In a recent analysis, we explored the complexities of measuring programming language popularity. Just like political polls, surveys on programming languages can be biased or limited in scope, leading to varied results depending on the data source. To address this, we aggregated data from nine different indexes, providing a more balanced view of which programming languages are truly popular.

Why Language Popularity Matters

Knowing which languages are popular is crucial for students deciding what to learn, professionals assessing their current skills, developers choosing tools for new projects, and companies aiming to support widely-used languages. Popularity can indicate job opportunities, resource availability, and community support, all of which are important for career growth and project success.

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Programming languagesZdnet

Defining Popularity in Programming Languages

Popularity can be measured in various ways, including:

  • Google search trends (e.g., PYPL index)
  • Job advertisements mentioning the language (e.g., IEEE Jobs Index)
  • Usage data from platforms like GitHub and Stack Overflow
  • The number of educational resources or tutorials available

Each of these metrics offers a different perspective, but when combined, they provide a clearer picture.

Aggregating Multiple Surveys

By combining data from multiple sources, it is identified five clusters of popular programming languages:

  1. Top Tier: Python, JavaScript, Java—essential for AI and modern development.
  2. C-Based and SQL: Includes C, C++, TypeScript, and SQL—key for various platforms and applications.
  3. Web Development: PHP, HTML, CSS—critical for building and maintaining websites.
  4. Emerging/Declining Languages: R, Dart, Ruby—languages on the rise or decline.
  5. Specialized Languages: Swift—important for Apple development but not broadly popular.

Programming languages: Practical Takeaways

  • Python, JavaScript, and Java are essential for AI and general development.
  • SQL remains crucial for data management, often paired with other languages.
  • Swift is necessary for Apple developers but has limited broader appeal.
  • Language choice should align with project needs and industry demands.

The original news is here.