What's the best programming language to learn when you're just starting out?

For pure employment purposes, Java is a mainstay: https://www.indeed.com/jobtrends/q-java-q-Python.html
However, Python is a little easier, and it is big in the field of machine learning, which is all the rage at the moment (and likely to be in the future).
Finally, there is an expectation across some of the industry that programmers will be "full stack" developers, with some understanding of UI development (so JavaScript, HTML, and a framework like AngularJS or React) as well as competency working on the server-side with Java, and a basic understanding of relational databases and SQL scripting. Having said that, the most important component there is Java. In my part of the industry it is expected. I know very knowledgeable developers who only know Java and SQL, and they know it very well, but I don't know any developers who lack at least some knowledge or experience with Java. I would recommend a prospective developer start with Java and to look forward to adding JavaScript and Python later.

All depends on what you want to get into. Like a lot of people said if you want to develop for mobile then Java, or Swift might be a good starting point. It also helps to look at the basics of programming that will help you across all languages.

I go with Java. Plenty of jobs out there, android...enterprise...web.