What are programming languages?

Programming languages are languages that are made up of instructions for computers and other machines to solve problems, perform tasks, or analyze data. A computer processes every action or bit of data into binary code, which consists of ones and zeroes. A programming language takes command from a human language and translates it into binary code for the computer to process. There are two types of programming languages: low-level and high-level. Low-level languages are closer to binary code and easier for the computer to understand, while high-level languages are more sophisticated and take more time for a machine to process.

Why is learning programming languages important?

Learning programming languages is important because you can use them to develop new software and applications that others can use. Computer programming is increasingly important in a technologically connected world, and if you know how to use programming languages, you can help create innovative technologies that make life easier and better for consumers. The computer industry will continue to grow, and companies are constantly looking for employees with a thorough knowledge of programming languages who can work to develop the next generation of applications and devices.

What career opportunities can arise from learning programming languages?

The computer programming industry has a vast array of lucrative jobs for employees who understand programming languages, from software and app developers to systems administrators to network security engineers. Opportunities include designing and programming apps and software as well as working as a programmer who helps correct errors in existing software packages. A job as a database administrator allows you to help clients analyze large amounts of information and even recover data that’s been lost. You can also find work as a systems or intelligence analyst and help companies match their computing power to their business objectives and take advantage of new trends.

How can online courses help me learn programming languages?

Online courses in programming languages can show you the basic structure and concepts behind the languages that computers and machines use today so that you can put them to use in your current workplace or in a brand new career. You might also learn the applications of various programming languages in different environments. Courses can help you understand Python, C++, Java, or other popular languages, as well as learn specific uses of these languages across multiple industries. You may also have the opportunity to discover the new programming languages that are on the horizon.

What are the benefits of taking an online Programming Languages course?

Online Programming Languages courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your knowledge or learn new Programming Languages skills. Choose from a wide range of Programming Languages courses offered by top universities and industry leaders tailored to various skill levels.

What Programming Languages courses are best for training and upskilling employees or the workforce?

When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Programming Languages, it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here .

Top Programming Languages Courses - Learn Programming Languages Online

Explore the Programming Languages Course Catalog

Status: Free Trial
Johns Hopkins University
R Programming
Skills you'll gain: Statistical Analysis, R Programming, Statistical Programming, Data Analysis, Debugging, Simulations, Computer Programming Tools, Program Development, Data Structures, Performance Tuning, Data Import/Export
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
22K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Vanderbilt University
Introduction to Programming with MATLAB
Skills you'll gain: Matlab, Computer Programming, Programming Principles, UI Components, Software Design, Debugging, Mathematical Software, Development Environment, Computer Science, File Management, Algorithms, Data Import/Export, Data Structures, Engineering Calculations, Plot (Graphics), Data Management
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
18K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Michigan
C Programming for Everybody
Skills you'll gain: C (Programming Language), C++ (Programming Language), Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Data Structures, Programming Principles, Algorithms, Computer Programming, Software Design, Application Security, Other Programming Languages, Python Programming, System Programming, Java, Performance Tuning, Numerical Analysis, Unix, Computer Science, Debugging
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
161 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Peking University
Chinese for Beginners
Skills you'll gain: Language Learning, Language Competency, Vocabulary, Oral Expression, Oral Comprehension
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
20K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
IBM
IBM AI Engineering
Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, Large Language Modeling, PyTorch (Machine Learning Library), Supervised Learning, Feature Engineering, Generative AI, Keras (Neural Network Library), Deep Learning, Jupyter, Natural Language Processing, Reinforcement Learning, Unsupervised Learning, Generative AI Agents, Scikit Learn (Machine Learning Library), Image Analysis, Data Manipulation, Tensorflow, Python Programming, Verification And Validation, Artificial Neural Networks
Build toward a degree
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
20K reviews
Intermediate · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Meta
Meta Full-Stack Developer
Skills you'll gain: Jest (JavaScript Testing Framework), Django (Web Framework), Version Control, Restful API, Responsive Web Design, Unix Commands, HTML and CSS, Git (Version Control System), GitHub, Relational Databases, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Database Management Systems, Bootstrap (Front-End Framework), React.js, Mobile Development, SQL, Database Design, Unit Testing, Javascript, Web Development
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
23K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Meta
Meta Front-End Developer
Skills you'll gain: Jest (JavaScript Testing Framework), Version Control, UI/UX Research, Usability Testing, Responsive Web Design, Data Structures, Unix Commands, HTML and CSS, Git (Version Control System), Persona (User Experience), GitHub, Interaction Design, User Experience Design, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, Bootstrap (Front-End Framework), React.js, Mobile Development, Front-End Web Development, Algorithms, Javascript
Build toward a degree
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
22K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
IBM
IBM AI Developer
Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, HTML and CSS, Software Development Life Cycle, Software Architecture, Large Language Modeling, Unit Testing, Generative AI, Artificial Intelligence, Software Design, ChatGPT, Jupyter, Scrum (Software Development), Software Engineering, Agile Methodology, Bootstrap (Front-End Framework), Web Design, Application Deployment, Automation, Interviewing Skills, Professional Networking
Build toward a degree
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
69K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of London
Object Oriented Programming
Skills you'll gain: Pseudocode, C++ (Programming Language), Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Object Oriented Design, Integrated Development Environments, Development Environment, Programming Principles, Debugging, Data Structures, Computer Programming, Program Development, Algorithms, Test Data, Data Validation, User Interface (UI), Unit Testing, Data Import/Export, Data Management, Command-Line Interface, Statistical Programming
Build toward a degree
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
219 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Duke University
Rust Programming
Skills you'll gain: Rust (Programming Language), Containerization, Data Pipelines, CI/CD, Docker (Software), DevOps, Jenkins, Unit Testing, Large Language Modeling, Test Case, Restful API, Serverless Computing, Generative AI, Command-Line Interface, Amazon Web Services, Software Testing, Maintainability, Prometheus (Software), System Monitoring, MLOps (Machine Learning Operations)
4
Rating, 4 out of 5 stars
208 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Duke University
Data Analysis with R
Skills you'll gain: Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Sampling (Statistics), Statistical Inference, Exploratory Data Analysis, Regression Analysis, Statistical Reporting, Probability Distribution, Statistical Methods, Data Analysis Software, R Programming, Bayesian Statistics, Statistical Analysis, Data Analysis, Statistical Software, Statistical Modeling, Probability & Statistics, Probability, Statistics, Correlation Analysis, Data Literacy
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
7.5K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Google
Google IT Automation with Python
Skills you'll gain: Git (Version Control System), GitHub, Version Control, Cloud Services, Debugging, Puppet (Configuration Management Tool), Infrastructure as Code (IaC), Bash (Scripting Language), Configuration Management, Professional Networking, CI/CD, Cloud Computing, Technical Communication, Docker (Software), Unit Testing, Containerization, Web Services, Interviewing Skills, Python Programming, Programming Principles
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
48K reviews
Advanced · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months