For programming, some languages are designed with ease of learning in mind to make coding intuitive; on the other hand, some coding languages push developers to their limits. In this detailed guide, you will get to know about the 8 hardest programming languages that surely test the patience level, problem-solving abilities, and skills of even experienced developers. No matter whether you are a seasoned developer or a newbie, this blog explains everything you need to know about certain coding languages.
Why are Programming Languages Hard to Learn in 2026?
Before getting into the details of each programming language, let’s find out why it is difficult for programmers to learn some coding languages:
- The verbose, rigid, or counterintuitive syntax of some programming languages makes it hard to learn.
- Low-level operations, functional and logical paradigms, can feel unnatural.
- Steep learning curves are associated with the most difficult programming languages.
- Limited communities and resources of some of the hardest programming languages are the key reasons behind their complexity.
8 Hardest Coding Languages
Let’s dig into all difficult scripting languages one by one:
1. Assembly Language
Assembly’s closeness to machine learning makes it the hardest programming language. With this language, developers have to manually handle memory and must develop a deep understanding of architecture. Here’s an example of printing “Hello” in Assembly language for your understanding:
section . data
msg db ’ Hello’ , 0
section . text
global _ start
_ start:
mov edx , 5 ; message length
mov ecx , msg ; message to write
mov ebx , 1 ; file descriptor ( stdout )
mov eax , 4 ; system call ( sys_write )
int 0 x 80 ; call kernel
mov eax , 1 ; system call ( sys_exit )
int 0 x 80
2. Prolog
The logical programming principles are behind Prolog’s operations. Here with Prolog, full stack developers define relationships and rules rather than writing step-by-step instructions while coding. This way, they let the program infer solutions itself. That’s the reason it becomes a tricky language to deal with. Here’s a family tree written in Prolog:
parent ( john , mary ).
parent ( mary , susan ).
grandparent ( X , Y ) :- parent ( X , Z ) , parent ( Z , Y ).
3. C++
Although C++ is one of the most powerful programming languages in operating systems, real-time apps, and game engines. This power is derived from features like multiple inheritance, pointers, and manual memory management. Here’s an example of pointer usage in the C++ coding language:
include < iostream >
using namespace std;
int main ( ){
int value = 42;
int* ptr = & value ; // pointer to value
cout << ” Value:” << * ptr << endl;
return 0;
}
4. Malbolge
Intentionally Malbolge is developed to be almost impossible to write or even read. It is popular as a puzzle or brain twister of scripting languages. Another important thing here is that many programs are created via automated tools instead of writing them manually. Malbolge’s non-intuitive and cryptic syntax, limited online resources, and long programs make it difficult to grasp.
5. Haskell
In contrast with imperative coding languages, Haskell utilizes functions as first-class citizens, avoiding different side effects. Being a pure functional scripting language, Haskell needs a new mindset to learn. Although it’s excellent for mathematical computations, hard for people with procedural backgrounds. Here is how to do the factorial function in Haskell:
factorial 0 = 1
factorial n = n * factorial ( n – 1 )
6. Rust
In the system-level programming domain, Rust is becoming popular. With any garbage collection, it ensures memory safety. However, its strict compiler checks and ownership model make it quite challenging. Below is an ownership example in Rust:
fn main ( ){
let s1 = String :: from ( ” Hello ” );
let s2 = s1; // s1 is moved to s2
println! ( ” { }” , s2 );
// println! ( ” { }” , s1 ) ; // Error : s1 is no longer valid
}
7. Brainfuck
Despite having simple commands, Brainfuck is really hard to understand and write due to its abstraction. That’s the reason it is rarely adopted in production. Here’ s a Hello World example in Brainfuck:
++++++++++ [ > +++++++> ++++++++++> +++> +<<<<-] >++. >+.+++++++…+++.>++. << +++++++++++++++.>.+++.——.——–.>+.>.
8. Erlang
Specially designed for distributed and highly concurrent systems, Erlang is a functional programming language. It powers different messaging applications such as WhatsApp, and telecommunication systems as well. Rather than threads, the concurrency model of Erlang utilizes lightweight processes. A basic Erlang function is given here:
-module ( math ).
-export ([ factorial / 1 ]).
factorial ( 0 ) -> 1;
factorial ( N ) -> N * factorial ( N-1 ).
Wrapping Up
Although easy coding languages like JavaScript and Python are popular among developers, grasping the hardest programming languages will open new avenues for them. From Assembly language to Erlang, each one is packed with advanced features and unique challenges at the same time. If you are ready to take up these challenges and push your limits, let’s start today!