February 13, 2023 –

Top programming language trends of the year

Table of Contents

Top programming language
trends of the year

Are you a curious software developer or tech manager looking for ways to stay ahead of the curve in the programming world? Then look no further! This blog post will explore some of the top programming language trends that are gaining traction and changing the game.

As Python continues to reign supreme, flexing its muscles as the go-to language for data science and artificial intelligence, PHP’s reputation takes a hit and slowly fades into the background. 2023 promises to be a year of twists and turns in the world of programming languages, and the outcome is anyone’s guess.

So buckle up, coders; plenty of exciting developments are happening — Without further ado, let’s dive in!

Python reign

But despite its naysayers, Python persists in its reign as the king of programming languages. Its versatility and ease of use make it a favorite among data scientists and AI developers. In contrast, its growing ecosystem of libraries and modules makes it a top choice for a wide range of projects. While its speed and syntax may not be perfect for everyone, Python’s popularity shows no signs of slowing down in 2023.

The rise of Python’s popularity is nothing short of a phenomenon! This growth can be attributed to many factors that make it stand out from the rest. Python has transformed from a simple shell scripting language to a powerhouse of versatility and dynamic capabilities, making it the go-to language for many projects, from web development to IoT programming to artificial intelligence.

Closeup of a computer screen displaying software code

And let’s remember its ease of use! Python code is a breeze to write and execute, making it the perfect language for beginners to get their feet wet in the exciting world of programming. In fact, it has become the standard in introductory coding courses and boot camps, with a vast majority of students starting their coding journeys with Python.

So whether you’re a fan or a critic, it’s time to embrace the pythonic way of life and prepare for another year of its dominance!

Top 10 Programming Languages
Source: TIOBE Index
Programming Language January 2023 January 2022
Python
1
1
C
2
2
C++
3
4
Java
4
3
C#
5
5
Visual Basic
6
6
JavaScript
7
7
SQL
8
9
Assembly Language
9
8
PHP
10
11

Java is taking a hit!

Java is a popular general-purpose programming language designed on the world wide web. It is object-oriented, platform-independent, and secure, making it an excellent choice for developing applications across multiple platforms. Java is also known for its scalability, allowing developers to write code that can run on various devices, from tiny microcontrollers to large multithreaded servers.

The language is easy to learn and has extensive online documentation, making it perfect for beginner and experienced developers.

Back view of a software developer working on his computer

Oh, but is it time to say goodbye to the glory days of Java and farewell to its spot as the king of programming?

After holding the top spot on the TIOBE index for nearly two decades, Java slipped out of the top position a couple of years ago and showed no signs of recovery.

As we enter 2023, it’s clear that Java’s decline is not just a temporary setback. Although it will continue to be widely used, it’s challenging to imagine Java reclaiming its throne as one of the most popular languages. Instead, the future looks bleak, with Java’s popularity expected to plummet further in the coming year and beyond.

Assembly is making a comeback!

The TIOBE Index has been tracking a modest but steady rise in assembly language popularity.

Once considered a relic of the past, assembly language has now secured its place among the top 10 most popular programming languages. In 2016, it made its first appearance on the list, and now it stands firm in the ninth position, outpacing heavy hitters such as PHP, Go, and Swift.

a woman thinking

Why are so many developers flocking to assembly language? It’s difficult to say for sure, but the need for lightning-fast performance could be a driving factor. Assembly code provides unparalleled control over the hardware, making it the go-to language for specialized devices like IoT. These devices often require developers to write in assembly code to access functionality not supported by higher-level languages.

As technology advances and the demand for performance and efficiency grows, it’s clear that assembly language will continue to make waves in the programming world.

PHP go, go, go... gone?

PHP stands for Hypertext Preprocessor and is a popular scripting language used mainly for web development. It is the backbone of many websites, powering the dynamic visuals, data storage, and other features that make sites interactive and user-friendly. PHP can be used to create complex functions like data encryption, captcha protection against spam bots, database searching, and much more.

Ah, the tale of PHP, a language that once ruled the web but now finds itself slipping from the limelight. The glory days of PHP have come and gone, but it still holds a special place in the hearts of many.

a photo of a laptop with code on the screen

However, don’t expect PHP to fade into the shadows despite its decline. The trusty old language remains the backbone of platforms like WordPress, and it’s unlikely that these giants will switch to a new language any time soon.

Yet, as the programming world evolves, the demand for PHP in new projects continues to dwindle.

C for consistency

C is a low-level programming language used to create efficient and fast applications. It is an essential language in the coding world due to its versatility – C can be used to develop small or complex programs. Additionally, C’s powerful type system and low-level features give developers access to powerful features such as direct memory manipulation, allowing them to optimize their code for maximum performance.

C is also widely used by large software companies such as Microsoft, Apple, and Google, allowing them to create efficient solutions quickly and easily.

Back view of two software developers working together

Though it may not have the soaring popularity of Python, C is hot on its heels and has established itself as a reliable and timeless classic in software development.

With a good history, C has proven to be the backbone of many of the world’s most critical software systems. It’s no surprise that C has maintained its relevance and will continue to do so for many years to come.

If you’re looking to invest in your programming future, C is a language worth putting your time and effort into. It’s a smart choice for those who want to ensure their skills stay relevant for the long haul.

Rust on!

Rust’s focus on safety makes it an excellent choice for mission-critical applications, ensuring that code written in Rust will always be reliable and secure. It is, as a definition, a modern programming language designed with performance and safety in mind. It combines elements of imperative, object-oriented, and functional programming to create a fast, memory-safe language and easy to learn.

Rust boasts a unique combination of security and efficiency, making it a standout language for those who demand the best for their code. The result? A dedicated community of loyal developers who swear by Rust’s performance and can’t get enough of it.

Software developer working on his computer

The blazing-hot open-source language is still making waves in the programming world. Despite ranking 20th on the TIOBE Index, Rust has captured many developers’ hearts and continues gaining momentum.

In fact, Rust was recently crowned the “most loved” programming language in the Stack Overflow Developer Survey, which speaks to the devotion and passion this language inspires and shows what we can expect for the future!

Most Loved Programming Languages
Rust 86.1%
TypeScript 67.1%
Python 66.7%
Kotlin 62.9%
Go 62.3%
Julia 62.2%
Dart 62.1%
C++ 59.7%
Swift 59.5%
JavaScript 58.3%

Conclusion on these trends?

In conclusion, as we step into 2023, the programming landscape will likely resemble the same picture we’ve seen in recent years, with subtle shifts and twists. The reign of Python continues to dominate, while PHP’s decline remains steady, and Java’s decline may become more pronounced. The surprising popularity of assembly language and Rust’s ardent fanbase make them trends to watch.

Keep your eyes peeled, and stay ahead of the curve!

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