Most Popular Programming Languages Statistics By Country, Recruiters and Most Popular Websites

Ketaki Joshi
Written by
Ketaki Joshi

Updated · Oct 08, 2024

Rohan Jambhale
Edited by
Rohan Jambhale

Editor

Most Popular Programming Languages Statistics By Country, Recruiters and Most Popular Websites

Introduction

Most Popular Programming Languages Statistics: Programming languages allow us to communicate with computers, enabling the creation of scripts, programs, and applications. Each language has its syntax, symbols, and keywords for writing code. Even a small mistake, like a misplaced comma, can cause the code to fail. These languages are also essential for building websites.

Each language has specific advantages and disadvantages when it comes to application, but with the right skills and techniques, coding can be enjoyable. Let’s take a look at the most recent statistics for the most popular programming languages.

Editor’s Choice

  • Based on the Most Popular Programming Languages Statistics 2023, Python became the most widely used language, with a growth rate of +7.8 % over the last five years.
  • According to the Statista survey, the JavaScript community contributed 57.8% of software developers worldwide in 2023.
  • TypeScript is used at a 67.1% usage rate worldwide, making it one of the most popular programming languages.
  • In Q2 of 2023, Java was the leading software language with the highest requirement in job offers in Poland, with 22% of the share.
  • As per the Online Historical Encyclopedia of Programming Languages, around 8,945 programming languages have been created.
  • Russia, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and China have the highest number of programming languages offered jobs.
  • Around the world in 2023, writing code, debugging, getting help, and documenting code were the most popular uses of AI in the development workflow, with 82.55%, 48.66%, and 34.37% usage rates at current times, respectively.
  • Java has captured 50% of the market in 162 countries; it has been googled in 80 countries.
  • According to Programming Languages Statistics, the market is projected to reach $343.84 billion by 2029.
  • As of today, Java is being used in more than 3 billion devices.

General Programming Languages Statistics

  • According to Programming Languages Statistics, the market is projected to reach $343.84 billion by 2029.
  • As per the Online Historical Encyclopedia of Programming Languages, around 8,945 programming languages have been created.
  • Based on the Most Popular Programming Languages Statistics 2023, Python became the most widely used language, with a growth rate of +7.8 % over the last five years.
  • Java has captured 50% of the market in 162 countries; it has been googled in 80 countries.
  • As of today, Java is being used in more than 3 billion devices.
  • 97% of popular websites are using JavaScript.
  • In addition, 72% of the companies are searching for JavaScript developers.
  • JavaScript, Python, and Java have captured 65% of the searches in the category of most Google technology.
  • Most Popular Programming Languages Statistics report that 60% of Android developers use Kotlin as their cross-platform programming language.
  • Russia, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and China have the highest number of programming languages offered jobs.
  • TypeScript is used at a 67.1% usage rate worldwide, making it one of the most popular programming languages.

Coding Learning Methods Among Developers By Age

According to the chart below, online resources such as videos, blogs, or forums were the most popular way of learning programming language in all age groups in 2023.

Less than 18 years18 to 24 years25 to 34 years35 to 44 years45 to 54 years55 to 64 years65 years and above
Online Resources (blogs, forum videos)88.34%84.15%79.9%80.39%79.46%73.91%63.83%
Online Courses or certification39.5%47.89%51.98%51.42%48.53%45.95%36.26%
School / University/ colleges32.22%62.05%55.01%44.34%37.36%38.93%40.29%
Books/ Physical Media36.13%37.64%48.27%61.12%71.35%77.07%80.04%
Coding Bootcamp10.36%11.25%10.65%9.08%7.24%7.51%5.73%
A friend or family member19.33%14.34%11.25%10.34%7.72%5.47%4.74%
On-the-job training6.44%32.17%51.37%53.85%54.86%55.2%50.4%
Colleague4.02%17.31%26.73%27.87%25.41%21.93%16.03%
Hackathons (virtual/in-person)8.51%10.86%8.74%6.94%4.88%3.22%1.79%

(Source: statista.com)

Popular Uses of AI in Workflow Development

most-popular-software-languages-appearing-in-job-offers-in-poland-in-2nd-quarter-2023

(Reference: statista.com)

Around the world in 2023, writing code, debugging, getting help, and documenting code were the most popular uses of AI in the development workflow, with 82.55%, 48.66%, and 34.37% usage rates at current times, respectively. On the other hand, deployment and monitoring, committing and reviewing mode, and testing code may be of interest to use

Top Programming Languages Used By Developers Globally

According to Most Popular Programming Languages Statistics 2023, JavaScript, HTML/CSS, and Python were the leading languages among developers.

Programming LanguageRate of Usage
JavaScript63.61%
HTML/ CSS52.97%
Python49.28%
SQL48.66%
TypeScript38.87%
Bash/Shell (All shells)32.37%
Java30.55%
C#27.62%
C++22.42%
C19.34%
PHP18.58%
PowerShell13.59%
Go13.24%
Rust13.05%
Kotlin9.06%
Ruby6.23%
Lua6.09%
Dart6.02%
Assembly5.43%
Swift4.65%
R4.23%
Visual Basic (.Net)4.07%
MATLAB3.81%
VBA3.55%
Groovy3.4%
Delphi3.23%
Scala2.77%
Perl2.46%
Elixir2.32%
Objective- C2.31%
Haskell2.09%
GDScript1.71%
Lisp1.53%
Solidity1.33%
Clojure1.26%
Julia1.15%
Erlang0.99%
F#0.97%
Fortran0.95%
Prolog0.89%
Zig0.83%
Ada0.77%
OCaml0.7%
Apex0.66%
Cobol0.66%
SAS0.49%
Crystal0.44%
Nim0.38%
APL0.26%
Flow0.24%
Raku0.18%

(Source: statista.com)

Statistics by Country

Poland

most-popular-software-languages-appearing-in-job-offers-in-poland-in-2nd-quarter-2023

(Reference: statista.com)

In Q2 of 2023, Java was the leading software language with the highest requirement in job offers in Poland, with 22% of the share. In addition, Python and  Java Script also contributed more than 10% each in similar job requirements.

Russia

most-popular-programming-languages-used-in-software-companies-in-russia-in-2023

(Reference: statista.com)

According to Most Popular Programming Languages Statistics 2023, in Russia, JavaScript was the most used language in software companies, with a 65.5% usage rate. It was followed by Java (51%) and Python (50.6%), the top three in a similar category.

Size of Programming Language Communities

size-of-programming-language-communities-worldwide-as-of-2023

(Reference: statista.com)

According to the Statista survey, the JavaScript community contributed 57.8% of software developers worldwide in 2023. Furthermore, Java and Python contributed almost 50% each in a similar segment.

The Programming Language Used By Most Popular Websites

WebsiteFront endBack endDatabase
NetflixJavaScriptJava, PythonPostgreSQL, NMDB
PinterestJavaScriptErland, Elixir, Python (Django)Redis, MySQL
WordPress.comJavaScriptPHPMarianaDB
LinkedInJavaScriptScala, Java, JavaScriptVenice
eBayJavaScriptJavaScipt, Scala, JavaOracle Database
WikipediaJavaScriptPHPMariaDB
XJavaScriptRuby (Ruby on Rails), Java, Scala, C++MySQL
YouTubeTypeScript, JavaScriptGo, Java, Python, C, C++MariaDB, Vitess, BigTable
EtsyJavaScriptPHPRedis, MySQL
AmazonJavaScriptJava, C++, PerlRedshift, RDS/Aurora, DynamoDB
FacebookTypeScript, JavaScript, FlowErland, D, Haskell, Hack/HHVM, Python, C++Cassandra, MySQL, MariaDB, HBase
GoogleTypeScript, JavaScriptNode, Java, C, C++, Go, PythonMariaDB, Bigtable

(Source: wikipedia.org)

Top 20 Most Popular Programming Languages

According to the TIOBE Index 2024, the following chart explains the year-wise comparison of the performance of different popular programming languages.

Programming LanguageMay 2024May 2023RatingsChange
COBOL20260.85%+0.29%
Kotlin19330.89%+0.52%
Rush18170.93%+0.11%
Scratch17130.93%-0.02%
PHP1680.97%-0.62%
Swift15141.01%+0.09%
MATLAB15141.06%+0.18%
Ruby13181.06%+0.26%
Assembly Language12101.07%-0.13%
Delphi/Object Pascal11111.24%+0.23%
Fortran10191.24%+0.46%
SQL991.44%+0.03%
Go8121.60%+0.61%
Visual Basic762.01%-1.83%
JavaScript673.01%+0.57%
C#556.49%-0.94%
Java438.69%-3.53%
C++349.53%-2.43%
C229.98%-3.37%
Python1116.33%+2.88%

(Source: tiobe.com)

Top Programming Languages in Demand By Recruiters

Let’s understand the current trends in the market through these statistics on the Most Popular Programming Languages Statistics by recruiters around the world in 2023.

Programming LanguageShare
Javascript52.93%
Java42.54%
Python39.66%
Typescript31.3%
C#28.18%
C++23.11%
PHP18.97%
C9.29%
Kotlin8.67%
Go8.43%
Bash6.79%
VB.NET5.15%
Swift5.07%
Scala4.68%
Ruby4.22%
Rust3.75%
Dart3.67%
R3.04%
Groovy1.48%
Objective-C1.48%
F#1.41%
Pascal/Delphi1.01%
Clojure1.01%
Perl1.01%
Lua1.01%
Haskell0.86%
OcamI0.55%

Understanding Programming Languages:

Imagine a language that lets you give instructions to a computer, not in ones and zeros, but in a way that resembles human speech. That’s the essence of a programming language. It’s a set of rules and instructions that software developers (also called programmers) use to create programs, websites, apps, and anything else that runs on a computer.

There are hundreds of programming languages out there, each with its strengths and weaknesses. Just like you wouldn’t use French to order pizza in China, the choice of programming language depends on what you’re trying to build.

A World of Languages: Understanding the Differences

Here’s a breakdown of the main types of programming languages:

  • Imperative: These languages focus on giving step-by-step instructions to the computer, like a recipe. Popular examples include Python, Java, and C++.
  • Declarative: Instead of telling the computer how to do something, you tell it what you want the outcome to be. Languages like SQL (used for databases) and HTML (for web pages) fall into this category.
  • Functional: These languages treat everything as functions, which are self-contained blocks of code that perform specific tasks. Think of them like mini-programs within a program. Haskell and Scala are some examples.
  • Object-oriented: This approach breaks down programs into objects, which are like blueprints for real-world things. An object can have data (like properties) and instructions (like methods) that define its behavior. C++, Java, and Python can also be used in an object-oriented way.

These are just the major categories, and there are many subcategories within each. Languages also differ in terms of:

  • Readability: Some languages are designed to be easy for humans to understand, while others are closer to machine code.
  • Performance: How fast and efficiently the code can be executed by the computer.
  • Portability: Whether the code can run on different types of computers with minimal changes.
  • Versatility: How well the language is suited for different programming tasks.

The Programming Language Landscape in 2024

The world of programming is constantly evolving, and so are the languages used. Here’s a peek at some trends in 2024:

  • Growth of High-Level Languages: Languages like Python and JavaScript continue to be popular choices due to their readability, versatility, and large communities of developers. These languages allow programmers to focus on the logic of their program rather than getting bogged down in complex details.
  • Demand for Specialization: While general-purpose languages are valuable, there’s a growing demand for languages specific to certain fields like data science (R, Python), mobile development (Swift, Kotlin), and web development (JavaScript).
  • Rise of Cloud-Based Development: Languages that work well with cloud platforms like Google Cloud or Amazon Web Services are gaining traction. These languages often leverage features and functionalities offered by the cloud environment.
  • Focus on Security: As cyber threats become more sophisticated, languages with built-in security features or strong security communities are becoming increasingly important.

Earning Potential: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for computer and information technology occupations was $100,470 in May 2023. Programmers with skills in in-demand languages can potentially command even higher salaries.

Finding the Right Fit: With so many languages out there, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. Here are some tips:

  • Consider your goals: What kind of programs do you want to build?
  • Think about your experience level: Some languages are easier to learn than others.
  • Research job markets: See which languages are in demand in your field.

The Future of Programming Languages: A Glimpse into 2024 and Beyond

While the current trends in programming languages hold strong for 2024, the future promises even more innovation and change. Here are some exciting possibilities to look forward to:

  • The Rise of AI-Powered Development: Artificial intelligence (AI) is already starting to play a role in programming. Tools that can suggest code completion, identify bugs, and even generate basic programs are becoming more prevalent. This could lead to faster development cycles and more efficient coding practices.
  • Focus on Developer Experience: As software systems become more complex, there will be a growing emphasis on tools and languages that make it easier and more enjoyable for developers to write and maintain code. This could include features like improved code readability, better debugging tools, and automated testing frameworks.
  • Domain-specific languages (DSLs): are specialized languages designed for specific tasks or industries. Imagine a language specifically for building financial models or creating medical simulations. DSLs can increase developer productivity and code quality by providing a tailored set of tools and functionalities.
  • Quantum Computing Languages: While still in its early stages, quantum computing has the potential to revolutionize various fields like materials science and drug discovery. New programming languages will be needed to harness the power of quantum computers, opening up entirely new possibilities for programmers.
  • The Blurring Lines Between Languages: As technologies evolve, the boundaries between different programming languages may become less distinct. We might see languages that borrow features from each other, allowing for more flexible and powerful development approaches.

Impact on Jobs: These advancements will undoubtedly affect the programming job market. While some jobs may become automated by AI-powered tools, the demand for skilled programmers is likely to remain strong. However, the skillset needed will continue to evolve. Programmers who can adapt to new technologies, work with AI tools effectively, and think creatively will be highly sought-after.

Tips for Staying Ahead of the Curve:

  • Embrace Continuous Learning: The programming landscape is constantly changing. Make it a habit to stay updated on new languages, frameworks, and technologies.
  • Develop a Growth Mindset: Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and learn new skills. The ability to learn and adapt will be key to success in programming in the future.
  • Contribute to Open Source Projects: Participating in open-source projects is a great way to gain experience, learn from other developers, and contribute to the larger tech community.

Conclusion

Concluding the Most Popular Programming Languages Statistics, the numbers prove that the future of programming is bright, and with the right approach, you can be a part of this exciting journey. As new languages and technologies emerge, remember that the core principles of programming – problem-solving, logic, and creativity – will remain essential.

So, keep coding, keep learning, and keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible! Moreover, using recent technology and manual talent, a lot can happen.

FAQ.

What is C++ used for?

C++ is used for scientific computing, system software, embedded systems, high-performance applications, and game development.

Which is the easiest computer language to learn?

According to GUVI, Golang, R, Ruby, JavaScript, PHP, HTML, CSS, and C are the easiest computing programming languages to learn for any beginner.

Which is the most widely used programming language in 2024?

As of 2024, Python is the most widely used programming language, with a 28.11% market share in 2024.

Ketaki Joshi
Ketaki Joshi

Ketaki Joshi is a professional medical writer with extensive experience in scientific research on illness, health, and healthcare. Her work includes creating feature articles for newsletters and websites, as well as research news stories for doctors and researchers. With a lifelong passion for reading, Ketaki transitioned from a career at a French multinational company to pursue writing professionally. Her dedication to the craft has culminated in the recent release of her first Amazon-published short story, "The Envelope That Changed Our Lives."

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