HTML

HTML (HyperText Markup Language) is an open-source, core language for building web pages, documents and internet navigation. HTML takes information like text, images and hyperlinks and arranges them on a page.

It works hand-in-hand with CSS and JavaScript, which help dictate how a webpage looks visually and auditorily and provides dynamic functions. HTML is an excellent foundation for coders. Developers use it, too.

You can find free tutorials online and reference the living standard of HTML, run by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) and Web Hypertext Application Technology Working Group (WHATWG). Codecademy also offers a paid nine-hour course covering the language’s basics. Many online exams, like this one offered by W3C, award a certificate upon completion.

CSS

CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) is a programming language that works with HTML to shape how information looks and sounds on a webpage. In other words, HTML is the building materials, and CSS is the design layout.

Because of this, CSS is usually learned after or in tandem with HTML (and often JavaScript). Codecademy offers courses ranging from five hours to four to eight months, depending on your desired certification level.

Python

Python is currently the most sought-after programming language, according to the PopularitY of Programming Language (PYPL), which uses Google’s reports of the most searched-for programming language tutorials.

Python’s syntax is closer to English, making it relatively simple to learn. The uses of Python vary, but it is especially in demand in artificial intelligence (AI) development, machine learning (ML) development, building websites and desktop application development.

Online courses range in length from 10 hours to four months. Providers like Simplilearn and Ecornell offer certifications upon course completion.

Java

Java is one of the most popular programming languages. Ranking second in popularity, it remains commonly used and highly sought-after for many reasons. Programmers often use Java for mobile and desktop application programming and game development.

Because of the high demand for Java programmers, this language is desirable to know for coding or programming. Some Java bootcamps offer job guarantees to graduates who meet certain requirements. Check out our ranking of the best Java bootcamps.

JavaScript

In addition to HTML and CSS, JavaScript programs the operations in a webpage. JavaScript is a user-side scripting language that is intrinsically tied to the dynamic elements of a webpage.

Because JavaScript is one of the most common client-side programming languages, many programming employers look for this skill. The time it takes to master this language can vary depending on your course. WC3 offers a 30-hour course with an exam that awards a certificate upon passing.