11 of the Most In-Demand Coding Languages
By Indeed Editorial Team
Updated May 19, 2021 | Published February 22, 2021
Updated May 19, 2021
Published February 22, 2021
Computer programming is a rapidly expanding and evolving field. Organizations want the best products and the most comprehensive, efficient systems for conducting business. Thousands of coding languages exist to meet these needs. In this article, we discuss what coding languages are and the most in demand coding languages.
Read more: Learning How to Code
What are coding languages?
Coding languages are distinct sets of text and characters that, in specific arrangements, produce a desired outcome in a computer program. All software uses a coding language that gives directions to the system. Coding languages are used to create complex algorithms for computer programs. When describing coding languages, developers refer to the language's syntax, or the specific form of the characters, and its semantics, or what the characters means.
Consider the following example in Python language to add two numbers:
num1 = 15
num2 = 12
# Adding two nos
sum = num1 + num2
# printing values
print("Sum of {0} and {1} is {2}" .format(num1, num2, sum))
The output of this code is "Sum of 15 and 12 is 27."
Read more: Top Computer Coding Skills for Your Resume
Most in demand coding languages
In demand coding languages are those used widely throughout the programming field. Programming languages may become popular for various reasons, such as:
Ease of use for developers
Integration with other languages
Simple, concise language
Open-source availability
Here are 11 of the most in demand coding languages:
Python
Python was developed in the 1990s and has gained immense popularity. Its features include:
One of the most widely used programming languages
Simple language design
The benefits of Python include:
Python functions in many industries and organizations
The language focuses on designer experience and usability
Python can integrate with C and C++ for more challenging tasks
Common uses of Python include:
Data science
Data analysis
Artificial intelligence
Deep learning
Enterprise application
Web development
JavaScript
JavaScript consistently ranks as one of the top programming languages used by developers. It features:
Integration with browsers, servers, mobile devices, cloud software, containers and microcontrollers
Regular updates to keep the language relevant for modern programmers
The benefits of JavaScript include:
Excellent browser functionality
Cross-platform usability
Event-driven programming
Developers employ JavaScript for the following uses:
Web development
Backend development
Mobile app development
Serverless computing
Browser game development
Related: 9 Common JavaScript Coding Interview Questions
Java
Developers refer to Java as the "write once, run anywhere" language because of its ability to work on any platform that is Java-enabled. Other feature of this language include:
Java Virtual Machine software makes programming with Java easier across different environments and with various hardware
Java is a multi-faceted, productive programming language
Developers can create standard programs and reusable code
Java's benefits include:
Backward compatible only, as required by business uses
Cross-platform functionality
Valuable tools as a foundation for developing applications
Developers use Java for:
Enterprise application development
Mobile app development
Web development
Big data
C
C is one of the first programming languages created and served as a base for creating other languages, including Python and Ruby. C language offers the following features:
One of the most popular programming languages in history
Foundation tool for other programming languages
Portable language
The benefits of C include:
Rapid programming speed due to language efficiency
Powerful programming
Easy to extend
Libraries with many functions
Good language for beginner programmers
Developers use C language for:
System programming
Game development
Internet of things (IoT)
Machine learning
Embedded systems in hardware
C++
C++ is an extension of the C language and is also one of the first programming languages. It features:
Low-level memory access
Multi-paradigm language
The benefits of C++ include:
Adaptability in changing ecosystems and with changing hardware
Large collection of libraries and compilers available
Rapid speed
Can be used with GPU, TPU, container systems, cloud systems, mobile devices and microcontrollers
C++ has many diverse uses, including:
System programming
Game development
Internet of things (IoT)
Real-time systems
Machine Learning
Embedded systems
Distributed systems
C#
C# is another offshoot of C language that Microsoft developers created for their operating system. It features:
Multi-paradigm language
Many frameworks available
The benefits of C# include:
Works across Windows-enabled platforms
Extensive code library, codebases and data types
Developers use C# for:
Server-side programming
App development
Web development
Game development
Software for popular platforms
PHP
PHP is an older programming language, in use for over 30 years. Developers use PHP for tasks involving information requests from servers. Its features include:
It's used by large global corporations
Can be integrated with many major platforms
Open-source language
The benefits of PHP include:
Many frameworks available
Easy to learn and use
Flexibility of editing
Extensive network of support
High level of developer control
Easy to debug
Developers implement PHP language for the following uses:
Server-side web applications
CMS development
Web application development
SQL
SQL (Structured Query Language) is a database-driven language that features the following elements:
Highly secure environment
Open source language
Data definition language (DDL)
Triggers that produce outputs when certain conditions are met
The benefits of SQL include:
Analytical description of data
Scalability
Flexibility
More productive language
SQL's main uses include:
Writing queries in a database
Client server execution
Swift
Swift is a newer language that features:
Integration with specific operating systems and environments
More modern, clean and concise coding language
Null safety
The benefits of Swift include:
Clean language helps developers work more efficiently
Can easily add new features in the future
See errors quickly for faster bug fixes
The uses of the Swift language include:
iOS app development
System programming
IoT
Deep learning
Go
Go, also called Golang, is a newer language often used for communication between systems on different networks. It features:
Scalability
Built-in garbage collector
Runtime
Large standards library
Go's benefits include:
Easy to learn and use
Powerful language with simple functioning
Language-level support for concurrency
Developers use Go for the following functions:
System programming
Serverless computing
Business applications
Cloud-native development
IoT
Ruby
Ruby was developed in 1995 and remains a popular programming language due to the following features:
Implemented in C
Embedded garbage collection
Multi-paradigm language
Integrated with web development framework Ruby on Rails
The benefits of Ruby include:
Good for beginner programmers
Focuses on high productivity
Tooling and framework support
Ruby's uses are:
Web applications
Data analysis
Proof of concepts
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