Top 20 Best Programming Languages to Learn in 2024 & Beyond

Navigating the fast-evolving world of technology requires staying updated with the most relevant programming languages. Knowledge of the best programming languages is crucial for developers, businesses, and tech enthusiasts.  

As we move forward into 2024 and beyond, the programming landscape continues to shift, with new languages emerging and established ones reinforcing their importance. 

The market share of top programming languages is shown below figure:

Here's a comprehensive look at the top 20 programming languages that will dominate the industry in the coming years. 

What is a Programming Language? 

A programming language is a formal language comprising a set of instructions used to produce various kinds of output. It allows developers to communicate instructions to a computer, enabling it to perform specific tasks. These tasks may range from simple calculations to complex operations like software development, data analysis, and system automation. 

What are the Best Programming Languages to Learn in 2024 & Beyond 

Whether you are a developer or business owner, there’s a chance you may have concerns: “What coding and programming language should I learn or will be best for a particular software development project?” Don’t worry! 

Here is a list of top 20 programming languages for 2024 & beyond 

1. Python 
2. Java 
3. JavaScript 
4. C# 
5. PHP 
6. R 
7. Objective-C 
8. Swift 
9. HTML/CSS 
10. Kotlin 
11. TypeScript 
12. SQL 
13. GO 
14. Rust 
15. Ruby 
16. Dart 
17. Matlab 
18. Perl 
19. Scala 
20. LUA 

#1 - Python

According to the PYPL popularity of programming language, Python is the most popular language with a 29.72% market share.  

Why Should You Learn Python Language in 2024 & Beyond? 

Python remains a prevalent programming language among both novices and seasoned developers. Thanks to its intuitive syntax and readability, it’s accessible and enjoyable, especially for beginners.  

Its extensive ecosystem of most popular libraries in Java and frameworks empowers developers to handle complex tasks with ease. For example, NumPy and pandas have revolutionized data analysis, while TensorFlow and PyTorch are integral to machine learning and AI.  

Python's simplicity facilitates rapid prototyping, which is ideal for academic research and production environments alike. Its broad applicability across industries ensures that learning Python in 2024 opens numerous career opportunities, from web development to data analytics and beyond. 

What is Python Language Used for? 

Here are several use cases of Python Languages: 

• Web development 
• Data analysis 
• Machine learning 
• Automation 
• Scientific computing 

Benefits and Drawbacks of Python 

Here are benefits and drawbacks of Python programming language is shown in below table: 

If you are planning to invest in a custom Python web application development project, hire a Python developer.  

#2 - Java

According to the PYPL popularity of programming language, Java is the most popular language with a 19.03% market share.  

Why Should You Learn Java Language in 2024 & Beyond? 

Java will still be one of the top programming languages in 2024, maintaining its significance in the constantly evolving realm of software development. Because of its object-oriented structure, it’s ideal for intricate architectures and large-scale systems, from minor projects to enterprise-level Android mobile apps. 

Other reasons to learn Java in 2024 are the extensive ecosystem and diverse applications. Java has a vast array of libraries, frameworks, and tools that streamline development processes. Frameworks like Spring and Hibernate amplify productivity by addressing enterprise application patterns and persistence needs.  

Additionally, Java's performance, reliability, and security render it a preferred option in finance, healthcare, and manufacturing industries, where these attributes are indispensable. 

What is Java Language Used for? 

Here are several use cases of Java language: 

• Enterprise Applications 
• Android Development 
• Web App Development 
• Cloud-Based Applications 
• IoT (Internet of Things) Services 
• Big Data Technologies 

Benefits and Drawbacks of Java

Here are a few of the benefits and drawbacks of Java are shown in the table below: 

If you need a robust, scalable solution for large-scale systems and enterprise applications, hire a Java developer.  

#3 - JavaScript

According to the PYPL popularity of programming languages, JavaScript is the most popular language, with an 8.2% market share.  

Why Should You Learn JavaScript Language in 2024 & Beyond? 

JavaScript stands out as the backbone of web development. It is celebrated for its adaptability and widespread usage and offers a plethora of excellent courses. 

One compelling reason to delve into JS language is its extensive ecosystem and strong community backing. Leveraging JavaScript frameworks and libraries like React, Angular, and Vue.js, developers can swiftly prototype and deploy intricate applications and projects. 

In addition, the emergence of Node.js has broadened JavaScript's horizons to encompass server-side programming, facilitating full-stack development with a unified language. This streamlining diminishes the necessity for mastering multiple languages in building full-stack applications. 

JavaScript's continuous progression guarantees its enduring relevance in modern web standards and methodologies. 

What is JavaScript Language Used for? 

Here are several use cases of JavaScript language: 

• Web Development 
• Front-End Frameworks and Libraries 
• Server-Side Development 
• Mobile App Development 
• Game Development 
• Machine Learning and AI 

Benefits and Drawbacks of JavaScript 

Here are a few of the benefits and drawbacks of JavaScript are shown in the table below:

#4 - C#

According to the PYPL popularity of programming language, C# is the most popular language with a 7.28% market share.  

Why Should You Learn C# Language in 2024 & Beyond? 

In 2024, C# remains a cutting-edge, object-oriented programming language. It’s used to create robust and secure applications across multiple platforms, including Windows, web, and mobile. 

With the advancement of the .NET ecosystem, primarily through .NET Core, C# and .Net has broadened its horizons. Now, developers can harness its capabilities to construct applications compatible with Linux and macOS, in addition to Windows. 

Versatility, robust typing, automatic memory management, and extensive library support make it a popular programming language. 

In addition, the seamless integration of C# with the dynamic .NET ecosystem is a compelling motivation to master the language. This integration grants access to a wide array of libraries and trending web frameworks for app development, such as ASP.NET for web development, Xamarin for mobile app creation, and Entity Framework for efficient data access. 

These resources not only accelerate the development cycle but also enrich the functionality and efficiency of C# applications. Thus, developers can concentrate on writing top-level code without being burdened by the intricacies of underlying platforms. 

What is C# Language Used for? 

Here are several use cases of C# language: 

• Desktop Applications 
• Web Applications 
• Game Development 
• Mobile Applications 
• Cloud-Based Services 
• Enterprise Applications 

Benefits and Drawbacks of C# 

Here is a table outlining the benefits and drawbacks of C#: 

#5 - PHP

According to the PYPL popularity of programming language, PHP is the most popular language with a 6.09% market share.  

Why Should You Learn PHP Language in 2024 & Beyond? 

PHP is one of the primary scripting languages of the web, still highly prevalent today, with over 75% of websites using it. 

PHP's ease of use, flexibility, and vast ecosystem of frameworks and tools make it an attractive choice for web developers who want to build dynamic and interactive websites. 

One of the best reasons to learn PHP in 2024 is its ubiquity in web hosting environments and content management systems (CMS). 

With widespread support across hosting services, deploying PHP-based applications and projects is often straightforward, lowering the barrier to entry for web development. 

In addition, PHP plays a crucial role in popular CMS platforms like WordPress, Drupal, and Joomla. It enables developers to create powerful websites with extensive functionalities, leveraging the platform's themes and plugins. 

Thanks to the active community, PHP continues to evolve. With the latest release, PHP 8  offers significant performance improvements and new features like JIT (Just-In-Time) compilation. 

These enhancements not only boost the execution speed of PHP applications but also enhance the language's capability to handle complex web development tasks. It offers extensive resources, libraries, and frameworks such as Laravel, Symfony, and CodeIgniter. 

These PHP frameworks simplify the development process by offering structured, reusable code for common tasks, accelerating development cycles, and enhancing application security and scalability. 

What is PHP Language Used for? 

• Dynamic Website Development 
• Content Management Systems (CMS) 
• E-commerce Platforms 
• Web Application Development 
• API Development 
• Server-Side Scripting 

Benefits and Drawbacks of PHP 

Here is a table outlining the benefits and drawbacks of PHP: 

#6 - R

According to the PYPL popularity of programming language, R is the most popular language with a 3.72% market share.  

Why Should You Learn R Language in 2024 & Beyond? 

R has become one of the most popular languages for statisticians, data scientists, and researchers worldwide. One of the biggest reasons to learn R in 2024 is its vast ecosystem of packages, housed in the Comprehensive R Archive Network (CRAN).  

It provides tools for virtually every statistical technique and data visualization method imaginable. This extensive library support allows complex data analyses and the creation of high-quality graphs with minimal code. 

Another major strength of R is its community-driven nature, with contributions from statisticians and data scientists worldwide. This collaborative approach keeps R at the forefront of statistical methods and data science practices. 

Additionally, R's integration with various data sources and its capability to interface with other languages and technologies (such as SQL databases, Hadoop, and even Python through libraries like reticulate) make it an indispensable tool in any data scientist's toolkit. 

What is R Language Used for? 

• Statistical Analysis and Modeling 
• Data Visualization 
• Data Manipulation and Cleaning 
• Machine Learning and AI Development 
• Bioinformatics and Computational Biology 
• Reproducible Research 

Benefits and Drawbacks of R 

Here is a table outlining the benefits and drawbacks of R: 

#7 - Objective-C

According to the PYPL popularity of programming language, Objective-C is the most popular language with a 2.47% market share.  

Why Should You Learn Objective-C Language in 2024 & Beyond? 

Learning Objective-C in 2024 is essential for maintaining and updating legacy iOS/macOS applications, as many older projects are still written in it. Its seamless interoperability with Swift allows for practical mixed-language projects, leveraging existing Objective-C libraries and frameworks.  

Understanding Objective-C offers more profound insights into Apple's development ecosystem and API design. The demand for Objective-C skills remains in the job market, especially for legacy code maintenance, providing valuable professional opportunities.  

Its maturity and stability make it a reliable choice for performance-critical applications, ensuring its continued relevance in the industry. 

What is Objective-C Language Used for? 

• iOS and macOS Application Development 
• Framework and Library Development 
• System and Embedded Programming 
• Professional and Legacy Codebase Maintenance 

Benefits and Drawbacks of Objective-C 

Here is a table outlining the benefits and drawbacks of Objective C: 

#8 - Swift

According to the PYPL popularity of programming language, Swift is the most popular language with a 2.36% market share.  

Why Should You Learn Swift Language in 2024 & Beyond? 

If you want to build innovative mobile and desktop apps in the Apple ecosystem, it’s essential to learn Swift in 2024 and beyond. Thanks to its powerful and user-friendly nature, Swift is an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced developers.  

With a clean and expressive syntax, Swift emphasizes both safety and performance. One of the top reasons to learn Swift in 2024 is its robust performance and safety features. 

Swift integrates seamlessly with the Apple ecosystem, giving developers access to powerful APIs and frameworks like SwiftUI. This framework uses declarative syntax to build user interfaces across all Apple platforms.  

With Swift, you can leverage Apple's latest technologies, such as ARKit for augmented reality and CoreML for machine learning. 

Swift's development is community-driven, with its source code available as open-source. It fosters a vibrant community of developers who contribute to the language's evolution, ensuring it continues to grow and adapt to new challenges.

What is Swift Language Used for? 

• iOS Applications 
• macOS Desktop Applications 
• watchOS Applications 
• tvOS Application 
• SwiftUI for Cross-Platform Development 
• Server-Side Development 

Benefits and Drawbacks of Swift 

Here is a table outlining the benefits and drawbacks of Swift:

#9 - Kotlin

According to the PYPL popularity of programming language, Kotlin is the most popular language with a 1.62% market share.  

Why Should You Learn Kotlin Language in 2024 & Beyond? 

Kotlin emerges as a concise, expressive, and type-safe alternative to the well-established Java, seamlessly blending functional and object-oriented programming paradigms. 

Kotlin's null safety feature stands out. It is engineered to eradicate null pointer exceptions by integrating nullability into the type of system. Along with its concise syntax, extension functions, and coroutines for asynchronous programming, it significantly amplifies developer productivity and application resilience. 

Additionally, Kotlin's compatibility with the Java ecosystem enables the utilization of existing Java libraries and frameworks.   

The language's support for multiplatform development is commendable. It enables code sharing across JVM, JavaScript, and native binaries, reducing development time and effort for cross-platform applications. It also aligns well with Kotlin's expressive syntax and safety features, making it a forward-looking language in tune with the future of web and mobile app development. 

What is Kotlin Language Used for? 

• Android Development 
• Backend Development 
• Multiplatform Projects 
• Data Science and Machine Learning 
• Web Development 
• Desktop Applications 

Benefits and Drawbacks of Kotlin 

Here is a table outlining the benefits and drawbacks of Kotlin: 

#10 - HTML/CSS

Why Should You Learn HTML/CSS Language in 2024 & Beyond? 

Learning HTML/CSS in 2024 remains crucial for web development due to its foundational role in creating visually appealing and responsive websites. Despite advancements in front-end technologies, HTML/CSS serves as the backbone of web design, ensuring cross-browser compatibility and search engine optimization.  

Their simplicity makes them accessible to beginners, while their versatility allows for the creation of diverse web experiences. As the demand for web development continues to rise, mastering HTML/CSS opens doors to a wide range of opportunities in front-end development. User interface design, and digital marketing, making them indispensable skills in the evolving landscape of technology. 

What is HTML/CSS Language Used for? 

• Web Page Structure 
• Frontend Web Development 
• Web Application Styling 
• Responsive Design 
• Prototyping and Wireframing 

Benefits and Drawbacks of HTML/CSS 

Here is a table outlining the benefits and drawbacks of HTML/CSS: 

#11 - TypeScript

According to the PYPL popularity of programming language, TypeScript is the most popular language with a 3.0% market share.  

Why Should You Learn TypeScript Language in 2024 & Beyond? 

Developed by Microsoft, TypeScript extends JavaScript with static typing, providing developers with the ability to define variable types explicitly. It not only reduces debugging time but also elevates code quality and predictability.  

For teams working on large or intricate projects, TypeScript offers a scaffolding that promotes consistency and comprehension throughout the codebase. 

In addition, TypeScript seamlessly integrates with JavaScript, allowing for incremental adoption without the need for a complete project overhaul. This gradual approach enables developers to reap its benefits with minimal disruption. 

Overall, TypeScript's compatibility with JavaScript libraries and frameworks and robust support from major development environments ensure a seamless transition and a productive development journey. 

In 2024, mastering TypeScript emerges as a strategic career move, given its increasing popularity among front-end and full-stack developers. Its utilization in prominent projects and frameworks like Angular, React (with TypeScript), and Vue.js further solidifies its importance in the developer community. 

What is TypeScript Language Used for? 

• Large-scale Applications 
• Front-End Frameworks 
• Full-Stack Development 
• Enterprise-Level Projects 
• Cross-Platform Mobile and Web Apps 
• Game Development 

Benefits and Drawbacks of TypeScript 

Here is a table outlining the benefits and drawbacks of TypeScript: 

#12 - SQL

Why Should You Learn SQL Language in 2024 & Beyond? 

Learning SQL in 2024 and beyond remains essential for managing and querying relational databases. It ensures data integrity, standardization, and ease of querying, offering robust security features and performance optimization techniques.  

SQL's widespread adoption and compatibility make it indispensable for data professionals across various industries, ensuring job market relevance. 

What is SQL Language Used for? 

• Data Querying 
• Data Manipulation 
• Database Management 
• Database Analysis 
• Data Integration 
• Transactional Control 

Benefits and Drawbacks of SQL 

Here is a table outlining the benefits and drawbacks of SQL: 

#13 - GO

According to the PYPL popularity of programming language, GO is the most popular language with a 2.25% market share.  

Why Should You Learn GO Language in 2024 & Beyond? 

In 2024, Golang will be a top programming language for those interested in cloud computing and microservices. Developed by Google for large-scale software development, Go blends simplicity, efficiency, and concurrency in a statically typed language. Its design emphasizes usability, high performance, and resilience, making it ideal for distributed systems and scalable web apps.  

Web development with GO language is the best decision if you want scalable and efficient web applications. Go's concurrency model excels in creating high-performance network servers and real-time data processing. Its standard library is extensive, covering tasks like HTTP server implementation and database interaction, fostering rapid development with minimal code.  

With a thriving ecosystem backed by a vibrant community and corporate support, Go offers abundant resources for web, microservices, and cloud-native development.

What is GO Language Used for? 

• Cloud Services and Infrastructure 
• Microservices Architecture 
• Command-Line Tools 
• Web Servers and APIs 
• Network Programming 
• Data Processing 

Benefits and Drawbacks of GO 

Here is a table outlining the benefits and drawbacks of GO:

#14 - Rust

According to the PYPL popularity of programming language, Rust is the most popular language with a 2.5% market share.  

Why Should You Learn Rust Language in 2024 & Beyond? 

Learning Rust in 2024 is essential for its unique blend of memory safety, performance, and concurrency. As the demand for secure and efficient systems programming grows, Rust's capabilities make it indispensable for developing robust and reliable software. 

What is Rust Language Used for? 

• Systems Programming 
• Web Assembly 
• Embedded Systems 
• Networking and Concurrency 
• Game Development 
• Cross-platform Development 

Benefits and Drawbacks of Rust 

Here is a table outlining the benefits and drawbacks of Rust: 

#15 - Ruby

According to the PYPL popularity of programming language, Ruby is the most popular language with a 1.0% market share.  

Why Should You Learn Ruby Language in 2024 & Beyond? 

In 2024 and beyond, learning Ruby offers several advantages. It boasts a clean syntax, making it easy to read and write. It's highly versatile, suitable for web development, automation, and scripting. Plus, with its strong community support and extensive libraries, Ruby remains a valuable skill for developers seeking efficiency and productivity.

What is Ruby Language Used for? 

• System Administration 
• Software Deployment 
• Data Processing 
• DevOps and CI/CD Pipelines 
• Server and Database Maintenance 
• Network Monitoring and Troubleshooting 

Benefits and Drawbacks of Ruby 

Here is a table outlining the benefits and drawbacks of Ruby:

#16 - Dart

According to the PYPL popularity of programming language, Dart is the most popular language with a 1.02% market share.  

Why Should You Learn Dart Language in 2024 & Beyond? 

Learning Dart in 2024 and beyond is crucial for its role in cross-platform development, particularly with the rise of cross-platform development frameworks like Flutter. Dart enables developers to create high-performance apps for web, mobile, and desktop platforms, leveraging its strong typing, productivity features, and efficient compilation mechanisms.  

As Flutter gains popularity in the development community, mastering Dart opens doors to exciting opportunities in building beautiful and responsive user interfaces. 

What is Dart Language Used for? 

• Cross-Platform Mobile App Development 
• Web Application Development 
• Desktop Application Development 
• Server-Side Development 
• IoT and Embedded Applications 
• High-Fidelity UI Creation 

Benefits and Drawbacks of Dart 

Here is a table outlining the benefits and drawbacks of Dart:

#17 - Matlab

According to the PYPL popularity of programming language, Matlab is the most popular language with a 1.47% market share.  

Why Should You Learn Matlab Language in 2024 & Beyond? 

Learning MATLAB in 2024 remains valuable for its prowess in numerical computation, data analysis, and visualization. It's widely used in academia, research, and industries like engineering and finance. Mastering MATLAB equips individuals with essential skills for tackling complex problems and conducting advanced data analysis in various domains. 

What is Matlab Language Used for? 

• Numerical Analysis and Computation 
• Data Visualization 
• Algorithm Development 
• Model-Based Design 
• Signal Processing and Communications 
• Quantitative Finance and Risk Management 

Benefits and Drawbacks of Matlab 

Here is a table outlining the benefits and drawbacks of Matlab:

#18 - Perl

According to the PYPL popularity of programming language, Perl is the most popular language with a 0.24% market share.  

Why Should You Learn Perl Language in 2024 & Beyond? 

Learning Perl will be beneficial in 2024 and beyond, as it offers robust text processing capabilities, extensive libraries for system administration, and strong community support. Despite declining popularity in some areas, Perl remains relevant for legacy systems, bioinformatics, and niche applications, providing valuable skills and career opportunities. 

What is Perl Language Used for? 

• Text Processing and Manipulation 
• System Administration 
• Web Development 
• Scripting and Automation 

Benefits and Drawbacks of Perl 

Here is a table outlining the benefits and drawbacks of Perl:

#19 - Scala

According to the PYPL popularity of programming language, Scala is the most popular language with a 0.61% market share.  

Why Should You Learn Scala Language in 2024 & Beyond? 

In 2024 and beyond, learning Scala offers advantages such as its integration with big data technologies like Apache Spark and its functional programming capabilities for building scalable and resilient applications. 

What is Scala Language Used for? 

• Web Development 
• Big Data Processing 
• Distributed Systems 
• Domain-Specific Languages (DSLs) 
• Functional Programming 

Benefits and Drawbacks of Scala 

Here is a table outlining the benefits and drawbacks of Scala:

#20 - LUA

According to the PYPL popularity of programming language, LUA is the most popular language with a 0.6% market share.  

Why Should You Learn LUA Language in 2024 & Beyond? 

One of the main reasons to learn Lua in 2024 is its lightweight nature, fast execution, and embeddability. Lua's simplicity, dynamic typing, and vibrant community provide a solid foundation for learning programming concepts and building versatile applications. 

What is LUA Language Used for? 

• Game Development 
• Embedded Systems 
• Web Development 
• Desktop Applications 
• Automation and Scripting 
• Data Processing 

Benefits and Drawbacks of LUA 

Here is a table outlining the benefits and drawbacks of LUA: 

What are the Top Programming Languages for Beginners in 2024 & Beyond? 

In 2024 & beyond, the top programming languages for beginners are: 

• Python: Known for its simplicity and versatility, Python is beginner-friendly and widely used in various domains, including web development, data science, and automation. 
• JavaScript: Essential for web development, JavaScript offers interactive website features and is a good starting point for front-end development. 
• HTML/CSS: Fundamental for web development, HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) and CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) are essential for creating and styling web pages. 
• Swift: Developed by Apple, Swift is beginner-friendly and excellent for learning how iOS app development let your business grow at full potential. 
• Golang: Known for its simplicity and performance, Go is beginner-friendly and increasingly used in cloud computing and backend development. 

When it comes to hiring skilled developers with expertise in these top 20 programming languages, look no further than a dedicated IT staffing agency in the United States. 

Hire the Top 3% of Developers Proficient in These Languages From VLink! 

At VLink, we connect you with top-tier development talent that can take your projects to the next level. Whether you need expertise in Python, JavaScript, Java, or any other language on this list, our team of dedicated professionals is here to help. Hire our developers and ensure your next project is a resounding success.