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
University of Michigan
Python 3 Programming
Skills you'll gain: Unified Modeling Language, JSON, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Software Design, Debugging, Object Oriented Design, Data Processing, Web Scraping, Unit Testing, Programming Principles, Data Import/Export, Restful API, Python Programming, Image Analysis, Data Manipulation, Jupyter, Maintainability, Data Structures, Software Engineering, File Management
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
23K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Johns Hopkins University
GPU Programming
Skills you'll gain: Artificial Neural Networks, Image Analysis, Event-Driven Programming, C and C++, Scalability, Deep Learning, Software Development, Machine Learning Methods, Performance Tuning, Linear Algebra, Distributed Computing, System Programming, Computer Graphics, Computer Hardware, Computer Vision, Numerical Analysis, Computer Architecture, OS Process Management, Data Structures, Performance Testing
Build toward a degree
2.7
Rating, 2.7 out of 5 stars
149 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 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
Simplilearn
Programming with C ++
Skills you'll gain: C and C++, C++ (Programming Language), Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Computer Programming, Programming Principles, Data Structures, Algorithms, Development Environment
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
19 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
LearnQuest
Core Java
Skills you'll gain: Java Programming, Spring Framework, Java, Eclipse (Software), Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Object Oriented Design, Integrated Development Environments, Development Environment, Java Platform Enterprise Edition (J2EE), Software Design, Software Installation, Computer Programming, Programming Principles, Program Development, Virtual Machines, Debugging, Package and Software Management, Data Structures, File Management
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
2.6K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
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
IBM
Introduction to Data Science
Skills you'll gain: SQL, Jupyter, Data Literacy, Data Mining, Peer Review, Data Modeling, Databases, Stored Procedure, Relational Databases, Database Design, Query Languages, Data Science, Database Management, Big Data, Data Cleansing, Data Visualization Software, GitHub, Business Analysis, Cloud Computing, Data Analysis
Build toward a degree
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
99K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
IBM
Introduction to R Programming for Data Science
Skills you'll gain: Data Manipulation, Web Scraping, R Programming, Data Analysis, Data Science, Data Structures, Data Import/Export, Exploratory Data Analysis, Programming Principles, Jupyter, Integrated Development Environments
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
565 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Vanderbilt University
MATLAB Programming for Engineers and Scientists
Skills you'll gain: Data Visualization, Image Analysis, Data Visualization Software, Matlab, Machine Learning Methods, Algorithms, User Interface (UI), Applied Machine Learning, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Statistical Methods, Mathematical Software, Engineering Calculations, Data Analysis, Data Processing, Engineering Analysis, Computer Programming, Programming Principles, UI Components, Software Design, Debugging
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
18K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Michigan
Python for Everybody
Skills you'll gain: Web Scraping, Data Processing, Relational Databases, JSON, Database Design, SQL, Network Protocols, Web Services, Restful API, Data Modeling, Programming Principles, Application Programming Interface (API), Data Structures, Data Collection, Data Visualization Software, Data Manipulation, Computer Programming, Python Programming, Scripting Languages, Data Import/Export
Build toward a degree
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
277K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 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, Software Design Patterns, Algorithms, Data Modeling, Test Data, Data Validation, User Interface (UI), Unit Testing, Data Import/Export, Command-Line Interface
Build toward a degree
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
218 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
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