If you’re new to the field of software development, one of the toughest parts of learning to program is deciding where to begin. There are hundreds of programming languages in use, each with its own complexities and idiosyncrasies.
When you’re looking to break into the field, it can be challenging to determine what the top programming languages are so you can best focus your effort and energy.
As you begin your journey as a software developer, you’ll start to discover which programming languages are the best fit for you based on your interests and career goals.
Here’s our take on the most in-demand top programming languages in 2021 for common use cases, including web development, mobile development, game development and more.
Python
Python is one of the top programming languages to learn and most professionals agree that those looking to break into software development could benefit from learning it first. It’s a great starting point because it’s readable and relatively easy to learn. Plus, Python is free and open source, meaning you can tap into an extensive library and ever-growing community of support.
From startups to popular platforms such as Instagram, Google, Reddit and YouTube, Python remains a go-to language. With so many employers using Python as their primary backend stack, full-stack Python developers are in high demand. Whether you want to work in machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI), data science or scalable web applications, you’ll need to learn the technology behind it first.
Java
Owned by global tech giant Oracle, Java has been around since 1995 and remains one of the top programming languages for developers to learn in 2021. The technology is secure, stable and highly structured, and the object-oriented language is generally considered moderately easy to learn.
Java is often the basis for enterprise-scale web applications and Android application development. So if you’re looking to secure a career in development for a large organization, like Google, Walmart, PayPal or Uber, Java programming is a skill you’ll need.
JavaScript
Distinct from Java in nearly all but name, JavaScript also remains in high demand by employers. A top programming language for front-end development, JavaScript is used to build interactive front end web applications, dynamic web page content and rich interfaces, as well as backend, mobile and browser extensions, using server-side scripting.
Whether you want to work for a startup or a tech giant, adding much-needed JavaScript skills to your resume can open doors for exciting opportunities and offer job security.
C/C++
If you want to become a system-level programmer C and C++ are languages you’ll want to learn. This extremely fast and stable procedure-oriented language set is the foundation for low-level systems such as operating and file systems. C++ provides the Standard Template Library (STL) for data structures, algorithms and more and is often the choice for multi-device, multi-platform app development.
One of the top programming languages used in developing technology for self-driving cars, robotics, media platforms, servers, web browsers and video games, learning C++ could be the key to the exciting career of your dreams.
Kotlin
Relatively new on the scene, Kotlin has only been around since 2016 and aims to outperform Java in quality and efficiency. Highly supported by Google and widely used for Android development, skilled Kotlin developers are able to write quickly, concisely and clearly with fewer lines of code. New developers are able to pick it up fairly easily and those with existing Java or Python skills can up their game by tapping into its powerfully sophisticated features.
Demand for Android Kotlin developers is on the rise, and with fewer professionals skilled in this language, learning it now means you’ll have a competitive edge when looking for a new role.
Programming Careers in 2021
Programming is a critical skill in the job market today, and employers continue to be met with a shortage of qualified developers. Whether you’re new to programming and development, looking to add more skills to your arsenal or working to advance your career, learn the in-demand skills you’ll need to land an exciting programming opportunity.
Are you interested in learning top programming languages to begin or boost your career in development?
Explore The School of Programming and Development to gain must-have programming skills for today’s economy.
