7 most in-demand programming languages for 2024

As a new year approaches, you might be curious to see whether your programming skills are still in demand or whether you should consider up-skilling for the best opportunities.

Hundreds of coding languages have emerged over the years; no matter what you’re hoping to create, there is no doubt a programming language out there for it.

So which are standing the test of time and which are worth boning up on? Here are seven that are set to emerge or remain in demand in 2024 and beyond.

Python

Hailed for its versatility and dev velocity, Python has steadily climbed the programming language charts over the past few years. It’s considered a useful language for working with AI, and Statista reports it was the third most used language of 2023, behind JavaScript and HTML/CSS.

The TIOBE Index, which factors search volume popularity into its rankings, currently lists Python in the number one spot.

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Its power lies in its ability to automate tasks and improve workflows. Skilled software engineers with strong Python skills are in demand right now and will continue to be.

Python developers are natural problem-solvers, always looking for ways to optimise and improve processes.

If Python is your language of choice, Tech for Good is hiring a senior Python engineer to help develop a healthcare product that enables users to better manage their patient experience. It’s a UK-based remote role, though you will collaborate with a small, globally distributed team across the US, New Zealand and, eventually, Europe. Curious? See the requirements here.

Java

Since its creation in 1995, Java has been a solid and steady performer. A survey of 14 million developer jobs earlier this year put Java as the third most in-demand programming language.

Widely used in everything from web development to cloud computing, Internet of Things applications and large-scale enterprise tools, it’s commonly seen as a language that offers excellent job security.

PHP

Depending on who you ask, this 28-year-old programming language is either making a comeback – or never went away. Mainly used for web development, PHP skills continue to be sought after on the job market. Over 77% of websites still rely on it and one in every 10 dev jobs calls for it.

If you’re a PHP dev with a love of web culture, Belgian IT company Smals is looking for a PHP lead developer to help create websites for various Belgian federal and regional institutions. Working with a multidisciplinary team, you will work on project definition and design of open-source products and translate customer needs into cutting-edge digital solutions. Find out more about the role here.

C++

C++ continues to be one of the most popular programming languages out there, thanks to its versatility and high performance.

Widely used in the gaming industry, as well as for system-level programming, where interactions with hardware are crucial, there is a constant demand for C++ developers across a wide range of industries, translating into strong job security.

Kotlin

Popular for both Android and cross-platform app development, Kotlin is supported by Google, which announced it as an official language for Android development in 2017. Since then, it has steadily grown in popularity.

Fintech company SumUp is currently seeking a senior backend Kotlin engineer to work with the product development team in Paris on an in-app point-of-sale solution. Used by millions of businesses around the world, you’ll use Kotlin daily to support a large-scale fintech product. You can learn more about the role here.

C#

A key language in the Microsoft tech stack, C# is used for building web apps, Windows desktop apps and in-game development. Consistently in demand at small organisations and enterprise-level businesses, the C# syntax will look really familiar to you if you’ve spent time with a classic language like Java, so it can be a good one to upskill into.

JavaScript

Thanks to its adaptability, JavaScript will continue to be one of the most in-demand programming languages out there. Used primarily for front-end web development (over 98% of all websites use it in some way), every tech device you interact with, from your laptop to your phone to your smart TV, makes use of it to create dynamic, interactive content.

If you’re looking for a new opportunity, ConnectingTheDots is looking for a backend JavaScript developer. In this role, you would work with a team in Zwolle creating landing pages for global campaigns, festivals, and major product launches. As well as extensive JavaScript experience, a role like this also calls for experience with e-commerce tools like Salesforce Commerce Cloud and proficiency with UX/UI software. For more information, head here.

For hundreds more career opportunities featuring a wide range of programming languages, start browsing The House of Talent Job Board today