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TL;DR: JavaScript, HTML, and Python are the most popular coding languages being used today. Start learning the basics and launch your programming career.

Computer science is an ever-growing field—that’s no secret. And, as many of us know, there’s a huge array of languages to learn. So, what's the most popular coding language? And, more importantly, what language should new coders focus on? 

Fortunately, we aren’t the only ones asking these questions. A decade ago, Philip Guo wrote an article detailing the most popular introductory coding language at top U.S. universities. At that time—way back in 2014—Python was the winner. Although Python is still a very popular language and in demand today, it's not the most popular worldwide coding language.

JavaScript for the Win

According to Statista, JavaScript is the most used coding language among developers worldwide. This is an interesting flip because JavaScript used to be the dominant beginner-friendly coding language prior to 2014. Schools in the U.S. even switched over to the new kid on the block, Python, to instruct budding coders.

Now, however, Python is surprisingly only the third-most-popular language on the Statista list. It was narrowly surpassed by JavaScript, which was also the dominant introductory language years and years ago.

The most recent Statista report on the subject matter says that "JavaScript and HTML/CSS were the most commonly used programming languages among software developers around the world, with more than 63.6 percent of respondents stating that they used JavaScript." 

Even so, HTML and Python are still top contenders in popularity. HTML comes in second with 52.97%, and Python is a close third with 49.28%. 

Why Does it Matter?

Why even talk about this? Because the choice of what language to learn first (or at all) is important for coders just starting out. If the goal is to land a job in programming, it is helpful to know what's popular in the real world.

So whether you're thinking of going back to school or want to take advantage of all the comprehensive online learning opportunities, why not start learning top-tier languages to better your chances of getting a position you love?

Top Three Coding Languages

While the latest report from Statista may be surprising in that Python isn't in the first place slot at the moment, it's still a very in-demand language and may be back in first at any point.

That being said, learning any of these top three languages would be worth your time and effort. They all seem to be the go-to languages across the board and can even work together harmoniously. Let's take a look.

JavaScript

This current number-one language is widely used for web and game development, mobile apps, and web server building. JavaScript is known for its ability to allow developers to create dynamic and interactive user experiences for websites and apps. It's also known for being fast, which is always a plus when it comes to computing.

This famously easy-to-learn language makes it simple to bring more complex interaction to web pages. According to a Berkeley Extension article, "JavaScript is used to manage the behavior of web pages. With it, coders can create dynamic web elements such as animated graphics, interactive maps, clickable buttons, and more." 

Its versatility extends beyond web development. With the advent of Node.js, JavaScript can now also be used for server-side programming. This versatility allows developers to work across different platforms and environments, streamlining development workflows and increasing productivity. It also plays nice with other programs (hey there, HTML!).

With the increasing demand for interactive and responsive applications, the demand for skilled JavaScript developers has also shot up. Companies of all sizes and industries are seeking professionals proficient in JavaScript to build and maintain their online presence, which could be why it rose to the top of the list again.

HTML

Second place goes to HTML or HyperText Markup Language. It is the standard markup language for creating web pages and web applications. This old faithful language is also used to maintain websites, which is an important branch of development.

This language provides structure and semantics to web content. Basically, you use it to tell the website how to display each part of the site. For example, the above "HTML" header is coded to appear as bigger, bolder text.

HTML is kind of a must for text and images on any site. It is relatively easy to learn, intuitive, and straightforward enough for even very new coders to grasp. HTML also integrates very well with other programs like JavaScript. It allows developers to create web pages of varying degrees of complexity, from simple statistical websites to more complex web applications.

Python

Last but certainly not least is Python—a language known for its user-friendliness and versatility. This back-end development language excels in various ways, including web development, data science, artificial intelligence, app development, and more. It was even used to create YouTube and is widely used by non-coders, too, like accountants and scientists.

Python's popularity is also due to its vast library of tasks and demands. A must-learn for any coder, Python is a top-of-the-list language that's not going anywhere anytime soon.

Cover All Your Bases

As technology continues to advance, the demand for skilled coders proficient in these top languages remains stronger than ever. Whether you're a beginner embarking on your coding journey or an experienced developer looking to expand your skill set, mastering the three most popular coding languages—JavaScript, HTML, and Python—can open doors to opportunities for years to come.

So, confidently embrace the power of coding, explore these top languages, and unlock your professional future.

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