Once upon a time, the world of computer programming was mysterious and exclusive, with only a handful of computer programmers with cutting-edge coding skills. Nowadays, many IT jobs require a solid grasp of the top programming languages to learn to get a job, and yes, we mean more than one.
If you are new to software development, the difficult part of learning programming is deciding where to start. Multiple top programming languages in the world are widely used with complexities and idiosyncrasies. However, as you start your journey as a software developer, you will discover which programming language suits you, your interests, and your career goals.
What is Programming Language?
A programming language is a computer language coders use to develop software programs, scripts, or other instructions for computers to execute. Many languages share similarities; however, each has its syntax. Once a programmer familiarizes with the language’s rules, syntax, and structure, they write the source code in IDE (integrated development environment) or a text editor. Later, the programmer often compiles the code into machine language that the computer can understand.
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Importance of Programming Language
Programming languages innovate and create eco-friendly solutions for global problems. It enhances and increases the power of computers and the Internet daily.
Moreover, it speeds up a machine’s input and output processes and is vital to automating, collecting, managing, calculating, and accurately analyzing data processing and information. Programming language helps create software and applications that help computer and mobile users daily.
Also read: Best Front End Languages for Web Development in 2024
Top Programming Languages List 2024
Choosing the best programming languages can take time and effort. To help you choose the best programming languages to learn for jobs in 2024, below is the programming language list- Let’s get started!
1. Python
A high-level, all-purpose programming language for the future is Python. It can be used for many things, including web development, prototyping, data analysis, automation, and visualization. Software engineers prefer Python as it functions properly for scripting. Moreover, it enables users to employ many programming paradigms, including procedural, imperative, object-oriented, and functional programming languages.
Among software developers, Python is popular since it works well as a scripting language. Also, it allows users to utilize various programming paradigms, including object-oriented, imperative, procedural, and functional programming languages. Furthermore, this open-source language enables programmers to modify its source code to fit their needs. So consider looking for one of the best online Python courses to learn this valuable skill.
| Best for | Beginners |
| Difficulty | Easy to learn, read, and write |
| Skills | Basic front-end knowledge eases the learning process |
| Use Cases | Backend web development Desktop applications Automation Data science Deep learning applications Machine learning and scientific computing |
| Pros | Open-source. Highly scalable Extensive graphical user interface (GUI) frameworks Compatible with Mac and Windows Ever-growing community support |
| Cons | Slower due to being an interpreted language Memory-consuming Not ideal for mobile development |
| Platform | Web, Desktop |
| Popularity | Loved by 66.7% of Stack Overflow developers Most popular programming language on PYPL Top programming language on TIOBE Programming language that working professionals and students want to learn |
Suggested Reading: Python Developer Salary in India 2024 (Freshers & Experienced)
2. C#
C# programming follows the object-oriented paradigm. One of the best programming languages for software engineers is C# because of its enhanced stability and quick performance. With its straightforward syntax and clearly defined class structure, this programming language is more specific to learning.
Started as Microsoft’s language for the .NET framework, C# is now also compatible with Windows and Linux, so it’s arguably the best programming language to learn to develop applications based on GUI. Programmers can use C# in multiple environments to create iOS and Android apps and develop 2D and 3D games in Unity.
| Best for | Beginners and intermediate |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Skills | Basic knowledge of C and OPPs language approach smooths the learning process |
| Use Cases | Web applications Mobile applications Game and VR development Linux and Mac applications |
| Pros | Fast compilation and execution times Perfect for all Windows development types Safer compared to C and C++, as pointers aren’t used Large .net developers community Extensive frameworks |
| Cons | Considerably steeper learning curve compared to other languages Does not translate well cross-platform as it’s dependent on the .NET environment |
| Platform | Cross-platform, including mobile and enterprise software applications |
| Popularity | Loved by 59.7% of Stack Overflow developers Most popular programming language on PYPAL Top programming language on TIOBE Programming language that students want to learn |
3. C++
One of the most used programming languages in the world, C++ is an improved version of C. Due to its versatility, C++ is the most significant programming language to learn. Because of its speed and power, developers may quickly produce high-performing software such as web browsers, graphics software, and video games.
This language’s fast and powerful nature allows developers to create applications with excellent performance. It combines low and high-level language features, making it ideal for system programming and allowing small project abstraction.
Also, C++ is a multi-paradigm coding language that supports OOPs generic and imperative programming. Learning C++ can be challenging for beginners because of its complex syntax than other programming languages.
| Best for | Experienced coders |
| Difficulty | Hard |
| Skills | Problem-solving, computer functions, and basic programming knowledge. |
| Use Cases | Computer programs Operating systems Mobile app development Video game development Client and server-side application development Machine learning |
| Pros | Open-source Highly versatile Fast and powerful Allows more control Works well cross-device and cross-platform Skills are easily transferable to other languages |
| Cons | It can be challenging for beginners Misuses of pointers can lead to errors Its object-oriented structure is less efficient Lack of garbage collection |
| Platform | Mobile, Desktop, Embedded |
| Popularity | Loved by 43.4% of Stack Overflow developers Most popular programming language on PYPL Top programming language on TIOBE |
Also read: Cyber Security vs Data Science: Which is Better for Career in 2024?
4. JavaScript
The ideal computer language for front-end web development is JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. As it is the majority language for the purpose, JavaScript is client-side scripting on most of all websites.
This scripting language improves a webpage’s interactivity and enables web developers to add dynamic elements to their landing pages, such as clickable buttons, animated graphics, and mouseover effects. JavaScript is also an ideal language for developing web apps, offering an intuitive design.
| Best for | Beginners |
| Difficulty | Relatively easy |
| Skills | Basic coding skills and familiarity with CSS and HTML |
| Use Cases | Front-end web development Game development Web applications |
| Pros | Open-source Client-side JavaScript is swift, as it doesn’t require compilation Works well with other top programming languages Great to boost a website’s user experience and engagement |
| Cons | Security issues Unstable cross-browser performance |
| Platform | Cross-platform (desktop, mobile, web) |
| Popularity | Loved by 58.3% of Stack Overflow developers Most popular programming language on PYPL Top programming language on TIOBE Programming language that working professionals and students want to learn |
5. PHP
Easy to learn, many web developers consider PHP one of the first back-end languages they must learn. Moreover, since PHP is the primary language for WordPress, it is utilized by most websites.
PHP language’s syntax is elementary. Additionally, this programming language offers excellent PHP frameworks for application development and websites. Some of the best frameworks include Laravel, Symfony, and CodeIgniter.
| Best for | Beginners |
| Difficulty | Easy to learn |
| Skills | Basic coding skills, specially in CSS and HTML |
| Use Cases | Web development Desktop applications Computer programs |
| Pros | Open-source PHP 7 and higher is fast Well-established for web development Supports OOPs and functional programming Wonderful community support |
| Cons | Security-related issues Creating a website using PHP is slower Fewer debugging tools |
| Platform | Cross-platform (desktop, mobile, web) |
| Popularity | Loved by 37.3% of Stack Overflow developers Most popular programming language on PYPL Top programming language on TIOBE |
Interview Questions for You to Prepare for Jobs
6. Swift
One of the modern programming languages, Swift, was originally introduced as an alternative to Objective-C, the primary language used in Apple products.
It provides modern features, like automatic memory management and concurrent programming. Also, Swift is more accessible to write and faster compared to Objective-C. Therefore, Swift is the best programming language in Apple product development and also one of the fastest-growing programming languages available.
| Best for | Beginners |
| Difficulty | Easy to learn and read |
| Skills | None |
| Use Cases | Software development, especially for iOS apps and macOS |
| Pros | Open-source 2.6x faster than Objective-CImproved readability due to clean code Interoperable with Objective-CLess memory footprint |
| Cons | Often considered a young programming language despite its rapid development Lack of support for older iOS versions |
| Platform | Mobile (Apple iOS apps, specifically) |
| Popularity | Loved by 59.5% of Stack Overflow developers Most popular programming language on PYPL Top programming language on TIOBE Programming language that students want to learn |
7. Java
Owned by Oracle, Java is a high-level, all-purpose programming language to create various applications. It is widely known as a “write once, run anywhere” coding language. Java code runs smoothly in any operating system, irrespective of where it was written in the first place.
Java is an easy coding language because of its syntax, object-oriented structure, and familiarity with real-world tasks. Moreover, the new Java frameworks, including Spring and Hibernate, make it convenient for developers to build applications.
| Best for | Beginners |
| Difficulty | Considerably easy to learn |
| Skills | Basic programming language |
| Use Cases | Mobile development Application development Desktop applications Web applications Game development Machine learning and scientific computing |
| Pros | Highly versatile Easy to understand, write, compile, and debug Java frameworks make developing Java programs fasterMultiple APIs for application development Support multithreading.Improved security Cross-platform compatibility |
| Cons | Slow execution times Memory-consuming |
| Platform | Mainly Desktop |
| Popularity | Loved by 44.1% of Stack Overflow developers Most popular programming language on PYPLTop programming language on TIOBE Most popular programming language among working professionals |
Also read: Python Developer Salary in India 2024 (Freshers & Experienced)
8. Go
Go, often known as Golang, was developed to develop online, desktop, and API-based applications. Despite its youth, Go is one of the programming languages in the world with the quickest growth.
One of Go’s best features is Concurrent programming, enabling programmers to work with multicore CPUs and a massive codebase. With its excellent performance, Go concurrency is an ideal coding language to create algorithms, web servers, and data pipelines.
Further, Go has become one of the top programming languages to learn. Based on C’s discipline syntax, Go is easily understood due to its simplicity.
| Best for | Beginners to intermediate |
| Difficulty | Easy to learn |
| Skills | It can be easier to understand if you have solid C or Java coding skills |
| Use Cases | Back-end web development Web applicationsMachine learning System programming Big data |
| Pros | Open-source Quick execution times Simple concurrency model Improved security Excellent testing support and static analytic tools |
| Cons | Limited library support Lack of generic functions Not ideal for developing complex programs |
| Platform | Web |
| Popularity | Loved by 62.3% of Stack Overflow developers Most popular programming language on PYPL Top programming language on TIOBE Programming language that students and working professionals want to learn |
9. SQL
The finest programming language to learn statistical computing and data science is Structured Query Language (SQL). Programmers can query, manipulate, and analyze data in a relational database using this domain-specific language.
As per Stack Overflow’s statistics, SQL is the third most-used language. Companies need SQL developers as they play a pivotal role in database management. Web developers use SQL for organizing the website’s database and marketers to evaluate their marketing campaigns. Additionally, numerous database management systems use SQL, including MySQL and MariaDB.
| Best for | Beginners |
| Difficulty | Easy to learn. But can be difficult to create advanced functions |
| Skills | None |
| Use Cases | Data science Back-end database management Business intelligence tools Sales report |
| Pros | Faster query processingExcellent portabilityRobust security Highly interactiveLarge user community |
| Cons | Not open source Not the best programming language for building applications |
| Platform | Windows |
| Popularity | Loved by 56.6% of Stack Overflow developers Top programming language on TIOBE Most popular programming language among working professionals. |
10. Ruby
Another well-liked open-source programming language is Ruby. Programmers use it for prototyping and data analysis. It is frequently used for web application development. Ruby uses English-like syntax; hence, learning this interpreted, general-purpose language takes less effort.
The Ruby on Rails (RoR) framework also brings many benefits, including improved web application security and low maintenance, and is suitable for full-stack development. This language is now one of the most stable options for website development.
| Best for | Beginners |
| Difficulty | Easy to learn |
| Skills | None |
| Use Cases | Both front-end and back-end web development |
| Pros | Open-source Fast to write and easy to debug Effective garbage collection Large and active community The Ruby on Rails framework is ideal for creating a website |
| Cons | SlowLess flexibleMultithreading issues |
| Platform | Web |
| Popularity | Loved by 42.9% of Stack Overflow developers Most popular programming language on PYPL Top programming language on TIOBE |
Best Programming Language To Learn
When beginning your programming journey, it’s only you who can answer the question of the best programming language to learn. Decide based on your career interests and the software development type you want to pursue. Here is a quick summary of the various possibilities:
- Front-end web development: JavaScript
- Back-end web development: Python, JavaScript, Java, PHP, Ruby
- Mobile development: Swift, Java, C#
- Game development: C++, C#
- Desktop applications: Java, C++, Python
- Systems programming: C, Rust
- Data Science: Python, Java, SQL
- Automation: Python, Java, C#
- Cyber Security: Java, Javascript, Python, SQL, PHP
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Conclusion
The above-mentioned top 10 programming languages to learn in 2024 have their strengths and weaknesses, and the choice of language to learn depends on the individual’s goals and preferences. Whether you want to develop web applications, mobile applications, desktop applications, or data analysis software, a programming language on this list can meet your needs. As the technology industry continues to grow and evolve, learning new programming languages is essential for staying competitive and advancing your career.
