Top 10 Programming Languages to Watch Out for in 2019
By Gurdeep Singh
February 11, 2019 5 min read
Last update on: August 21, 2019

Originally published February 11th, 2019, updated August 21th, 2019.

Contents:

Top 10 Most Popular Programming Languages to watch out for 2019-2020.

  1. JavaScript
  2. Python
  3. Java
  4. Kotlin
  5. Swift
  6. Objective-C
  7. C
  8. PHP
  9. SQL
  10. MATLAB

How to Decide Which Programming Language to Consider in 2019 to 2020 among the all Most Popular Programming Languages?

  1. App Purpose
  2. Language Characteristics
  3. Local Ecosystem

As the web and mobile solutions are becoming an indispensable part of every business, the programming world is also growing at a faster rate than ever before.

While on one hand, various new technologies and languages are getting into the limelight for making the different development processes more efficient. Whereas, on the other hand, many existing web and app development technologies are disappearing from the graph.  

In a scenario like this, keeping yourself updated with what’s the most popular programming languages/s is necessary for both the developers and businesses to build profitable solutions.

Taking the same thought forward, here we have created a list of Top 10 Programming Languages for 2019, just as we covered last year in the listicle on the top 10 programming languages for 2018. In this list, every new system-level programming language is included to keep you up-to-date with the emerging trends.

So, let’s begin with the first programming language to learn this year.

1. JavaScript

Being one of the most in-demand programming languages for 2019-2020 and beyond, JavaScript holds the first position in this list, posing as the best programming language for mobile apps 2019.

As per the Stack Overflow’s annual survey of 2018 , 69.8% of developers employ a highly efficient and flexible language like JavaScript to build interactive web pages, exhibit dynamic content and make the transition from web to mobile platform.

JavaScript is Most in-demand Programming Languages for 2019

Besides, the language also provides developers with an exquisite collection of frameworks as shared in our JavaScript framework guide which increases its popularity in the market and makes it the right fit for Linux, Mac OS X, SunOS, and Android.

2. Python

Python, which received the recognition of ‘Programming Language Hall of Fame’ by TIOBE Index last year, and was mentioned as the fastest-growing programming language by Stack Overflow’s survey for 2019 has also proven to be one of the future proof programming languages with no sign of disappearing.

Programming Language Hall of Fame

The language is used for creating scalable web solutions due to its characteristics such as easy-to-use, easy-to-deploy, and expeditiousness which made it the right tech stack for YouTube, Survey Monkey, and Pinterest. It is no surprise why this is reckoned to be the most active top programming language.

Besides, it is also considered a prime choice for the sophisticated deep learning and machine learning app development processes.

3. Java

Java is deemed as a go-to language for enterprise systems by Github along with being one of the top 10 programming languages in 2019.It is mainly used for developing Android-based mobility solutions. But, it is also considered by Enterprise app development companies because of its impressive features like ease of use, enhanced performance, higher productivity, improved polyglot programming, etc. It is safe to say that Java is a perfect example of a programming language designed for large-scale.

4. Kotlin

From the day Kotlin was introduced as an official Android app development language, the language has enjoyed a skyrocketing rise in its popularity. It has not only registered itself as one of the most trending programming languages 2019 but also got established as the best programming language for mobile apps 2019 by developers.

Kotlin is the Most Popular among Top Ten Best Programming Languages

One of the biggest reasons behind this popularity is that it gives Android app developers an escape from the drawbacks of Java, and offers the feature of interoperability with Java codes, which also acted as the catalyst of making a number of famous apps migrate from Java to Kotlin.

5. Swift

Swift, introduced back in WWDC 2014, has also entered into the list of trending programming languages 2019 with a steep rise in its popularity as noted in the Google Trends graph below.

Swift entered the list of Top Trending Programming Languages

The programming language is faster, easy to learn, secure, and has various other features that make Swift supersedes languages like Objective-C for developing apps for iPhones, iPads, and macOS. Due to such features, it is considered as a highly efficient and flexible language.

6. Objective-C

Since the day Swift was introduced as an official programming language, various developers have turned to converting Objective-C app into Swift. But, it is still one of the top used programming languages for iPhone application development because of its immersive ability to employ compilers and syntaxes based on different C-based languages. Being one among the best object-oriented programming languages, it managed to hold a place in this new programming language list.

Mobile App Developers at Appinventiv

7. C

C, also called the backbone of the software world, is still one of the top programming languages to learn this year. It gives deeper insights into how software actually functions on machines and thus, is used for building embedded systems and VR-based apps.

Besides, this best programming language 2019 delivers high-end performance, reliability, and variety of context: making it the first choice of reputed brands including Oracle, Microsoft, Adobe, and Paypal.

8. PHP

Despite the competition from different server-side environments like Node.js (as covered in our ‘Node.js vs PHP’ blog), PHP remains the star of the sector. Thanks to its impressive frameworks like Drupal and Laravel which are used by developers for scalable and robust apps and the fact that 83% of websites on Internet are based upon PHP, it has displaced R language in the Top 10 most used programming languages list for 2019-2020.

9. SQL

Though various database technologies exist in the IT industry, SQL (Standard Query Language) an already popular system programming language,is still one of the top programming languages in demand. It is simple, reliable and offers exclusive database management services to business developers.

10. MATLAB

MATLAB, the proprietary language of MathWorks, has also landed into this list of most in demand programming languages 2019. 

It empowers the developers to plot functions and data, implement algorithms, create user interfaces, work with codes written in C, C++, C#, Java, Python, and Fortran, etc. which, in turn, helps them to build apps with high-end GUIs, Image recognition and Data analysis needs.

While these were the Top 10 Programming Languages for 2019-2020, there are various other languages that are gaining huge momentum in the mobile industry and are supposed to join the league. Some of those prominent names are:-

A. Scala

Another language that might enter into this list of Top 10 programming languages of the future is Scala. The general multi-purpose language has reached to 28th position as recorded in TIOBE Index for January 2019 from 34th position noted in April 2018.

Besides, it lets you enjoy the perfect blend of Functional programming and Object-Oriented concepts and is showing a considerable elevation in its popularity (as you can see in the image below), which again indicates that overlooking the language would be unfair. for it a probable candidate for being the best programming language 2019 and extend its popularity to 2020.

Scala might enter the Top 10 Programming Languages of the Future

B. Ruby

Ruby is yet another most-loved, easy-to-use and user-friendly programming languages used for web development. It offers exclusive features like writing fewer line of code, getting sound community support and associated with top tech brands like Twitter, Shopify, Airbnb, and Bloomberg.

C. TypeScript

TypeScript, also known as ‘JavaScript with Superpowers’, is another programming language that has been predicted to join this list of top ten programming languages.

TypeScript might enter the Top Ten Programming Languages

This open-source programming language is a good option for frontend development, backend development, hybrid mobile app development, and machine learning app development; probably the reason for it slowly becoming one of the most in demand programming languages 2019.

With such potential, it is gaining the attention of various reputed brands in the market, with one of the brands being Google itself.

Google considered TypeScript for its frontend development framework, Angular which helped to add a competitive advantage against React as we observed in our blog, React vs Angular: What to Choose for Your App.

D. Go

Also known as “Golang”, the programming language will also make its way to enter the top web programming languages list this year. And this will all be possible because of its concise and easy-to-embrace syntax and faster compilation characteristics that makes it favourite of SoundCloud, Google, Netflix, and other such popular brands.

E. Bosque

Bosque, the new programming language, is a creation of Microsoft. The language looks to enhance developers’ productivity, software quality and provide an array of new compilers and developer tooling experience. 

Bosque is inspired by the types and syntax of TypeScript, along with the semantics of ML and one of the best object-oriented programming languages― JavaScript.

Now that we’ve covered the top most popular programming languages used in industry, it’s quite possible that you’re confused with which programming language to use for your application.

Let’s us help you pick the right programming language.

How to Decide Which Programming Language to Consider in 2019-2020?

The decision of which programming language to choose majorly depends on three factors, namely:-

1. App Purpose

The main reason why you want to develop an app is helpful in picking the right language.

For example, if you want to create your presence on the web, PHP is the right programming language to go with as it holds the title of being one among the best programming language for mobile apps 2019. If you need a programming language for database management, SQL is helpful.  But, if you seek for a language to add AI features to your app, Python is a good option.

2. Language Characteristics

Are you developing a native mobile app or investing in Cross-platform app development? Are you looking for an open-source or licensed option? What type of technologies and features are you planning to introduce to your app development process? What level of security do you want to add to your mobility solution? These questions will help you to understand the technical requirements of your business app solution and thus, select the best programming language.

For example, suppose you want to build an app based on the Machine Learning concept. If you are looking for a programming language with years of existence, Python is the right choice, for it is the most active top programming language.

But, if you are ready to go with a newcomer based on the options it avails, TypeScript is apt for you.

Likewise, if you are planning for making your app available only on iOS, choosing Swift is a good decision. But, when it comes to making an app for both iOS and Android, going with JavaScript is a profitable deal, as it is deemed as a swift and versatile programming language by Github.

3. Local Ecosystem

Last but not least, the decision of what language to prefer also depends on what language your inhouse or hired developers know.

If you choose a programming language out of this Top 10 Programming languages list that they have expertise in, you’ll experience a smooth app development experience. Your app project will face lower challenges and reach to the market at the earliest.

But, on the flip side, the app development timeline might increase, hidden costs would more often be added to the overall app cost and your app might fail to take the best advantages of the chosen language if they do not have a sound knowledge of the language you choose.

With the aforementioned factors and knowledge of the top 10 most popular programming languages for 2019-2020, we hope that you will find it easier to take the right decision and build a successful approach to enter the mobile market. But, in case you encounter any challenge, feel free to contact our tech experts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the most widely used programming language in 2019?

Once we go through the article given above, we can easily conjecture that languages such as JavaScript, Python, Kotlin and others are rapidly becoming the most widely used and preferred programming languages around the world. It is their utilitarian features that have earned them this fame.

2. What is the hardest programming language?

Languages like COW, Whitespace, Chef, Intercal, etc are reckoned as the most difficult and strangest programming languages ever to exist. 

3.  What is the easiest programming language?

 If you were wondering what are the easiest programming languages that you can hone to get started as a software developer, then let us tell you that JavaScript, Java, PHP, Ruby, and Go are some of the languages that are loved by developers are are pretty easy to learn.

4. Should I learn Java or Python?

If you are a layman or a fresher, then Java is perfect to be your first programming language. It is so, because unlike Python, Java is said to be more explicit and strict, which is a good thing for you as a beginner. 

5. Is C++ faster than Python?

  C++ is much more fast and efficient than Python at runtime. However, Python is far more efficacious during the development process.

6.  Is Python more powerful than C++?

Yes. Python is a powerful programming language as it provides the syntactical sugar that makes the code as simple and readable. 

7.  Is Java better than Python?

 Java and Python are both strong competitors, so deciding which one is better is utterly situational and based on certain parameters like the purpose it is intended to be used for. Nevertheless, Java is more easy-to-use whereas, Python is famous for its fast speed.

Gurdeep Singh
Gurdeep Singh
Head, Product Innovation team
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