Most popular programming languages 2024

von

Programming languages

Python

Python currently has a market share of 27%. It is currently the most popular Programming language. It can also be used wonderfully by beginners. Python has a very clean and easy-to-read code structure. This makes it easy to set up and debug.

Pything is suitable for use in web development and network programming as well as in data analysis, for scientific calculations or in the field of artificial intelligence and machine learning or automation of processes. 

Advantages

  • Simple syntax
  • No manual, error-prone saving necessary
  • Many frameworks and support
  • Platform-independent code, compatible with various operating systems
  • Seamless integration with other important programming languages 

Disadvantages

  • Slower performance
  • Higher memory requirements 
  • Limited support for the development of mobile applications

Java

Java was developed back in 1995. It is very widely compatible. This is what makes it so popular. The code developed with it is platform-independent and compatible with a wide variety of computer architectures. 

There is now a very comprehensive standard library. In most cases, developers can therefore fall back on a solution that already exists and then adapt it specifically to the desired code. 

Java is used in the development of corporate and web applications as well as for mobile apps, embedded systems and games.

Advantages

  • Platform-independent code 
  • Clear structures and use of standard solutions in the library
  • Extensive error detection and safety mechanisms ensure robustness and safety
  • No manual, error-prone saving necessary
  • Facilitate the application in classic task areas
  • Scalability for large and complex applications

Disadvantages

  • Complex structures and strict syntax
  • Length of familiarisation period
  • Not suitable for performance-critical or system-related programming
  • Higher memory requirements
  • Licence fees for use for commercial purposes
  • No support for real-time applications

JavaScript

JavaScript came onto the market in the same year as Java. It was developed for dynamic HTML user interactions. This is still the most important area of application today, but JavaScript is now also widely used on servers and in microcontrollers. With appropriate frameworks, JavaScript can also be used for the development of cross-platform mobile apps.

JavaScript is known as a fast and flexible scripting language. The JavaScript code is structured in such a way that it reacts to user interactions and events instead of becoming active itself.

Advantages

  • Broad support of all common web browsers
  • Platform-independent execution directly in the browser
  • Widespread distribution
  • Simple creation of interactive websites

Disadvantages

  • Can lead to deviations and must be taken into account during development
  • Lower performance than compiled programming languages
  • Low scalability, which quickly reaches its limits with larger applications

C#

C# was developed by Microsoft in 2001. It was specially developed for various desktop, cloud, web applications, games and mobile apps in the Microsoft environment.

C# may be a little more complex to program, but it also recognises errors better and there are fewer bugs as a result. Programmer do not need to worry about memory management thanks to the Garage Collector. 

Advantages

  • Seamless integration into the Microsoft environment 
  • Continuous further development 
  • Modern new features
  • Tools and support
  • Large standard library including many tools and functions

Disadvantages

  • Complex learning
  • Mainly suitable for Windows applications

C and C++

C was developed back in the 1970s. It is often referred to as the mother of programming languages. C is one of the few programming languages that is suitable for programming operating system codes.

C++ was then developed in the late 1970s as an extension of C. The object-orientated programming part is the most important extension. With its high performance and versatility, it is used in a wide range of areas from game development and graphics programming to real-time systems and high-performance applications

Advantages

  • Fast and efficient programmes
  • Hardware-oriented programming and direct memory access 
  • Wide range of applications and versatile uses 
  • Both procedural and object-orientated thanks to the C++ extension

Disadvantages

  • In-depth understanding of computer and system architecture required
  • Error-prone 
  • Bad code opens up security gaps

php

PHP was developed to create dynamic websites and web applications. It offers Internet protocol integration and natural database support for a wide range of different database types. Based on HTML, the platform-independent programming language is easy to learn and understand.

PHP is very popular in the web environment. It is suitable for dynamic websites and web applications, generating HTML content and working with databases. Many e-commerce platforms and online shops are based on PHP code.

Advantages

  • Simple syntax
  • Extensive official documentation 
  • Numerous resources
  • Broad support from most web hosting providers and often pre-installed on the server side
  • Continuous further development
  • Freely available and free to use

Disadvantages

  • Low scalability
  • Widespread distribution with PHP security vulnerabilities
  • Inconsistent structure
  • Limited use

Swift

Swift was released by Apple in 2014 for the iOS and macOS platforms. 

PHP is easy to learn for beginners. Experienced programmers can use native data types and the use of low-level access to programme very well.

The Apple framework enables access to the latest functions and APIs. Typical programming errors can be avoided. Swift has also been available for Windows since 2020.

Advantages

  • Clear and understandable syntax
  • Compiled language with high performance 
  • Stable applications and fewer bugs

Disadvantages

  • Limited availability of resources and libraries
  • Regular changes to the syntax and APIs
  • Lack of downward compatibility of new versions

Ruby

Ruby is an object-orientated programming language, but it also supports other paradigms such as procedural or functional programming. Its simplicity and good readability make it very popular. It is modelled on natural language and is therefore intuitive. It has no fixed data type, which enables fast and flexible development.

Ruby is used a lot for web development, for automation tasks and for scripting and prototyping concepts and ideas.

Advantages

  • Easy readability and syntax
  • High productivity 
  • Extensive libraries and frameworks
  • Effective garbage collection

Disadvantages

  • Slower performance 
  • Limited scalability for applications