Is the next stage of your career learning R or learning Python? Which programming languages are the most popular in the market? Which programming languages may be on the way out?
Of course, there’s more to a language than how in-demand it is — different languages have different applications. Still, in the constantly upskilling world of the “Great Resignation,” it’s worth it to find out which languages will give your resume a boost.
Let’s look at the most in-demand coding languages of 2022, what makes them so popular, and their most popular applications.
1. Python (200,000 jobs on Indeed)
Predictably, Python remains the world’s most desirable language.
Python isn’t just a highly versatile, general-purpose language — developers frequently use it in machine learning and Natural Language Processing systems. Consequently, Python is at the forefront of many new and disruptive technologies.
As a language, Python has a lot of advantages. It’s easy to use with a short learning curve. It’s one of the first languages many programmers learn. And it’s widely used throughout many business sectors, from web development to artificial intelligence.
If you want to make yourself as marketable as possible, brushing up on your Python skills will help.
2. SQL (186,000 jobs on Indeed)
Likewise, it makes sense that SQL is the second-most recognized language for employers; it’s used everywhere.
Whether you’re programming in Python, Java, or PHP, you will likely need to use a SQL database at some point in your career. Whether you specialize in Microsoft SQL, MySQL, or PostgreSQL, your skills will be in demand.
Of course, there’s a difference between understanding SQL and being a SQL expert. Database architects and administrators stand to make a fair bit of money, especially if they’re experts at optimizing and scaling large data sets.
3. Java (158,000 Jobs on Indeed)
Java’s popularity isn’t waning. While the C family has split into C, C++, and C#, Java continues its unhindered reign.
Java is a highly portable, lightweight, general-purpose language used for everything from mobile development to backend web application design.
Some newer and younger programmers are drifting away from Java toward languages like Python and JavaScript. But Java has secured its place in programming by remaining well-maintained and growing.
Java will remain a desirable language for many years, if only because so many platforms are built on it.
4. JavaScript (133,000 jobs on Indeed)
JavaScript has eclipsed R and Visual Basic, which were highly sought-after languages in 2021. But that makes sense. R saw a significant boost as many people moved into data analysis, but JavaScript runs the web.
There’s still nothing more powerful than HTML/CSS/JavaScript builds in web development circles. Still, it’s not an incredibly in-demand language because there are so many JavaScript programmers. 64% of developers know a little JavaScript — so postings for JavaScript developers are a little less likely. But that doesn’t mean a true JavaScript expert can’t distinguish themselves from the pack.
5. R (126,000 jobs on Indeed)
Though R was actually developed nearly 30 years ago, it’s seen an enormous resurgence in popularity in just the last few years. R is used for statistical computing and analysis.
While it’s a somewhat niche language, it’s becoming more vital as we deal with larger and larger data sets. Further, far fewer programmers are experts in R, making it a more in-demand language compared to others.
R is the most popular language for data scientists—and the data science field is swiftly growing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for data scientists is much faster than average, at 22% growth from 2020 to 2030. Additionally, the median pay for a computer and information research scientist is $126,830 as of 2020.
6. Visual Basic (106,000 jobs on Indeed)
The need for Visual Basic programmers is extraordinarily high. While many programmers look down upon Visual Basic, it’s still one of the most popular languages to learn. Visual Basic may be an “easy” language, and it may not be very robust, but what many ignore is how essential it is to the Microsoft ecosystem.
Visual Basic is a “beginner’s” language; many first learn it in college and don’t touch it afterward. But Visual Basic is beneficial, if not necessary, for those who administer and architect Microsoft ecosystems.
Programmers interested in Microsoft systems administration, architecture, and development should be learning if not mastering Visual Basic code.
Other Popular Programming Languages
We haven’t listed HTML and CSS because they aren’t strictly programming languages. They are markup languages. But, of course, anyone interested in full-stack or front-end web development should have a healthy knowledge of HTML and CSS.
Other languages include C#, Go (Golang), and (surprisingly) Perl.
C# is mostly used for desktop languages and web applications. Go is frequently used for networking and systems architecture. And while very few applications (and very few developers) use Perl, it’s now one of the most highly paid specializations—because so few people still use it.
And what are the dying languages? Objective-C, Cobol, and Pascal are all not long for the world. But as with Perl, this can have a confounding effect; developers who do know these languages can find themselves uniquely desirable.
Why You Should Learn Python in 2022
Most agree: Python is the most in-demand language to learn in 2022.
That doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s the best language to learn. It’s most important to focus on mastering the language that’s right for you. If you’re a data scientist or in data management, it might be better to learn SQL or R. If you’re a full-stack web developer, shore up your JavaScript knowledge first. Whatever language you learn, you’ll be able to find applications for it.
But if you want to make yourself more marketable to future employers, it’s Python. Python has remained one of the most popular languages for programming for many years. It has a low barrier to entry, is used throughout many computer science disciplines, and has all the benefits of a thriving community.
If you want to become a Python expert and jumpstart your programming career, you can get started by learning Python from plenty of free online tutorials and courses.
64% of developers know a little JavaScript — https://www.statista.com/statistics/793628/worldwide-developer-survey-most-used-languages/
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-and-information-research-scientists.htm
