Most Popular Coding Languages for 2019
Written by Davor Gasparevic
Whether you’re a working developer or someone who is considering an I.T. career, you’re aware of the importance of coding languages. 2019 is set to be a banner year with plenty of exciting new developments to explore. Even so, some of the hottest programming languages are already tried and true. Which ones should you learn, if you haven’t already?
Python
Python may be among the most popular coding languages for 2019, but it’s nothing new. This programming language happens to be one of the oldest. It was created in 1989 and has shown forward progress since then. A report in The Economist named Python the world’s most popular coding language, with steady stats and growth attributed to its flexibility as well as its straightforward, simple syntax.
Stack Overflow predicts that Python will outpace other languages by 2019. Job postings are at an all-time high, so there’s no time like the present. Don’t let Python’s popularity intimidate you. There are some very good reason why it’s gaining more traction than ever.
Chief among these is the sheer volume of easy implementation methods. There are more than 145,000 custom-built software packages available for Python, including options that utilize the latest machine learning technology. These are easy to install and insert into any new Python program with zero effort. If you don’t know Python, now is a great time to familiarize yourself and join the ranks of dedicated Pythonistas.
Java
Java is proud to be Android’s official language, particularly when it comes to building apps. As such, it is used by countless devices worldwide, and it’s the coding language millions of developers rely on. Learn Java for 2019, and you’ll find that endless opportunities await. An estimated 90 percent of Fortune 500 companies count on Java. It’s among the most popular server-side languages for back-end development, and it’s a must on any coder’s resume.
JavaScript
If you’re more interested in front-end framework development, consider learning JavaScript. It’s not far behind Python and Java in terms of popularity; over 80% of developers use it regularly, and a stunning 95% of all websites have incorporated it into their designs. JavaScript is inextricably intertwined with the Internet of Things, and as IoT devices gain even more popularity in 2019 and beyond, this coding language is set to expand even faster. The experts at SkillCrush rate JavaScript as one of the easiest coding languages to learn. Despite the fact that most developers learn JavaScript basics in under a year, Glassdoor lists the average JavaScript developer’s salary a little north of $72,00 per year.
Rust
Rust is an open-source programming language brought to life by none other than Mozilla, the founders of the Firefox Web Browser. It’s probably not the best coding language for beginners, but it’s got plenty of promise for developers who have some experience under their belts. Rust is ideal for writing performance-critical code, and it’s good for tackling systems and embedded code as well. This coding language may have some growing up to do, but it’s got loads of promise for game engines, VR simulation engines, VR controllers, and a whole lot more.
Kotlin
Like other top coding languages, Kotlin has a well-earned reputation for safety. Even so, it’s got plenty of exciting features to offer. Developers appreciate its interoperability as well as its tool-friendly ease of use. Atlassian, Evernote, Pinterest, Netflix, and Uber are some notable users, so you’ll be in good company if you decide to learn Kotlin. The future is looking bright for this language. Tech Republic notes that Kotlin’s growth has doubled annually since 2011, and it’s now recognized as one of Android’s official languages, as well as a favorite with young developers.
In case you’re wondering which coding languages are least popular for 2019, we’ve got you covered. According to a 2018 developer survey by Stack Overflow, COBOL, CoffeScript, and Visual Basic 6 are at the bottom of the barrel. This doesn’t mean that they won’t enjoy greater popularity in the future – it simply means that they might not be worth focusing on at the moment. So go learn Python, Java, Rust, or one of the other popular programming languages. You won’t be disappointed.