We cross-referenced the well-known popularity rankings of programming languages by comparing the GitHub top 50 with the TIOBE index to give you this trend. We also rely on our own experience, which allows us to observe comparable results on the market. Let’s now take a closer look at this ranking.
1. Python
The Python language sits at the top of the ranking of the most popular programming languages among developers. First in the TIOBE index and second in the GitHub ranking (after JavaScript), it owes its success to its use in data science and in big data.
Today, Python is also a must in the very promising fields of machine learning and artificial intelligence.
Quick and easy to learn, Python is also used for back-end development and in the world of IoT (Internet of Things), and still has bright days ahead.
Thanks to its many frameworks (like the famous Django), Python makes it easy to create interactive websites.
Also, Python is increasingly used in the field of cybersecurity to analyze threats and detect malware.
Finally, its ease of use and learning makes it accessible to beginner devs.
2. JavaScript
This programming language stole the spotlight from Python in the GitHub ranking, but only ranks sixth in the TIOBE ranking (hence the value of cross-referencing the data to offer you an original top 10).
This programming language is also a must in web development since it oversees HTML and CSS ! Understand by this that with a presence on the majority of websites, it could only be at the top of this ranking.
But that is not the only reason for this success, since JavaScript has diversified in recent years by making mobile development and back-end development possible with Node.js.
Finally, the JavaScript language allows software development.
So many uses and capabilities could only place JavaScript at the top of the list, a programming language which, like Python, still has bright days ahead.
3. Java
The Java language gets everyone to agree since it ranks fourth in both rankings. We include it in ours in third place.
Historically, the Java language enjoyed rapid success thanks to its use in software creation. Reliable and fast to execute, it is also used for back-end, video games, and mobile applications on Android.
Its various use cases and its large number of developers make Java a lasting language, and one that should continue to hold its place in this top 10.
4. C
C is the programming language that holds the record for longevity in the top two places of the TIOBE ranking.
The C language is the language used in the Unix systems of Linux and MacOS, in embedded systems, and also in cybersecurity, allowing precise control of the system to spot vulnerabilities.
The C language is generally used for so-called “low-level” programming, to create simple software.
5. C++
Tied with C, C++ is the rising trend that should gradually settle into fourth position in this cross-referenced ranking.
C++ makes it possible to create operating systems and a wide variety of software, video games, database software, and many others.
It stands as the worthy successor to the C language, making it possible to combine the low-level coding offered by the C language, adding embedded-systems-oriented programming; C++ makes it possible to interact directly with the hardware.
6. C#
C# is also found in this top 10, and confirms our observation on the market as being one of the most popular programming languages among devs and programmers.
In 2024, it would even be the most widely used technology for Windows application development. It is also the basis of video game engines.
In the world of web development, C# is present through the use of the ASP.NET framework, also from Microsoft. A particularity attributed to C# is that it also offers the possibility of cross-platform mobile development.
Its close link with the Microsoft world should allow it to last a long time in the ranking of the most popular languages.
7. Shell
To climb into this ranking, Shell scored highly thanks to the ranking carried out by GitHub, and is strangely not listed in the top 10 of the TIOBE index.
Shell is a scripting language (and not a programming language) that makes it possible to communicate directly with the operating system. Among its use cases, one can count on file or folder management or else on task automation and even deployment. Shell is also a great tool for running sequences of commands to automate repetitive tasks.
Its wide use is explained by the fact that almost every IT project includes scripts of this kind.
On the other hand, Shell does not really make it possible to create a product usable by a user without IT knowledge. Python and other languages can perform the same tasks as Shell.
8. TypeScript
This type of language is one of the most recent in this top 10, since it was only produced in 2012 (by Microsoft). TypeScript is therefore quickly gaining popularity, which is explained by the fact that it performs well for developing complex web applications.
Compatible with JavaScript, it allows developers to enrich the web development ecosystem with advanced tools and editors. Its reliability improves code maintainability, making debugging more intuitive.
9. Go
Go is a programming language designed by Google. It aims to be simple, modern and high-performing, created with the aim of simplifying the development process, notably for web service development and network applications.
It is a programming language that competes with C and C++, since it allows system and application programming, it targets the same user base.
It is also used as a scripting language thanks to its compilation speed.
10. Ruby
The precious Ruby closes this top 10, with a recent and rapid rise in its use by devs and programmers.
Its creed ? The back-end. This server language, appreciated for its flexibility and its ease of use, gives it assets that many others do not have.
Rather object-oriented, it allows fast development and deployment.
Ruby still has a bit to worry about, since it has competitors that are ogres like Python or Node, which are also very widely used and popular among devs and programmers.
And where did PHP go? VisualBasics ? Or Kotlin, which is the rising star of programming languages ?
See you in 2025 to see whether this top 10 will undergo some variations !
