Python and Java have widely used programming languages with millions of developers in their communities. However, there are also less popular languages that have surprisingly large user bases.
Aspiring programmers today have numerous options for starting their journey, and they often seek programming languages with active communities. The languages with the largest developer communities not only offer ease of learning but also provide opportunities for growth. In 2023, SlashData released a report on programming languages and their community support. This article will explore the top programming languages in 2023 that have the largest developer communities.
Top 10 Programming Languages
1. JavaScript
- Active developers: 12.4 million
- Most popular: Web, Cloud
- Least popular: Data Science, Machine Learning, AR/VR
JavaScript is a popular choice among programmers worldwide for creating dynamic and interactive online applications and web browsers. As a client-side programming language, it is used in 97% of all websites, making it the most widely used programming language globally.
2. Python
- Active developers: 9 million
- Most popular: Data Science, Machine Learning, IoT
- Least popular: Mobile, Web
Python is a commonly used programming language for building websites and applications, automating repetitive tasks, and analyzing and visualizing data. Due to its simplicity, it has also been adopted by non-programmers such as accountants and scientists for various routine tasks, including managing finances.
3. Java
- Active developers: 8.2 million
- Most popular: Mobile, Cloud
- Least popular: Data Science, Machine Learning, Web
Java is an excellent programming language to learn for big data, web development, and application development. This general-purpose programming language with an object-oriented architecture is owned by the Oracle Corporation.
4. C/C++
- Active developers: 6.3 million
- Most popular: IoT, AR/VR
- Least popular: Web, Cloud, Mobile
C++ offers a comprehensive set of features such as data abstraction, polymorphism, inheritance, and more that are essential for a successful programming career and a decent salary. This programming language is commonly used for developing desktop applications, GUI applications, 3D games, and real-time mathematical solutions.
5. PHP
- Active developers: 6.1 million
- Most popular: Web, Cloud
- Least popular: Data Science, Machine Learning, Mobile
PHP is increasingly being used for developing healthcare applications, while its coding skills are utilized for building mobile applications, most of which are designed for iOS and Android platforms.
6. C#
- Active developers: 6.0 million
- Most popular: Games, AR/VR, Desktop
- Least popular: Data Science, Machine Learning, Mobile
C#’s popularity is largely attributed to its ability to accommodate object-oriented programming principles, making it a top choice for developers. This programming language is also known for its suitability in developing Windows, Android, and iOS applications, making it one of the top 10 programming languages for prospects and profits.
7. Visual Dev Tools
- Active developers: 2.8 million
- Most popular: Desktop, AR/VR, Games
- Least popular: Cloud, Web
Visual programming is a type of programming language that allows users to depict processes visually. Unlike traditional text-based programming languages that force developers to think like machines, visual programming languages enable developers to describe processes using human-friendly terms.
8. Swift
- Active developers: 2.4 million
- Most popular: Mobile, AR/VR
- Least popular: Cloud, Web
Despite being a relatively new programming language, Swift has made it to the list of top 10 programming languages for prospects and profits due to its speed, performance, and security features. Additionally, Swift is easy to learn.
9. Kotlin
- Active developers: 2.3 million
- Most popular: Mobile, AR/VR
- Least popular: Data Science, Machine Learning, Desktop
Kotlin
Kotlin, an open-source programming language, has gained significant popularity lately. It is preferred by businesses such as Netflix, Pinterest, and Amazon Web Services due to its unique features, including support for lambda functions, smart casts, null safety, and operator overloading.
10. Go
- Active developers: 1.5 million
- Most popular: Cloud, AR/VR
- Least popular: Data Science, Machine Learning, Web
Go, a programming language developed by Google has garnered significant attention worldwide due to its ability to handle multicore systems, networked systems, and large codebases. As a result, it is no surprise that Golang is considered one of the best programming languages for salaries and prospects.
