Which Programming Language In 2024 Will Be Mostly Used?
The world of technology is constantly evolving at a rapid pace. New programming languages are introduced regularly, while existing ones get updated with new features to keep up with the changing demands of the marketplace. For software developers and programmers, it's crucial to stay on top of the trends and anticipate which programming languages will be most sought by employers soon.
In this article, we analyze data from various sources, including job posting trends, developer surveys, and forecasts from analysts, to identify the top 5 programming languages projected to be in highest demand among employers in 2024. We assess languages based on factors like expected job growth, salaries, new projects/implementations, popularity/emergence of new technologies, and skills needed for the future of programming.
Let's look at the languages expected to be most in demand over the next few years.
6 Best Programming Language for Software/Web Development
.NET
Python
Java
JavaScript
C#
Go
Let’s discuss each of them in detail:
1. .NET
.NET is a developer platform and framework created by Microsoft that runs primarily on Windows but also supports Linux and macOS. It was first released in 2002 and encompasses many technologies, tools, and programming languages for building everything from simple console programs to complex enterprise applications. At the core of the .NET framework is the Common Language Runtime (CLR), which handles memory management security and enables language interoperability.
Popular languages used with .NET include C#, Visual Basic .NET, and F#, and components like ASP.NET for web development, ADO .NET for data access, Windows Forms/WPF for desktop apps, and more. Over the years, .NET has evolved through various versions from .NET Framework to the modern and open-source .NET 5/6. With advancements in cross-platform support and growing adoption of technologies like Xamarin and Blazor, .NET skills remain highly relevant for backend and frontend web development, desktop apps, cloud services, mobile apps, AI/ML, and more.
Organizations across industry verticals worldwide rely on .NET as a robust, scalable, and secure foundation for their mission-critical applications and services.
Why Choose .NET?
Here are some additional points about .NET demand:
--> Updated .NET Framework - The latest .NET updates, like .NET 6, further standardize the framework across platforms and bring new capabilities like self-contained deployments, improving productivity. It stimulates new project adoption.
--> Blazor Is Gaining Ground - The Blazor web framework allows the building of interactive client-side apps in C#/Razor, pushing .NET into the front. Its momentum bodes well for related jobs.
--> Xamarin Maturation - As Xamarin helps develop cross-platform mobile apps using C#, the vast demand for such apps translates to relevance for .NET skills.
--> Windows Desktop Revival - Windows 11's release alongside technologies like WinUI and MAUI reinvigorate the desktop app space where .NET remains dominant, opening opportunities.
--> Azure Growth - Azure usage continues booming, with Microsoft relying heavily on .NET to power services and platform tools. Strong Azure tie-ins foster synergistic benefits.
--> ML/AI Integration - Microsoft positions .NET as the preferred choice for AI/ML workloads via projects like ML .NET, enriching the toolkit for these priority areas.
--> Job Stability - A long history ensures that .NET talent remains crucial for the upkeep of legacy systems at bank enterprises, providing stable job prospects.
--> Open-Source Backing - Projects from .NET to Entity Framework illustrate a thriving community advancing .NET technologically and socially, paving the way for new options.
--> Cross-Skill Synergy - For those with complementary skills like JavaScript, expanding into .NET widens the applicability of existing knowledge into new domains.
--> Geographical Preference - Large companies in regions like Europe have deep institutional preferences for .NET that indigenous developers can capitalize on for careers.
So, in summary, NET's established user base, ongoing platform enhancements, and expansions into emerging trends cement its continued importance in 2024 and beyond, translating to sustained demand for related skills.
2. Python
Python has firmly established itself as one of the most versatile and popular general-purpose programming languages. It continues to gain popularity across multiple domains like web development, data science, artificial intelligence, automation, etc. and is projected to remain a top language employers seek in 2024.
Why Choose Python?
Consider some of the key factors contributing to Python's continued rise in demand:
--> Wide Range of Applications - Python can build everything from web applications to data modeling scripts to scientific applications. Its code readability and simplicity have made it a favorite of industry developers.
--> Strength In Data Science/AI Fields - Python is now considered the top language for data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence-related jobs. This increased focus on A.I. technologies is expected to drive up demand for Python skills further.
--> Rapid Development Cycles - Python's interpretive nature, abundant libraries, and readability allow developers to write code faster than lower-level compiled languages. It suits rapid prototyping and testing needs across industries.
--> Open-Source Ecosystem - Python has one of the wealthiest open-source libraries and frameworks, giving developers countless resources to build on. Popular libraries like NumPy, Pandas, and Matplotlib power most data analysis, while Django and Flask dominate web development.
--> Automation/Scripting - Automation continues to be a significant priority for many companies, and Python is well-suited for tasks like system administration, testing, deployments, etc., due to its simple syntax.
--> Rising Salaries - LinkedIn data shows the average Python developer salary in the U.S. increased by over $10,000 from 2020 to 2022, touching $105,000. Such pay scales will push more organizations to adopt the language.
--> Job Market Demand - Several reports project a massive spike in Python-related jobs by 2024, with AI/ML, cloud platforms, desktop/mobile apps, and backend/full-stack development openings. The number of active repositories involving Python on GitHub also shows consistently high and increasing engagement rates.
Python's flexibility, open-source strengths, and rising importance in fast-growing fields like AI make it highly likely to remain among the most sought-after programming skills over the next few years. Developers proficient in Python will continue to enjoy a competitive advantage in the tech job market.
3. Java
As one of the longest-standing and most established languages, Java remains a core technology used widely across enterprise systems, desktop/mobile apps, embedded systems, cloud platforms, etc. It has consistently featured among the top programming languages by popularity and jobs for many years.
Why Choose Java?
While languages like JavaScript and Python are making gains, Java's steady staying power is supported by the following reasons:
--> Enterprise/Backend Development - Java is still the primary choice for building large enterprise applications, backends, APIs, microservices, etc., due to its stability, performance, and security features. This widespread reliance ensures ongoing Java job opportunities.
--> Android Development - The explosive popularity of Android has created millions of jobs associated with building and maintaining Android apps. Java remains intrinsic to this large developer ecosystem and jobs market.
--> Desktop/Web Technologies - Java continues to power many traditional desktop apps, while Java frameworks see active use for web apps through solutions like Spring Boot.
--> Cloud Services - Java developers are in high demand for platforms like AWS due to services written in Java and the need for cloud-native microservices architectures.
--> Skills Transferability - Knowledge of Java directly connects to related technologies like Kotlin, easing the transition between roles. Well-established Java skills can yield opportunities in multiple domains.
--> Robust Open-Source Community - Projects like Java EE/SE, Spring Boot, Apache frameworks, and hibernate showcase the thriving Java open-source community, creating ample learning resources.
--> Stable Developer Salaries - According to recent data reflecting demand strength, average U.S. Java developer salaries have consistently stayed above $100,000. International salaries are also highly competitive.
While newer languages are on the rise, Java's maturity, performance, vibrant ecosystem, and established use across sectors remain highly sought-after shortly, with its pool of developer talent forecast to grow slightly over the next few years.
4. JavaScript
JavaScript has recently seen its popularity skyrocket thanks to its use beyond the browser and the rise of frontend frameworks. Given its growing application in new domains, its demand also shows no signs of slowing down.
Why Choose JavaScript?
Some prime reasons JavaScript is projected to remain in high demand through 2024 include:
--> Frontend Frameworks - JavaScript forms the basis of dominant frontend frameworks like React, Angular, and Vue, enabling rich client-side experiences. Mastery of these is critical for most U.I. developer roles.
--> Backend Usage - With the emergence of Node.js, JavaScript now powers full-stack development, allowing those with proficiency to work across the front/backend. This versatility enhances job prospects.
--> Popularity of Frameworks - Frontend J.S. frameworks like React are behind some of the most used sites, ensuring projects and jobs continue growing at a high rate.
--> Library/Tooling Ecosystem - An abundance of JavaScript libraries, tools, and technologies like TypeScript aid rapid development and productivity, further boosting adoption.
--> IoT Application - JavaScript is expanding into embedded devices, and IoT development is projected to become a large market.
--> High-Paying Jobs - Frontend engineer roles demanding strong JavaScript skills boast average U.S. salaries above $110,000, showing high compensation reflects sharp demand growth.
--> Mobile Application - JavaScript via React Native is becoming mainstream for cross-platform native mobile app development, expanding its influence.
JavaScript's ubiquitous usage model and innovation at the framework level have cemented its relevance for the foreseeable future. Developers with expertise in JavaScript and the various technologies it underpins will enjoy widening career opportunities and bargaining power.
5. C
While C# originated as a Microsoft language, it has recently widened its reach through .NET Core and .NET Mono. This evolution, coupled with strengths in areas like desktop/gaming/enterprise development, makes C# well poised for another year of steady growth in 2024.
Why Choose C#?
Some notable factors spurring C# demand:
--> Desktop Application - C# remains the best choice for building Windows desktops and cross-platform apps. NET. The desktop app market remains substantial.
--> Enterprise Development - Organizations rely heavily on the .NET framework and languages like C# for mission-critical systems. Core .NET updates bolster this reliance.
--> Web Development - With .NET Core, C# developers now enjoy a first-class experience for web development matching other languages. Its usage is growing.
--> Unity Game Engine - As gaming development booms, C# skills are sought after globally to build 2D/3D games using the ubiquitous Unity engine. Career options abound.
--> Cross-Platform Support - Options like .NET Core and Mono expand C#'s reach to non-Windows platforms, increasing potential deployments and career choices for developers.
--> Cloud Development - C# is a prominent choice for cloud services on Azure, and its continued innovation ensures applicability to modern architectures.
--> Developer Salaries - C# remains one of the highest-paying programming languages, with mid-level developers averaging around $100,000 in the U.S., according to recent surveys.
While still dominated by Microsoft technologies, C#'s evolution and strategic expansions position it as a versatile choice for multiple industry verticals, lending stability to its talent demand forecast for coming years.
6. Go
Go or Golang has emerged as one of the fastest-growing modern languages over the last decade, driven by its compelling features for systems programming and cloud application development. Its adoption continues to accelerate, pointing to strengthened demand through 2024.
Why Choose Golang?
Some aspects of Go's appeal:
--> Systems Programming - Go excels at building compilers, utilities, and other systems-level programs whose performance, concurrency, and sturdiness stand out.
--> Cloud Development - Goroutines, channels model concurrency ideally suited for cloud infra services and microservices architectures at scale. It aligns with key tech trends.
--> Simple, Readable Code - Go prioritizes simplicity and clarity of code, making it approachable and productive for large-scale projects compared to some competitors.
--> Open-Source Presence - Crucial infrastructure tools like Kubernetes and contributions from companies like Google have given Go tremendous visibility and reach.
--> Mobile Development - Cross-platform technologies like React Native and Flutter are gaining ground for mobile app creation using Go, further broadening its scope.
--> Lucrative Career Prospects - Demand consistently outpaces supply for Go talent, commanding above-average salaries north of $125,000, according to data sources.
--> Security, Speed - Go compiles to efficient native code, getting high marks for security performance important for systems applications it targets.
While still smaller than frontrunners, Go uptake is happening at impressive velocity, catalyzed by its strengths for cloud and systems tasks of strategic importance. Barring any unforeseen shifts, its demand looks set for further gains in the coming year and beyond.
Conclusion
As the trends analyzed here indicate, .NET, Python, Java, JavaScript, C#, and Go programming languages are projected to remain at the forefront of hiring demand through 2024, backed by their spread across applications and industries and the growing prevalence of technologies they power. Developers skilled in these languages can be assured of plentiful and high-paying career opportunities over the next few years.