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: New
Status: Free Trial
Vanderbilt University
AI Agent Developer
Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, ChatGPT, Generative AI Agents, Generative AI, OpenAI, Ideation, Verification And Validation, Data Validation, Data Presentation, Productivity, AI Personalization, Document Management, Python Programming, Agentic systems, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Artificial Intelligence, Personalized Service, Large Language Modeling, Risk Management Framework, Expense Management
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
7K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Google
Process Data from Dirty to Clean
Skills you'll gain: Data Cleansing, Sampling (Statistics), Data Integrity, Data Quality, Data Validation, Sample Size Determination, Data Analysis, Data Manipulation, SQL, Data Transformation, Spreadsheet Software
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
18K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
IBM
Generative AI for Data Analysts
Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, Generative AI, ChatGPT, Data Storytelling, OpenAI, Analytics, Data Analysis, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Dashboard, Large Language Modeling, Data Ethics, Artificial Intelligence, Program Development, Data Visualization Software, SQL, Python Programming, Query Languages, Content Creation, Image Analysis, Virtual Environment
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
6.8K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
LearnQuest
Object-Oriented Programming Concepts
Skills you'll gain: Unified Modeling Language, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Object Oriented Design, Test Driven Development (TDD), Software Design Patterns, Software Design, Programming Principles, Computer Programming, Software Architecture, Software Development Methodologies, Distributed Computing
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
143 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
IBM
Generative AI for Java and Spring Developers
Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, Generative AI, ChatGPT, Large Language Modeling, Restful API, Spring Framework, Data Ethics, Natural Language Processing, OpenAI, Application Deployment, Artificial Intelligence, Software Development Tools, Software Testing, Test Automation, Software Development, DevSecOps, Application Security, CI/CD, Application Programming Interface (API), Java
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
6.8K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of California, Santa Cruz
C++ For C Programmers, Part A
Skills you'll gain: C++ (Programming Language), Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Algorithms, C (Programming Language), Programming Principles, Computer Programming, Data Structures, Debugging
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
2.3K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of California San Diego
Data Structures and Algorithms
Skills you'll gain: Data Structures, Graph Theory, Algorithms, Network Routing, Program Development, Debugging, Network Model, Bioinformatics, Operations Research, Data Storage, Development Testing, Test Engineering, Software Testing, Theoretical Computer Science, Computational Thinking, Network Analysis, Test Case, Programming Principles, Computer Programming, Epidemiology
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
17K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Pennsylvania
Business and Financial Modeling
Skills you'll gain: Risk Modeling, Financial Statements, Probability Distribution, Mathematical Modeling, Statistical Modeling, Portfolio Management, Regression Analysis, Business Modeling, Financial Modeling, Strategic Decision-Making, Risk Management, Presentations, Decision Making, Data Visualization, Microsoft PowerPoint, Predictive Modeling, Investment Management, Data Modeling, Spreadsheet Software, Google Sheets
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
11K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Meta
Meta React Native
Skills you'll gain: React Native, Jest (JavaScript Testing Framework), Version Control, UI/UX Research, Usability Testing, Unix Commands, Restful API, Git (Version Control System), Persona (User Experience), GitHub, Interaction Design, User Experience Design, SQL, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, User Interface (UI), User Experience, Mobile Development, Design Research, React.js, Javascript
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
11K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Google
Google Advanced Data Analytics
Skills you'll gain: Exploratory Data Analysis, Data Storytelling, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Data Ethics, Data Visualization Software, Sampling (Statistics), Data Presentation, Regression Analysis, Feature Engineering, Data Transformation, Descriptive Statistics, Professional Networking, Data Visualization, Tableau Software, Data Manipulation, Statistical Analysis, Statistical Machine Learning, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Data Analysis, Interviewing Skills
Build toward a degree
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
6.3K reviews
Advanced · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
IBM
Generative AI for Mobile App Developers
Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, Generative AI, ChatGPT, Large Language Modeling, AI Personalization, Mobile Development, Data Ethics, OpenAI, Artificial Intelligence, Software Development Tools, Software Testing, Test Automation, Software Development, Machine Learning Methods, DevSecOps, Application Security, CI/CD, Cloud Applications, Natural Language Processing, Cloud Development
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
6.8K reviews
Advanced · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
IBM
Generative AI for Software Developers
Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, Generative AI, ChatGPT, Large Language Modeling, Data Ethics, OpenAI, Artificial Intelligence, Software Development Tools, Software Testing, Test Automation, Software Development, DevSecOps, Application Security, CI/CD, Natural Language Processing, Code Review, Program Development, Software Architecture, Content Creation, Image Analysis
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
6.8K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months