Whether you’re planning on a startup or working for a business, having programming skills can set you apart from your peers. A programming language not only gives you technical know-how but can also help with your administration skills. 

In a relevant industry, programming knowledge streamlines your ability to do business. You can manage technical projects without deferring to an employee and even discuss projects with precision. Even then, what programming language is better for your business? These 9 languages can give you the edge that you need.

1. Java

The Java programming language is one of the most versatile coding languages. It’s ubiquitous and provides general-purpose applications that almost every business can use. Since its inception in 1991, big companies use it to build custom programs and apps that can help improve efficiency and productivity.

Learning Java is easy too, with its syntax being one of the easiest to learn. It’s intuitive and more practical compared to other languages, usable with every type of industry you can think of. Its scalability means you can use it from starting up to your corporate undertakings.

Many Java features also offer efficiency, security, and compatibility across several platforms. Depending on your business needs, there is likely a way to develop it in Java.

2. Python

For those unfamiliar with programming languages, Python is one of the best, easiest languages to learn. Anyone who has very little time to pour into learning can use Python due to its simple syntax. It’s intuitive and also offers a wide array of use cases and applications that you can develop.

Python is also a great coding language in a full business setting. Database administrators use it together with SQL to build entire databases from scratch. Web developers use it to create robust websites and interactive applications. Scientists even use it for big data and machine learning systems.

If you’re looking for an easy-to-learn coding language, Python is one of the best options out there. The use of utility in both business and hobbyist settings make learning a worthwhile endeavour.

3. C++

C++ is another general-purpose programming language and one of the oldest programming languages in the world. Starting with C in 1985, its extension C++ emerged to be the ultimate form of the code, offering simplicity, utility, and scalability. Many applications use the language from low-level programs to complex system algorithms.

What makes C++ useful is its portability. Almost all fields of practice use the language, including software development, medical apps, databases, and more. Its object-oriented structure makes it reliable and mastery of the language is an advantage anywhere you go.

From business process outsourcing to game development, you can pick any business and find C++ useful at every step. Its reliability is second-to-none and it’s a great gateway to more complex and specialized languages. Its rich, functional library makes it valuable for almost every business situation.

4. Structured Query Learning (SQL)

If we go by technicality, SQL is not a programming language at all. It is a coding language that creates, reads, updates, and deletes information from databases. Regardless, every modern business worth its salt relies heavily on the use of databases, so SQL is an important system to learn.

With SQL, you can find and even manipulate information in vast databases. You’ll also understand how data flows in your systems, build entirely new databases, and even optimize data for better accessibility.

SQL is also much easier to learn than some languages like Java and C++. The syntax is intuitive and does not require you to build procedures from scratch to do tasks like adding and updating information. The language also has many forks and variations, giving you the basis for some of the most widely-used databases in the world.

5. Ruby on Rails

Ruby on Rails is one of the most functional programming languages in the world. The “On Rails” part of the system comes from a wide-reaching third-party library that expands the program’s functionality even further. Most of its features, like object-oriented and dynamically-typed programming, are in demand in virtually any business.

Ruby is a vital coding language used for back-end development, with a strong focus on reliability, stability, and efficiency. The language is useful for situations where problem-solving is an important aspect of the business. Since there is very little physical code needed, it can do a lot as digital infrastructures change.

Ruby also has its own testing frameworks, which means you can simulate use cases and perform a data-driven approach for the business. In a business environment, Ruby gives you an advantage in development and cost-effectiveness.

6. Javascript

Javascript is an important front-end language that allows the building of interactive applications. Where Java applies, the use of Javascript doesn’t lag behind. It’s an efficient way to run scripts both ways – client-side and server-side.

Depending on what you want, it’s an effective coding language for web development, gaming, and media. Its wide community support and simple implementation make it useful in every business scale, from startups to corporate enterprises.

7. PHP

PHP is one of the top programming languages used in a variety of situations that every business would want. It is open-source and general-purpose, making it a cost-effective coding language to use. PHP is used for web development in general, especially for database frameworks.

Knowledge of PHP is almost standard in IT companies and it can give you an edge in other fields too. Its fast and efficient programming workflow gives it unparalleled efficiency, especially compared to languages focused on testing.

8. HTML/HTML5 and CSS

HTML and CSS are two different programming languages, but they work to overcome the limits of each other. HTML is still a much-valued programming language for businesses that rely on web design and web development. Regardless, CSS handles the static and structural nature of HTML as a whole.

HTML and CSS as a combo are easy to learn and complement each other. HTML guarantees proper formatting of images and text, while CSS adds dynamic style to your web pages. If your business focuses on creating rich experiences on the internet, these are a must-learn combo.

9. Swift

Swift is a programming language developed by Apple for its iOS applications. The syntax for Swift is easy, as it follows much of the syntax conventions within the C family. It is among the newest programming languages in this list, so much of its use is still limited.

Even then, Swift is valuable for business environments that rely on safety, security, and readability. If you are focusing on a business within an Apple or iOS environment, Swift should be a good language to learn. The small but growing community also gives you an edge for future applications of this very young programming language.