How to Improve Programming Skills

Computer programming skills are in high demand, making now an ideal time to improve your programming abilities. When deciding on a programming language to learn, it’s important to consider how you intend to use it. For example, if you want to learn to query data, SQL is a good fit. If you’re more interested in building websites, take a look at JavaScript. However, you certainly don’t have to limit yourself to learning just one programming language, as professionals in IT fields often know several.

Learn more about how to improve your programming skills, from beginner to advanced languages, and the ways you can go about learning them.

Essential programming skills

Regardless of your current knowledge of programming languages, computer programming can help you build essential skills beyond the technical side of things to help you succeed. The ability to solve problems and think critically will allow you to become a better programmer by understanding how to resolve issues that arise. Strong attention to detail is also beneficial as it helps you create cleaner code with fewer errors. 

Basic programming skills

Basic programming skills and concepts to know include data types, variables, loops, functions, and conditionals:

• Data types: Data types determine how the data can be used. Some examples of data types are string, integer, character, date, and Boolean.

• Variables: A variable is a form of memory that can change, allowing you to alter the values of your equations under different conditions. 

• Loops: Loops are sequences of code that repeat multiple times for more manageable code and simple debugging. 

• Functions: Functions are a reusable portion of code that performs a specific designated task.

• Conditionals: Conditionals are an important part of the flow of data in programming as they evaluate conditions as either true or false, determining how to proceed.

Intermediate programming skills

To take your skills beyond the basics and become a more efficient programmer, you will need to develop your working knowledge of libraries and frameworks. Libraries are collections of prewritten code that you can use when starting a program rather than having to write each line from the beginning. 

Frameworks also contain prewritten code. However, the code in libraries is for completing a specific task, while frameworks provide more of an overall structure for you to follow, but leave room for your own input and customizations.

Advanced programming skills

In order to develop quality computer programs at an advanced level, you’ll want to learn about data structures and algorithms. Data structures come in two forms: linear and nonlinear. In linear data structures, every object has a predecessor as well as a successor, directly linking it to the elements surrounding it. 

In nonlinear data structures, such as graphs and trees, the various elements don’t have a sequential component and contain multiple levels, making them useful for complex algorithms. 

Algorithms are a sequential set of instructions that you follow to complete a specific task. As a programmer, you will use algorithms to give computers the power to perform tasks like calculations or sorting through arrays.

Range of programming languages

The list of potential programming languages that you can learn is long. To help you navigate your choices, consider directing your efforts toward some of the most popular programming languages:

• Python

• JavaScript

• C++

• C#

• Java

Beyond these staple programming languages, it’s also worth taking a look at some newer and growing programming languages:

• Julia

• Rust

• Swift

• Mojo

How to improve programming skills

To improve your programming skills, it’s helpful to start with a beginner-friendly language before progressing to more advanced options. You can access many different resources to start growing your programming skills, whether by earning a degree or enrolling in boot camps and online courses.

Master beginner programming languages.

Begin with one of the beginner-friendly programming languages. Options falling into this category include Python, Java, and JavaScript, each with its own unique features:

• Python: Python is an object-oriented programming language with simple syntax that makes learning easier. This is a versatile language that you can use for data science, machine learning, web development, network development, and more.

• Java: Java is a popular programming language for developing web applications, with libraries built in to support the development process. Designed with ease of use in mind, Java has cross-platform capabilities so you can run the same program on different systems. 

• JavaScript: With JavaScript, you can create interactive websites, making it a popular choice for web and mobile application development. JavaScript is unique for being the one programming language that runs in every web browser.

Learn advanced programming languages.

Advanced programming languages often have multiple programming paradigms that support various programming styles, more niche use cases, and challenging syntax that can make them more difficult to learn. If you’re looking to learn advanced programming languages, the following are some of your options:

• C++: C++ is a common choice for game development, machine learning, and data mining. Its multi-paradigm and complex syntax make it better suited for advanced programmers.

• Lisp: Artificial intelligence developers use Lisp for machine learning and natural language processing. Its strong ability to handle symbolic expressions makes it a powerful language for AI. However, its unique syntax and use of higher-order functions may create challenges for you during your learning.

• Prolog: Prolog is another advanced programming language used in the AI space for natural language processing and automation. Prolog uses unique data structures that can pose a challenge, but it benefits from a relatively basic syntax.

Earn a degree.

Many computer programmers choose to go the degree route, as some employers prefer candidates with a degree. You have several options when it comes to choosing a degree where you can develop your programming skills. A bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or software engineering are all viable options.

Join a boot camp.

Coding boot camps help you to learn programming skills in a short time frame, with boot camps typically lasting anywhere from four to six months. Besides the efficiency of boot camps, they also offer an opportunity to learn specific skills based on the programming career you want to pursue.

Take an online course.

You can find online courses that cover a wide range of programming languages. On Coursera, you’ll find programming courses ranging from beginner to intermediate and advanced, so you can further develop your programming skills regardless of your current abilities. For example, the Data Visualization & Dashboarding with R Specialization from Johns Hopkins University will help you learn to create interactive data visualizations using the R programming language.

Get certified.

Programming certifications are not only a way for you to improve your programming skills, but they also help you to verify those skills to employers to make yourself a stronger job candidate and stay up to date with the latest techniques. If you’re seeking an entry-level Python position, a PCEP Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer certification from the Python Institute can verify your skills in foundational Python tasks. The Oracle Certified Foundations Associate, Java credential is another option for demonstrating your skills in basic Java concepts and helping you advance in your career.

Programming career opportunities

The number of programming careers you can choose to pursue is extensive, as programming skills are in high demand. Take a look at some of these potential career paths and the average annual salary of each:

• Web developer: $81,404

• Computer programmer: $89,111

• Business intelligence analyst: $94,060

• Software developer: $95,521

• Cybersecurity analyst: $102,081

• System administrator: $92,996

• Data scientist: $114,060

• DevOps engineer: $114,273

*All annual base salary data is sourced from Glassdoor as of June 2025 and does not include additional pay, such as commission and benefits.

Improve your programming skills with Coursera

You can improve your programming skills in many different ways, such as earning a degree, enrolling in a boot camp, completing a certification, or taking online courses. On Coursera, you will find highly rated courses to take your programming skills to the next level and pursue a programming career. The Information Technology and Cloud Fundamentals Specialization from IBM can help you grow your skills in programming, cloud computing, networking, cybersecurity, and more. Stanford and DeepLearning.AI’s Machine Learning Specialization provides an opportunity for you to use Python and its machine learning libraries for building neural networks and recommender systems.