In today's web and software development scene, Python leads the pack, followed closely by Java, JavaScript, and C++. These languages are widely recognized and utilized across various projects and industries. Learning a programming language isn't just about picking up technical skills; it's about sharpening problem-solving abilities and positioning oneself for career growth. Whether you're aiming to enhance your coding prowess or pursue a tech career, becoming proficient in a programming language can open doors to lucrative opportunities. However, with hundreds of programming languages out there, choosing where to start can be daunting. Each language has its strengths and is suited to different types of projects and goals. That's where this article comes in—it narrows down the options by highlighting the top ten languages to learn in 2024. Let's dive in and explore the best languages to focus on this year.
Python
Python is known for its versatility in the world of programming. It's not limited to one task but can handle many different jobs efficiently. From crunching numbers and creating visualizations to building websites and automating repetitive tasks, Python does it all.
One reason developers love Python is its simplicity. Its clean and readable syntax makes it easy to understand and write code, even for beginners. Plus, Python supports multiple programming styles, so you can choose the approach that works best for your project.
Another big advantage of Python is its open-source nature. This means that anyone can see and modify the code that makes up Python. So if you need to tweak something to better suit your needs, you can do it.
Learning Python is a great way to dip your toes into the world of programming. Its English-like syntax makes it less intimidating for newcomers. And once you've mastered Python, a wide range of career opportunities opens up to you. Whether you're interested in analyzing data, building software, or delving into artificial intelligence, there's a role for Python developers in almost every industry.
Ideal for: Beginners
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Skill Requirement: Basic front-end knowledge
Application: Back-end web development; Desktop applications; Data science; Automation; Deep learning applications; Machine learning and scientific computing.
Average Income of a Developer: $96,890 per year
Ranking: Preferred by 43.51% of developers on Stack Overflow; Ranked as the number one programming language on PYPL as of April 2024; Ranked number one on most popular programming language on TIOBE as of April 2024
C#
C# is a programming language based on object-oriented principles, which organize software design around objects. Recognized for its fast performance and enhanced stability, C# stands out among programming languages. It has a simpler syntax and a clearly defined class structure, making it easier to learn compared to predecessors like C and C++.
Initially developed by Microsoft for its .NET framework, C# has evolved to be compatible with both Windows and Linux systems. This versatility positions it as a prime choice for creating graphical user interface (GUI) desktop applications.
Moreover, C# finds application in a variety of contexts, including mobile and enterprise software development. This means developers can create apps for both Android and iOS platforms and develop games in Unity, spanning 2D and 3D realms.
Given its versatility and demand, C# is highly sought after in the job market, particularly by web development firms. Opportunities for C# developers extend to roles such as software engineers and game or mobile app developers.
Ideal for: Beginners & intermediates
Level of Difficulty: Moderate Skill Requirement: Basic familiarity with C and the object-oriented programming language approach
Application: Web Applications; Mobile Apps; Game and VR Development; Applications for Linux and Mac.
Average Income of a Developer: $84,243 a year
Ranking: Chosen by 29.72% of developers on Stack Overflow; Ranked as the fifth most popular programming language on PYPL as of April 2024; Holding the fifth position on the TIOBE index as of April 2024
C++
C++ is an upgraded version of C and is widely used in computing. Its versatility makes it the best language to learn. It's known for its speed and power, allowing developers to create high-performance applications like games, graphics software, and web browsers.
C++ combines low- and high-level language features, making it great for system programming while still being useful for smaller projects. It supports multiple programming styles, including object-oriented, generic, and imperative. However, learning C++ can be tough for beginners due to its more complex syntax compared to other languages.
Proficiency in C++ is essential for many IT roles, including software developers and programming architects. C++ developer jobs are in high demand due to the language's complexity. So, it's important to highlight C++ skills on a web developer's resume to get the best offers.
Ideal for: Experienced Programmers/Coders
Level of Difficulty: High
Skill Requirement: Problem-solving, computer functions, and basic programming knowledge.
Application: Software; Operating Systems; Mobile Application Development; Videogames Development; Client-Side and Server-Side Application Development; Machine Learning.
Average Income of a Developer: $89,736 per year
Ranking: Chosen by 20.17% of developers on Stack Overflow; Ranked as the fourth most popular programming language on PYPL as of April 2024; Climbed up to the third position on the TIOBE index as of April 2024.
JavaScript
JavaScript, alongside HTML and CSS, stands out as the best programming language for web front-end development. It is utilized by 97.8% of all web pages for their client-side scripts, establishing it as the predominant language in this domain.
This language is commonly used to enhance the interactivity of web pages, enabling developers to incorporate dynamic elements such as animated graphics, clickable buttons, and mouseover effects. Moreover, JavaScript is well-suited for the development of web applications due to its intuitive design.
In summary, JavaScript is relatively straightforward to learn, making it an ideal choice for individuals considering a career as a web programmer. JavaScript developers can also explore opportunities as UI/UX designers, full-stack developers, and software engineers.
Ideal for: Beginners
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Skill Requirement: Basic coding skills and familiarity with HTML and CSS.
Application: Front-End Web Development; Game Development; Web Applications.
Average Income of a Developer: JavaScript programmers earn an average salary of $90,864 per year
Ranking: Chosen by 67.9% of developers on Stack Overflow; Ranked as the third most popular programming language on PYPL as of April 2024; Climbed up to the sixth position on the TIOBE index as of April 2024.
PHP
PHP is often regarded as one of the foundational back-end languages for aspiring web developers. Moreover, it serves as the primary language for WordPress, with 78.1% of websites relying on PHP.
Compared to its counterparts, PHP is relatively easier to learn. With plenty of beginner-friendly resources and straightforward syntax, it proves accessible to newcomers.
Moreover, PHP provides access to top-tier frameworks like Laravel, Symfony, and CodeIgniter, enhancing efficiency in website and application development.
Despite being one of the oldest languages in the field, PHP remains in high demand as an open-source option. PHP programmers can utilize it for various purposes, from writing command-line scripts to developing server-side scripts and desktop applications.
Ideal for: Beginners
Level of Difficulty: Very easy
Skill Requirement: Basic coding knowledge, more specifically in CSS and HTML Application: Web Development; Desktop Applications; Software.
Average Income of a Developer: $79,499 per year
Ranking: Chosen by 21.42% of developers on Stack Overflow; Ranked seventh as the most popular programming language on PYPL as of April 2024; Ranked 17th on the TIOBE index as of April 2024.
Swift
Swift, a recent addition to programming languages, emerged as an alternative to Objective-C, which had long been the cornerstone of Apple's software development.
Developers embraced Swift for its contemporary features, including concurrent programming and automated memory management, as well as its enhanced speed and ease of use compared to Objective-C.
Consequently, Swift has cemented its position as the top language of choice for Apple product development and is experiencing rapid growth in popularity. For aspiring developers interested in developing Apple products, Swift is a logical starting point.
Furthermore, expertise in iOS app development is highly valued, given Apple's significant dominance in the smartphone market, making it a lucrative field to pursue.
Ideal for: Beginners
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Skill Requirement: None
Application: Software Development, specifically for macOS and iOS applications
Average Income of a Developer: $89,736 per year
Ranking: Chosen by 5.18% of developers on Stack Overflow; Ranked ninth as the most popular programming language on PYPL as of April 2024; Ranked 14th on the TIOBE index as of April 2024.
Java
Java, a proprietary programming language developed by Oracle, is a versatile high-level language that facilitates the creation of various applications. Renowned for its "write once, run anywhere" capability, Java allows code to operate seamlessly across different operating systems.
Java's syntax, reminiscent of real-world tasks, and its object-oriented structure contribute to its ease of use. Moreover, the emergence of new Java frameworks like Spring and Hibernate enhances the convenience of application development.
With Java, developers can tackle a wide range of tasks, from software engineering and backend web development to data science and big data analytics. Its robust security features also make it a popular choice in financial services.
One of Java's strengths lies in its transferable skills, enabling Java programmers to adapt quickly to new languages. As a result, Java is an excellent starting point for aspiring programmers.
Furthermore, the demand for Java developers remains strong, offering a variety of job opportunities such as software engineer, QA analyst, project manager, and UX designer.
Ideal for: Beginners
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Skill Requirement: Basic knowledge of programming.
Application: Mobile Development; Applications Development; Desktop Applications; Web Applications; Game Development; Machine Learning and Scientific Computing.
Average Income of a Developer: $93,118 a year
Ranking: Chosen by 33.4% of developers on Stack Overflow; Ranked second in the most popular programming language on PYPL as of April 2024; Ranked 4th on the TIOBE index as of April 2024.
Go
Go, also known as Golang, was developed for crafting APIs, GUI-based desktop applications, and web applications. Despite being a relatively young language, Go has swiftly emerged as one of the fastest-growing programming languages.
One of Go's standout features is its support for concurrent programming, enabling developers to leverage multi-core CPUs and handle extensive code bases efficiently. Paired with its impressive performance, Go's concurrency makes it an ideal language for building algorithms, web servers, and data pipelines.
The simplicity of Go's concurrency model sets it apart from other languages. With lightweight thread Goroutines, programmers can easily implement concurrent operations using Go syntax.
Moreover, Go has gained significant traction as one of the most sought-after languages to learn. Despite being rooted in the structured syntax of C, Go's straightforwardness makes it more accessible for learners.
For Go developers, lucrative career opportunities abound, including roles such as software engineers, data scientists, backend web developers, and AI researchers. Furthermore, Go developers command high salaries and are in greater demand than ever before.
Ideal for: Beginners to intermediate
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Skill Requirement: Good coding knowledge in C or Java. Application: Back-end web development; Web applications; Machine learning; Systems Programming; Big data.
Average Income of a Developer: $99,627 per year
Ranking: Chosen by 11.83% of developers on Stack Overflow; Ranked twelfth in the most popular programming language on PYPL as of April 2024; Ranked 7th on the TIOBE index as of April 2024.
SQL
Structured Query Language (SQL) is the programming language to learn especially for those interested in data science and statistical computing. It's a specialized language designed for querying, manipulating, and analyzing data stored in relational databases.
In terms of job prospects, SQL developers are in demand across various industries, playing a crucial role in database management.
Web developers use SQL to organize website databases, while marketers rely on it to assess their marketing campaigns' effectiveness. Moreover, SQL is supported by numerous database management systems like MySQL and MariaDB.
Given its widespread application, SQL developers are highly sought after. Fortunately, learning SQL is straightforward, as its syntax is structured using common English words.
Ideal for: Beginners
Level of Difficulty: Easy; difficulty in advanced features
Skill Requirement: None
Application: Data science; Back-end database management; Business intelligence tools; Sales reports.
Average Income of a Developer: $88,938 per year
Ranking: Chosen by 52.64% of developers on Stack Overflow; Ranked 9th on the TIOBE index as of April 2024.
Ruby
Ruby is another well-liked open-source programming language renowned for its versatility. While commonly utilized for web application development, it also finds application in data analysis and prototyping.
Thanks to its English-like syntax, learning this general-purpose interpreted language demands relatively less effort.
Moreover, the Ruby on Rails (RoR) framework offers numerous advantages, including enhanced web application security, simplified maintenance, and suitability for full-stack development. Despite perceptions that Ruby is on the decline, it remains a stable option for website development. Therefore, if you aim to enhance your website and web application development skills, learning Ruby is a wise choice.
Ideal for: Beginners
Level of Difficulty: Very easy
Skill Requirement: None
Application: Web development both front-end and back-end
Average Income of a Developer: $89,872 per year
Ranking: Chosen by 6.72% of developers on Stack Overflow; Ranked 17th in the most popular programming language on PYPL as of April 2024
