The time has come to welcome 2024 with warm feelings and wishes for success in our lives. Each of us hopes that the new year will be more successful and will bring us the opportunity to achieve what we failed to do in the past year 2023.

With the new year upon us, you may be wondering if your programming skills are still in demand or if you should consider changing fields or upgrading your qualifications to build a successful career in the tech industry.

Hundreds of programming languages have emerged over the years, each with their purpose, whether they make it into the top 10 most popular or retain a more modest fame.

Which of these languages have withstood competition and challenges over time, and which are worth learning? Today, we bring you seven programming languages that are likely to remain in demand in 2024 and into the future.

The most in-demand programming languages in 2024

Python

Adored for its flexibility and speed of development, Python has steadily climbed the programming language charts over the past few years. It’s considered a good choice when working with artificial intelligence and, according to Statista, is the third most used language in 2023 after JavaScript and HTML/CSS.

TIOBE, on the other hand, currently ranks Python as the most popular language. Skilled software engineers who know Python well are in demand right now and will continue to be throughout the year.

Java

According to a survey of 14 million developer jobs earlier this year, Java is the third most in-demand programming language. Widely used in everything from web development to cloud computing, IoT applications and large-scale enterprise tools, it is generally seen as a language that offers excellent job security, making it the ideal choice.

PHP

Primarily used for website development, PHP skills continue to be in demand in the job market. Over 77% of websites still rely on it, and one in 10 programming jobs require its use.

C++

Due to its versatility and exceptional performance, C++ maintains its position as one of the most widely used programming languages.

Its extensive use in the gaming industry and for system-level programming, especially in scenarios where interactions with hardware are vital, contributes to the consistent demand for C++ developers across various industries. This enduring popularity ensures robust job security for professionals proficient in C++.

Kotlin

Well-regarded for both Android and cross-platform app development, Kotlin enjoys support from Google, which declared it an official language for Android development in 2017. Since that announcement, its popularity has continued to steadily increase.

C#

As a pivotal language in the Microsoft technology stack, C# finds applications in constructing web apps, Windows desktop apps, and in-game development. It remains consistently sought after by both small organizations and large enterprise-level businesses. If you’re familiar with a classic language like Java, you’ll find the C# syntax is quite familiar, making it a valuable language to enhance your skill set.

JavaScript

Due to its versatility, JavaScript is poised to maintain its status as one of the most sought-after programming languages. Predominantly employed for front-end web development (utilized by over 98% of all websites in various capacities), it plays a crucial role in crafting dynamic, interactive content for every tech device you engage with, spanning from your laptop and phone to your smart TV.