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A Guide to the Programming Languages Most Used Today

Paul Larkin - December 29, 2020


By this point, we can all agree that programming languages have become ubiquitous in our daily lives. We use programs to make phone calls, access our computers, feed our pets, and drive our cars. Every device we use is packed to the gills with fancy new applications, and there are more arriving every day. So many applications and so many programming languages are used to write programs and applications, but which ones do programmers use the most? Which programming languages are a coder’s bread and butter? We’ve got the answers for you right here, pal.

In our guide, we look at the most used programming languages, programming languages websites and mobile apps use, and see where their strengths lie. We’ll also take a look at the most popular coding languages for game developers and those that get used for data management. If you’ve ever wondered about coding languages and why there are so many of them hanging around, you’ll soon have your questions answered. That’s why we’re here—always looking out for you!

Swift

Are you an Apple person? Do you find yourself juggling your iPad and iPhone while trying to work on your Macbook? Is your dog named Steve and your cat named Jobs? If so, you may have wondered which programming languages Apple developers like to use. Apple is its own animal in the programming world; their devices run off of unique operating systems that are largely incompatible with external devices without some shoehorning. To write for Apple, you need to use specific languages such as Swift.

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Swift is one of the newer languages to join the Popular Code Club. It first released in 2014 and quickly became the language of choice for IOS developers. Swift streamlines the previously clunky development process for IOS devices and lets programmers build more innovative and robust applications than was possible under Objective-C, Swift’s granddaddy language.

JavaScript

JavaScript is the all-time champ, the heavy hitter, the G.O.A.T. If you write code as a profession, there’s about a zero percent chance that you haven’t worked with JavaScript in some capacity. It’s the most popular programming language out there and is no surprise, considering that JavaScript powers front-end development in a huuuuuuge way.

JavaScript is so well known and ever-present that developers have taken it offline and begun using it to build desktop apps, too. You can use JavaScript in concert with runtime environments such as Node.js to create apps with JavaScript functions that don’t require a browser. JavaScript is not only the most used programming language around, but it is also one of the easiest to learn, so if you’re looking to get your coding feet wet, there’s no better place to start than with JavaScript.

You can learn to read this, too.

Python

Of all of the languages on this list, Python is probably the most user-friendly. Designed in much the same way as a spoken language, Python is a natural programming language that you can easily pick up. Along with JavaScript, Python is a recommended starting point for anyone who wants to learn their first coding language.

You’ll find Python in many areas, but it’s mostly found in backend applications that require servers and databases to interact. Python is a fantastic behind-the-scenes language and is great for building solid foundations upon which to stand your application.

I tried to find a picture of the Monty Python comedy troupe but came up short. Instead, here’s a snake.

And there you have it. Those are the most popular programming languages used today. There are, of course, roughly one jillion more languages out there, some written to be used by millions of applications, and some designed for a single program or device, so there’s bound to be one that fits your needs. With our help, you can’t lose.

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Paul Larkin

About the author: Paul Larkin has years of experience in the tech industry and writes about cybersecurity and future of work.

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