Since the creation of the analytical engine in 1837, computers have always relied on specific instructions to perform tasks. And since Ada Lovelace’s translation algorithm over 150 years ago, programming languages have consistently evolved.

Yet over a decade ago, computer programming was an exclusive club. That is no longer the case. And that is because many easy-to-learn programming languages have lowered the barrier to entry.

Many IT positions now require different programming languages, as the industry has grown tenfold.

As a result, we expect the employment growth of computer programmers to stand at the national average of 8%, according to Software Guild.

There are more than 200 programming languages to date. And we suspect more are in the pipeline.

Now you don’t need to learn all the 200+ languages to succeed in this industry. Being familiar with a select few will do.

According to a report, between Oct 2021 and June 2022 by DevJobs Scanner, 7 million developer jobs were analyzed.

From that lot, DevJobsScanner picked only jobs that required one programming language.

Read also: Top 12 Signs that you’ll become a programmer

The following were the programming languages in most demand during that period

JavaScript or TypeScript

Created in 1995, JavaScript was known as LiveScript. At the time, Java was a popular programming language, and LiveScript was marketed as only a subset of Java. Later on, the language picked up traction and was named JavaScript.

the most important part of JavaScript is creating dynamic web content, which is the most in-demand language today. Simply put, JavaScript allows you to manage the behavior of web pages.

The high-level language is used for client-side programming by 97.8 of all websites. Although it was originally used to develop web browsers.

JavaScript is now used for server-side website developments and non-web browser applications. As JavaScript grows in popularity, so does its syntactical superset, TypeScript.

The open-source language developed by Microsoft has also picked up traction in the past few years. Since it is a JavaScript superset, all JavaScript is valid for TypeScript programs. Besides, TypeScript could also be used to develop applications for client-side and server-side performance.

Many JavaScript frameworks like Angular and NestJS today are written with TypeScript.

JavaScript and TypeScript are the most in-demand languages. DevJobsScanner found 469,000 jobs – (33% of all jobs). explicitly required: JavaScript or TypeScript.

The average JavaScript developer earns about $112,152 per year.

Python

Built in 1991, Python has become a market sensation lately, and it is easy to see why. The free and open-source language is easygoing for beginners.

Python has wide modules, and community development is easily integrated with web services and has user-friendly data structures and GUI-based desktop applications.

Python highlights code readability with the use of significant indentation. The program is synonymous with machine learning and deep learning applications.

Also, Python is used to develop 2D imaging and 3D animation packages such as Autodesk Blender and Inkscape.

Python has also been used to create video games, including Civilization IV and Toontown.

Besides, the flexibility of Python, from scripting to running servers, has become a household for popular websites such as YouTube, Instagram, Quora, and Pinterest.

According to DevJobsScanner, Python was the second most in-demand language, with 290,000 jobs (20% of total jobs) requiring programming. Python developers earn an average of $109,092 per year.

Java

Java was built in 1995 and is owned by Oracle Corporation. Once the most popular programming language in the late 90s, Java has had to take a backseat in the past few years.

However, Java remains a necessary option for many coders and organizations alike. The powerful general-purpose language is used to develop embedded systems, desktop, and mobile applications, and big data processing.

Java is the standard for applications on any platform thanks to its Write Once, Run Anywhere capabilities. Also, its portability across platforms from mainframe data centers to smartphones has kept the programming language a serial market competitor.

Over 3 billion devices are running apps built with Java globally. In addition, the language is also used on the backend of several popular websites such as Amazon, YouTube, Twitter, and Google.

Java has developed new frameworks such as Spring, Hibernate, and Struts. And even though it has regressed in authority lately, its frameworks have gained traction with several global top companies.

According to DevJobsScanner, Java was the third most in-demand programming language, with 240,000 jobs (17% of the total jobs) explicitly requiring Java.

It is a more complex language to learn but worth it in the long run. There is a huge demand for programmers with Java coding skills, and the average pay is around $109,225 per year.

C#

Created by Anders Hejlsberg and developed by Microsoft to address C++ weaknesses, C# has been growing in popularity since the start of the millennium.

You can do many things with C#, Web Apps, Desktop Apps, Mobile Apps, Games, etc. Although it was designed to rival Java, C# is more of a modern sage programming language.

C# is mainly used to build applications that run on the .Net framework. C# has one of the fastest full-featured web frameworks with ASP.NET Core, and it can be used for making all types of services and APIs.

It will be one of the best platforms for creating APIs in the foreseeable future. plus, Its ability to morph with these many disciplines is why C# is highly versatile.

The programming language is suitable for Windows, iOS, and Android applications since it requires Microsoft Visual C++.

In addition, the programming language is used on the back end of some reputable websites such as Visual Studio, MarketWatch, Dell, and Bing.

C# has also been used for scripting in the Unity game framework. According to DevJobsScanner, C# was the fourth most in-demand programming language, with over 157,000 jobs (11% of the total jobs). C# developers earn about $111,760 per year.

PHP

Created in 1990, PHP has remained one of the most pragmatic and versatile web development languages.

It started as a simple “Personal Home Page Tool,” PHP. PHP is primarily used for web development and frameworks like Laravel and WordPress.

PHP is an easy language to learn, and programmers use it to write server-side scripts; however, developers can also use it to write command-line scripts.

Also, experienced programmers can use PHP to develop desktop applications. PHP has a large ecosystem of apps, frameworks, libraries, and plug-ins for nearly any type of web project you need to create. And it is continually evolving and becoming more flexible and powerful.

According to DevJobsScanner, PHP was the fifth most in-demand programming language, with 119,000 jobs (8% of the total).

PHP programmers earn around $107,409 per year.

C and C++

C is the oldest programming language, which is why other academic languages like C++, Java, and JavaScript exist.

C is a general-purpose, procedural language developed by Dennis M. Ritchie over fifty years ago.

C was initially used for programs that make up the operating systems like UNIX but was later leveraged for use cases like Language Compilers, Assemblers, Text Editors, Modern Programs, Databases, Print Spoolers, Network Drivers, and Language Interpreters.

Thirty-seven years after the C programming language came to market, C++ was unveiled. Today, the multipurpose programming language is widely used globally and considered one of the most efficient.

And for a good reason. C++ has imperative and generic programming features and runs on many platforms like Windows, UNIX, Mac, and Linux.

Whereas it is easy for some developers to overlook C and C++, they remain significant players in computer science and programming.

C and C++ are widely used for developing applications where performance is important, such as client/server applications and commercial products like Adobe, Firefox, and video games.

According to DevJobsScanner, C/C++ had 95,000 jobs (7% of the total) and was the sixth most in demand. C/C++ developers earn about $118, 366 per year.

Ruby

Arguably the simplest to learn and one of the most reliable programming languages. And the best part, it comes with its own Ruby on Rails framework.

Ruby was developed in 1995 to have a human-friendly syntax while still being flexible in its object-oriented architecture.

As a result, developers using Ruby can build high-quality web applications with clean architecture while implementing CSS, HTML, and JavaScript files.

One of the reasons why Ruby resonates with a multitude of developers is its ease.

Ruby also simplifies code changes. Most developers know that most projects require extensive changes, which takes up a lot of time.

Ruby makes the process much more accessible, more efficient, and faster. It is also conducive for organizations looking to scale up operations soon.

Another positive of using Ruby is its emphasis on securing solutions made on it. All these attributes have helped Ruby gouge a significant market share of the most in-demand programming languages.

According to DevJobsScanner, Ruby was the seventh most in-demand programming language, with 70,000 jobs (5% of the total). Ruby developers earn around $121,000 per year.

Conclusion

There is no doubt that this is a highly competitive space, and being acquainted with two or three of the mentioned programming languages might be the spark to starting a remarkable career or moving up in your current company.

And for those who want to start programming, your best chance at getting the ball rolling is Python. It is much easier when compared to the rest.