There are a lot of programming languages available, and choosing a language you feel comfortable with amongst so many is not easy. Some languages are easy to learn and apply, while others are difficult and complex. For example, PHP is one of the easiest programming languages, but C++ is one of the most difficult.
Therefore, this article will help you understand the different programming languages and their usage to help you choose the appropriate language according to your needs. You will learn what programming language is currently at the top and other languages developers prefer for their work.
Most Popular Programming Languages in 2022 (TIOBE Index)
This index represents the current standings of the well-known programming languages developers prefer the most. It is updated for June 2022.
According to Paul Jansen, CEO of TIOBE, Java is on the losing side. In April 2020, Java was still number 1 on the TIOBE index. In that same month, Java had to give up its first place to C. Later, in 2021, Python became unstoppable and surpassed Java as well. Now it looks like C++ is the next language to overtake Java.
Additionally, he explained that C++'s success is due to its high-level programming and performance. The C++ language is revised every 3 years. Such revisions contain ground-breaking new features, which get the language on par with C# and Java but without the performance penalty of a garbage collector. Let's see where C++ is heading in the next few months.
Python
Python is no longer surprising as one of the most popular languages among developers and in the community of data scientists. According to the TIOBE Index, Python still maintains its number one position on the trending chart. This information comes from the raw data that comes from Google Trends. It maintains a 12.20% rating with a +0.35% change.
It is a beginner-friendly language, which you can use as a springboard for learning other languages and programming frameworks. Furthermore, you can use the programming language to build simple games, making it easy to create prototypes quickly. This programming language is mainly used for app development, back-end development, and Data Science.
Python is one of the easiest languages to learn and use, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced programmers. It offers a massive library of commands and functions that support everyday tasks and commands. Because of its interactive capabilities, programmers can test code on the fly, reducing the time they spend creating and trying long sections of code.
Blender, Inkscape, and Autodesk use Python to develop 2D imaging and 3D animation packages. Additionally, it has been used to create games such as Civilization IV, Vegas Trike, and Toontown. Scientists and programmers use Python for software like FreeCAD and Abacus and popular web applications like YouTube, Quora, Pinterest, and Instagram.
C
C has surpassed Java to take second place in the most popular programming languages list with a rating of 11.91%. It is one of the oldest and most essential programming languages used worldwide by programmers. C programming languages come with multiple features making programmers rely on them so much. It is used for building databases, designing compilers, developing operating systems, designing browsers, GPU, Gaming and Animation, and Embedded systems.
It is a machine-independent programming language used for building several types of applications and Operating Systems like Windows. You can also create some complicated programs with this language, such as Git, Oracle, Python interpreter, and amazing games.
The popularity of this powerful programming language can be derived from the companies that use it. Despite being old, C is used by top companies like Apple, Facebook, Google, Mastercard, Microsoft, Nvidia, Redhat, Telegram, VMware, and YouTube.
Java
Java is one of the most popular programming languages owned by the Oracle Corporation. It offers both object-oriented and functional programming features. Unlike other programming languages, Java was designed to be easy to use, which makes this language easier to learn, write, compile, and debug. Presently, more than 3 Billion devices running applications are built with Java. Currently, it ranks third in the list of popular programming languages with a rating of 10.47%, according to the TIOBE Index.
Moreover, Java facilitates the development of successful platform-independent applications. To compile Java code, you will need the Java Virtual Machine, which translates byte code into machine language. Remember, each operating system uses different versions of JVM, depending on what it needs.
To create a desktop application with JAVA, you will need several tools, including JDK, Netbeans, IDE, SQL, and Java FX, in addition to frameworks like JFoenix, Tornado FX, GWT, RCP, Hadoop, JMF, Kafka, Eclipse, Log4j, Grails depending on your needs. Java is certainly the best among all the programming languages mentioned for desktop applications and cross-platform development.
C++
Ranking fourth on the TIOBE chart, C++ is an extensively used programming language used by programmers worldwide for cross-platform development and desktop applications. Being low-level, it offers high-level access to system memory and resources to help developers create the best programs. Developers can debug and edit the C++ source code with the help of the Integrated Development Environment (IDE). QT Creator, XCode, NetBeans, Eclipse, and Visual Studio are some examples of IDEs.
C++ Developers can use compilers for various platforms, making such applications largely portable. It is often used to develop applications where performance is the priority, such as client/server applications, commercial products like Adobe and Firefox, Google Chrome, MS Office, and video games.
The good thing about C++ is that it offers a large static library and several compilers for developers. It helps them create more beginner-friendly and efficient programs. Apart from that, it also supports exception handling and function overloading.
C# (C-Sharp)
Created by Microsoft, C# is an object-oriented programming language used for creating several distinct programs and applications such as desktop apps, cloud-based services, mobile apps, websites, games, and enterprise software. According to the TIOBE Index, it currently stands in the fifth position with a rating of 6.12%.
The language is somewhat similar to C and also has some similarities to Java and JavaScript. It allows developers to create various powerful and secure applications supported by the .NET Framework. For creating C# apps, you can use different tools and frameworks, such as NET WPF, Blazor, Avalonia, WinForms, UWP, Xamarian, .NET MAUI, Uno Platform, etc.
It indeed is one of the most in-demand coding languages; however, there are other reasons to have this skill under your belt. Like most popular languages, C# has a large community that supports new students. It is, therefore, easier to learn C# than some of the newest and least documented languages.
C# plays an important role in developing desktop and web applications. So, if you are a C# developer, you should know that hiring managers look for developers that can code with C#.
JavaScript
As of 2022, JavaScript currently stands as the most commonly-used language in the world. It is used by 95 percent of all websites, whether small startups or giant corporations. Several of them are working on specific website or app that requires a strong understanding of this language. According to the TIOBE Index, it currently ranks seventh with a rating of 2.09%.
Javascript is mainly used for building web servers, mobile apps, web development, and game development. It is the most widely used language worldwide today due to its beginner-friendly nature and the fact that most web browsers utilize it. You almost don't need prior coding experience to learn Javascript. Just start practicing and you will understand everything on the way.
Furthermore, because the language is so widely spoken, there are a plethora of online forums, courses, and professional assistance resources. Combining HTML, CSS, and JavaScript gives programmers more control over their websites and allows them to create a better user experience in terms of navigation and readability.
SQL
At position eight, we have SQL or Structured Query Language with a rating of 1.94%. It is a programming language that lets users query and manipulate databases. It is specifically designed to maintain data within an RDBMS (Relational Database Management System) as it is a domain-specific language. Simply put, SQL can search for and retrieve data from a database, and update, add, and delete records.
SQL is mainly used for business management, database management, and sales reports. While SQL is extremely functional, it is best suited to small databases and does not always adapt itself to large ones. If you are looking to learn SQL, you can start with this SQL Bootcamp to upskill quickly.
Whatever path you decide to take, one thing is certain: now is the best time to pick up coding skills and launch a career in coding. These programming languages will be in high demand in 2022; I hope they will help you begin.
Top comments (4)
For reference according to Wikipedia.
The [TIOBE] index is calculated from the number of search engine results for queries containing the name of the language.
Doesn't look to me like reliable source for langauge popularity or demand.
I do agree, tiobe recepe to classify langage is opaque and not an image of how much it's really used.
I prefer checking github language classification. At least we have a real statistic of what languages are most used in opensource. JavaScript is by far the first one there.
I think that most reliable would be checking Stack Overflow Survey or count of job offers. Depend if you look into usage or demand.
Thanks man!