When it comes to programming languages, you will always have those ones that will forever be around. But despite that reality, every so often a new language is introduced to the industry. Whether these languages stand the test of time, is undecided, but one thing we do know, is that such languages always get their moment in the limelight.Tech companies require these skills, for those seeking employment with them, so if you’re out for a job, then you may find the information here most useful.

Here are 8 of the most popular programming languages today, include new additions and old ones:

1. Java

Java today is one of the most adopted and popular general purpose programming languages, used by tons of different developers and on billions of devices. It is an object-oriented language, class-based, and designed for portability, means it is used on a wide range of devices, operating systems and platforms. As a language, it’s used to create video games, desktop applications and android software. It’s also used for backend development as a server-side language. Developers have been comfortable with Java for some time now, cementing its long-term future.

2. Python

Python as a programming language is high-level and much like Java, in that it is also general purpose, and very readable and simple to get to grips with. For first time learners, it is without a doubt the easiest to learn. If you have ambitions of becoming a high level programmer, then you should definitively start with Python. There are a number of libraries that have been developed for Python related physics, mathematics and natural processing, due to its accessibility and use in the educational sector. Many tech giants like Yahoo and Google use Python in the development of their websites.

3. Rust

Rust is the language behind Mozilla, and was one of the most, if not the most widely used language in 2016. As a language it has its supporters. Rust as a programming language is focused primarily on security and safety, making it ideal for preserving the integrity of large systems. There has been talk of it being a rival to C++, and many of the largest tech companies are now starting to take notice of it.

4. JavaScript

An integral part of the internet, JavaScript is a mainstay as long as the internet continues to flourish and grow. JavaScript developers are forever in demand, which has led them to being amongst the highest paid in the tech industry, with a consistent stream of employment opportunities. If you would like guaranteed employment, at least for the next couple of years, then I’d recommend you started and mastered JavaScript.

5. C++

C++ is based on the programming language C and is also general-purpose. It comes with generic and object-orientated capabilities. C++ as a programming language is very efficient, powerful, and high performance, used in the development of applications, computer games and web tools.

6. Perl

Perl was once referred to as the glue that binds the internet together; it is in essence two separate languages, Perl 6 and Perl 5. Both of these languages are dynamic general-purpose programming solutions that are widely used in the development of CGI, networking, finance and graphics. There are those that think the popularity of Perl grew in tandem with the growth of DevOps. Perl is a versatile language, making it most ideal for DevOps tools.

7. PHP

PHP is a server-side programming language, which is typically used in the creation of websites. You will find PHP code in over 80 percent of the websites today that includes Wikipedia, Facebook and WordPress. PHP as a programming language is very easy to get to grips with, which is one of the reasons why it’s so popular amongst newcomers. It also has a ton of advanced capabilities, which more advanced or experienced programmers can take advantage of. PHP has grown tremendously over the past couple of years, and its web-facing features makes it a skill that is highly sought after today, especially when you combine programming in this language with JavaScript.

8. Ruby

Ruby is an excellent programming language, a favourite amongst start-ups because of its ability to get things built quickly. This language focuses on productivity and simplicity, which makes it easy and natural to write in, and very accommodating when developing web applications. When you combine this with Ruby on Rails framework, it transforms into the perfect developers solution, with its wide array of tasks. Ruby is increasing in popularity, which should ensure it will at the very least, be around for the next couple of years.

–AUTHOR INFO—

Uchenna Ani-Okoye is a former IT Manager who now runs his own computer support website www.compuchenna.co.uk.