9 of the Most In-Demand Coding Languages (With Tips)

Updated December 12, 2022

Computer programming is a rapidly expanding field, and thousands of coding languages exist to meet the needs of organizations. Some professionals may be experts in only one language, and others might know and understand multiple, depending on their job. Learning about the most in-demand programming languages can help you secure a career as a software engineer, web developer or ethical hacker.

In this article, we define coding languages, discuss nine examples of the most in-demand coding languages and outline factors to consider when selecting one.

What are coding languages?

Coding languages are distinct sets of text and characters that produce an outcome in a computer program. All software uses a coding language that gives directions to the system. Programmers use coding languages to create complex algorithms for computer programs.

When describing coding languages, developers refer to the language's syntax, which is the specific form of the characters or its semantics. Consider the following example of adding two numbers in the language Python:

num1 = 15
num2 = 12
# Adding two numbers
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."

9 of the most in-demand coding languages

Some programming languages can be more popular than others for various reasons, including their ease of use for developers, integration with other languages, simplicity and open-source availability. Here's a list of nine of the most in-demand programming languages:

1. Python

Python is an interpreted, interactive, object-oriented programming language. It incorporates modules, dynamic typing, dynamic data types and classes. It's also portable, extensible and easy to read and code, which is a big reason it's popular.

The language also focuses on designer experience and usability, and one of its largest benefits is that it has functions in many industries and organizations. You can integrate it with C and C++ for more challenging tasks. Common uses of Python include:

Data visualization
Artificial intelligence and machine learning
Finance
Game development
Web development

2. JavaScript

Many developers use JavaScript because its features can include integration with browsers, servers, mobile devices, cloud software, containers, microcontrollers and regular updates to keep the language relevant for modern programmers. It also has good browser functionality, cross-platform usability and event-driven programming, making it a suitable tool for programmers. Uses of JavaScript can include:

Creating web applications
Developing mobile apps
Enabling serverless computing
Designing browser games

3. Java

Java is a versatile language that allows you to create programs that can work on any Java-enabled platform. Another feature of this language is the Java Virtual Machine software, which makes programming with Java easier across different environments and with various hardware.

It's multi-faceted and allows developers to create standard programs and reusable code. Java also offers backward compatibility, cross-platform functionality and other valuable tools as a foundation for app development. Developers can use Java for:

Enterprise application development
Mobile app development
Web development
Big data

4. C

C is one of the first programming languages to gain widespread popularity, and professionals used it as a base for creating other languages, including Python and Ruby. C language offers foundation tools for different programming languages, allowing developers to integrate several of them into one project.

It's portable, easily extensible and open-source, making it publicly available and allowing programmers to change it to suit their needs. Developers use the C language for:

System Programming
Game development
Internet of things
Machine learning
Embedded systems in hardware

5. C++

C++ is an extension of the C language, but unlike C, which is procedural with no support for objects and classes, C++ combines procedural and object-oriented programming languages. C++ has significantly more libraries and functions, increasing its versatility.

It's machine independent, adaptable in changing ecosystems, compiler-based, powerful and fast with dynamic memory allocation, among other features. C++ has many diverse uses, including:

System Programming
Game development
Internet of things
Real-time systems
Machine Learning
Embedded systems
Distributed systems

6. C#

C#, or C sharp, is another derivative of the C language that Microsoft developers created for its operating system. It's an object-oriented programming language, and unlike C++, which is an intermediate-level language, C# is a high-level language that compiles programs to Common Runtime Language.

It has a faster development time than other coding languages. The static nature of the code allows you to change its products, providing high scalability potential efficiently. It's easy to learn and operate and has a sizable community that offers support tutorials from other developers using it. Developers commonly use C# for:

Server-side programming
App development
Web development
Game development
Software for popular platforms

7. PHP

PHP, which stands for Hypertext Preprocessor, is an older programming language developers have used for over 30 years. It's an open-source server-side scripting language many developers use for web development.

Developers use PHP for tasks involving information requests from servers. PHP is compatible with various operating systems, is cost-efficient because of its open-source nature and gives developers more control by allowing a few simple code lines. Developers may implement PHP language for:

Server-side web applications
CMS development
Web application development

8. SQL

SQL, or Structured Query Language, is a database-driven language programmers commonly use for relational database management systems. SQL is a data definition, data manipulation, high performance, open-source language.

Developers mainly use SQL for string concentration operations and mathematical calculations. SQL's functions can be aggregate or scalar. Aggregate functions calculate a group of values returning a single result, while scalar functions return a single value based on the input values. SQL's main uses can include:

Writing queries in a database
Analyzing data manually
Defining database schemas

9. Swift

Swift is a general-purpose, open-source language. It's a newer language with a concise and expressive syntax. It contains many common programming features, such as closures, generics and type inference, making it easier to use. Swift also integrates with specific operating systems and environments. Developers can use Swift for:

iOS app development
System programming
Internet of things
Deep learning

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Factors to consider when selecting a programming language

There are many factors to consider when choosing an appropriate programming language to implement, including:

Type of application

The application you're producing heavily determines the programming language to use. Although many programming languages can perform similar functions, specific languages may work better for certain tasks. For example, building native android apps may require knowledge in Java, whereas working with embedded firmware may require C or C++ knowledge.

Maintainability

To ensure the long-term sustainability of the codebase, it's important to consider its maintainability when selecting it. Most programming languages have many libraries and vendors you can use for specific functions.

With regular developments in the technology industry, these libraries may require frequent updates to keep up with new trends. Also, if you're considering external technical support for the system, selecting a language that's commonly used in your area is essential to reduce maintenance costs.

Security

Apart from the standard application security measures, each application may have different security requirements, depending on its data.

Health care-related applications may require Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliance, while finance-related applications may require Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) compliance. To ensure efficient system security, you can select a language that best fits the company's data security needs.

Scalability and performance

Scalability is the ability of the system to increase or decrease performance and cost in response to changes in the system processing demands. Prioritizing scalability can lead to lower maintenance costs and a better user experience. Understanding the type of application and data the company needs can help you determine its scalability needs.

Related: What Is Scalability?

Production time

Production time refers to the time it takes for the program to go live from the beginning of the programming process. Working on content management websites may require fast programming to provide timely updates. Consider using languages that can allow shorter code lines to get the programs running faster, like PHP.

Please note that none of the companies mentioned in this article are affiliated with Indeed.

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