Top AI programming languages

By: Thomas Broderick, Edited by: Gabriela Pérez Jordán, Reviewed by: Jeff Le

Published: June 18, 2025

5 AI programming languages you should learn

Python

Python's data manipulation and integration tools make it an excellent language to familiarize yourself with if you want to learn AI programming. The language works well with large language models (LLMs) and can automate repetitive coding tasks. Learning Python fundamentals can train you to write code that extracts relevant information from large datasets. An AI certificate program can also help you build foundational Python skills.

R

Learn R to explore the connection between computer programming and machine/deep learning. The language lets you collect and visualize the datasets LLMs need to operate. R also helps AI programmers develop the algorithms LLMs use to make predictions.

Start your journey by researching R programming courses and certificates. Courses can help you explore R's ability to visualize data and its role in applied data science.

Java

Java's emphasis on libraries and frameworks lets AI programmers automate tasks and write algorithms. These and other helpful tools can help you build machine learning models, such as LLMs. Java also offers faster runtimes and easier scaling than other languages.

Java courses and programs can help you learn object-oriented programming and different computer science applications. These tools can benefit you outside of AI programming, as the vast majority of large corporations use Java.

Julia

Launched in 2009, Julia is a great choice if you want to explore deep learning and AI's impact on financial analysis, climate modeling, and bioinformatics. It features many similarities to Python and Java while letting programmers access older C and Fortran libraries. Other advantages include dynamic typing and negative array indexing.

C++

Although C++ dates back to the 1980s, it plays an essential role in modern AI programming. Machine learning models such as LLMs run well on C++. Other advantages, including memory management, adaptive caching, and libraries, make C++ great in applications requiring significant resources.

You can start learning C++ with an online course or program.

Your next steps to learn AI programming with edX

The AI industry is evolving rapidly. Stay up to date with online AI courses and programs and learn how to prepare for in-demand AI jobs. Use the following steps to get started with AI programming languages through edX.

1. Take a beginner AI course to learn the fundamentals.
2. Earn an AI certificate to improve your skills and your résumé.
3. Complete an executive education program in AI to become an AI expert in your field and improve your leadership skills.