Top In-Demand Programming Languages To Learn In 2024

In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 programming languages of 2024, featuring a mix of both well-known and emerging languages.

Programming languages have existed ever since application development emerged as a technological skill. These languages support the development of new applications and run with advanced systems like mobile phones, desktops and tablets. The best programming languages have existed for many years and are now running in their updated versions.

Apart from the existing languages, new programming languages have also entered the scene in the past few years. Programmers and coders have to learn about the new age programming languages to update their skills and stay relevant in the professional sector. 

Today, software developers work with old and new languages to create new applications and update existing applications. Programming languages are the most important tools for development, and developers focus on them for better coding and creation.

In the year 2023, the app industry will become a trillion-dollar industry. With competition and recession on the edge, application developers need to stay on top of their game for career growth. Learning about the usage of new programming languages can make this happen. 

Top 10 Programming Languages of 2024 

The below programming languages might be old or new in their launch date, but they are the most relevant in the app ecosystem. 

1. JavaScript

JavaScript is a fundamental programming language that has been used to create many of the current apps. It is one of the core technologies that is used for web apps and Android app development. Therefore, it will remain relevant in 2023.

It has a huge user base and is used by more than 97 percent of websites for client-side programming. The language was first used only for browser-level programming. However, it has evolved to include server-side website developments. Developers also use the language to create non-browser applications. 

The language was first created in 1995 and has been used since the era of the World Wide Web. The legacy language has survived just like the WWW. The language started as a wing of the Java language but slowly developed into an independent one.

JavaScript has a learning level of beginner to intermediate because of its simple learning curves. New developers usually learn JavaScript first and then venture into other programming languages. JavaScript is a good programming language that can be used to create cross-platform apps.

The easy-to-learn language is very popular among programmers of today. Learning JavaScript can provide you with a high-paying IT job. 

2. Python

• About Python
• Age: Created in 1991
• Number of Developers: Millions worldwide
• Top Companies Using It: Google, Facebook, Netflix
• Average Salary: $85,000 – $120,000
• Time to Learn: 6-8 weeks (for a beginner with a solid commitment)

Python is another old programming language that has managed to stay relevant over the years. It is an easy programming syntax to learn because it is readable and has a mid-level learning curve. It is a free, open-source programming language that can be used in multiple ways.

Developers often learn Python alongside JavaScript. Python has an extensive community and offers a plethora of support modules that can help coders learn the language and use it for development. The GUI interface and user-friendly data structures of the language help programmers code for different applications.

The language is mostly used to create deep learning and machine learning applications. The language can also be used to develop 2D imaging and 3D animation packaging for applications. Python is used for coding in scientific applications and computational purposes.

Popular applications like YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram are created using the Python language. The language is a good option to master as Python developers are well-paid in the development business. 

You can start learning Python even if you are at a beginner level. Learning the language will help developers create web applications and desktop applications. However, before you start learning Python, you have to be clear with the basics of programming and coding for applications. 

3. Go

• About Golang
• Age: Created in 2007
• Number of Developers: Thousands worldwide
• Top Companies Using It: Google, Uber, Twitch
• Average Salary: $90,000 – $130,000
• Time to Learn: 3-4 months (for someone with prior programming experience)

Go is a new-age language that was launched in the year 2007 by Google. The language was launched to create APIs and web applications. It has survived more than a decade and continues to evolve. The programming community is also known to Go as Golang. 

The simplicity of its architecture and its ability to code for modern apps is a reason Go is so popular. Many companies and applications use Go for programming purposes. Some of these companies are global business chains like Uber, Google, Twitch, etc.

Apart from designing such apps, the language is also becoming very popular in the data science field. If you are already an established programmer, you should learn this language to bolster your resume and skill set. The language can be used to create cross-platform apps and help you land your coveted job. 

4. Java

• About Java
• Age: Created in 1995
• Number of Developers: Millions worldwide
• Top Companies Using It: Oracle, IBM, Google
• Average Salary: $85,000 – $115,000
• Time to Learn: 4-6 months (for a beginner with a solid commitment)

Java is another legacy language that will probably always stay in trend for coders and application developers. The Java language was launched by Oracle, and today it is used as a general-purpose programming language. It has an object-oriented approach, and it has been used for cross-platform app development.

The language is known for its portability, as it can be used on a Windows system or a MacOS system. The language is used to develop apps for desktop to mobile phones. The versatility of Java and its reliability make it a popular language for coders and developers. 

Apart from developing some of the best apps that are in use today, the language is also used for big data purposes. The language has been used to code for Google, Twitter and Amazon. Many other applications and frameworks work based on Java. 

Millions of programmers still use Java, and it is a very popular language, just like JavaScript. The developer who wants to learn Java has to have good development skills and knowledge of programming basics. Programmers with knowledge of Java can create modern programs in any system.

However, Java language can be complex, and a beginner should not start his coding journey from Java. The bright side is a person who is well-versed in Java can land a high-paying programming job with leading companies. 

5. Kotlin

• About Kotlin
• Age: Created in 2011
• Number of Developers: Thousands worldwide
• Top Companies Using It: JetBrains, Google, Square
• Average Salary: $80,000 – $110,000
• Time to Learn: 2-3 months (for someone with Java experience)

Kotlin is another language that comes under the list of ‘Top Programming Languages of 2023.’ It is a new-age programming language that was launched in 2011. The language is a product from JetBrains and initially started as a general-purpose programming language. The first version of Kotlin with upgrades was released in 2016.

Kotlin often works in place of Java for development purposes and can be combined with codes written in other programming languages. It is a multi-purpose app development language as it can be used for desktop coding, mobile app development, server-side functionalities, etc. Kotlin is believed to be one step ahead of Java and has more flexibility. 

Many of the popular apps today are made using Kotlin. For example, Coursera and Postmates are made using Kotlin. Kotlin is a language that most programmers learn after learning Java and JavaScript. It is meant to help you at an advanced level for application development purposes.

It is fully compatible with Java and is the next step for Java developers. Moreover, Kotlin is relatively easy to adopt than Java. The language is widely used and is gaining popularity as a new-age language. 

6. PHP

• About PHP
• Age: Created in 1994
• Number of Developers: Millions worldwide
• Top Companies Using It: Facebook, WordPress, Slack
• Average Salary: $65,000 – $95,000
• Time to Learn: 2-3 months (for a beginner with a solid commitment)

PHP is a legacy language created in the year 1990. The language is a simple programming language with an open-source framework. The language is very popular among beginners and mid-level professionals in the coding ecosystem.

PHP is mostly used for web development and has been used to create 80 per cent of the present websites. It can also be used to create desktop and browser applications. PHP is mostly used for server-side development.

The community support for PHP is great, and beginner-level developers get a lot of guidance and support from the community. If you are beginning your journey as a developer, PHP can be the first programming language that you learn. 

The language is easy to start with and develop applications with. However, it is not usually used to create mobile applications. It can be a good addition to your resume to show that you have multiple skills and strong fundamentals.

Learning PHP will establish you as a well-paid web developer. 

7. C#

• About C#
• Age: Created in 2000
• Number of Developers: Millions worldwide
• Top Companies Using It: Microsoft, Dell, Stack Overflow
• Average Salary: $75,000 – $105,000
• Time to Learn: 3-4 months (for a beginner with a solid commitment)

C# is a language developed by Microsoft two decades ago. It is an object-oriented programming language with a simple approach to app development. The language can be used for application development on Microsoft frameworks. 

The programming language can be used to create applications for Microsoft, Android, and iOS. Many popular websites have been developed with the help of the C# language. The language is a beginner-level language that can be mastered by anyone familiar with coding. 

The language is a versatile coding language meant to develop mobile applications, websites, and also enterprise-level applications. The language has been used to develop applications for Dell, Visual Studio, etc.

It is very popular and is used by at least 1/3^rd of software developers. It has a smooth learning curve which helps the programmer learn it at a fast rate. Learning C# can increase your skill level and help you jump to higher professional positions. 

8. Swift

• About Swift
• Age: Created in 2014
• Number of Developers: Thousands worldwide
• Top Companies Using It: Apple, Airbnb, LinkedIn
• Average Salary: $85,000 – $125,000
• Time to Learn: 2-3 months (for someone with prior programming experience)

Swift is a new-age programming language that was launched by Apple in 2014. It is a new addition to programming languages and has become very popular with developers. Originally, it was developed to create applications for Linux and MacOS.

Swift has a simple learning curve, and it is a beginner-level language. If you wish to start programming for iOS and MacOS platforms, you should learn Swift.

It is an open-source language and can be combined with coded components of other languages. There are many tutorials and use cases available for Swift if you plan to start learning the language from its basics. 

Moreover, the community behind Swift is also growing. On the other hand, Swift has already been used to create popular iOS apps like SoundCloud and Mozilla Firefox. Its clean syntax and compatibility with leading operating systems in the smartphone arena make it a popular language. 

9. R

• About R
• Age: Created in 1993
• Number of Developers: Thousands worldwide
• Top Companies Using It: Microsoft, Facebook, Bank of America
• Average Salary: $75,000 – $110,000
• Time to Learn: 2-3 months (for someone with prior programming experience)

R is an open-source programming language that has evolved from the S language. The R language is used for creating applications that are meant to solve mathematical and modeling problems. Such apps deal with statistics, calculations, visualization, and testing.

The language is not suitable for beginners, but it can be learned and used by mid-level professionals looking for an upskilling opportunity. The programming language can function on multiple operating systems and multiple devices. 

10. TypeScript

• About Typescript
• Age: Created in 2012
• Number of Developers: Thousands worldwide
• Top Companies Using It: Microsoft, Asana, Lyft
• Average Salary: $80,000 – $110,000
• Time to Learn: 2-3 weeks (for someone with JavaScript experience)

TypeScript is a relatively new programming language that was introduced in the coding ecosystem in 2012. The language was developed from JavaScript and was launched by Microsoft.

TypeScript is used for the development and testing of JavaScript code on both sides of the application, and it has been gaining a lot of popularity because it can support large-scale projects.

If you are a web developer who wants to learn a new language, go for TypeScript. 

Conclusion 

These are the top 10 programming languages of 2023 that will help you expand your skill set in application development. With the application ecosystem diversifying and gaining value, developers must add value to their skill set. To evolve as professionals and progress in their careers, programmers have to learn more than one programming language, which is currently in demand.