We live in a digital world where almost everything is interconnected with some form of technology. In the past few decades alone, technological advances have transformed standard devices, from smartphones to smartwatches to cooking appliances, in unthinkable ways.
Learning to program will keep you competitive in this constantly changing digital world. This skill set can open doors to unique opportunities, in-demand careers, entrepreneurship ventures, and more. With the software development market growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4% annually with an estimated 22% projected growth rate from 2019 to 2029[1], there will be a massive uptick in demand for programmers in the coming decade. There is no better time than now to start your quest to become a programmer!
Programming encompasses a wide range of specialties, such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, web development (front-end, back-end, and full-stack), data science, game development, and so on. But no matter what you want to do, you'll need to learn programming languages, and the languages you choose will depend on your goals and the specialty you're interested in pursuing.
Today, we'll look at seven widely used programming languages, many of which would make great places to begin your programming journey. For instance, the beginner-friendly languages of Python and JavaScript are in high demand with established companies and startups today, and they top our list.
Without further ado, let’s dive right into the top in-demand programming languages to learn in 2022.
We’ll cover:
A note about our rankings
The list we've compiled below focuses on two primary questions:
- What are the most sought-after programming languages?
- Which languages are projected to have a high growth rate?
Our research for the first question is based on popular trends for a specific programming language, how common the language is with developers, and how often it gets used at work. And for question number two, we combed through Stack Overflow’s developer survey statistics[2] from the past two years to gauge the languages currently in demand and the ones projected to be popular in the near future.
1. JavaScript
For a good reason, JavaScript is the most popular programming language in use today. This is in part because most web browsers use JavaScript, it's easy to learn, and it requires zero prior coding experience and hence is perfect for beginners. Additionally, due to the ubiquitous nature of JavaScript, you will find a wide variety of online community support, courses, and professional resources.
JavaScript is specifically designed to manage the behavior of web pages. Programmers can use it to build dynamic web elements such as clickable buttons, interactivity, and animated graphics. In tandem with HTML and CSS, JavaScript can be used to bring a richer website user experience regarding readability and navigation. The plethora of libraries available in JavaScript, such as node.js, Angular, Express, and so on, makes web development easier for programmers.
JavaScript is mainly used for:
- Web development
- Building web servers
- Game development
- Making mobile apps
2. Python
Python is a high-level, general-purpose, object-oriented programming language used to build software, automate tasks, and analyze data. Python allows developers to use diverse programming techniques, including functional and object-oriented programming while building software.
Because of its versatility, ease of use, and highly readable syntax, Python is an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced programmers.
Additionally, Python has an extensive library with interactive extensions for Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) which support several commands and tasks on the go. For example, users can test blocks of code as they program instead of doing it later, saving time and resources.
Python is mainly used for:
- Back-end web development
- Data Science
- Artificial intelligence
- Machine learning
- Mobile and desktop app development
3. Java
Like Python, Java is a general-purpose, object-oriented programming language.
Object-oriented programming relies on the paradigm of classes and objects. A software program is broken down into blueprints known as classes from which instances or objects are created.
Java boasts a low learning curve, robust security, and the ability to handle enormous amounts of data. These key characteristics make Java an attractive programming language for data-heavy industries such as the financial sector, which deals with a massive, ongoing influx of banking and stock market data.
Moreover, Java’s versatility is another reason for its popularity. Because it is a write-once, run-anywhere, platform-independent language, Java can work on any operating system. You can see Java code running on mobile devices, desktop applications, and several other consumer products. Java’s popularity also translates to a vast community support system with several courses and online resources to help you achieve your specific goals.
Java is mainly used for:
- Android apps
- Mobile apps
- Desktop apps
- E-commerce
- Finance
4. SQL
Structured Query Language (SQL) is a database manipulation language. It's used for database querying, retrieval, manipulation, and overall communication. SQL is domain-specific and designed mainly to manage and analyze data in a relational database management system (RDBMS).
SQL is also a beginner- and user-friendly language that requires no prior coding skills. The syntax is relatively easy to learn, and syntactic rules are not complex. For example, basic commands such as SELECT, UPDATE, and INSERT perform specific operations.
It is a standardized database query language because it has been accepted by ISO and ANSI. This gives SQL a uniform platform and documentation available worldwide to all users. Also, as a platform-independent language, SQL can be used with other applications seamlessly.
SQL is mainly used for:
- Database management
- Data Science
- Business analysis
5. C
C# (or C sharp) is an object-oriented programming language released by Microsoft in 2002.
Because C# is a general-purpose language, it is used to build web and desktop applications. The language is high-level, with memory access capabilities and syntax that is easy to read. This translates to simpler syntax understanding compared to low-level languages like C.
Also, learning C# makes learning other languages like C and C++, which are equally popular languages per Stack Overflow, more straightforward because of the similarity in syntax. Furthermore, the interoperability feature of C# simplifies merging tech stacks.
C# is built and maintained by Microsoft, which has maintained extensive documentation for the language, including interactive tutorials, video series, and problem explanations. This being said, C# also enjoys huge community support.
C# is mainly used for:
- Desktop applications
- Mobile applications
- Web applications
- Game development
6. Go
Go, also known as Golang or Go language, is a Google brainchild developed in 2007 for API use and web application development. Go’s popularity is steadily rising due to its simplicity, ease of use, and ability to handle multithreading and huge codebases, with 11.83% of professional developers using it in their jobs.[4]
Many major tech companies like Google, Uber, and Twitch use Go because of its syntax familiarity and modern structure. Data scientists also prefer Go over other programming languages because it is agile and performant.
Go is primarily used for:
- Big data applications
- Network programming
- Audio and video editing
7. PHP
PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor (PHP) is an open-source programming language first released in 1990. Programmers and web developers find it essential to learn PHP because it is widely used, powering almost 80% of the websites whose server-side language we know, including Facebook and Yahoo.
While PHP is primarily used to build server-side and command-line scripts, it can also be used to create desktop applications for those highly skilled in the language.
PHP is relatively easy to learn, and developers have wide and robust community support, making it easy to find answers to any PHP-related questions.
PHP is primarily used for:
- Server-side and command line scripts
- Desktop applications
Break into a programming career today!
So, there you go! You've had a look at the seven most popular programming languages of 2022! Although several other programming languages are available, not all of them are popular among developers and employers. The ones we've described are popular with developers and companies alike while offering the best employment options.
Therefore, no matter what your motivation for learning programming is, this list is an excellent place to begin your foray into the world of software development. And since all these languages are beginner friendly, you should not have trouble finding one that fits even if you're just starting out.
At Educative, we offer a learning platform designed to help you become a developer more effectively and efficiently. Our courses and learning paths place an emphasis on interactivity, with code editors that run right in your browser, letting you get hands-on with languages right away. You'll find beginner-friendly offerings for most of the languages in this article, including the path Python for Programmers. It covers the fundamentals of Python, data structures, object-oriented programming, and several hands-on quizzes and challenges.
Happy learning!
Continue learning about starting a programming career on Educative
- How to become a frontend developer in 2022
- How to become a full-stack developer in 2022
- How to become a backend developer in 2022
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In your opinion, which of these programming languages is the most useful to know? Was this article helpful? Let us know in the comments below!
Top comments (1)
> 2022
> encouraging to learn PHP and Java