"Best programming languages to learn in 2024"
By Piyush Karn
20 October 2024As technology continues to advance rapidly, programming skills remain in high demand across various industries. However, with so many programming languages available, deciding which ones to learn can be challenging. In 2024, several languages stand out based on their versatility, demand in the job market, and potential for future applications. Here’s a look at some of the best programming languages to consider learning this year.
Why It’s Popular: Python has been the go-to language for data science, artificial intelligence (AI), and web development for years. Its syntax is beginner-friendly, making it a great first language, and its extensive libraries, like TensorFlow and Pandas, make it incredibly powerful for specialized fields.
Use Cases: AI & Machine Learning, Web Development, Data Analysis, Automation
Career Prospects: Python developers are highly sought after in tech, finance, and healthcare. According to job boards, Python ranks consistently as one of the most in-demand skills for programming roles.
Why It’s Popular: JavaScript powers most websites you interact with today and is an essential language for front-end development. With frameworks like React, Angular, and Vue, JavaScript can also be used for complex applications and Single Page Applications (SPAs).
Use Cases: Web Development, Mobile App Development, Game Development, Server-Side Programming (with Node.js)
Career Prospects: JavaScript skills are essential for front-end developers, making it one of the most in-demand languages for web development roles. It’s also useful in the growing field of mobile app development.
Why It’s Popular: Rust is quickly gaining popularity due to its performance and memory safety, which makes it ideal for system-level programming. Known for its focus on safe code, Rust is often used where reliability is critical, like in systems programming and hardware interfacing.
Use Cases: Systems Programming, Game Development, WebAssembly, IoT Development
Career Prospects: Although Rust jobs are fewer compared to Python or JavaScript, it’s a valuable skill for specialized fields, particularly where low-level programming and performance optimization are key.
Why It’s Popular: Go, developed by Google, has built a strong reputation for simplicity, efficiency, and performance. It’s particularly known for its ease in building concurrent applications, making it a favorite for cloud services and distributed systems.
Use Cases: Cloud Computing, System Tools, DevOps & SRE, Web Servers
Career Prospects: Go is highly valued in cloud computing, microservices, and backend development, particularly among companies that need robust, high-performance infrastructure.
Why It’s Popular: Kotlin is the preferred language for Android development, as Google officially recommends it over Java. Its syntax is clean, reducing boilerplate code, and it integrates seamlessly with Java, making it versatile for Android and backend development.
Use Cases: Android Development, Backend Development, Cross-Platform Development (with frameworks like Kotlin Multiplatform)
Career Prospects: Android developers with Kotlin expertise are in high demand. As mobile applications continue to expand, Kotlin skills are likely to remain relevant.
Why It’s Popular: Structured Query Language (SQL) is essential for managing and querying data stored in relational databases. Almost every software application relies on data storage, making SQL a foundational skill for developers, data scientists, and analysts alike.
Use Cases: Data Analysis, Database Management, Web Development, Business Intelligence
Career Prospects: SQL knowledge is valuable across various roles, including data science, software engineering, and business analysis, and is often a minimum requirement for data-centric positions.
Selecting a programming language to learn depends on your goals. For those starting out, Python and JavaScript offer broad applications and easy syntax, ideal for building foundational coding skills. If you’re interested in low-level programming and performance, Rust and Go are great choices. For anyone considering a career in mobile development, Kotlin and Swift are essential.
In 2024, the tech industry will continue to value adaptability. Learning multiple languages or becoming proficient in one versatile language can greatly enhance your career prospects. Keep an eye on industry trends, experiment with different languages, and find what best suits your interests and goals. Happy coding!