The tech landscape is a vibrant chameleon, constantly shifting and evolving. But one thing remains constant: the power of programming languages to unlock its secrets.
There are roughly over 8000 programming languages available, so deciding which programming language should I learn can feel like navigating a jungle.
In 2024, your goal is to learn a new programming language?
Let's, dive and check what are the best programming languages to learn in 2024.
What is a Programming Language?
A programming language is a formal language used to instruct a computer to perform specific tasks or operations. It provides a set of rules, syntax, and commands that can be used to write software programs, scripts, and applications that can run on different platforms and hardware architectures.
Programming languages can be classified into different categories, such as high-level and low-level languages, object-oriented and procedural languages, and compiled and interpreted languages. Examples of popular programming languages include- Java, Python, C++, JavaScript, PHP, and Ruby etc.
Each programming language has its own strengths and weaknesses and is designed to be used for specific types of tasks. Programmers choose a language based on the project requirements, the programming environment, and their own skills and preferences.
What are programming languages used for?
Today, the use of programming has increased rapidly and software programming is still one of the fastest-growing technologies in the world.
Software programming is being used in almost every field.
From healthcare to finance, e-commerce to marketing, artificial intelligence to games development, and social sites, software programming has been included in almost every sector.
So, if you want to build or pursue your career in software programming and IT, then a question might come to your mind – What are the Best Programming Languages to learn in 2023?
Which programming language should I learn in 2023?
To answer that question, several factors need to be considered-
- Interest in Coding/Programming
- Career Goal / Objective of Learning
- Difficulty Levels & Willingness to Learn
- Creativity Skills Creativity Skills
- Level of Knowledge
Most Popular Programming Languages for 2024 -
1. JavaScript JavaScript:
Although JavaScript and Python are head-to-head for top positions, many studies show Javascript is the most popular programming language among developers. Stack Overflow's 2023 Developer's Survey, JavaScript is the most popular language among developers for the eleventh year in a row.
JavaScript is a powerful language that is widely used for web development, especially front-end development. It is also used in the development of mobile applications and desktop applications, making it a versatile language to learn.
Many surveys including Stack Overflow 2023 Survey. Github Survey, Redmonk Survey Statista survey has ranked JavaScript as the top programming language globally in 2023 and it is predicted that the position will remain the same in 2024.
JavaScript is a multi-paradigm language, it is the dominant client-side (front-end development) and server-side scripting language of the Web.
Over 97% of websites use JavaScript on the client side (front-end) for web page behavior.
Some of the world's biggest companies like Facebook, Google, Uber, and Microsoft are using JavaScript.
What is JavaScript Used for?
- JavaScript is used to create dynamic and interactive web pages by adding animations, pop-ups, and forms. It can be used to create desktop and mobile applications, server-side applications, and even robotics.
- Overall, JavaScript is a versatile language that has become an essential tool for web developers and programmers alike. Its ability to create dynamic and interactive user interfaces has made it a vital component in the modern web development ecosystem.
2. Python:
There has always been a tough competition between Python and JavaScript for the top spot.
Python: Python has been one of the most popular programming languages for many years, and it is only going to become more popular in 2024. With its simplicity, versatility, and huge library of modules, Python is an excellent tool for beginners and experts alike.
Python is an open-source and free programming language with extensive support modules and community development. It has user-friendly data structures and is easy to integrate with web services.
It is used in various fields, including machine learning, data science, web development, and more.
A StackOverflow states that most language programmers wish to learn Python.
The main reason for its popularity is that it is easy to learn and easy to use as it has quite simple syntax.
Python is widely used in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Data Science.
What is Python used for?
- Python is a high-level programming language used for a wide range of applications including web development, data analysis, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and more. It has a simple syntax and is easy to learn, making it a popular choice for beginners and experienced developers alike.
- Python is widely used for data analysis and scientific computing due to its extensive libraries such as NumPy, Pandas, and Matplotlib. It is also used for web development using frameworks like Django and Flask. Python's simplicity and versatility have made it a popular choice in the fields of artificial intelligence and machine learning.
- Python is a powerful language that has become an essential tool for developers in a variety of fields due to its simplicity, versatility, and extensive libraries.
3. Java :
Java is a class-based, robust, and object-oriented programming language owned by Oracle. It was originally created by Sun Micro Systems in 1995.
Java is a programming language that has been around for many years, and it is still used extensively in the development of enterprise-level applications. It is also used in Android app development, making it one of the top programming languages in 2023.
Java is popular for its writing once runs anywhere, which means that Java code can run on multiple platforms (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android) that support Java without recompilation.
There are approximately 8 million Java developers in the world.
Thousands of famous websites including Flipkart, Amazon, Infosys, HCL & IBM are using Java. There are approximately 3 million devices running applications built on Java.
Java is a high-demand programming language and has a wide range of career opportunities. The average salary of a Java developer can be between 5-9 LPA in India.
4. SQL
Think of SQL as your magical pickaxe, letting you:
- Retrieve data: Want to know how many customers bought blue sneakers last month? SQL lets you extract specific information like a skilled miner.
- Analyze data: Are sales soaring in one region? SQL helps you uncover hidden patterns and trends, turning raw data into insights.
- Manipulate data: Need to update customer email addresses, delete outdated records, or add new products? SQL gives you the tools to sculpt and refine your data like a master craftsman.
But SQL isn't just for data mining. It's a versatile tool for:
- Building dashboards: Track key metrics and present them in visually stunning ways.
- Powering web applications: From login forms to dynamic content, SQL often sits behind the scenes, making online experiences smooth and seamless.
- Driving business intelligence: Inform crucial decisions by drawing actionable conclusions from your data.
So, whether you're a data analyst, a developer, or simply curious about the world of information, learning SQL can empower you to:
Become a data detective: Uncover hidden truths and tell compelling stories with your data.
Automate tasks: Eliminate repetitive manual work and let SQL handle it for you.
Boost your career: In a data-driven world, SQL skills are highly sought-after, opening doors to exciting opportunities.
5. Go Programming Language or Golang:
Go is an open-source compiled and statically typed programming language developed by Google for APIs and web development.
It is a programming language designed for building large-scale distributed systems. It is particularly useful for cloud-based applications and microservices, making it a valuable language to learn in 2023
Go was designed to increase the productivity of programmers working on large projects. The syntax of the Go language is similar to that of many programming languages.
Go Programming Language is gaining popularity due to its key features like portability, concurrency, simplicity, ease of understanding, and speed.
Today Go is one of the fastest growing programming languages.
It is one of the highest-paying programming languages to learn in 2023. Companies that use the Go programming language include Google, Uber, Dropbox, and Twitch.
What is Go used for?
Go is often used to develop web applications, network tools, and system-level software, and is known for its fast compilation time, garbage collection, and concurrency support. It also includes built-in support for creating and managing multiple threads, making it suitable for parallel programming tasks.
Go has become a popular language for developers who value simplicity, efficiency, and concurrency, and it continues to be used in a wide range of applications and industries.
6. Kotlin:
Kotlin is a modern, statically typed programming language that runs on the Java Virtual Machine (JVM). It was developed by JetBrains, a software development company based in Russia, and released in 2011. Kotlin is an open-source language used for web development, Android app development, and server-side programming.
Can be used for a wide variety of applications including hand development.
One of the key features of Kotlin is its interoperability with Java. Kotlin code can be compiled into Java bytecode and use any Java library, making it easy to integrate Kotlin into existing Java projects. Kotlin also offers many modern language features that make it more concise, secure, and expressive than Java, such as null safety, data classes, lambdas, and coroutines.
What is Kotlin used for?
Kotlin is particularly popular for Android app development because it offers many advantages over Java, including better code readability, less boilerplate code, and better support for functional programming. Kotlin also offers better support for reactive programming, which is becoming increasingly important in mobile app development.
Apart from Android app development, Kotlin is also used for server-side development with frameworks like Spring and Ktor. Kotlin is a versatile language that can be used for a wide range of applications, and its popularity continues to grow as more developers discover its benefits.
7. PHP:
PHP is a general-purpose server-side scripting language that is particularly suitable for web development and web designing.
PHP can also be used for Commanded Scripting and Desktop Application Development.
PHP is easy to learn. PHP is compatible with almost all platforms. It is easy to integrate with HTML, CSS, JavaScript, etc. It has huge community support. About 24% of websites globally use PHP.
PHP (HyperText Preprocessor) is a popular server-side scripting language used to develop dynamic web applications. It is widely used to create websites and web applications that require interaction with databases.
Many popular brands still use PHP, including Facebook, Wikipedia, Slack, Tumblr, and WordPress.
What is PHP used for?
- PHP is compatible with almost all operating systems, web servers, and databases, making it a highly versatile language. It can be used to create everything from simple web pages to complex enterprise-level applications.
- PHP offers a wide range of features, including easy integration with HTML and CSS, powerful database integration, and compatibility with various web servers.
- PHP code can be embedded directly into HTML code or it can be used in combination with other technologies such as JavaScript and AJAX to create highly interactive web applications.
8. Swift:
Swift is a general-purpose open-source programming language developed by Apple. Swift is a general-purpose open-source programming language developed by Apple.
Swift is a programming language used to develop iOS and macOS applications. It is known for its speed, security, and ease of use, making it a great language to learn for mobile app development.
Swift is designed to be a secure, easy-to-use alternative to the more established Objective-C. As a result, programming in Swift has many advantages:
- Safety
- Speed
- Cross-Platform usability
- Intuitive
- accessible
- Objective-C interoperability
Swift is a widely available, free programming language. As an open-source language, you'll get third-party tools, help when you need it, and a knowledgeable community
What is Swift used for?
9. C#
It is an object-oriented programming language developed by Microsoft. It is part of the .NET Framework. It was first introduced in 2000 and has since become one of the most popular programming languages, especially for Windows application development.
C# is designed to be simple, powerful, and efficient. It is a type-safe language, which means it provides strict compile-time checks to prevent errors and ensure the reliability of the code. C# also supports modern language features like lambda expressions, extension methods, and async/await, which make it easier to write expressive, maintainable code.
What is C# used for?
- C# is used for a wide range of applications, including desktop applications, web applications, game development, and mobile app development. C# is particularly popular for Windows application development, as it provides a high level of integration with the Windows operating system and other Microsoft technologies.
- C# is also widely used for web development with the ASP.NET framework.
Let's Wrap Up-
- Versatility Reigns: Languages like JavaScript and Python offer wide applicability, making them ideal for beginners and seasoned developers alike.
- Specialization Matters: Java and Go excel in specific areas like enterprise applications and cloud development, catering to those with focused career paths.
- The Future is Now: Emerging languages like Kotlin and Swift hold immense potential for mobile app development and beyond.
- Community Counts: Choose a language with a strong community for support and guidance along your learning journey.