A 2023 update of the most popular and in-demand computer programming languages worldwide.
With technologies such as artificial intelligence and robotics becoming more integrated into everyday life and more recognised by the masses, the pace of technological change and the associated challenge of keeping abreast with it is also becoming more evident. This challenge extends to the workplace, as the skills that will be required have been evolving.
Gone are the days when the only tech-based requirement was to be computer literate. Computer literacy is assumed, along with some proficiency in basic software applications, such as office productivity products. Increasingly, as hardware and software applications become more sophisticated, some experience in computer programming is often required in order to fully leverage them.
In this article, we highlight the programming languages that reportedly are in the greatest demand generally and by developmental area.
What are the best programming languages that are also in demand?
It is emphasised that there is no definitive list of the most in-demand programming languages. As a result, and consistent with our previous approach, we have examined a number of respected resources that track such data, and have summarised the results in the table below.
It is also highlighted that factors such as the questions posed, the emphasis of the survey administrator, the source of the survey participants, along with their geographic location, to name a few, would have influenced the findings recorded. Nevertheless, and similar to previous iterations of this exercise, the following programming languages or language families tend to be among the top five:
- Python
- Java/JavaScript
- Members of the C family, especially C and C++.
Best programming languages by development area
Further, it ought to be considered that the best programming languages to learn may be influenced by the development area for which they would be used. As reflected in Exhibit 2, the popular languages for specific areas can vary, though some commonalities still exist. Additionally, it is interesting to note that the programming languages under each development area have not changed since our 2021 review exercise.
Being skilled in one language may not be enough
Although Exhibit 1 highlights the more popular and in-demand programming language, the assessment conducted by the IEEE suggests that employers are looking for software developers that are proficient in more than one programming language. For example and based on the IEEE ranking below (Exhibit 3), “the strength of the SQL signal is not because there are a lot of employers looking for just SQL coders, in the way that they advertise for Java experts or C++ developers. They want a given language plus SQL. And lots of them want that ‘plus SQL.’”
Some parting thoughts
In summary, and according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the “…employment of software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers is projected to grow 25 % between 2021 and 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations” (Source InfoWorld). Moreover, software development is considered among the “best jobs” based on among other things remuneration, stability of the role, future job prospects and work-life balance.
Further, more and more roles require some programming skills, which would not be categorised as a ‘computer programmer’ or ‘software developer’. Examples include data analytics, data processing, business intelligence, search engine optimisation and even digital marketing. In essence, possessing some programming skills, especially for applications that are widely used in your field can improve your marketability and the opportunities for professional growth.
Image credit: NEXT Academy (Unsplash)
