Top 10 Programming Languages to Learn in 2024 [UPDATED]

Hello guys, we're just one week away from 2024. This is when most of us start making our goals like physical goals, educational goals, and financial goals. As a programmer, one of our goals is to learn new technologies and programming languages, but which languages should you learn? Since acquiring a programming language requires both time and patience, you should learn a language worth the effort; I mean., it can reward you with a better job and career growth. In this article, I will share with you the top 10 programming languages you can learn in 2024 to get a job in your favorite companies like Google, Microsoft, and Facebook.

Many sites publish the list of top programming languages or technologies. Still, for my friends who use StackOverflow regularly and me, its developer survey provides a lot of useful insight.

The StackOverflow contains the biggest list of questions and answers on programming languages; I trust their list to be much more accurate than other sources. Still, I also add my own experience to tweak a little bit. In short, this is not the exact list you will see on the StackOverflow survey.

Even though Java is my favorite language, and I know a bit of C and C++, I am striving to learn more programming languages to expand my knowledge and improve my arsenal in the coming year.

I am particularly interested in Python and JavaScript, but you might be interested in something else. This list of top 10 programming languages will help you to make your learning goal for 2024.




10 Best Programming Languages to Learn in 2024

This list is inspired by many lists you will find online like the StackOverFlow, TIBOE, and others but, my list is a little bit different from the StackOverflow or any other list you will find online as I have used my experience to tweak it a bit and what you should learn in 2024.

1. Golang

If you are looking for a modern programming language to learn in 2024, then this is the one programming language you should spend time in 2024. I know it's not very popular and, at the same time, hard to learn, but I feel its usage will increase exponentially in 2024.

Since there are not many Go developers around and many companies will adopt it, it's probably the best time to learn Go, especially if you want to create frameworks and things like that.

If you can invest some time and become an expert in Go, you're going to be in high demand. So, how to start? Well, Go: The Complete Developer's Guide from Udemy is the online course I will take to begin with Go, which I bought last month for just 10$ from Udemy's sale price.

which programming language to learn in 2018



2.   Java

Java, one of the most popular, powerful, and effective programming languages. Even though I have been using Java for years, I still have to learn many things, like many new features introduced in recent releases like var for local variables, Records, string in the switch, Text Block, Modules, and much more. 

If you want to go into backend development, Android app development, and in general application development then Java is one of the best programming language to learn. 

My goal for 2024 is to focus on recent Java changes on JDK 9, 10,11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 21. If yours is the same, then The Complete Java Masterclass is an excellent place to start with; it recently updated for Java 11 and Java 17.

Best Programming language for Beginners to learn




3. JavaScript

Believe it or not, but JavaScript is the #1 language of the web. The rise of jQuery, Angular, Vue, Svelte, and React.js has made JavaScript even more popular. Since you just cannot stay away from the web, it's better to learn JavaScript sooner than later.

Even if you are not using Angular JS or React JS, many other libraries, like jQuery, are based on JavaScript. It's also the number one language for client-side validation, which makes it worth learning JavaScript.

If you want to become a web developer and mobile application developer in 2024 using React Native then you should learn JavaScript. It's the only language that supports complete full-stack development, which means you can not only create a frontend for a web application but also backend using node.js and mobile application frontend using React Native. 

If you decide to learn JavaScript in 2024, this JavaScript Masterclass is an excellent place.

what to learn in 2018





4. Python

Python has now toppled Java to become the most taught programming language in Universities and academics. I have been trying to learn Python since last year, but somehow, it always gets pushed down on my list of goals.

It's a compelling language and high to generate scripts. You will find a python module for everything you can think of like I was looking for a command to listen to UDP traffic on Linux but couldn't find anything, so I wrote a Python script in 10 minutes to do the same.

Python is also one of the best programming languages for Data Science, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Automation, and web development. It's actually one of the most popular all-around programming language which can be used to create a simple script for a complex object-oriented application. 

If you want to learn Python in 2024 and need a resource to start with then the Python Fundamentals from Pluralsight is the best online course to start with.



By the way, you would need a Pluralsight membership to access this course, which costs around $29 per month or $299 annually (14% discount).  

If you don't have Pluralsight membership, I encourage you to get one because it allows you to access their 5000+ online courses on all the latest topics like front-end and back-end development, machine learning, etc.

It also includes interactive quizzes, exercises, and the latest certification material. It's more like Netflix for Software Developers, and Since learning is an essential part of our job, Pluralsight membership is a great way to stay ahead of your competition. You can also gift it to any programmer. 

They also provide a 10-day free trial without any commitment, which is a great way to access this course for free and check the quality of courses before joining Pluralsight.



5. Kotlin

If you think seriously about Android App development, then Kotlin is the programming language to learn in 2024. It is probably the next big thing happening in the Android world. Google has already declared Kotlin as the official app development language for the Android platform.

Even though Java is my preferred language, Kotlin has native support, and many IDEs like IntelliJ IDEA and Android Studio supports Kotlin for Android development. Major Java development framework like Spring has also introduced support for Kotlin in recent years.

You can also use Kotlin for backend development just like Java. Many companies have started using Kotlin to create server-side applications and that will fuel the demand of Kotlin developers in the coming days. 

If you want to learn Kotlin in 2024, then The Complete Android Kotlin Developer Course is probably the best online course to start with.

learn kotlin in 2018



6. C#

I am not a big fan of C#, and probably I won't learn it in 2024, but you may want to. It's anyway a great language to developer GUI. C# is a great choice for game development and creating Desktop based applications.

It's also the language of the .NET platform so if you want to build anything using the popular .NET CORE and ASP .NET MVC framework then learning C# is essential for you. The demand for C# developers is also quite high, I just search indeed.com and there are more than 100K open positions around the world. 

If you decide to learn C# in 2024, you can also check out the Learn to Code by Making Games - Complete C# Unity Developer from Udemy; I see more than 200K students have enrolled in this course, which speaks for its popularity.





7. Swift

If you are thinking about iOS development, like making iPhone and iPad apps, you should seriously consider learning Swift in 2024. The popularity of Swift has grown a lot in the last couple of years because of its simplicity, power, and robustness. 

It replaces Objective C as the preferred language to develop iOS apps. Since I am the Android guy, I have no goal concerning Swift, but if you do, you can start with the iOS and Swift  - The Complete iOS App Development Bootcamp, another excellent course from Udemy I bought last month.

Best language to learn in 2018

If you don't mind learning from free resources, you can also check out this list of free iOS courses for more choices.




8. Rust

To be honest, I don't know much about Rust and its usage as I have never used it, but whatever I heard, it's the right language for developers. For the last couple of years, it has won first place for "most loved programming language" in the Stack Overflow Developer Survey.

I think, If you are an experienced programmer and you're looking for a new language in 2024, Rust might be the right choice because developers love this language. If you decide to learn Rust in 2024, here is a list of the best Rust courses that you can join to start with.

why learn Rust in 2018




9. PHP

Yup, another surprise. If you thought that PHP is dead, then you are wrong. It's still alive and kicking. As you know, 50% of internet websites are built using PHP; hence you cannot ignore the power of PHP. Though it's not on my list of things to learn in 2024, it's still a great programming language to learn, and if I decide to learn PHP, then PHP for Beginners is a good starting point.

should you learn PHP in 2018




10. C/C++

These two are again one of the most popular, powerful, and in-demand programming languages. C and C++ also have a variety of usage. You can use C++ to build games, it is also used heavily in creating real-time systems and embedded systems.  

Given it has already survived 40 years, any investment you made on learning C++ has great reward as it's going to be useful for many more years to come. 

Both C and C++ are evergreen languages, and most of you know from your Academics btw that if you are doing some serious work in C++, your Academic experience will not be enough. To become industry-ready, you need to join a comprehensive online course, like C++: From Beginner to Expert.

should you learn C++ in 2018





That's all about some of the best programming languages you can learn in 2024. You can choose one or two languages from this list and focus on that. Even if you learn just one programming language apart from the one you use daily, you will be in good shape for your career growth. The most important thing right now is making your goal and trying your best to achieve it in 2024.


Other Articles You May Like to Explore

P. S. - It's also the gift season of the year, and If you are looking for some gift ideas for your programmer friends this holiday season, then you can also check out my list of 10 best gifts for programmers and tech geeks, which includes gift ideas from $10 to $4000, you can choose based upon your budget.

11 comments:

  1. That's 11 languages, not 10. C and C++ are different languages.

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    Replies
    1. Yes, Indeed, What I mean was to learn C or C++, once you learn one, the other is easier.

      Delete
  2. I think your list is ill-thought on a few levels. First of all, it is pointless to learn 10 languages in a year. You cannot use 10 languages effectively, much less really learn them to the point of being useful. You will spread yourself too thin and waste a lot time writing hello, world! and then a few more interesting yet simple examples in each language. You probably will not even be at a decent reading level in any of them after this process.
    The second issue is that what you should be learning should be driven by what you already know, and to what depth you know it. The second is what are you using and working on now and for the next year. And based on what you already know and use, what are the holes in your knowledge and skillset; not in the resume builder sense, but in the breadth of your knowledge of programming and computer science. And finally, what looks interesting and exciting to you.
    Writing a generic 10 Languages post is a fools errand. You cannot make a meaningful blanket statement like that. For example, of the languages that you listed, one (Rust) is on my to learn list, a couple are completely uninteresting and/or irrelevant to me, and one of them should not be on the list. There is no reason for anyone to learn PHP unless they are supporting an existing PHP system.
    I am a server-side and data programmer. I work mostly in Java and Scala. But I also do a significant amount of SQL, Bash (shell) scripting, I use Lisp for data model development and API exploration. I have a reading level knowledge of Python and JavaScript.

    In general, the most you can recommend on an a global basis is that when choosing languages to learn, the goal needs to to expand one's exposure to different domains of knowledge and different programming models. For example, if you already know Python and Java, which are OO-imperative languages, your next language should be something functional. That will teach you to look at programming from a different point of view and different solution space. That will make you a more effective developer.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello @Unknown, the list doesn't say you to learn all of these Programming language in one year, of course you cannot,except basic introduction as you mentioned. It instead says that these are something worth looking, choose one or two which is close to your job or passion and learn it.

      Delete
  3. This your write-up really shows that you do not love C# at all. Mind you that C# is a modern and powerful programming language that has both imperative and functional strengths. It makes the developers very productive and its of high performance.

    C# is used in developing/ building different kinds of software solutions:
    - Web App
    - Mobile
    - Desktop
    - IoT and Micro-Devices
    - Machine Learning and AI
    - Cloud Computing etc

    So get your facts right, before exhibiting your hatred against a powerful programming language.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello @Anonymous, I don't hate C#, I know it's a powerful language and whole .NET and Unity world relies on it. I don't know what makes you believe that I hate C#

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    2. I agree that C# is a productive and high-efficiency programming language, I made many products with C# and earn a lot of money :), but JAVA it is important in China, many companies use Java a lot, if you are going to easily find a job, you need to learn Java. but the strange thing is we are all using the Windows OS which has a good supported by C#, why almost developer like using Java rather than C#.

      Delete
  4. I want learn Python...but don't know were to get well organized and simplified videos...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You can check this article, where I have shared best Python courses, you can choose any of them, if you need free resources, you can also check on my list of free Python tutorials, both are useful.

      Delete
  5. Hi Javin,
    Here is my list of programming languages one should try to learn:
    C
    C++
    Rust
    Javascript(Es.next)
    Web Assembly
    Java 15
    Kotlin
    Haskell
    Scala 3
    Clojure
    Ballerina
    Concurnas
    Unisonweb
    .net Core
    Python

    I found that python is useful from Machine Learning/AI/Data Science perspective where Mathematical and Statistical libraries are involved.
    However as a programming language, I did not really like that language, niether from performance, nor the syntax, nothing is so appealing..!


    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Pankaj, that's too many :-) its almost impossible to learn all these to become a professional. I atleast suggest two language, one is always Java and second is Python, though nowadays, JavaScript is also becoming very important. Nevertheless, a good choice for rockstart developers.

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