The Top 7 Most In-Demand Coding Languages to Learn in 2023

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Like spoken languages, there are hundreds of programming languages out there. Some are used by millions each day—others have fallen in popularity while others wait in the wings for their time to shine.

Earlier this century, PHP was one of the most widely known programming languages. But today, faster and more efficient languages have overtaken it.

Among professional developers today, JavaScript is generally considered the most popular. The language has topped Stack Overflow’s Developer Survey as the most widely used for close to a decade. The most recent rendition found that 65.82% of professional developers used the programming language—with HTML/CSS, SQL, Python, and TypeScript rounding out the top five. SPONSORED PARTNER

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Data from GitHub is similar. JavaScript, Python, TypeScript, Java, and C# were the most used on its platform in 2023.

But with rapidly technological advances, the half-life of skills—meaning the time it takes for half the knowledge to be useless—is decreasing, creating an increased need for upskilling. Luckily, there are a number of ways to gain these skills—whether from an advanced degree, bootcamp, or certification program. But, determining which programming language path to go down can be tricky—especially since some programming languages be can easier to learn than others.

The world of technology is constantly evolving As a developer, it’s crucial to keep your skills up-to-date with the latest coding languages that are in high demand. Choosing the right programming languages to learn can maximize your career opportunities and earnings potential

Based on recent surveys and job market trends, here are the top 7 most in-demand coding languages you should consider learning in 2023:

1. Python

Python tops the list as the most in-demand programming language for 2023. This versatile, beginner-friendly language is used for web development, data science, machine learning, and much more. Key reasons for Python’s popularity:

  • Large collection of libraries and frameworks
  • Readable, intuitive syntax
  • High productivity for developers
  • Applications in data science, web dev, scripting, and more

As artificial intelligence and data science continue to grow, so will the demand for Python skills. Job postings for Python developers have increased by 456% over the past 5 years according to Burning Glass. The average salary for Python developers is $120,000.

2. Java

Java is the second most popular programming language globally. It has been around for decades and is used to develop all types of applications such as desktop mobile web, enterprise and more. Key Java highlights

  • Statically typed and object-oriented
  • Excellent community support
  • Heavily used for Android development
  • Wide range of libraries and frameworks
  • High performance and security

Java skills are always in high demand, with over 30% of developers using it regularly. It offers versatile career paths in fields like web development, DevOps, Big Data, and more. The average salary for Java developers is $105,000.

3. JavaScript

JavaScript has skyrocketed in popularity in recent years due to its integral role in front-end web development. It powers dynamic functionality and interactivity on websites and web apps. Key JavaScript features:

  • Works across different platforms/devices
  • Lightweight and interpreted
  • Asynchronous capabilities
  • Used for both front-end and back-end development

With over 70% of developers using JavaScript regularly, it is one of the most in-demand coding skills. Knowledge of popular JavaScript frameworks like React Angular and Node.js can increase job prospects. The average salary for JavaScript developers is $115000.

4. C++

For high-performance applications and game development, C++ is a top choice. This compiled, statically typed language is widely used for:

  • Game engines, desktop apps and operating systems
  • Resource-constrained software like VR/AR
  • High frequency trading systems
  • Performance-critical backend systems

C++ delivers excellent speed and performance. It offers stable careers in fields like game development, financial technology, robotics, driverless vehicles and embedded systems. The average salary for C++ developers is $113,000.

5. C#

As a simple, modern and object-oriented language, C# powers a wide range of application types while leveraging the .NET ecosystem. Key features include:

  • Strong support from Microsoft
  • Integrates well on Windows platforms
  • Used for mobile, desktop, web, games, VR and database apps
  • Strong community and collection of frameworks

With C# skills, developers can build apps for multiple platforms including Windows, Mac OS, Linux, iOS, Android, and more. It offers versatile roles with an average salary of $92,000.

6. Go

Go is a modern, compiled programming language developed by Google that makes it easy to build complex, high-performance applications. Key advantages of Go:

  • Simplicity and speed
  • Built-in concurrency
  • Statically typed
  • Excellent for microservices and cloud-native development

Go is gaining significant traction in back-end web development, DevOps, site reliability engineering and cloud-based services. Go developers earn an average salary of $140,000.

7. Rust

As a blazingly fast and safe language, Rust is rapidly growing in popularity. It offers:

  • Lightning speed and efficiency
  • Thread safety without overhead
  • Zero-cost abstractions
  • Trait-based generics
  • Pattern matching

Rust is being adopted across industries from game development to cloud infrastructure and services. Average salaries exceed $100,000. It has strong future growth potential as a replacement for C and C++.

Conclusion

Learning one or more of these in-demand programming languages is a strategic investment in your developer career. With the ongoing growth in fields like machine learning, cloud computing, IoT and mobile, these languages will continue to be top choices for global companies. Focus your learning on languages that align with your specific interests and career goals.

most in demand coding languages

What programming languages are the most in-demand?

Based on the usage data, many programming languages are in demand and popular, including JavaScript, Python, TypeScript, HTML/CSS, Java, C#, and more

Coding language Relevant fields GitHub usage (2023) Stack OverFlow – % of professional developer usage (2023)
JavaScript Web, software development ~5.8 million 65.82%
Python Data, AI, machine learning ~5.2 million 45.32%
TypeScript Software development (subset of JavaScript) ~3.4 million 43.75%
C# Web, software development ~1.8 million 29.16%

But that’s not to say they will be tomorrow. The coding languages that experienced the most growth in 2023, according to GitHub’s research, included:

“Both Rust and Lua are notable for their memory safety and efficiency—and both can be used for systems and embedded systems programming, which can be attributed to their growth,” the report states.

Stack Overflow’s research finds that HTML/CSS, JavaScript, and Python are the leading languages among individuals “learning to code.”

Python is the programming language with the biggest demand, in the opinion of Thai Le, an associate professor of computer and information science at the University of Mississippi. His area of expertise includes the study of machine learning and natural language processing.

“Python is quite intuitive, and I think it’s easier to learn,” Le says. “And then if you use Python, you can do a lot of things not only—traditional computer science stuff, but also you can do a lot of data science projects using Python as well.”

Many top tech companies, such as Meta and Google, use Python to develop machine learning and AI platforms, he notes.

Go, a programming language designed by Google, is also growing in popularity and importance, says Li, because of its ability to help create swift and accurate learning models.

Top 5 Programming Languages to Learn in 2024

FAQ

Which is the highest paid coding language?

Sr No.
Language
Salary
1
JavaScript
₹6.1 Lakhs
2
Python
₹5.6 Lakhs
3
Java
₹5.8 Lakhs
5
Kotlin
₹4.6 Lakhs

What are the most in-demand programming languages?

Here’s a list of nine of the most in-demand programming languages: 1. Python Python is an interpreted, interactive, object-oriented programming language. It incorporates modules, dynamic typing, dynamic data types and classes. It’s also portable, extensible and easy to read and code, which is a big reason it’s popular.

Which coding languages are in demand in 2023?

Based on the usage data, many programming languages are in demand and popular, including JavaScript, Python, TypeScript, HTML/CSS, Java, C#, and more But that’s not to say they will be tomorrow. The coding languages that experienced the most growth in 2023, according to GitHub’s research, included:

Why are some programming languages more popular than others?

Some programming languages can be more popular than others for various reasons, including their ease of use for developers, integration with other languages, simplicity and open-source availability. Here’s a list of nine of the most in-demand programming languages: 1. Python

What is the best programming language?

In the world of programming, there is not a one-size-fits-all answer as to the best or most important language. However, having the basic knowledge in some of the easier-to-learn programming languages like Java, Python, or Scratch may help build a foundation.

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