11 of the Most In-Demand Coding Languages

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