7 Most Popular Programming Languages in 2023

Web development continues to be a highly sought-after skill in the modern era. To kickstart your career in this field, proficiency in web development languages is necessary. However, if you are a beginner in the world of computer programming, you could feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of languages available. 

Having a hard time deciding where to begin? Relax; we have you covered. In this post, we will comprehensively discuss the most popular programming languages in 2023:

1. Java 

Today, more than three billion devices use Java-based applications. It is an object-oriented programming language. Classes and objects are the backbones of the object-oriented programming paradigm. To give you a better idea, classes serve as architectural blueprints from which instances (also called objects) are derived in computer programs. Java can easily handle massive amounts of data and has a low learning curve. 

Considering these crucial features, Java is a desirable programming language for data-intensive industries like the financial sector. Another factor contributing to Java's widespread acceptance is the language's flexibility. Java can function on any OS since it is a platform-agnostic "write-once, run-anywhere" language. You can find software written in Java operating on desktop apps, mobile devices, etc.  

If you’re a tech enthusiast who wants to start programming, Java could be a useful starting point. Research conducted by the BLS reveals that the technology industry outlook appeals to anyone who wants to earn big bucks. 

2. SQL

The Structured Query Language (SQL) was created in the early 1970s. However, it first appeared on the market in 1979. Over time, it has become the industry standard for managing relational databases. Without SQL, locating the required data in a huge database would be substantially more time-consuming. 

For example, The “SELECT” instruction allows you to choose data from several tables and columns. That way, instead of spending a lot of time searching manually, you can quickly identify data sets that fulfill the conditions of your search. Likewise, you can update existing data in tables using the “INSERT” instruction. 

The most popular uses of SQL are in banking software and payment processors. Due to the unregulated nature of the internet, banks have to take additional safety measures to enable online transactions. And SQL provides just that, in addition to excellent database functionality.

3. Python 

The most recent data suggests that about 80% of programmers use Python as their primary language. As a general-purpose language, Python enables developers to employ a wide range of techniques. Python has been used to create many well-known web websites and applications, such as YouTube and Google Search. It is ideal for both novice and seasoned programmers due to its accessibility. 

There is a large collection of commonly used commands and functions already built into the language. Because of its interactive nature, developers may check their work as they go, reducing time spent generating and testing large chunks of code. 

4. JavaScript 

To increase the interactivity of websites and apps, developers often turn to JavaScript. It has several applications in the video gaming industry. Speed is hands down one of the major upsides of JavaScript. Because JavaScript is an "interpreted" language, it reduces the time needed for compilation in other programming languages. JavaScript runs locally on the client's computer, meaning it does not have to make a network connection to the server. 

Besides, JavaScript is equipped with several APIs, allowing programmers to make visually appealing websites. This ultimately results in a more engaging website for visitors. 

Little to no coding experience is necessary to get started with JavaScript. Once you get the hang of this language, you can jump right in and start practicing and playing around. Furthermore, due to the language's widespread use, many online forums, courses, and channels offer professional support. You can reach out to a large community for guidance.  

5. CSS

To customize the visual aspects of a website, cascading style sheets (CSS) is often used in tandem with HTML. While HTML sections the text of a webpage, CSS determines how those sections will be formatted in terms of size, color, and placement. 

CSS is also a very convenient language. The term "cascading" refers to the process by which a style applied will "cascade" down from parent elements to all children elements located across the site. By using this mechanism, users can avoid manually duplicating code across a website once they have decided on the main parent's aesthetic preferences. 

Contrary to the common assumption, there is no good reason for a beginner coder to skip learning CSS before moving on to more advanced languages. Even for those who have never touched a computer before, CSS is a great way to "dip their toes" into the world of programming.  

6. C 

The speed and efficiency of C-coded programs make them a very popular choice for software development. Its simplicity and lack of specialized terminology make C an accessible programming language. Furthermore, learning C does not necessitate a high level of computer science expertise. You can learn to code on your own by reading some internet guides. The C programming language supports both automatically produced and custom-created functions. 

Because C is an open-source programming language, its source code is easily accessible to all programmers, and they are free to adapt it to fit their requirements better. This opens the door for developers to share libraries built around their own needs and interests with the wider programming community. 

7. Go 

Go is a highly-regarded programming language. Efficiency makes Go stand out; it can run multiple operations simultaneously. Also, its "vocabulary" is quite large compared to other computer languages, which means it can display more data than its competitors. It also offers top-notch memory safety and management features while maintaining a syntax similar to C. Furthermore, the language ensures a lot of functionality and dynamism thanks to its structural typing features. 

Conclusion 

Information technology has recently undergone an unprecedented evolution. Over 90% of all data in existence today was created in only the past two years, and that percentage only seems to be growing. Therefore, the demand for experts in the IT field is rising just as quickly as the industry itself. Statistically speaking, jobs for software developers will increase by 22% over the next decade (from 2019 to 2029). These numbers suggest that this is the best time to step into this sector by learning SQL or any of the programming languages covered in this article.