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Programming is no longer limited to the nerd you laughed at with the pocket protector living in his mom’s basement. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, software development is growing at a 10% higher rate than the average job in this country and with a median salary of $97,990 per year, nobody’s laughing anymore.

Because of the relative youth of the industry, software development still seems like the wild-west even for a seasoned programmer. There are so many languages and tools that even choosing one to pursue can seem like a daunting task. However, there are some widely accepted languages, and choosing the right one can determine job prospects, and how much money you will make.

It’s important to note that this industry is constantly being developed and changed. Platforms for software and hardware are constantly upgraded and improved and the framework that you have also changes as a result. Being able to adapt and learn is crucial when considering a job in this industry. If you’re not the type to keep up on cutting edge technology, you should probably just walk away now.

Here are some of the most widely used programming languages that a beginner programmer should learn.

JavaScript

Created in the 90’s when the popularity of the internet was starting to increase, JavaScript exists in almost any website, application, or utility you use while on the internet. Typically used for the client-side, and not to be confused with Java, which usually implements database integration and back-end development, JavaScript is not only viable, but easy to learn and has a lot of application in our new digital economy. Using front-end frameworks like AngularJS, Ember.js and React, will acclimate you to widely used industry standards. Learning JavaScript is crucial for any web developer out there.

Java

One of the oldest languages, Java is used in almost every Fortune 500 company. It can develop desktop and mobile apps, and is flexible and can be used on a wide variety of different hardware. Long standing as one of the world’s most used programming languages, Java can be found at the center of many programs and applications we use on a daily basis. The downfalls of Java lie in the fact the language is built off old, sometimes convoluted and hard to grasp logic, making it a daunting task for someone who has never programmed to understand.

Ruby

One of the easiest and youngest languages, Ruby is a dynamic, open source programming language. The Ruby on Rails full-stack web framework makes programming with the language intuitive. Ruby is one of the best, if not the best language to learn when first starting off.

PHP

If you want to do web design, PHP is your best friend. Used for server-side scripting, PHP is used on many websites on the web including Facebook, and the site you’re currently reading, Ploymint.com. If you want to set up your own web interfaces or forms, or want to integrate .css into layouts, learning PHP is a must.

Before you jump into a programming language you should be able to identify what you want to do with the knowledge. Will your program be a web-based application? Do you need to connect it with servers to collect data? Is it a game, or an app and what kind of hardware do you want to make the program compatible with? All these are questions that you should have answered before delving into any one language. While learning a programming language is difficult, the rewards are immense.