Top 20 Programs for 2024: The Ultimate Programming List
From the regular apps on Android or IOS devices to sophisticated systems that decipher relevant financial data for a business organization, from booking a simple movie ticket to storing sensitive data using automated portals—all digital activity is possible only because of programming languages. They function as the backbone of our digital existence, dictating the daily operations of the devices we rely on. Simply put, programming involves crafting code that computers interpret to execute various tasks. This code enables everything from basic calculations to implementing complex algorithms across numerous sectors. Therefore, mastering programming opens new horizons to drive innovation and streamline processes in our increasingly digital world. This brings us to the question: What are the top programming languages for 2024, what are their uses, and what are their advantages and disadvantages? Join us as we explore in detail the top 20 languages in this comprehensive programming languages list.
What is Programming?
To start off, let’s understand what programming is. At its most basic, programming is nothing but a set of instructions. Think of it as an instruction manual that helps one figure out how to begin a new task that one has never done before. Programming, to a great extent, metaphorically mirrors this instruction manual. Thus, in a way, it would be fairly safe to assume that programming is akin to a mode of communication. What differentiates it from regular communication scenarios is that in this specific context, instead of facilitating communication between humans, it is a way of communicating with a computer.
What are Programming Languages?
Programming languages are elementary in software development. They act like a bridge between human logic and its execution in computers. These languages operate based on several semantic and syntactic rules that determine how to write instructions that computers can interpret and, consequently, act upon. Ellen Ullman, in her “Life in Code”, writes: “The problem with programming is not that the computer isn’t logical—the computer is terribly logical, relentlessly literal-minded.” This statement showcases the immense amount of precision that programming requires. And since computers lack creativity, they decipher information literally.
Consider the analogy of instructing someone to walk by saying, “Put your foot in front of your body.” Without a shared understanding of what “foot” or “front” means, the instruction falls apart. This analogy mirrors the challenges in programming. Every detail, including punctuation and spelling, must be exact for a computer to understand instructions. For instance, even a simple thing, such as a missing semicolon (;) can lead to errors because it is a critical symbol used in many programming languages to mark the end of a statement.
The History of Programming Languages
The journey of programming languages began with Charles Babbage in 1833, who conceptualized the famous analytical engine. Although Babbage and later his son could not fully complete their project, this idea laid the groundwork for future developments. The first actual programming languages came into being around 1949, transforming the way humans interacted with machines. Over the years, programming languages have evolved from basic, machine-level codes to sophisticated systems that enable the creation of complex software and artificial intelligence.
Today, the programming languages list includes languages capable of driving significant technological advancements. For instance, Python, a leader among the best coding languages coders use, has been instrumental in developing AI systems, showcasing the power and sophistication of modern programming languages. This evolution from Babbage’s analytical engine to today’s AI systems underscores the remarkable journey of programming languages.
As we look toward programming languages for 2024, the list continues to expand, incorporating more advanced features and capabilities. Consequently, the computer languages list currently includes languages designed for specific applications, from web development to machine learning, reflecting the diverse needs of the digital age. The highest-paying programming languages are often the most versatile and powerful, capable of solving complex problems and pushing the boundaries of technology.
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Types of Programming Languages
1. Procedural Programming Languages
Procedural programming languages are elementary in the programming world. These types of languages emphasize a step-by-step approach to execution. As hinted by the name itself, these programming languages function on the basis of procedures or routines, executing a series of computational steps or instructions. To elaborate, programming languages under this category distribute codes into procedures. They organize code into blocks tasked with carrying out particular actions.
These languages prove functional for tasks requiring sequential execution and are particularly effective for data processing and routine algorithms. Moreover, applications where tasks can be broken down into small, reusable components also use procedural programming. Consequently, it is heavily used in batch processing, system scripting, and in applications where performance and memory management are critical. Additionally, the structured nature of these languages simplifies testing and debugging. Consequently, such advantages make these types of languages a go-to choice for many developers. Procedural programming languages include C, Pascal, Fortran, etc.
2. Object-Oriented Programming Languages
Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) languages reshaped software development by introducing the concept of objects, i.e., entities that combine data and behavior. To elaborate, OOP focuses on creating reusable code using classes and objects, making it easier to maintain and modify. Moreover, this paradigm supports encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism, facilitating more flexible and modular software design.
Software engineers use OOP to develop user interfaces, simulate real-world phenomena, and create complex applications. Because it can model real-world objects, it is particularly suitable for gaming, web development, and financial systems. Additionally, the modular approach of OOP enhances code reusability and scalability, making it a preferred choice for large-scale software development. Python, Java, and C++ are prominent on the object-oriented programming languages list.
3. Functional Programming Languages
These programming languages prioritize immutability and statelessness, treating computation as evaluating mathematical functions. Such programming avoids side effects, which makes it easier to reason about and predict program behavior. Consequently, this paradigm proves extremely functional for applications that require high levels of abstraction and mathematical computation.
Functional programming is particularly useful in domains such as concurrent programming, where applications can run parallel processes without the risk of data corruption. Moreover, analytical operations that process large data, such as financial modeling, also rely on functional programming languages. The declarative nature of functional programming makes it a powerful tool for developers working on complex algorithms and systems. Haskell and Lisp are key examples of functional programming languages. For instance, they offer advanced features for pattern matching, type systems, and lazy evaluation, which facilitates the development of concise, robust, and highly efficient code.
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4. Scripting Programming Languages
Scripting programming languages are used to automate routine tasks, which, in turn, enhances productivity and efficiency. They are typically interpreted rather than compiled, allowing rapid development and execution. Consequently, scripting languages are versatile and support many tasks ranging from text processing to automating system administration.
These languages are extensively used in web development for client-side and server-side scripting, automating tasks on web servers, and enhancing user interaction on websites. They also play a crucial role in software testing, where scripts automate the execution of test cases. The ease of use and flexibility of scripting languages make them a favorite among developers for quick development cycles. Python and JavaScript are stand-out scripting languages for their simplicity, efficiency, and broad applicability.
5. Logic Programming Languages
Formal logic is the bedrock of logic programming languages. Languages under this categorization are generally deployed to resolve problems by establishing rules and relations between objects/concepts within a given problem domain. To elaborate, programming languages of this kind are non-procedural and declarative in nature.
As a result, they operate by specifying what needs to be done rather than how to do it. Thus, logic programming is used to perform tasks that demand complex logical expressions, pattern matching, and symbolic computation.
In terms of practical applications, logic programming languages are used in artificial intelligence, database management, and solving complex puzzles. Additionally, they help developers to find and articulate solutions in a manner that is similar to the standards of general human reasoning. Therefore, it has become a powerful tool for developing AI algorithms and expert systems.
For instance, in the programming languages list, Prolog is a prime example of a logic programming language, offering a rich set of features for non-numerical programming in the realms of AI and computational linguistics.
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Programming Languages by Use
Just as programming languages can be classified in terms of their structure, they can also be categorized according to how they are used. The following is a three-tier classification of various languages that populate the computer language list.
1. Front-End vs. Back-End Languages
Client-side or front-end languages sculpt the interactive look of websites, engaging users with their graphical and responsive elements. These languages, including HTML for structure and JavaScript for interactivity, play crucial roles in weaving the rich tapestry of the web’s user interface.
Conversely, server-side or back-end languages operate in the digital backstage, orchestrating the server, database, and application’s logic. For instance, they remain as the unseen force processing user inquiries, engaging with databases, and deciding the content dispatched to the user’s view. For example, Python, Ruby, and Java are the architects behind this curtain, each offering expansive frameworks for crafting the web’s backbone.
2. High Level vs. Low Level
High-level languages offer a vernacular closer to human discourse, simplifying the scriptwriting process with their abstraction from the machine’s intricate hardware details. They are the lingua franca for developers seeking readability and ease of use, with Python, Ruby, and Java exemplifying these traits through their straightforward syntax and powerful capabilities.
Low-level languages are closer to the machine’s pulse. They offer granular control over hardware operations. These languages, essential for tasks demanding peak performance, like system programming, include C and Assembly Language—tools that trade user-friendliness for precision and swiftness.
3. Interpreted vs. Compiled
Interpreted languages are translated into machine code in real time by an interpreter, allowing for a flexible and iterative development process. This method, while versatile, often trades off execution speed for immediacy and adaptability. Python and JavaScript exemplify these languages and are celebrated for their swift development turnarounds and adaptability.
Compiled languages, by contrast, undergo a transformation into machine code prior to execution, a process conducted by a compiler. This pre-execution compilation results in a binary file that the computer can directly execute, leading to enhanced performance. C, C++, and Rust are paragons of compiled languages chosen for their efficiency and the velocity at which they operate, which are crucial for performance-intensive applications.
The Top Programming Languages List for 2024
1. Python
Python continues to hold the top position in the programming languages list, according to the latest TIOBE Index, where, as of March 2024, it has a rating of 15.63%. Created by Guido Von Rossum in 1991, this language gained popularity for its simplicity and versatility.
A. Difficulty Level
Classified as beginner-friendly, Python’s syntax is intuitive, which makes it an ideal starting point for newcomers.
B. Advantages
Python has extensive libraries and frameworks, facilitating prototyping and rapid development. Additionally, it supports multiple programming paradigms. Also, being an open-source language, it’s cost-effective.
C. Industries It Is Used in
Big technology and finance industries rely heavily on Python for various purposes, including data analysis, web development, and artificial intelligence.
D. Drawbacks
Despite its massive advantages, Python has some limitations regarding memory, as its data structure requires lots of space. Additionally, it exhibits a slower execution speed and offers limited database access.
E. Salary
Python professionals can expect an average annual salary of $116,822, making it one of the highest-paying programming languages.
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2. C
C features prominently for its efficiency and control over system resources, which places it at the second position in the computer languages list as surveyed by the TIOBE index, where it currently holds a rating of 11.17%. Designed in 1972 as a general-purpose programming language, it is extremely important in system programming and developing embedded systems.
A. Difficulty Level
The difficulty level of C is moderate, and it is best suited for intermediate to advanced users.
B. Advantages
Although C exhibits a steep learning curve, it offers unmatched speed and efficiency, providing significant advantages in performance-critical applications. Also, C has an educational value since it is used to teach programming at the lowest level.
C. Industries It Is Used in
The tech and the automotive industries use C.
D. Drawbacks
C does not support OOP concepts, fails to implement the concept of namespace, and makes run-time checking difficult for large programs.
E. Salary
At present, a programmer well versed in C attracts a lucrative average annual salary of $106,476, which places it among the highest-paying programming languages.
3. C++
C++ secures its place as a prime member of the computer languages list. On the TIOBe index, it ranks third with a 10.70% rating. It’s considered a high-level language, and its applications are diverse. C++ is object-oriented in nature, and the applications developed using it are mostly transportable. Moreover, its efficiency and control over hardware make it a preferred choice for high-performance applications.
A. Difficulty Level
C++ is suitable for mid to pro-level programmers. Also, its complexity poses a learning challenge.
B. Advantages
Being multi-paradigm, C++ supports imperative, object-oriented, and generic programming, which makes it efficient for both system-based tasks and general-purpose projects. While maintaining performance and memory efficiency, it offers high-level abstractions. Additionally, it includes features such as structures and unions, and encompasses the use of global data along with functions.
C. Industries It Is Used in
C++ is used in the tech industries and gaming industries. Fintech and Banking sectors also benefit from this language.
D. Drawbacks
Pointer management presents challenges in C++, leading to coding complexities. Furthermore, operating C++ becomes difficult in high-level programming. Additionally, it presents security risks due to its lack of built-in garbage collection and threading support.
E. Salary
A C++ developer earns an average annual salary of $100,064, which makes C++ one of the highest-paying programming languages.
4. Java
Java solidifies its position on the programming languages list with its “Write Once, Run Anywhere” (WORA) capability, giving it a prime position in the best coding languages list. Java traverses the line between beginner and intermediate levels, offering a harmonious blend of user-friendliness and sophisticated functionality.
A. Difficulty Level
The difficulty level of Java is considered intermediate.
B. Advantages
Compared to other programming languages, Java’s simplicity and user-friendly design facilitate straightforward learning, writing, compiling, and debugging. Its object-oriented nature fosters modular programming and code reusability. Simultaneously, its platform independence allows Java applications to run efficiently across various systems.
C. Industries It Is Used in
The finance sector benefits from Java. Moreover, it is also used in the tech sector to build server-side applications.
D. Drawbacks
Despite the advantages, Java’s verbosity often leads to longer codes for simple tasks, thus increasing development time. Additionally, its memory consumption can impact application performance.
E. Salary
Developers can anticipate an average annual salary of $102,942, reflecting its enduring value in the computer languages list.
5. C#
Celebrated for its versatility in desktop, web, and game development within the .NET ecosystem, C# has consistently made a place for itself in the programming languages for 2024. A prime rank holder in the programming languages list, C# opens doors to many projects across the tech and gaming industries, which benefit from its comprehensive library and seamless integration with Microsoft technologies.
A. Difficulty Level
The difficulty level of C# is intermediate.
B. Advantages
C# is easy to learn and also offers a secure environment. It equips developers with robust productivity tools and facilitates rapid cross-platform application development. Moreover, it boasts an influential developer community.
C. Industries It Is Used in
In the tech industry, C# is used for machine learning development, desktop application, and cloud system management. The gaming industry also uses C# to develop game engines, tools, and scripts.
D. Drawbacks
C#, initially centered around Windows, presents lower performance than native languages because of its runtime overhead. Moreover, it exhibits a moderate learning curve and is less appropriate for low-power systems. Furthermore, it faces challenges in community support compared to other languages.
E. Salary
C#.Net specialists can expect an annual average salary of approximately $110,997, making it one of the highest-paying programming languages today.
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6. JavaScript
It ensures its place on the programming languages list by enriching webpages with dynamic interactivity. Currently holding 6th position on the March 2024 TIOBE index, it has a rating of 3.38%. According to a survey published by Statitsa, around 63% of developers claimed to have used Javascript.
A. Difficulty Level
The difficulty level of JavaScript is considered intermediate.
B. Advantages
Executing on the client side, JavaScript escalates web efficiency. It conserves bandwidth and accelerates processes. All modern browsers extend support to JavaScript. Additionally, its ability to facilitate asynchronous HTTP requests further boosts its efficacy.
C. Industries It Is Used in
It proved pivotal for both the tech and marketing sectors. It is indispensable for full-stack development.
D. Drawbacks
Despite its popularity and usage, JavaScript’s dynamic typing can lead to run-time errors, complicating debugging. Moreover, browser inconsistencies sometimes create additional hurdles for web developers.
E. Salary
Developers proficient in JavaScript can look forward to a total annual pay of $109,306, a testament to its indispensability in the best coding languages list.
7. SQL
SQL stands out in the coding languages list for its specialized role in database management. The March 2024 TIOBE index ranked it 7th. A regular placeholder in various programming languages lists, SQL enables efficient data manipulation and retrieval, and its straightforward syntax appeals to a wide range of users.
A. Difficulty Level
SQL is suitable for both beginner and intermediate level programmers.
B. Advantages
SQL allows for enhanced data handling with fast query processing and simple operations which, due to its user-friendly syntax, require minimal coding skills. Additionally, it is a standardized, portable language that offers interactive features, scalability, security, data integrity, and robust backup and recovery options, making it versatile for diverse applications and platforms.
C. Industries It Is Used in
SQL is used in various industries such as health care, marketing, and finance.
D. Drawbacks
SQL cannot perform complex calculations, which makes it less suitable for tasks beyond data manipulation. Also, its syntax can be verbose for beginners.
E. Salary
SQL experts can command an annual salary of $116,822, which makes it one of the highest-paying programming languages.
8. Go
Golang, popularly known as Go, proves vital in distributed systems and cloud services because of its high efficiency and simplicity. Go’s burgeoning ecosystem and its potential for growth posit it as a popular programming language for 2024.
A. Difficulty Level
The difficulty level of Go is moderate, and its syntax is quite approachable.
B. Advantages
Go offers well-founded, standard libraries and is known for its simplicity. These two features make Go suitable for rapid development and scalable solutions.
C. Industries It Is Used in
Go is primarily used in industries connected to software development and IT solutions.
D. Drawbacks
Go’s simplicity comes at the cost of missing features such as generics, which can complicate code reuse. Additionally, its tooling ecosystem is still maturing.
E. Salary
A software engineer trained in Go can attract an annual average salary of $135,152, highlighting its emerging significance in the computer languages list.
9. Scratch
Scratch deploys the fundamentals of programming through a visual interface, making it an invaluable educational resource. While Scratch is designed for beginners, its impact on fostering computational thinking from a young age is profound.
A. Difficulty Level
Scratch proves to be an excellent option for beginners. Its emphasis on interactive learning makes programming easier for newcomers, primarily in educational settings.
B. Advantages
Scratch works in multiple environments. Moreover, its accessibility extends to over 40 languages across 150 countries, making it an ideal choice for educators. Notably, its gratis nature ensures wide accessibility.
C. Industries It is Used in
Scratch is primarily used in educational settings.
D. Drawbacks
Scratch’s educational focus delimits its application in professional software development. Moreover, its simplicity restricts the depth of programming concepts it can convey.
10. Visual Basic
Derived from BASIC, Visual Basic expedites the development of graphic user interface (GUI) applications. It enables database interaction through data access objects, remote data objects, or ActiveX data Objects. Visual Basic’s ongoing relevance is due to its user-friendly approach to Windows application development.
A. Difficulty Level
Visual Basic is best for beginners venturing into programming.
B. Advantages
Remarkable for its simplicity, Visual Basic allows for easier programming of tasks that might be complex in other languages. Moreover, its simplicity and deep integration with Microsoft products offer a straightforward path for a diverse range of programmers.
C. Industries It Is Used in
Visual Basic applications are used in various sectors such as healthcare, finance, and business analysis.
D. Drawbacks
Visual Basic’s focus on the Microsoft ecosystem limits its cross-platform capabilities.
E. Salary
Visual Basic developers can expect to earn $110,176 annually, underscoring its targeted utility in the programming languages list.
11. Assembly Language
Assembly Language, a regular on the programming languages list, finds its application primarily in developing system software and embedded systems. It acts as a bridge between human-readable code and machine language. Additionally, it requires an in-depth comprehension of computer architecture. It is handy for firmware development and applications where performance is paramount.
A. Difficulty Level
Assembly language is best suited for experienced programming professionals.
B. Advantages
This language’s unparalleled efficiency and direct hardware manipulation capability prove to be its greatest assets, offering unmatched speed and precision.
C. Industries It Is Used in
Assembly Language is used in sectors such as aerospace and telecommunications, where it is deployed to optimize performance.
D. Drawbacks
Assembly language involves intricate syntax and requires meticulous attention to detail, both of which pose substantial challenges. Additionally, significant time and effort are necessary to write codes in Assembly Language, primarily due to its complexity and challenging comprehension. The syntax of Assembly Language poses a tough memorization task. Moreover, owing to its heavy dependency on the machine’s specific architecture, it exhibits limited program portability across diverse computer architectures.
E. Salary
Assembly Language programmers typically receive an annual average salary of approximately $118,000, making it one of the highest-paying programming languages.
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12. PHP
Rasmus Lerdorf developed PHP in 1995, which stands for Hypertext Preprocessor: a server-side scripting language that operates web applications independently of web browsers. Over time, PHP has emerged as an integral component in the landscape of web application development. The usage of PHP by major entities such as Facebook and Harvard University has significantly boosted its popularity and credibility. What makes PHP effective is its broad-ranged ecosystem and its user-friendliness.
A. Difficulty Level
Depending on various factors, its difficulty level spans between beginner to intermediate.
B. Advantages
PHP, a regular member of any popular coding languages list, is a free and open-source language that boasts cross-platform compatibility. It is renowned for its fast performance and simple learning curve. Additionally, it furnishes stable yet easily manageable code embedded with potent libraries and database integration. Lastly, it offers significant flexibility and blends harmoniously with other languages.
C. Industries It Is Used in
Due to its flexibility, it has become an obvious choice for programmers/coders working in the tech industry, especially the sectors that work on web development and content management systems
D. Drawbacks
A PHP environment remains open to security vulnerabilities, necessitating vigilant coding practices.
E. Salary
PHP developers get an annual average salary of $84,410, underscoring its prominence in the computer languages list.
13. MATLAB
MATLAB, one of the key languages in the programming languages list, specializes in numerical computing and model simulation. It distinguishes itself with an extensive library and an all-encompassing integrated development environment, streamlining the process of complex numerical analysis.
A. Difficulty Level
MATLAB’s difficulty level is intermediate, and it’s mostly popular among those with a strong mathematics and/or engineering base.
B. Advantages
MATLAB’s integrated development environment and debugger make it ideal for rapid application prototyping. Its user-friendly interface supports expression evaluations and extensive program execution. With platform independence across various operating systems, MATLAB allows for seamless transfer of applications and data files. Additionally, it offers a vast library of predefined functions and specialized toolboxes for comprehensive technical solutions.
C. Industries It Is Used In
It is used in various industries, such as biotech, pharmaceuticals, aerospace, and robotics.
D. Drawbacks
Due to its status as an interpretative language, it has a longer execution time and is more expensive than many other languages.
E. Salary
Programmers earn an annual average total pay of $138,610, which ranks it among the highest-paying programming languages.
14. Fortran
Fortran, a prime member in the programming languages list, is a key imperative programming language known for its ability to develop robust and efficient applications, particularly in the realm of science. It has maintained its prominence over six decades. Additionally, it underwent multiple updates and transformations, ensuring its standing as a favored language for high-performance computing. Although some modern developers perceive it as “legacy,” Fortran continues to find application within academic circles such as supercomputing facilities and government institutions.
A. Difficulty Level
Modern Fortran is arguably easier to learn due to its simple syntax, and it’s difficulty level is considered to be intermediate.
B. Advantages
Fortran’s proficiency in handling complex numerical computations offers significant advantages.
C. Industries It Is Used in
Domains requiring rigorous computational capabilities, such as computational physics, computational fluid dynamics, computational chemistry, crystallography, and weather forecasting benefit heavily from the prowess of Fortran.
D. Drawbacks
Fortran’s limitations include weak string management, data security concerns stemming from argument passing by reference, restricted loop controls necessitating “GO TO” statements, outdated storage methods, and precision issues. Moreover, older versions of Fortran allow only 72 characters in each line due to its punched card legacy.
E. Salary
Fortran developers attract an average annual salary of $226,000, reflecting its position as one of the top programming languages for 2024.
15. Delphi
Due to its capability for rapid application development, Delphi holds a place of significance in the programming languages list. It is extremely user-friendly and particularly suited for mobile and desktop applications. Additionally, it specializes in data-handling reliability.
A. Difficulty Level
Delphi is positioned at a moderate difficulty level.
B. Advantages
Delphi provides a clear syntax for enhanced readability. For instance, it offers extensive support for SQL databases, ensures full compatibility with Windows API, facilitates seamless data exchange with C++, and has a customizable VCL framework. Moreover, it requires minimal maintenance. Additionally, its integrated development environment (IDE) accelerates the creation of diverse applications involving databases, multimedia, and web applications.
C. Industries It Is Used in
Delphi finds its applications in AI development, image manipulation software, and machine learning apps.
D. Drawbacks
Delphi has a partial single-vendor lock-in and limited cross-platform support. Another disadvantage is that Delphi users must translate header files into Pascal to access platforms and third-party libraries.
E. Salary
Delphi developers earn an average annual salary of $102,809.
16. Swift
Apple developed Swift, a prime member of the coding languages list, to fulfill the need for a simple, powerful, and intuitive programming language. Swift blends safety with performance, and its intuitive design lowers the barrier to entry for app development within Apple’s ecosystem.
A. Difficulty Level
Swift’s simplicity makes it easier for beginners to learn and use it.
B. Advantages
Swift’s primary advantage is that it is user-friendly and decently straightforward to learn. It features a clean syntax that requires less code. Additionally, It is open-source in nature and outpaces similar programming languages in speed.
C. Industries It Is Used in
The mobile development sector depends heavily on Swift, particularly for Apple devices.
D. Drawbacks
Despite its simplicity and modern syntax, its major drawback is that its applications are confined only to Apple platforms.
E. Salary
Given Apple’s vast international market, the average total pay of a Swift developer ranges between $101,000 and $159,000, effectively rendering it one of the highest-paying programming languages.
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17. Rust
Rust, one of the key rankholders in the programming languages list, is a modern programming language celebrated for ensuring memory management and performance without compromising safety. Moreover, it is rapidly rising through the ranks in the programming languages for 2024, and the Rust community is growing significantly with time. Rust is known for its ability to address concerns related to safety and concurrency in system and application development.
A. Difficulty Level
Rust’s difficulty level is intermediate to pro.
B. Advantages
Rust offers speed, efficiency, and allows for building high-performance applications. Moreover, owing to its intrinsic safety and reliability, Rust becomes crucial in developing mission-critical software. Also, it is quite user-friendly and boasts a robust community.
C. Industries It Is Used in
It is becoming popular in the tech industry, especially those focused on software infrastructure and embedded systems.
D. Drawbacks
Despite its sophistication, Rust’s functioning proves complicated due to its multi-threaded programming model. Moreover, it poses a steep learning curve.
E. Salary
Rust developers tend to earn an impressive average annual salary of $103,617.
18. Ruby
Ruby, with its flagship web-app framework Ruby on Rails, offers a mix of simplicity and robust programming capabilities, securing its spot in the programming languages list. It facilitates a smooth entry into web development. Owing to its swift development cycles, it has succeeded in making itself popular, particularly among startups.
A. Difficulty Level
It is beginner-friendly.
B. Advantages
It is flexible, offers straightforward syntax, and helps promote good programming practices. Its readability and focus on developer satisfaction also merit attention.
C. Industries It Is Used in
The tech sector values Ruby for its capability to contribute to rapid prototyping and agile development. This showcases Ruby’s significance as one of the prominent programming languages for 2024.
D. Drawbacks
Owing to its simplicity and user-friendly approach, it often hides bugs, and the debugging process becomes more complex due to less comprehensive documentation than in other languages. Moreover, when compared with alternative programming environments, such as Python or JavaScript, for example, both Ruby and Ruby on Rails often demonstrate slower execution speeds and longer boot times.
E. Salary
Ruby professionals can anticipate an average annual salary of $112,767.
19. Kotlin
JetBrains, a company celebrated for its production of world-class Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) like IntelliJ IDEA, PhpStorm, and Appcode, developed Kotlin, a Language that stands out on the programming languages list for its modern approach to Android and server-side development. It is a statically typed, general-purpose programming language. With an introduction in 2011 as a contemporary language for the Java Virtual Machine (JVM), Kotlin distinguishes itself by providing full interoperability with Java code. Notably, Google officially recognized it as a preferred language for Android Development in 2017.
A. Difficulty Level
Kotlin is best suited for intermediate to advanced-level developers.
B. Advantages
Kotlin offers reduced code verbosity compared to Java and other languages, which facilitates ease of adoption. Moreover, it is fully compatible with Java and offers clean Application Programming Interfaces (APIs).
C. Industries It Is Used in
Kotlin is mainly used for mobile application development.
D. Drawbacks
Despite its merits, Kotlin poses certain challenges to developers. For instance, as a newly developed language, it struggles with the lack of abundant community support and available resources. Furthermore, it often exhibits slower compilation speeds than Java overall.
E. Salary
Kotlin professionals enjoy an average annual salary of $110,295, showcasing its rising prominence in the best coding languages for 2024.
20. COBOL
COBOL, one of the best coding languages for 2024, is popular for its readability and ability to handle vast amounts of data. It excels in Batch and transaction processing, and its popularity and usage can be estimated by the fact that COBOL systems support trillions of US dollars in daily commerce.
A. Difficulty Level
COBOL offers mid-level difficulty to programmers.
B. Advantages
One of the advantages of COBOL is that it is a self-documenting language. Hence it can be written like English, which makes it easier to read.
C. Industries It Is Used in
COBOL is especially suitable for business, finance, and administrative applications.
D. Drawbacks
Despite its popularity and extensive use, COBOL has certain disadvantages. It demands a strong foundation in machine learning, which can prove challenging to new entrants. It also requires extensive writing because its structure resembles the English language, leading to longer compilation times.
E. Salary
A professional well-versed in COBOL can expect to earn an average annual salary of $89,773.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Top Programming Languages for 2024
1. Which Language Should be the Best Starting Point for Beginners?
Owing to its simple syntax, library, and vast community, Python is often considered the best place for beginners in the programming languages list.
2. What are Some of the Most Popular Programming Languages for 2024?
Python, Java, C, and C++ feature as some of the most popular and vastly used programming languages.
3. Can Beginners Easily Learn Languages Like Kotlin and Swift?
Yes, both Kotlin and Swift offer beginner-friendly syntax and are designed to improve safety and development efficiency.
4. What Industries Rely Heavily on SQL?
The tech and finance sectors predominantly use SQL for database management and data manipulation tasks.
5. Which Programming Languages are Most Efficient in Terms of Speed and Performance?
Both C and C++ are fast and efficient as regards speed and performance.
6. Which Language is Best for Developing Mobile Applications?
Swift and Kotlin are easy and user-friendly mobile development languages among various contenders in the coding languages list. While iOS uses Swift, Kotlin develops Android apps.
7. What Industry Uses Python Extensively?
The tech industry heavily relies on Python, especially in areas such as data science, AI, and web development.
8. Which Language is Preferred for High-Performance Computing Tasks?
C and C++ figure as the go-to languages for high-performance computing due to their efficiency and control over system resources.
The digital world entails various tasks, and there are programs suited for particular needs. Hence, whether you are a seasoned working professional looking to upskill yourself or a newcomer yet to chart a definite career trajectory and hesitating about which language to learn, it’s always best to make an informed decision. Therefore, if you seek further guidance and wish to learn the programs mentioned in this programming languages list more extensively to explore which industry would best suit your training, consider joining Emeritus’ coding courses to enhance your career prospects.
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