When examining the landscape of programming languages in 2024, one might expect that a versatile language like Python—widely used in machine learning, data analysis, and web development—would dominate the ranks.
However, JavaScript, a language primarily associated with web development, consistently emerges as the most popular programming language, according to recent statistics.
Is this really a surprising outcome? In this blog post, we'll explore the most popular programming languages and the reasons behind their popularity.
Introduction to Programming Languages
Programming languages are the foundation of all software development, serving as the medium through which programmers instruct computers to perform tasks.
At the most basic level, we can find low-level languages, such as machine and assembly. However, both languages require a deep understanding of the underlying hardware and are less commonly used for everyday programming tasks.
In contrast, high-level programming languages abstract away much of the complexity of the hardware, allowing developers to write programs using more natural, human-readable syntax.
According to Statista, while four high-level languages lead the list of the most used, only one covers 62.3% of usage. This means that even though high-level languages are more abstract, they may also be more realistic in terms of what you want to achieve.
These languages are designed to be easier to learn and use, as they enable programmers to focus more on solving problems rather than focusing on managing hardware details. High-level languages also support various programming paradigms, such as procedural, object-oriented, and functional programming, each of which offers different ways to structure and organize code.
Over the years, programming languages have evolved, driven by the need for more powerful, efficient, and maintainable code. For instance, new languages are often created to address specific problems or to take advantage of emerging technologies through trends that respond to current needs.
Some languages are chosen for their performance characteristics. C++ and Rust, for instance, are valued for their ability to manage system resources and execute tasks efficiently, which is critical for applications requiring high performance. However, neither of them belongs to the most chosen ones: while C++ is chosen by 23% of users, Rust is only chosen by 12.6%, according to Statista.
Other languages are mostly chosen because they are relatively easy to learn and have clear, readable syntax, which is the case of Python. 51% of users choose Python, along with SQL, mostly because its accessibility makes it attractive to beginners and experienced developers alike. Nevertheless, SQL is mostly chosen for working with relational databases, where data is stored in tables with predefined relationships.
Python and SQL are only surpassed by HTML/CSS languages, although it's important to note that HTML is not a programming language; it is a markup language used to structure and display content on the web. CSS, on the other hand, is a stylesheet language used to control the visual appearance and layout of HTML elements. Together, they represent 52.9% of users' votes.
JavaScript, however, because it is well known for its vast ecosystem of libraries and frameworks, is also the most chosen one, above every other programming language, with 62.3% of users.
JavaScript is integral to modern web development. It allows developers to manipulate web page elements in real time, respond to user actions, and handle asynchronous operations. It works seamlessly with HTML and CSS, enhancing the functionality and user experience of web applications.
There are many factors that influence developers' choice of certain programming languages. The most important ones refer to the following aspects:
Project Requirements
Ease of Learning and Use
Community and Ecosystem
Performance Needs
Industry and Application Domain
Existing Codebase and Legacy Systems
Every language serves a certain purpose rather than multiple purposes at the same time. That is why having experts working with you who manage to be versatile and work extensively with many programming languages is ideal.
However, it is also key to find talents that have a deep understanding of the most used programming languages, as this allows them to team up easily in order to achieve united goals.
Top 10 Most Utilized Programming Languages
Python has officially claimed the #1 spot on GitHub, despite some known limitations such as:
a. Slower performance compared to compiled languages
b. Poor memory management
c. Lack of true multithreading
d. Dynamic typingThis achievement aligns with the recent release of Python 3.13 on October 7, which introduced significant improvements aimed at addressing precisely these weaknesses. The updates with the greatest impact on AI and ML applications include the following:
- Experimental GIL Deactivation (Global Interpreter Lock):
The GIL, Python’s primary barrier to true CPU multithreading, can now be disabled, finally enabling native multithreaded processing.
-JIT (Just-In-Time) Compilation:
This experimental feature compiles the most time-intensive sections of code, alleviating the overhead of real-time interpretation.
Python’s practicality and readability have taken it to the top, and with these updates, it’s clear that it’s here to stay.(Learn how our devs leveraged the power of JavaScript for Nimble Energy in our lastest Case Study!)
JavaScript: As mentioned before, JavaScript is one of the first choices because of its versatility in creating dynamic and interactive web applications and its widespread support and integration, and up until last year, it was ever developer's first choice!
JavaScript's unparalleled reach across both frontend and backend development, its role in cross-platform applications, and the immense size of the web development community all contribute to its continued reign at the top. Understanding this dynamic offers valuable insights into the trends shaping the programming world and the diverse roles that these languages play in the modern digital ecosystem.Java: Java is chosen by 30% of users mostly for its portability, strong performance, and robustness, making it a reliable choice for enterprise applications and cross-platform development.
C++: High performance, fine-grained control over system resources, and suitability for complex, resource-intensive applications are also valued qualities that put C++ in the list of the most popular programming languages.
HTML/CSS: HTML and CSS allow structuring and styling of web content, providing a simple and effective way to create and design visually appealing and well-organized webpages.
SQL: SQL is mostly chosen for its powerful and standardized ability to manage, query, and manipulate relational databases efficiently.
Ruby: An elegant syntax and a developer-friendly design promote productivity and ease of use, particularly in web development with the Ruby on Rails framework.
Swift: Modern syntax, performance efficiency, and safety features are also valued aspects that make Swift an ideal language for developing robust and high-performance iOS and macOS applications.
PHP: PHP is chosen for its server-side scripting capabilities, ease of integration with databases, and widespread use in building dynamic and interactive web applications.
TypeScript: When programming, safety is essential, and Typescript has one of the most enhanced type safety and modern JavaScript features, which improve code quality and maintainability in large-scale applications.
Emerging Languages to Look Out For
Programming language election varies mostly because of users' necessities. This also allows programming languages to adapt so that languages that could be relevant today may become obsolete in a matter of months.
As of today, Rust only represents 12.6% of users elections. However, given that technological advancements are making security aspects more and more difficult to attend to every day, having a programming language focused on this aspect becomes crucial.
However, the rise of Rust in programming languages is not only driven by its emphasis on safety. Developers are also choosing Rust due to its performance and concurrency.
Rust offers memory safety without needing a garbage collector, reducing the risk of common bugs like null pointer dereferences and buffer overflows. Its strong type system and ownership model enable developers to write efficient, concurrent code with fewer runtime errors.
Rust's performance is comparable to C++ while providing modern language features and tooling, making it an appealing choice for systems programming, performance-critical applications, and new projects that require both speed and reliability.
The growing support from a vibrant community and industry adoption further contributes to Rust's increasing popularity.
However, Rust is not the only programming language in the race to become the most chosen candidate for developers. Other languages as Go (or Golang) are also growing exponentially.
Go's straightforward syntax and lack of complex featuresmake it easy to learn and use. Its potential lies in its simplicity, efficiency, and scalability. Go, designed by Google, is tailored to build reliable and high-performance software, especially in environments that require concurrent processing, such as cloud services and distributed systems.
One of Go's standout features is its built-in support for concurrency through goroutines, lightweight threads that enable efficient multitasking. This makes Go particularly well-suited for scalable applications that handle many tasks simultaneously.
Go also offers fast compilation times and produces statically linked binaries, simplifying deployment across different systems. Its strong standard library, excellent tooling, and growing ecosystem contribute to its appeal for both startups and large enterprises.
With increasing adoption in the tech industry, particularly in infrastructure and backend development, Go's potential continues to grow as a language for modern, scalable, and efficient software solutions.
In addition to the ongoing growth of Go, Kotlin also stands out in this area. Kotlin is a modern, statically typed programming language that runs on the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) and is fully interoperable with Java. This allows developers to gradually adopt the language without having to rewrite entire projects.
Discover the latest trends in coding with our deep dive into the Top Programming Languages of 2025—find out which languages are leading the industry and why they should matter to you!
Google has officially supported Kotlin as the preferred programming language for Android app development. It was designed to address some of the limitations of Java while providing a more concise and expressive syntax.
In addition to Android development, Kotlin is used for backend development, web development, and even multiplatform projects. Kotlin Multiplatform allows for code sharing between different platforms like iOS, Android, and the web.
Resources for Learning Programming Languages
It is well known that there are multiple resources available for learning anything on the internet, and programming languages are no exception. Programming language formations are catered to different learning preferences and skill levels.
There are many online platforms, such as Coursera, edX, and Udemy, which offer comprehensive courses and specializations from renowned universities and industry experts, covering a wide range of languages like Python, Java, and C++.
Interactive learning platforms like Codecademy and freeCodeCamp provide hands-on coding exercises and projects to reinforce skills in real-time. Additionally, educational websites such as Khan Academy and W3Schools offer tutorials and documentation for beginners and advanced learners alike.
However, it is essential to combine learning with practical training opportunities, and that's exactly what Jala University provides throughout Latin America. Jala University plays a crucial role by frequently partnering with organizations and foundations to offer students scholarships and hands-on learning experiences, which significantly enhance their academic and professional development.
Jala University focuses on providing high-quality education through University careers, specializations, and bootcamps. They stand out for their commitment to academic excellence and professional development.
Its uniqueness relies on its specialized programs and courses that successfully equip students with the skills needed for the modern job market.
At Jalasoft, we believe in making a meaningful impact on individuals and communities through education. For two decades, we have been investing in educational initiatives and remain steadfast in our mission to offer opportunities through education, training, and talent development.
Additionally, our professional engineers contribute as members of the university's academic staff, ensuring that the education provided is of high quality and aligned with the demands of the current job market.
(Discover how wearable technology can transform your life. Read Jalasoft's guide to wearable tech!)
Future Trends in Programming Languages
We can agree that the future is unpredictable, but history and attention to the present can give us a pretty clear glance at the trends that are emerging. Our expertise makes us pay special attention to blockchain and smart contract languages, as well as machine learning and AI programming languages.
On the one hand, blockchain and smart contract languages refer to specialized programming languages designed for developing and managing decentralized applications and blockchain-based systems.
Some of the languages mentioned above belong to this category, such as Rust, which is known for its safety and performance. It’s used in blockchains like Polkadot and Solana to build secure and efficient smart contracts.
Go, also mentioned before, is utilized in platforms such as Hyperledger Fabric for developing blockchain networks and applications, given its simplicity and concurrency support.
These languages enable developers to create transparent, tamper-proof digital transactions and automated agreements, driving innovation in various sectors through blockchain technology.
On the other hand, machine learning and AI programming languages are essential tools for developing intelligent systems and data-driven applications.
Let’s take a look at the languages we have mentioned above that relate to this category.
Firstly, Python is the most popular language in this domain due to its extensive libraries and frameworks, which simplify complex machine learning and AI tasks.
Secondly, Java and C++ are also worth mentioning, as they are used for their performance and integration capabilities, particularly in production environments and large-scale systems.
All of these languages provide the tools and frameworks necessary to build, train, and deploy machine learning models and AI applications, driving advancements across various industries.
Conclusion
Technology is never static. This is why it is important to understand your purpose before delving into any specific programming language so it can serve you fully.
Programming languages may propose a vast world that can sometimes feel unapproachable. Choosing the right resources to learn is key as this delimits the range of activity and partnering possibilities. At Jalasoft, our engineers are well-instructed in the latest trends and have the right skills for this era and the years to come. Contact us today!
