Coding Languages Technology Leaders Are Looking for in 2024

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Choosing the right coding languages to learn and master can have a significant impact on the trajectory of your technology career. Whether you are an entry-level software programmer, an experienced software engineer, a database administrator who wants to become a database developer, or you’re just eager to work on projects that involve AI and other emerging technologies, it helps to know which coding languages are in demand.

To help jump-start your research, we’ve assembled a list of some of the most popular coding languages in 2024 based on their versality, ease of use and demand across a wide spectrum of industries. (This is by no means a comprehensive list, given that there are literally thousands of coding languages in existence.)

Let’s get started with one coding language that has many applications, and whose name was inspired by the BBC comedy series, “Monty Python’s Flying Circus” — Python.

1. Python

Known for being versatile and learner-friendly, Python is a coding language widely used in web development, game development, statistical analysis, AI and computational science.

2. JavaScript

JavaScript is the backbone of web development, powering the interactivity and functionality of the vast majority of websites. With HTML and CSS, it forms the core technologies of the web. It can be used for frontend and backend development, thanks to environments like Node.js.

3. C

C is a foundational language in computer science. It is widely used in operating systems, databases and embedded systems found in hardware and products ranging from microwave ovens to childproof locks. It is a versatile choice for cross-platform development. Also, many open-source projects and critical infrastructure, like the Linux kernel, are written in C.

4. C++

The successor to the C programming language is C++. It offers object-oriented features, making it useful for designing complex software systems. C++ is used in game development and graphics programming, high-performance apps, and system and software development. It is also used extensively in scientific computing and engineering simulations.

5. Java

Jave is a long-standing favorite for programmers. It is a crucial coding language for enterprise-level applications, Android app development, web applications, large-scale systems, and server-side applications.

6. C#

Developed by Microsoft, the C# programming language is widely used for developing Windows applications and games. Its comprehensive libraries and frameworks support rapid development, making it a versatile and efficient choice for many projects.

7. Go

Known for its efficiency and performance, Go is a preferred language for many tech pros developing cloud services, microservices, distributed systems and other performance-critical applications. It features fast compilation, which allows developers to write and test code quickly.

8. SQL

Like the C coding language, SQL, or Structured Query Language, has been around since the 1970s. Programmers use SQL to query, modify, add and delete data in relational databases, which are foundational to many business applications. It is essential for extracting and analyzing large datasets to enable data-driven decision-making.

9. PHP

Despite the competition it faces from newer programming languages, PHP remains vital for server-side web development. It powers many dynamic websites and e-commerce platforms as well as several well-known content management systems.

10. R

R is a programming language used for data analysis, statistical modeling and data visualization, making it a go-to tool for many professionals in the data science community. R is also widely used in “bioinformatics” — an interdisciplinary field that combines biology, computer science and statistics to analyze and interpret biological data. (The Human Genome Project is an example of a bioinformatics initiative.)

If working on AI projects is your aim as a tech pro, know that Python, C++, Java and R are among the coding languages commonly used to develop AI applications, from machine learning models to systems for real-time decision-making. Additionally, you may want to consider learning languages like Julia, Prolog and Lisp. (The latter is one of the oldest languages used in AI!)

Depending on your professional interests and desired career track in tech and IT, you may also want to explore programming languages such as:

Swift for iOS development

Kotlin for Android development

TypeScript for enhanced JavaScript development

Rust for systems programming and developing secure, efficient applications

There are many other valuable and widely used coding languages that we do not cover in this post. But again, we hope the examples we provided give you a good starting point for deciding what you might want to learn.

Next, let’s look at some ways to start working with popular programming languages that could enhance your tech career.

For many coders, deciding which languages to learn is often easier than deciding how to learn them. To help get you started, here are five ways to boost your programming skills:

Learn from your peers

Find an open-source library that interests you on a site like GitHub or Bitbucket and read the code until you have a good idea of how it works. Seeing how different people approach problems will help you think more creatively as a programmer.

Attend a coding bootcamp

Coding bootcamps, many of which are available online, can offer a fast path to gaining skills in programming and other areas of technology. Some examples include App Academy, General Assembly and SheCodes. (A quick internet search will help you discover many more.)

Read a book (really!)

Books can offer structured learning and an in-depth understanding of coding languages, including for beginners. Working through a book chapter by chapter can help you go deep on challenging concepts you want to grasp.

Start a project

Contribute to open-source projects that interest you or start your own project from scratch. This practical experience can enhance your skills and keep you engaged in your work.

Get active in the coding community

Contributing to Q&A and self-learning sites like GeeksforGeeks, Stack Overflow and Codecademy can help to improve your coding skills. You can also make valuable industry contacts who could potentially recommend you for projects and open positions.

Earn a certification

There are two main reasons for getting a certification. First, it helps you to hone your programming skills. Second, earning in-demand certifications can help bolster your resume and give hiring managers the confidence that you have the skills and knowledge needed for the job.

What types of tech and IT skills are employers on the lookout for this year, in addition to knowledge of top coding languages? Robert Half’s Building Future-Forward Tech Teams offers insight. Research conducted for our e-book found that U.S. tech leaders need skilled professionals to support priority initiatives in the following five areas this year:

Security of IT systems and information

AI, machine learning and automation initiatives

Cloud projects

Technology modernization

Software engineering and development

Read our free e-book to learn what technology leaders are doing to align the skills they need for critical projects and build teams for the future. You’ll also learn where skills gaps are most evident in today’s technology departments. Plus, you’ll get a detailed look at the knowledge and skills that can help you to work effectively with AI, depending on your role.

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