The most popular coding languages in 2022

Software programming is a highly in-demand field that offers excellent pay (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of programmers in the US is $89,000).   But not all programming jobs are the same – there is a large suite of programming languages, and different positions may require you to be proficient with one, or many, of them.   If you’re looking to get into the programming field, one of the first big decisions you’ll have to make is what language or languages you’d like to delve into first. Here, we’ll discuss a few of the most popular coding languages, exploring their pros, their cons, and their associated job prospects. 

Python

  Sporting a very simple syntax and a wide variety of toolkits and standards, Python is a fairly easy programming language to learn.    Python experts are highly in demand and earn an average of $120,000. The field supports about 19,000 jobs.   Pros: Easy to learn Cons: Not used for Android app development Uses: Used for a wide variety of web development purposes. Instagram is also built on Python.   

JavaScript

  If you are interested in building interactive websites, then Javascript might be the language for you. Over 97% of sites on the web today utilize JavaScript to generate dynamic features.     JavaScript experts earn, on average, $118,000 annually, and the field supports about 24,000 jobs.   Pros: One of the most popular programming languages in the world Cons: Disabled by some browsers because it can contain malicious viruses Use: Javascript is utilized by the vast majority of sites across the web. Plus, Android games are mostly built upon JavaScript.  

Java 

  Java is a programming language that is used to build client-server applications – it’s also commonly used for big data and Android development applications. Java programmers, unlike JavaScript programmers, usually focus on the back-end side of things.  Java experts earn, on average, $104,000 per year, and the field supports about 29,000 jobs.   Pros: Commonly used and in-demand language Cons: Not ideal for cloud running applications Uses: Back-end development, Android development, and big data 

C#

  C# is a relatively easy to learn, general-purpose programming language. Its applications are wide-ranging – C# programmers may work on everything from desktop apps, websites, and games to cloud services and beyond.     C# experts earn an average of $97,000 per year, and the field supports about 18,000 jobs.   Pros: Easy to learn Cons: Cannot help resolve errors Uses: General purpose 

C

  Developed in 1972, C is one of the oldest languages on this list. Although its popularity has fallen off in recent years, it’s still used in many embedded systems and operating systems today, and it’s very easy to learn.  C is a great first choice for those without much or any programming experience.   C experts make an average of $97,000 per year, and the industry supports about 8,000 jobs.   Pros: Easy to learn  Cons: Not applicable to some newer technologies and software Uses: General purpose 

C++

  C++ is a commonly used, general-purpose language that is an extension of C. Although newer, it’s still pretty old, being developed in 1983. C++ is useful across a wide range of sub-fields, but it can be a lot trickier to learn than C.    Pros: C++ experts earn an average of $97,000 per year, and the field supports about 9,00 jobs. Cons: It may be complicated for new users 

Go

  Go is an efficient programming language that was developed by Google. It is used in the development of distributed application support systems. Go experts earn an average of $93,000 per year, and the field supports about 1,700 jobs.   Pros: Developed by Google Cons: Smaller, more niche language Use: Used for the development of application support systems, especially those that do a lot of data processing

R

  Those interested in machine learning may want to look into R. This language, commonly used for analyzing large statistical datasets, is in very high demand.     R experts earn an average of $93,000 per year, and the field supports about 1,500 jobs.   Pros: Involves machine learning Cons: The language does not include any strict guidelines, which can be confusing.  Uses: Used for statistical analysis, machine learning, and the development of statistical software

Swift

  Swift is a relatively new programming language. Introduced by Apple, it is used in the development of Apple devices, such as iPhones and Apple TVs.   Swift experts earn an average of $93,000 per year, and the field supports about 1,800 jobs.  Cons: Only helpful for the development of iOS7 devices – smaller, more niche market   Though we touched on some of the most popular programming languages here, there are still many other widely-used languages, including:

• MATLAB
• Dart
• Rust
• Ruby
• Perl
• Scala 

Although starting by learning one of the more basic languages is a good idea, if you want to make it as a programmer, you’ll want to become proficient in at least a few languages. Thankfully, there’s a wide and fascinating world of languages to choose from!   If coding languages are interesting to you, a career in application support may be a good option.    Apprentice Now offers an immersive online learning experience that can help you land an application support job. With employer-paid learning, it’s a risk-free pathway to a fulfilling, high-paying career.