development tasks. Because of its user-friendly interface and its flexibility, CodeIgniter also has a large following. This facilitates learning even more, as a simple Google search turns up scores of tutorials created by CodeIgniter enthusiasts.

CakePHP

Though less known compared to other PHP frameworks, CakePHP is lauded by programmers for its simplicity. Though it lacks the complexity of Laravel and Symfony, its simplified nature makes it a great framework for beginner coders to learn at the start of their programming career.

This doesn’t mean it can’t tackle major projects, though – programmers have used CakePHP to create visually stunning websites for major corporations like Sainsbury Bank in the United Kingdom. However, many experienced coders opt to switch to more flexible, powerful frameworks for more complicated projects after learning this program. 

Zend

Building websites and applications for large enterprises? Programmers in these environments love Zend, as it has features designed to cater to their specific needs. This framework uses object-oriented programming methods, making it easier to manage extraordinarily long strings of code that often found in the back end of enterprise applications.

With components that allow coders to encrypt client data, insert forms with ease, and validate programs quickly, Zend is perfect for programmers who need to get their work done quickly and efficiently.

Professional coders need to get comfortable with multiple frameworks

Leaving programmers to their own devices is a risky proposition. If they write messy, difficult to understand code, those that come after them may not know where to begin when the time comes to modify it.

After running into these issues, many companies have adopted frameworks that their coders must follow. When posting ‘Help Wanted’ ads, HR lists these standards in the requirements they want in a successful applicant.   

Not all businesses are on the same page, though – some prefer CodeIgniter, while others use Symfony for their programming needs. Having a background in multiple frameworks is essential not just for those hoping to join the workforce, but as a professional. By familiarizing themselves with the most popular frameworks, mid-career coders can maximize their employment options.

Big Markets for Outsourcing Coding

In the early 2000’s outsourcing was a very negative word that meant people were losing their jobs in the US. Today outsourcing doesn’t have the same meaning it did back then. Outsourcing can mean hiring freelancers to handle projects instead of adding additional workloads to your existing employees.

One of the biggest market for outsourcing has been in India. They have more skilled people each year capable of working remotely and that meet companies needs for IT work, like coding. Indian IT graduates are usually proficient in their English and provide low cost for high demand requirements when it comes to coding.

Freelance coders from India are able to handle much of the work sent to them by their US clients, there are definitive impacts outsourcing has had on the global economy.

India’s Competitive Advantage

When you think about paying for a coder $6.80 USD per hour it might seem shocking, considering the US federal minimum wage is $7.25! However India has a lower cost of living. This lower cost of living with the globalization of freelance coding gives India a direct advantage over doing business with other business in the states or in Europe. It costs less to get coding work done remotely in India versus domestically.  

Outsourcing Impact on India

India has greatly benefited from the globalization of the information technology jobs. Where once India had no major export to offer the world, they now have an export of remote labor that can be used worldwide. They have an undeniable advantage over competitors for the US outsourcing market.

When a client in the US makes a request, India’s workday starts when the US’s workday ends, India can have one day turnaround for its US clients. This means that instead of having US coders work long hours, evening shifts, or overtime, you can have work done overnight and come back and it is done and for less money!  

Protectionism Impact on India

Protectionism is the use of economic policies to limit the amount of imports from one country to another. Under the Trump administration, they are viewing outsourcing as a one-way impact, and how it impacts the states and the states only. This has sent a message to India to be aware that if policies change it could dissipate their current competitive advantage they have for their highest export, remote labor. If labor is restricted or other sanctions are enacted this could impact the employment of everyday people in India and people trying to get work visas in the states.  

Freelance Coders

You do not need to work for an organization to do coding, you can freelance your coding skills. Coders can register with sites like: Freelancer.com, Upwork.com and HireCoder.com and work anywhere in the world and have clients anywhere in the world. This platform allows individuals or businesses to search out the skills they need for a specific task, like coding, they can negotiate and hire someone to get the job done.

Along with an hourly rate being lower than US coders, businesses save by not having to pay for employee expenses like payroll taxes, insurance and the overhead of providing an office space for employee coders. Coders from India are able to freelance out their skills and earn better income than if they worked for a company in India, and still provide a cost advantage over US freelance coders.  

Global Impact

Thus far, most all of those involved are benefiting from the existence of outsourcing coding. Coding that is simple and the requirements can easily be explained can be exported to India by US companies. Coders here state side, handle more complex coding issues, thus they are certainly not out of work, but regularly handle more in-depth coding requirements than what is outsourced. In fact there are still jobs that are not being filled state side for coders! There are more opportunities than there are capable coders. Companies are able to save money by not paying their in-house coders to do tasks that can be done through outsourcing.

Years back people believed that all IT jobs could be handled through outsourcing to India, but corporations soon learned that while they were saving money, they were spending money on other things. It took longer to get the requirements of complex projects handled, thus much of this work came back to the States to be handled by US trained coders.

Why are there so many software developers in India?

India is the second most populated country in the world and with that many people around there is fierce competition for livelihood. Even with the family structure evolving in India, adults seek the advice of their parents. In Indian society parents want their children to be successful, and being successful to many of them is to either become a doctor or a software engineer.

Family Structure

Traditionally the Indian family structure is of multiple generations living together, while modern society is steering away from this structure it is still widely accepted as the norm. Even after children are grown they will still seek the advice and approval of their parents. Seeking approval can lead these young adults into careers they are not interested in just to prove to their parents that they are successful. Since the family structure of Indian families that of multiple generations living under one roof, those who are capable of working are supporting more than themselves. They are supporting the elderly, the sick, the disabled and the children. That is a lot of pressure from your family and extended family to be a good provider. This can also lead young people to pursue an education in software development because it pays better than other jobs available in India. These individuals are saddled with the responsibility of supporting their entire extended family.

Competition

When companies are working on budgets and they need software developers the cost can be exuberant. Knowing that you can get a software developer from India for a fraction of the cost seems like a no-brainer. While it may be less expensive you might get what you pay for. Statistically Americans are overall more educated than Indians according to United Nations studies. In 2015 India ranked 92nd out of 145 countries in their overall education. While Indians were 11% better at math and logic than Americans, American were over 50% better at software development.

Economics of India

India missed the boat when it came to technological advances for many years and some people believe that these young people need to learn to code at a young age to be successful. India is not highly ranked in any industry, leaving their national infrastructure needing vast improvements. They are pushing people to learn software development, but they are leaving all other industries by the way side. For a country to be strong economically they need to have a wide variety of skills that can be outsourced as a service or products to other nations worldwide. If they continue to force young people into one of two career paths much of their existing economic system will be in dyer need of educated people to innovate and manage it.

The Beef

A common stereotype in the technology industry is that your US based job can easily be outsourced to India and for cheap. This is true, yet not true. Can the job be outsourced, well yes. But is it cheap? It depends on what standard you looking at. Will the software development be done for less money, yes. You may however need to have a highly qualified IT person verify that things are being done right and done well. A lot can be lost in translation even if speaking in ‘code’ is all the same language. The barrier can lead to lost time and misunderstandings and then to software problems.

The Come Back

Indians have also made a positive impact on Silicon Valley as well. While there are bad Indian software developers out there, there are also many good ones too! One of the best ways to tell between a good Indian software developer and a bad one is their education. If they attended college in America, they are likely more skilled and qualified at their job, than if they went to school in India.

Recap

When looking to get a project completed it is always best to know the background on the company or individual you are hiring. If you want your project to be perfect, you will need to pay for the perfect software developer, and they should have an education from America versus India. It is a simple way to verify what skill level you will be hiring without having to hire them and then find out. This is not saying a qualified person with an Indian education cannot do a good job, but it is a simple way to weed out possible poor software developers.

If you are on a very tight budget and the work doesn’t have to be perfect, you can definitely save some money by working through developers in India. You might have to rework it a couple times, but you will likely still come under budget.

Technically Speaking These Jobs are HOT!

Unemployment is low, I mean really low. Across the country there are more jobs than there are people to fill them. While this can fabulous news for employees, it’s not so great of news for employers. Trying to fill all the open positions is challenging and usually the excess work gets put on current employees or goes undone and one of the fastest growing employment markets is in technology.

In the interconnected world through remote work and data share capabilities employees can work from anywhere in the world and fulfill jobs in different states or even countries.

Analytics

Business analytics, data analyst, data scientist whatever the company calls it, it is the same thing. Taking tons of raw data and turning it into useful information for management, investors, and potential investors. Without these numbers being pulled together routinely and systematically companies fly blind through their fiscal year wondering if things they are doing are adding value or detracting it.

According to salary.com there are over 267 job titles with the match of analyst. Top Analytical Job titles: Business Analyst, Project Analyst, and Data Analyst.

Developers

Website developers, Mobile Developers, Software Developers etc if you can code and create something that is useful to a company for its technological presence your talents are in short supply.

According to salary.com there are only 19 job titles for types of developers. Top developer job titles are: Web Developer, Software Developer, and Software Engineer.

Security

The threat of cyber attack is real and companies are keenly aware of their technological vulnerability.  Companies work through many different scenarios to try and prevent threats to their corporate database. Passwords being changed constantly, having rolling pins from a fab for each employee with secure access to information and 24/7/365 surveillance of their intellectual property. Having someone working to protect your business from attack may be vital to keeping your business going and safe.

According to salary.com there are over 141 job titles for types of security jobs. Top security jobs are: Data Security Analyst, Information Security Manager, and Security Administrator.

Management

CIO, CTO, CSO etc. if the position is in charge of a technology department of some kind they are in high demand, from managers, directors to top officers in the company these individuals taking on the challenge of managing technology teams and ensuring the work is being done well comes with a high price tag for those willing to take on the responsibility.

According to salary.com there are over 688 jobs titles for Technology Management positions. Top jobs titles are: Information Technology Director, Chief Technology Officer, and Chief Security Officer.

Help Desk

Customer service experts, support desk, help desk, whoever you employ to take calls from customers who are having ‘technical difficulties’ these people are invaluable to your organization. They have to not only be customer friendly but technologically with it. They have to be able to talk people through programming, installing and do so under extreme stress from the customers on the other line. They have to be patient and understand that without their role in the organization returns of products or services would shoot through the roof!...

According to salary.com there are only 31 job titles that match help desk. The top job titles for these positions are: Help Desk, Help Desk Support, Support Coordinator and Support Analyst.

The companies with these openings are all over the country; there isn’t one area that has full employment for their technology jobs. This being said, employees know that if they want to move on to another job with another organization they likely can. The low unemployment rate can help employees gain certain benefits like working remotely or high wages from their employers. Their employers know that it cost time and money to replace them and if the employee is asking for a concession for their continued employment it is likely the company will try and oblige.