What programming languages are popular in 2024 and why? We examined data from reports (CSNAINC), surveys (Developer Nation Survey) and TIOBE indexes to answer this question. Keep scrolling to find out more about which language is best to learn next.
The compiled list is based on popularity, demand among employers and the breadth of use of a particular language. The languages included range from the classic and time-tested to the newest and fastest growing.
Python – Consistently holds a leading position due to its simplicity and wide range of applications, including web development, data analytics, artificial intelligence and automation.
C – Known for its productivity and is used for system and firmware development.
C++ – Often used to develop high-performance applications such as game engines and operating systems.
Java – Popular in enterprise environments for developing complex, scalable applications.
C# is the core language for the Microsoft ecosystem and is widely used for developing desktop, web and mobile applications.
JavaScript is a key language for web development, especially when combined with frameworks such as React, Angular and Vue.js.
Go – Gaining popularity due to its efficiency and simplicity, often used for developing web-based applications and microservices.
SQL – The main language for working with databases.
PHP – Popular for server-side web development, especially among novice developers.
Swift is the preferred language for developing applications for iOS and macOS.
Python remains one of the most popular and in-demand programming languages. It has a wide range of applications: web development, data analysis, machine learning, automation. Python is renowned for its simplicity and readability, making it an ideal choice for beginner developers.
The C programming language, despite its long history, remains relevant in 2024 due to its low-level nature and high performance. It is widely used in systems programming, operating system and embedded systems development. Linux continues to use C, confirming its importance.
C++ is an important language for developing high-performance applications, games, and real-time systems. You’ve probably heard about Unreal Engine. In 2024, C++ is actively used in the development of game engines, as well as in high-performance systems (databases or financial applications).
Java is popular in the field of enterprise apps and Android development. It is used in large enterprise systems, banking apps and web services. The Spring and Hibernate frameworks are the standard for developing enterprise apps.
In 2024, C# is actively used to create desktop, web and mobile applications. Development in Unity makes it a popular choice for creating games. The C# community is actively supported by Microsoft.
JavaScript is the leader in mentions on the web in 2024. Its popularity and demand is explained precisely by its versatility, due to which it has found wide application in web development. JavaScript is used to create interactive user interfaces and web applications.
Node.js allows you to use JavaScript for server-side development, making it the best tool for creating rich web applications. The JavaScript community is one of the most active and dynamic, with constant updates and improvements.
Go is actively used in the development of cloud services, microservices and high-performance systems. It is famous for its compilation speed and efficient memory management. By the way, popular projects such as Docker and Kubernetes are written in Go.
SQL is the dominant language for working with relational databases in 2024. It is used wherever data management is needed: in business applications, web services and analytical systems. Large databases such as MySQL, PostgreSQL and Oracle use SQL to interact with data sets.
PHP is also a popular language for web development. It is used to create server-side logic and dynamic websites. Popular platforms such as WordPress and Joomla are based on PHP, making it essential for CMS and blog development.
Swift is the dominant language for app development for iOS and macOS in 2024.
In 2024, developers use a variety of programming languages, each with their own strengths and applications.
Choose a new language based on the tasks you would like to do, but do not forget that for a beginner it is better to start with something more understandable, for example Python, JavaScript.
Each of the languages listed in the article is in demand due to its unique ability to solve certain problems, so it will not be possible to single out just one from the list. We hope that our short review will help you decide and find your calling!