The world of IT is constantly evolving and the continuous emergence of programming languages is a good example. But do you know which programming languages are the most used in 2019?
Either because you want to increase your knowledge, or because you are going to start a new project, knowing the current programming languages will be useful to you. There are several indicators that can help us to discover this. Let's have a look at this.
How do you know which programming languages are most commonly used?
One of the best known is the TIOBE index, which is developed by combining the number of web pages dedicated to a language, the number of searches in different search engines, the number of certified professionals...
However, by counting the number of pages devoted to a language, the TIOBE index may not reflect actual current interest and use.
On the other hand, the Popularity of Programming Language Index (PYPL) analyses the frequency with which tutorials are searched to learn a programming language.
Thus, he assumes that the more searches there are, the more popular the programming language is. According to the PYPL index, the 10 most used programming languages in the world are as follows.
Python
Python is one of the most widely used programming languages today and the trend continues to increase. It has everything to please: it is free software, a simple and easy to understand syntax, which saves time and resources. He is one of the best to start in the world of programming.
Python is a versatile language that supports multiple applications. One of them is Artificial Intelligence, thanks to libraries such as Keras or TensorFlow. It can also be useful for Big Data applications, thanks to the data processing libraries.
This programming language is also used in web development, thanks to its Django or Flask frameworks. For example, SemRush or Reddit websites are developed with Python.
Java
Java is a general-purpose object-oriented programming language designed to have as few implementation dependencies as possible. With this programming language, you can create applications and processes on multiple devices.
Its scope is very broad, allowing you to create software for mobile devices, sales terminals, ATMs, IoTs (Internet of Things), as well as web pages.
Java was the default language for developing applications for Android and, although Kotlin is gaining ground day after day, Java is still very necessary.
As far as mobile games are concerned, the first ones were developed with Java. Today, Java continues to play an important role in the world of video games, thanks to frameworks such as JMonkeyEngine or Ardor 3D.
JavaScript
JavaScript is an interpreted and object-oriented programming language, which is mainly used in client-side form.
This programming language is used for everything: web applications, servers, mobile applications... Its particularity is that it does not require any compilation, since it is the browser itself that reads the code and performs the actions it indicates. This makes it one of the best programming languages for creating websites in which you want to include interactive or highly visual elements.
However, thanks to the functionalities of HTML5 and the 2D and 3D graphic libraries, Javascript also plays an important role in the development of video games, especially if it is executed from the browser.
C#
C# is a language that continues to appear in the lists of the most commonly used programming languages. Created by Microsoft, it is present in the business world as well as in government institutions, banks and medical institutions.
However, it is very versatile and has other uses than the old applications: it is also used in areas such as the Internet of Things or the development of video games, websites or mobile applications. When it comes to website development, you can use the ASP.NET framework or the Xamarin tool to develop native applications for Android and iOS.
But if video games are your specialty, it's the language you need to master. Remember that Unity - one of the most powerful tools currently available - natively supports multiple languages. And C# is one of them.
PHP
PHP is a general-purpose server-side code programming language. This language ensures good communication between the web and the server, so that the web pages developed with this language are stable and work well.
Currently, many web pages are designed with WordPress, which works with PHP. Therefore, this language will allow you to develop both projects and plugins for this platform.
C/C+++++
C++++ is a programming language that appeared as an extension of the C language so that it can handle objects. Both programming languages are still used today in databases, web browsers, compilers or video games.
R
R is a programming language based on statistical analysis. It is one of the most widely used programming languages in scientific research, although it also has applications in machine learning, data mining, biomedical research or financial mathematics.
You might be interested: Where to find a trusted web programmer
Objective-C
Objective-C is a programming language based on C, but adding object-oriented programming capabilities. It is a language designed to create applications under iOS and macOS.
Objective-C is a more complex language that differs from other languages such as C# or Java. This is why many programmers find it difficult for iOS or macOS to fully understand and use Objective-C.
Swift
This programming language remains in the most widely used TOP 10. Created by Apple, it focuses on the development of applications for iOS and macOS.
It appeared in 2014 but has, despite its short lifespan, a large developer community behind it, which has grown especially since it became open source.
Related content: Custom application: Everything you need to create your own application
Matlab
Matlab is the abbreviation for Matrix Laboratory and is a digital computer system that offers an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) with its own programming language (M).
Its features include data and function representation, creation of a user interface, implementation of algorithms or communication with programs in other languages.
The most commonly used programming languages: Bonus track
Although we have reviewed the 10 most used programming languages according to the PYPL index, there are other languages that are growing significantly, even if they have not reached the top 10 of this index.
TypeScript, Kotlin, Go and Rust are other programming languages that you should follow if you don't want to be left behind.