Programming Languages you need to know in 2023
While learning development, most people get confused in deciding on a programming language. Some of the common questions that may arise in their mind include “what programming language should I learn first?” or “what are some most in demand programming languages?”
On top of that, the number of programming languages just keeps increasing with time. With over 700 languages available, it is natural to feel overwhelmed deciding which programming language you should proceed with.
If you are in the same boat, you are at the right place. This guide introduces some of the most essential programming languages in 2023, as well as why you might want to consider choosing each of them to begin your programming career!
10 Programming Languages You Need to Know in 2023
Despite the current disruptions to world commerce and business operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, one area of the economy has remained robust and growing – development. Since demand for developers is only continuing to rise, it is natural to feel interested in learning a programming language to step your foot in the IT industry.
So how do you actually decide on the right programming language? What are some languages that are worth investing your time in? Worry not, we have compiled a list of programming languages that are worth your time and effort in 2023. Here is a list of the most in demand programming languages, as well as a brief overview of what you can do after learning each of them.
Python
Python, without a doubt, has been stealing the spotlight for quite a few years. Though it was created by Guido van Rossum almost 30 years ago, the fanbase of this language is growing to this day. It is a general-purpose, object-oriented language that has been ranked as the top language in 2023 by Tiobe Index. Hence, it can be said that the popularity of Python is only continuing to rise.
But why is Python so popular? What makes it one of the most in demand programming languages of 2023? Well, there are several reasons that companies like Instagram, Facebook, Reddit, Spotify, Netflix, and many more are using this language. It is an easy-to-learn and efficient language that checks most of the boxes that are required to make a language powerful.
Some of the features that make Python stands out include:
- Python is an easy-to-learn, clean, yet efficient language.
- It is ideal for beginners as well as experienced developers.
- It has extensive library support available to further ease development.
Moreover, Python developers are likely to grab the recruiter’s attention as well due to multiple operations that can be performed with Python. According to Indeed, the base salary of python developers can go up to $115,000 in the US. Python is used for a whole number of tech initiatives including:
- Data Science
- Artificial Intelligence
- Machine Learning
- Web Development
- Video Games
If all of this sounds intriguing, you can take a deeper dive into the various applications of Python in our guide.
Java
Java is one of the most powerful programming languages that has stood the test of time. It has remained in the tech industry for a long time and many large businesses use this language for their business solutions. Some of the big names working on Java include Amazon, LinkedIn, Adobe, and Spotify.
Learning Java, while comparatively harder than Python, opens many doors of opportunities. That also means that once you have mastered a language like Java, you will be highly in-demand and can easily learn other languages like Python. Some mention-worthy features of Java are:
- Secure language
- Platform independence
- Enhance productivity and performance
It is an object-oriented, loosely coupled language. As a result, Java is often thought of as the “write once, run anywhere” programming language. A downside to learning Java is that Oracle, the software company that owns the language, charges a licensing fee for the Java development kit.
The language has managed to stay popular in the tech and the finance industry. Hence, Java developers are still in demand and according to Indeed, can roughly make around $114,919 per year in the US.
While it is not ideal for applications that operate in the cloud, the broad array of business applications (which operate on the server) means that demand will continue to remain robust over the coming years. Java can be used for:
- Mobile App Development
- Web Applications
- Big Data
JavaScript
Another language on the list of the most in demand programming languages includes JavaScript. It is used on the client-side of a whopping 97% of websites. Thus, if you are thinking of breaking into web development, JavaScript can be your best bet. Even companies like Microsoft, PayPal, Google, etc. are using this language.
Though JavaScript is mainly a client-side language, when combined with Node.js, programmers can use JavaScript on the server-side as well to render content before a page is sent to the browser. This allows programmers to build games and applications that run directly in the browser.
Benefits of learning JavaScript include:
- JavaScript has a well-organized codebase
- It has great community support
- Highly in demand and easy to learn
- Have frameworks and libraries available
With the rising popularity of JavaScript, demand for JavaScript developers is increasing as well. As mentioned on Indeed, the base salary of JavaScript developers is almost $106,000 per year.
Overall, JavaScript makes web development fun and easy. It is widely used to make websites interactive and to develop exceptional frontends of websites. Also, popular frameworks like React are based on JavaScript as well.
Interested in learning more about JavaScript? Get more info in our comprehensive guide to JavaScript.
Go
Go is a relatively unexpected name on the list of most sought-after programming languages in 2023. Created by Google in 2007, the language has seen a rise in popularity recently. Companies like Google, Kubernetes, Cloudflare, Dockers, and Uber are working on Go.
As a top-tier language, Go stands out due to its efficiency. The language has the capability of running multiple processes concurrently and has exceptional memory management features. Other than that, some of the prominent features of Go include:
- Easy to learn and understand
- Transparent and reliable
- Support of Automation processes
With the amazing features this language offers, it is no wonder that experienced Go developers are highly paid. According to Glassdoor, the base pay for Go developers can go up to $141,000. It is a general-purpose language and can be used for several things including:
- Artificial Intelligence processes
- Big Data
- Network programming
C#
Another member of the C family is C#, which can be considered a Microsoft-specific take on the language. Microsoft developed C# as a more efficient and secure variation of C. This focus means that C# is fully integrated with Microsoft’s .NET software framework, which supports the development of applications for Windows, browser plug-ins, and mobile devices.
C# is a great language to learn due to its efficiency and support for object-oriented concepts. Like other “veteran” programming languages, C# offers new programmers shared codebases, extensive code libraries, and multiple data types. Hence, it is expected that C# will remain one of the most in demand programming languages in 2023.
Some of the features of C# include:
- Cross-platform
- Object-oriented
- Scalable and easy-to-use
Due to the prevalence of Microsoft operating systems, especially in the business arena, continued demand and high salaries should be expected if you choose to learn C#. As mentioned on Indeed, the average base salary for .NET developers can go up to $96,000.
Moreover, the language can be used for a variety of development purposes, including but not limited to:
- Web applications
- Mobile app development
- Game development
- Virtual Reality
If you are thinking about taking the plunge to learn C#, get more info from our guide on the language.
Kotlin
Kotlin is a well-known name in the world of Android development. The language is becoming popular due to its easy-to-understand and concise syntax. It is used by over 60% of Android developers and is a preferred language for Android development.
Along with that, Kotlin has some other prominent features that make it stand out, including:
- Enhanced security
- Concise coding syntax
- Easy to learn and understand
Some big names working with Kotlin include Pinterest and Uber. On top of that, according to Glassdoor, Kotlin developers can make up to $100,000 per year in the US. Hence, if you are interested in Android development, Kotlin can be a great choice.
R
R is another popular language, mainly used for data analysis, modeling, and calculations. It is a widely-used programming language for statistical programming and big data. The language equips programmers with the power to create ML algorithms with in-built libraries available.
Due to the rise in demand for data science and AI, R is becoming popular as well. According to Glassdoor, the salary of R developers can go up to $87,000 per year in the US. Hence, due to its cross-functional capabilities and support for Machine learning and data analytics, the language is worth knowing in 2023.
Swift
Swift is Apple’s language for developing applications for Mac machines and Apple’s suite of popular mobile devices, including the iPhone, iPad, and wearables like the Apple Watch. It was developed in 2014 and is now a preferred choice for the development of apps for iOS.
Swift stands out as an efficient programming language with clean syntax. It is an open-source language gaining popularity among iOS developers due to its efficiency, enhanced performance, and support for libraries. Moreover, iOS developers can earn up to $124,000 per year in the US. As a result of all these factors, it is expected that Swift will continue to remain on the list of one of the most in demand programming languages of 2023.
Want to learn more about what you can do with Swift? Check out our deep dive.
PHP
PHP is one of the well-known and easy-to-learn programming languages for web development. It is an open-source programming language used for server-side development.
PHP is known as an easy-to-learn, secure language. On top of that, like other popular programming languages, PHP developers enjoy large community support and have several online communities available to help. It is a secure language that is also easy to debug, making it less frustrating for newer programmers than some more complex alternatives.
While PHP is beginning to lose some of its luster as newer options like Python and JavaScript have gained greater followings, it is still widely used among tech heavyweights like WordPress, Facebook, and Wikipedia. According to Indeed, the average base salary of PHP developers can still go to $93,000 per year.
C/C++
C is another general-purpose language that has amazing features. It is listed by experienced web developers along with Java and Python as one of the best languages for a new programmer to learn.
As one of the first programming languages ever developed, C serves as the foundation for more modern languages including JavaScript, C#, Python, and PHP. Some notable features of C are:
- Extendable language
- Efficient language
- High performance
Since the language is a bit outdated, it does not work well with modern web or mobile applications. That’s where C++ comes in. C++ is an extension of C designed for programming systems that run applications, as opposed to operating the applications themselves. C++ is also optimized for multi-device and multi-platform systems.
According to Indeed, the average base salary for C++ developers is around $116,000 per year in the US. Thus, if you are interested in learning more about C++, you can learn what C++ is used for here.
What Programming Language Should I Learn First?
With the information available above, naturally, you may wonder “What programming language should I learn?” Well, the answer depends on your development interest and in the field of your choice.
For example, if you are interested in the world of gaming, you may prefer C#. Contrary to that, if Artificial intelligence or Data science intrigues you, Python or R can be a good choice.
To help you, we have discussed the most in demand programming languages in detail with their usage. By mastering any of the mentioned programming languages, you can easily get a head start in your development journey.
How Do I Get Started Learning a Programming Language of My Choice?
It’s easier than you think! SoloLearn offers comprehensive tutorials and courses covering all of these in-demand and versatile programming languages. From mini-lessons that explore the fundamentals of each language, to fun and challenging quizzes and benchmarks that let you measure your progress and compete against fellow learners, SoloLearn’s coding classes are the perfect way to begin your programming career.
Since development is incomplete without practical learning, SoloLearn even offers a code playground to experiment with code and start building your own applications and projects after you’ve learned the ropes of your chosen language.
Visit SoloLearn or download the SoloLearn mobile application to create your account and start your career as a programmer today.
