Top 10 Programming Languages of the Future: An Overview

1. Python

Python is like an all-rounder top programming language and remains a superstar for several reasons. It’s beginner-friendly, with easy-to-read code that lets you focus on your program’s logic. It excels in several fields, including web development, data science, and machine learning. In addition to a massive community, there are tons of libraries (prewritten code) that can help you solve almost any problem.

According to the Stack Overflow Survey 2023, Python has replaced SQL as the third most commonly used language. Its exceptional versatility and innate simplicity make Python a top programming language in the future for developers and data science experts alike. It is ideal because it has a syntax described as clear, intuitive, and almost English-like, making it one of the most popular coding languages. You can choose Python as it is a popular, easy-to-learn, feature-rich framework. Also, Python is the open-source Django framework for back-end web development. For the tld;r – Mozilla, Instagram, and Spotify have been developed using the Django programming language.

2. JavaScript

Javascript is the king of the web. The internet wouldn’t be the same without JavaScript (JS). It’s the language that makes websites interactive, enabling them to respond to user actions and create dynamic content. That is why positioning JavaScript as the top programming language would not be wrong. It is essential for web developers, and its popularity is only increasing with the rise of complex web applications. As we mentioned it second top in the list, JavaScript tops the chart of the top 10 future programming languages. Web developers use JavaScript as their primary programming language, combining it with HTML to create interactive website features. One of the main reasons front-end web developers rely heavily on JavaScript is its compatibility with all major web browsers.

Without learning JavaScript, it is almost impossible to become a software developer because dynamic web applications are so important. In the Developer Survey, over 64% of respondents reported using JavaScript in the past year, making it the most popular programming languages 2024 among developers. It is essential to use JavaScript, HTML, and CSS for front-end web development, as it is used by many of the most popular sites on the web, such as Facebook, Twitter, Gmail, and YouTube, to create interactive web pages.

3. TypeScript

There are different types of programming languages but Typescript is a strongly typed best programming language that builds on JavaScript, giving you better tooling at any scale. You can have all the power of JavaScript with more organization and safety. That’s TypeScript in a nutshell. It builds upon JS. it adds features like solid typing (defining data types) to catch errors early on. As web applications become more intricate, TypeScript’s focus on reliability will be increasingly valuable.

It was created by Microsoft in 2012, and has grown in popularity among developers. For those who know Java and C++, learning TypeScript might be a great next step. The best part about this language is that it allows JavaScript developers to utilize classes and other OOP concepts without losing backward compatibility. It is a great choice for developers transitioning from C# to JavaScript. It is compatible with libraries and frameworks like Node.js and Angular, making it a versatile tool for modern web development. Many Google projects use TypeScript, contributing to its rapid growth. Developers are increasingly adopting TypeScript because many frameworks, software tools, and editors now support it, solidifying its place as a key language for the future.

4. SQL

SQL (Standard Query Language) will be among the top 10 programming languages in the future, despite the availability of numerous database technologies in the IT industry. Studies show professional developers use SQL more than Python (52% vs 45%), whereas students use Python more than SQL (59% vs 37%). It was developed by the IBM Research Center in 1974, to give exclusive database management services to business developers. The use of SQL in web applications is as crucial as Python programming. Unlike other coding languages on our list, SQL allows you to store, extract, and manipulate data within existing databases.

As a primary database programming language, SQL must be learned in order to query a database effectively. Social media platforms, payment processors, and music libraries, among others, rely heavily on SQL for their applications. Having the ability to use SQL is a crucial skill for prospective data professionals, since it is often required for roles such as database administrator, data analyst, and quality assurance engineer.

5. Swift

The Swift programming language powers Apple’s iOS, iPad, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS devices. Its safety, speed, and ease of use make it an excellent choice for developing Apple applications. With Apple products becoming increasingly popular, Swift offers a promising career path. As the most popular programming language in 2024, Swift simplifies the development of feature-rich iOS apps for iOS developers. Swift is a relatively new and easy-to-learn programming language that offers features such as speed, performance, and security. With features such as optional types and value semantics, Swift was designed to prevent common programming errors. In addition to making Swift applications safer and more reliable, these features enhance their performance, which is crucial in mobile devices with limited resources.

With Swift’s seamless integration with Apple’s ecosystem, developers can use SwiftUI, a declarative syntax for building user interfaces across all Apple platforms. Furthermore, Swift’s development is strongly community-driven, with its source code available as open source. This fosters a vibrant community of developers who contribute to the language’s evolution, ensuring the language continuously adapts and improves.

6. Rust

The newcomer Rust prioritizes memory safety and prevents a typical class of software crashes, making it a big hit in the field. The focus on reliability makes Rust ideal for system programming, where dependability is crucial. Despite its complicated syntax, Rust offers a powerful alternative for performance-critical programs.

It has been ranked as one of the most admired languages for developers for its performance, safety, and concurrency features. In some fields, Rust is expected to replace languages like C and C++ because of its emphasis on safety, performance, and memory management. With increased security and reliability, Rust could gain traction in critical systems like operating systems, embedded devices, and blockchain technologies. In the landscape of the most popular coding languages, Rust stands out for its unique features and potential applications.

7. Go (Golang)

A general-purpose programming language developed by Google, Go (Golang) is highly scalable, simple, and fast. It is ideal for building web applications, cloud services, and backend systems, and Google’s support and emphasis on ease of use will help Go gain traction. Despite being one of the most demanding computer languages, Golang’s success is largely attributed to Google. The primary features of Go are goroutines, garbage collection, lack of inheritance, and structural typing. Go was designed at Google by Robert Griesemer, Rob Pike, and Ken Thompson to speed up software development.

For engineers who wish to pursue a career in systems programming, low-level languages like Go are ideal. Although it has many of the same features as C and C++, it does not have the same difficult syntax and steep learning curve. Whether you’re building a web server, a data pipeline, or a machine learning package, this language is perfect for you. Go runs “close to the metal,” enabling blazing-fast performance. Its open-source nature allows ambitious developers to see their contributions adopted by other programmers worldwide. Like Rust, Go is also a compiled language. It compiles into machine code and collects data quickly. Google and other companies use Go in production because of its simplicity and high performance. The machine code produced is similar to that of C/C++ and the amount of code written is reduced.

8. Kotlin

Kotlin is a concise, readable, and interoperable language for Android app development, developed by JetBrains. It is compatible with Java code, so existing Java code can be seamlessly integrated. The massive user base of Android devices makes Kotlin a language worth watching. It simplifies the software development process, making it easier and faster to write robust, high-performance applications. Kotlin is designed to be more expressive and safer than Java. Google officially supports Kotlin for Android development, and many top Android apps are now being developed using Kotlin, highlighting Kotlin’s importance in the mobile app industry.

As one of the most popular programming languages 2024, developers will appreciate Kotlin’s seamless integration with Android Studio and its support for modern programming paradigms. Kotlin will become increasingly important in shaping the future of mobile development as Android app demand continues to rise.

9. PHP

Despite the rise of newer technologies like Node.js and Python, PHP continues to dominate web development. Among the many reasons for its popularity are its simplicity, flexibility, and a vast ecosystem of frameworks that accelerate and improve development. According to W3Techs, PHP powers approximately 79% of websites on the internet, including giants such as Facebook and Yahoo. This versatility makes PHP a valuable tool for developers who are building dynamic and interactive web pages, as well as command-line scripts and desktop applications. Numerous online communities and resources provide a wealth of knowledge and troubleshooting assistance for PHP developers, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

As web technologies evolve, PHP adapts, ensuring that it remains a useful and powerful tool for developers seeking to build robust, dynamic websites.

10. C++

C++ is one of the best programming languages. It is known for its efficiency, control, and versatility. As an extension of C, C++ introduces object-oriented features, making it ideal for a wide variety of applications, including system software and game development, real-time simulation, and high-performance servers. The foundation and nuances of high-performance computing can be learned by learning C and C++. With its simplicity, speed, and direct access to system-level resources, C is the older of the two languages, making it ideal for developing firmware and system software. By adding object-oriented and generic programming features to C, C++ extends its functionality, making it suitable for complex algorithms and data structures.

Due to their widespread use in operating systems, embedded devices, and high-performance computing, C and C++ remain highly valued in the tech industry. For applications where speed and resource management are critical, they remain the go-to languages due to their unparalleled performance and efficiency. As we look to the future, learning C and C++ is not just an academic exercise but an investment in an enduring and highly applicable skill set. In fields where performance and control of hardware are critical, these languages remain important tools in the arsenal of any programmer.