Coding Essentials: 15 programming languages that will set the tone in 2024

Curious which languages will dominate the tech scene this year? From well-known heavyweights to new challengers - discover with us which languages will set the tone in the IT industry this year. Let’s go.

Python

Python is the secret weapon in the world of data. It dominates in areas such as data science, machine learning and artificial intelligence. Big tech companies like Google and Facebook use Python for complex algorithms and data processing tasks. Python is also popular in the scientific community and education sector because it is easy to learn and versatile.

JavaScript

JavaScript is and remains the centrepiece of modern web development. It is used on almost every website and is indispensable for creating interactive and dynamic user interfaces. Technologies such as React and Angular have made JavaScript a core component of modern front-end development. Thanks to Node.js, it is also used on the server, which further increases its versatility.

Java

Java is the mainstay in the world of enterprise software. Large organisations and banks rely on Java for their back-end systems and Android apps. Java is known for its reliability, security and scalability, making it a favoured choice for business-critical applications.

TypeScript

TypeScript, often referred to as JavaScript's big brother, brings type safety to the world of the web. It is used in large web projects where scalability and maintainability are important. Companies such as Microsoft (the creators of TypeScript) use it to simplify the development of large and complex applications.

Go

Go, developed by Google, shines in the world of cloud infrastructure and microservices. It is known for its efficiency and performance in network programming and is used by companies such as Docker and Kubernetes.

Rust

Rust is a (relatively) new sensation in the world of system programming. It is valued for its performance and security, especially in projects where robustness and efficiency are important. Rust is used by big tech companies like Mozilla for critical system components and is gaining popularity in the development of operating systems, embedded systems and gaming applications.

Swift

Swift is Apple's favourite. It is mainly used for the development of iOS and macOS applications. Its popularity is due to the growing number of Apple devices and strong support from Apple, making it the first choice for developers in the Apple ecosystem.

Kotlin

Kotlin is the rising star in Android development. It is actively promoted by Google and has established itself as a more modern, efficient alternative to Java for Android apps. Kotlin is also used in the backend and in web applications, thanks to its interoperability with Java and its modern features.

C#

C# is the favourite in the Windows world. It is mainly used for the development of Windows applications and games with the Unity engine. C# is also widespread in the corporate world, where Microsoft technologies dominate.

C

C, the old warrior (or the devil's language, as my old C++ teacher used to say), remains relevant in areas where hardware proximity and performance are crucial - such as in system and application development. It is also the basis for many modern programming languages and is therefore often taught in educational institutions.

C++

C++ is the choice for performance-critical applications such as game development, real-time systems and high-performance computing. It is popular in the financial sector, in the automotive industry and in large tech companies for the development of complex systems.

Ruby

Ruby, known for the popular web framework Ruby on Rails, is a favourite choice for start-ups and small to medium-sized web applications. It is appreciated for its elegance, readability and fast development time.

PHP

PHP is the tireless worker of the web. Often declared dead, it is still highly relevant in 2024. Despite mixed opinions, it remains one of the most widely used languages for web server programming and is used on millions of websites worldwide, including WordPress.

R

R is the statistician among programming languages. It is primarily used in statistics, data analysis and academia. R excels in data visualisation and is particularly popular in bioinformatics, epidemiology and other fields of applied science where complex data analysis is required.

Shell Scripting (Bash)

Bash is the invisible backbone of many IT systems. It is the default shell in most Linux distributions and macOS, making it an indispensable tool for system administrators and developers. Bash is often used for automation scripts, task management and for controlling software build processes. In the world of DevOps, Bash is invaluable for automating deployment and development tasks, as well as for configuration management. Its wide availability and flexibility make it a powerful tool in the hands of anyone working with Unix-like systems.

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FAQs

Q: What makes a programming language "in demand" in the IT industry?

A: A programming language is in demand due to factors such as its versatility, the size and activity of its developer community, its applicability in current and future technology trends and its demand on the labour market. High demand in industry, whether in web development, systems programming or machine learning, also increases its popularity.

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Q: Which programming languages are particularly relevant for careers in certain industries?

A:

  - Web development: JavaScript, TypeScript, PHP

  - Mobile development: Swift (iOS), Kotlin (Android)

  - Data science and AI: Python, R

  - System programming: C, C++, Rust

  - Enterprise applications: Java, C#

  - Financial industry: C++, Python, Java

  - Start-ups: Ruby, Python, JavaScript

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Q: As an employer, how do I assess applicants' programming skills?

A: Companies can use technical interviews, coding tests and practical tasks to assess applicants' skills. It is also important to assess their problem-solving skills and understanding of software engineering principles. References to previous projects or contributions to open source projects can also be informative.

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Q: How will the labour market for programmers develop in the coming years?

A: The job market for programmers is expected to continue to grow, particularly in areas such as AI, machine learning, data science, cloud computing and mobile development. The demand for skills in the above programming languages is likely to increase as organisations expand their digital capabilities.

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Q: Can these programming languages be recommended for career changers?

A: For newcomers, Python and JavaScript are recommended due to their relatively easy learning curve and wide range of applications. These languages offer many resources for beginners and strong community support.

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Q: How are the requirements for developers transforming in connection with these languages?

A: Developers need to continuously educate themselves and keep up with the latest trends in these languages. This includes not only learning new frameworks and libraries, but also understanding best practices, security aspects and the efficient use of these languages in different project environments.

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