Which Programming Language to Choose in 2024: Top 10 Most Popular and In-Demand
Choosing a programming language is a key decision for any organization involved in software development. The right language can optimize the development workflow and help create a robust software solution that is easy to debug, document, improve, and maintain. On the other hand, choosing the wrong language can doom a project from the very start.
Modern programming languages like Swift, Kotlin, and Go offer more user-friendly syntax and greater ease of use compared to their predecessors such as SQL, MATLAB, and C. They include features that were unavailable just a few years ago, allowing developers to select the most suitable and efficient language for a specific project from a wide range of options.
How to Choose the Right Programming Language
Selecting the right programming language is a complex task due to the sheer number of available options. Comparing the various features and syntaxes of different languages can be challenging. The list below, based on the latest industry trends, highlights key programming languages in popular fields:
- Web Development – JavaScript, Java, HTML5, Ruby, TypeScript
- Mobile Development – Kotlin, Swift, Objective-C, C#, C++
- Data Science – Python, R, SQL, Scala, Julia, MATLAB
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning – Python, R, Java, Lisp, Prolog, JavaScript
- Cloud Computing – Java, Python, JavaScript, Golang, .Net Core
- Cybersecurity – Perl, C++, SQL, Ruby, Rust, Assembly
Scientific Benchmarking of Programming Languages
One of the most effective ways to differentiate between programming languages is benchmarking—a process that allows you to analyze and compare languages. For example, engineers can directly:
- Compare the performance of different programming languages with each other
- Evaluate performance differences between various compilers or runtimes for the same language using the same source code
- Assess real server environments (cloud virtual machines or Docker/Podman) and their impact on the performance of different programming languages
Programming Language Popularity Rankings (2023)
When choosing a programming language, you should consider several factors, including the target platform, development time, language flexibility, community support, previous experience with the language, and current popularity. Popularity is important because, although there are over 500 programming languages available, most of the industry relies on just 10, making them the most likely to be used in the future.
The list below presents the 10 most popular programming languages based on the PYPL index, which measures how often language tutorials are searched for on Google, and the 2023 Stack Overflow Developer Survey.
- Python
- JavaScript
- Java
- C#
- C/C++
- TypeScript
- PHP
- Swift
- Kotlin
- Go
Choosing the Best Programming Language for Your Project
It’s important to remember that there is no perfect language for every project. Developers need to remain flexible during the selection process. Identify what matters most—such as speed, performance, or fewer lines of code—and then find the solution that best matches those priorities.
The Future of Programming Languages
The future of programming will revolve around artificial intelligence and machine learning. Python (the driving force behind AI), JavaScript (dominant in web browsers), Java (widely used in enterprise environments), Kotlin (frequently used in apps), and C++ (for system programming and game development) will play key roles in shaping the digital landscape. As technology evolves, new languages emerge while older ones gradually become obsolete. Therefore, it’s crucial for developers to stay up to date with changes in the programming world, learn new languages, and continually improve their skills.