Best coding languages to learn for beginners

Looking to embark on a career in tech, but not sure which coding languages are best to set you up for success? That’s understandable.

There are so many languages out there, it can be a tough decision to decide which to learn first. In this blog post, we’ll explain what coding language is best to learn, when embarking on your tech career journey carry on reading for more information!

> Python

Let’s start with a fan favourite; Python. Python is widely recognised as one of the easiest and most versatile programming languages for beginners. Why? Its syntax (aka the rules of the language) is clean, readable, and closely resembles plain English. That makes it a perfect starting point if you're new to coding.

But don’t be fooled by its simplicity, Python is powerful. It’s used in web development, data science, artificial intelligence, automation, fintech, and more. Major players like Google, Netflix, and Spotify rely on it. And for those interested in breaking into tech roles that require scripting, data handling, or back-end development, Python provides a solid foundation.

Why it’s great for beginners:

• Simple, readable syntax

• Huge online community and learning resources

• Widely used in many industries
  
  

Where it’s used:

• Data analysis and visualisation

• Web apps with frameworks like Django and Flask

• Machine learning and AI (with libraries like TensorFlow and Scikit-learn)

> JavaScript

If you're more interested in creating websites and user interfaces, then JavaScript should be on your radar. It’s the backbone of the web, powering everything from interactive maps to dynamic content and web-based games.

JavaScript runs in all modern browsers, which means you don’t need fancy software to get started. You can literally write code in your browser and see the results instantly.

Plus, JavaScript is a "full-stack" language, meaning it can be used for both front-end and back-end development. Once you’ve got the basics down, frameworks like React (used for front-end applications) or Node.js (for server-side code) open up tons of opportunities.

Why it’s great for beginners:

• Immediate visual feedback makes learning fun

• Essential for front-end and full-stack web development

• Massive ecosystem and job demand
  
  

Where it’s used:

• Interactive websites

• Mobile apps (using React Native)

• Web servers and APIs

> Java

Don’t confuse Java with JavaScript, they’re completely different languages. Java has been around for decades and is still going strong, especially in large enterprise environments.

It’s a bit more verbose than Python, meaning you’ll write more code to do the same thing, but that’s actually great for understanding what’s going on under the hood. Learning Java gives you a strong grasp of object-oriented programming (OOP), which is a common paradigm in software engineering.

Java is also a popular choice for mobile app development, particularly for Android, and it’s frequently used in banking, insurance, and fintech, sectors where mthree Alumni often find themselves working.

Why it’s great for beginners:

• Strong typing helps spot errors early

• Teaches solid software engineering principles

• Often used in graduate roles in finance and enterprise tech
  
  

Where it’s used:

• Android mobile apps

• Back-end systems in banks and large companies

• Every sector that have an inhouse development team, including global Financial, Insurance and Telecoms

> SQL

Okay, SQL (pronounced “ess-cue-ell” or “sequel”) isn’t a full-blown programming language like Python or Java, but it’s essential for almost every tech role. SQL stands for Structured Query Language and is used to interact with databases.

Think of a database as a big digital filing cabinet. SQL lets you ask questions like, “Which users signed up in the last 30 days?” or “What was our total revenue last quarter?” If you're working in data, analytics, or back-end development, you’ll need SQL in your toolkit.

Why it’s great for beginners:

• Easy to learn the basics

• Directly applicable to data-related roles

• Teaches you how to think about data structures
  
  

Where it’s used:

• Data analysis and reporting

• Back-end development

• Business intelligence tools like Power BI and Tableau

> C#

C# (pronounced “C-sharp”) is a language developed by Microsoft, and it’s great for building Windows applications, games (especially with Unity), and enterprise software.

For graduates interested in roles that touch on desktop applications, enterprise systems, or gaming, C# is an attractive option. It’s a bit more structured, like Java, but with a few modern features that make life easier for developers.

It might not be the first language you learn, but if you’re already familiar with programming basics and are looking to level up, C# is well worth your time.

Why it’s great for beginners:

• Great for learning OOP concepts

• Excellent tooling support via Visual Studio

• Good balance of power and readability
  
  

Where it’s used:

• Game development (Unity engine)

• Desktop applications

• Backend services in the Microsoft ecosystem
  
  

> HTML & CSS

Technically, these aren’t programming languages, they’re markup and styling languages. But they’re the building blocks of the web.

HTML (HyperText Markup Language) is used to structure content on a webpage, and CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) controls how that content looks. Together, they’re essential for front-end developers and anyone looking to understand how websites are built.

Even if your future job doesn’t involve building websites, knowing how web pages are structured can be incredibly useful. It’s also an easy and rewarding place to start, your code produces visible results right away.

Why they’re great for beginners:

• Visual results make learning satisfying

• Fast feedback and easy to get started

• Lay the foundation for front-end web development
  
  

Where they’re used:

• All websites!

• Web apps and content platforms

• Marketing landing pages and blogs
  
  

> So, which is the best coding language to learn for jobs?

Honestly? It depends on what kind of tech career you’re aiming for.

Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

 

Goal				Recommended Language
General-purpose programming				Python
Web development				JavaScript (plus HTML & CSS)
Data and analytics				Python + SQL
Enterprise software / fintech				Java or C#
Mobile app development				Java (Android) or JavaScript (React Native)
Game development				C# (Unity)

 

The good news? You don’t need to learn them all right away. Focus on one or two based on your interests and career goals. Once you’ve built confidence in the fundamentals, picking up other languages becomes much easier.

> Where the mthree graduate programme comes in

If you're a recent graduate keen to break into tech but not sure where to begin, then our graduate programme could be the launchpad you need. We work with global companies across industries, particularly finance, the public sector, and tech, helping to place graduates into real-world roles where they can grow and thrive.

Not only do we provide training, but we also focus on in-demand skills, including many of the coding languages we’ve mentioned here. Whether you’re keen on becoming a software developer, data analyst, or business technologist, we’ll help you get job-ready and support your career from day one.

What you’ll get:

• Hands-on training in key coding languages and industry tools

• Mentorship and career coaching, including soft skills

• A foot in the door with top-tier companies, including financial services, FinTech, consulting, pharmaceutical, retail and more!

> Final thoughts

Choosing your first programming language can feel overwhelming, but don’t stress. The best approach is to start with a language that’s beginner-friendly (like Python or JavaScript), build small projects, and develop your confidence over time.

Remember, coding is a skill, like learning a musical instrument or a new language. The more you practise, the better you’ll get.

And if you want a little guidance along the way (and the potential for a job at the end of it!), consider applying to our graduate programme. We're here to help you go from curious coder to confident tech professional.

Discover our current opportunities and apply to our graduate programme today.