Knowledge of programming languages opens up doors to an entire world of careers. Today, however, coding is no longer limited to software development roles — it can improve professional prospects for an enormous breadth of options, including:
- Business intelligence (BI) analyst
- Computer systems engineer/analyst
- Cybersecurity analyst
- Data scientist
- Database administrator
- Digital marketer
- Game developer
- IT specialist
- Mobile app developer
- Quality assurance (QA) engineer
- User experience (UX) designer
- Web developer
So, what are the best programming languages to add to your arsenal in 2022?
Here are six to delve into:
1. Python
One of Python’s many claims to fame is that it is pretty easy to learn. Because of that, it’s often one of the first languages individuals starting in coding add to their repertoire, including those who wish to seek an occupation in technology. It is also one of the most popular, in-demand programming languages in 2022, as it has been for many years.
Python is highly versatile. The language applies to topics and specializations such as data analysis/science and visualization, artificial intelligence and machine learning, web development, game development, finTech, scripting, and more.
A cross-platform, open source, object-oriented, portable, syntactically simple language, Python has a vast community and plenty of libraries, frameworks, and additional resources associated with it.
Perhaps this is why Facebook, Google, Industrial Light and Magic, Instagram, Intel, NASA, Netflix, Pixar, Quora, Spotify, and YouTube all use the language.
2. JavaScript
In 2022, JavaScript was ranked the most commonly used programming language in Stack Overflow’s annual Developer Survey. What’s more, ten years in a row, the scripting language ranked no. 1 in this category.
Originally used mainly to make web pages and websites more interactive, JavaScript’s applications are endless today. From mobile apps to game development and beyond, many programs in various niches leverage JavaScript to some extent. Features like clickable buttons and graphics, animated website components, interactive elements, and many others are there because of JavaScript.
Created in 1995, JavaScript has quickly become the go-to language. Since it’s written in HTML, it is easy to learn and use and it’s accessible to beginners and seasoned programmers alike. Numerous communities and resources also support it. All developers and individuals who code in any way, shape, or form must know JavaScript.
3. Go
One of the youngest languages listed here — developed in 2007 — Go, also known as Golang, derives its name from Google, its creator. Google released the language to enhance efficiency and productivity in the development process, and the tech giant has achieved its objective.
Go is slowly but steadily gaining enormous popularity as an innovative and fun language. Google, of course, has the language in its stacks, as do major companies like the BBC, Dailymotion, Dropbox, Pinterest, Robinhood, Shopify, Slack, SoundCloud, Twitch, and Uber.
Go offers an array of capabilities. It is fast to write and run, can execute numerous processes concurrently, and is highly efficient. It is syntactically similar to C and offers excellent memory safety.
The open-source language is reliable, dynamic, and simple. It is applied to a range of projects, including server-side applications, cloud-based programs, DevOps automation, robotics, Big Data, system and network programming, games, audio and video editing, and many others.
4. Java
Java has been around since 1995. Airbnb, Spotify, Netflix, Slack, Amazon, Instagram, and many other global organizations and startups have added it to their stacks in nearly three decades.. Its applications are wide-reaching: server-side development, web application development, cross-platform development, cloud-based application development, finTech application development, SaaS development, remote processor development, and Big Data engineering, to name just a few.
Java is a general-use, object-oriented, secure programming language, with a low learning curve. It is versatile and can run on all major operating systems, making it especially appealing.
5. SQL
Structured Query Language (SQL) is widely thought of as the programming language for all things data. It is applied to extracting data from databases, updating databases, querying, and performing operations and procedures that depend on managing this information. Because this is so critical for numerous companies, you’ll find it in the stacks of businesses like Dell, Microsoft, Adobe, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Cigna.
A standardized language, SQL is an important language to know, considering its ubiquity and presence in any field that leverages or depends on data — which is a range of industries, particularly in the tech sector, these days. It is also an accessible tool that has a low learning curve, making it particularly appealing.
6. C#
Pronounced “C sharp,” C# belongs to the famed C family of programming languages, including C and C++. Microsoft released a general-purpose, object-oriented, multi-paradigm language, C#, in 2002 to improve upon and address some of the main issues of C++.
During the 20 years since its initial release, C# has gained an enormous following and become an in-demand development tool. In particular, many programmers turn to the language for game development, which with both the .NET framework and Unity game engine widely use.
Its applications do extend far beyond game development, however. C# is also popular for mobile, web, and desktop applications. Another advantage is that an ever-growing community backs it with extensive support.
C# is used by the likes of Stack Overflow, Accenture, Venmo, and many others.
It’s not possible to list all the important languages in 2022
These, however, are languages that should undoubtedly be on your radar this year and well into the future — they have already proven vital to the software and web development landscape.
