Top 100 Programming Languages 2025

When we decided to compile a list of the 100 programming languages we knew it would be quite a task. While most software engineers typically work with the core set of 20 languages there is a wide variety of other languages being used by people worldwide.

Presenting an overview of this landscape can feel overwhelming as we soon discovered.

1. How should we rank the 100 programming languages?
2. Is there a hierarchy to follow?
3. What criteria should be used to organize them?

In this article we will showcase the 100 programming languages in no order. Continue reading to understand our selection criteria

1. C

2. Java

3. Python

4. C++

5. C#

6. JavaScript

7. PHP

8. VB.NET

9. R

10. SQL

11. Go

12. Swift

13. Perl

14. Assembly language

15. Ruby

16. MATLAB

17. Classic Visual Basic

18. Apache Groovy

19. Objective-C

20. Rust

21. SAS

22. Scratch

23. D

24. Dart

25. PL/SQL26. Logo

27. Delphi

28. COBOL

29. Kotlin

30. OpenEdge ABL

31. Julia

32. ABAP

33. Scala

34. Transact-SQL

35. Scheme

36. Prolog

37. Ada

38. Lisp

39. Apex

40. Lua

41. Fortran

42. Haskell

43. Hack

44. VBScript

45. Visual FoxPro

46. TypeScript

47. AWK

48. ActionScript

49. Tcl

50. Smalltalk

51. ABC

52. Alice

53. APL

54. AutoLISP

55. Bash

56. bc

57. Bourne shell

58. C shell

59. Clipper

60. Clojure

61. CoffeeScript

62. Common Lisp

63. Crystal

64. cT

65. Elixir

66. Emacs Lisp

67. Erlang

68. Euphoria

69. F#

70. Forth

71. Genie

72. Icon

73. IDL

74. Inform

75. Io

76. Korn shell

77. LabVIEW

78. Ladder Logic

79. LiveCode

80. Maple

81. Mercury

82. ML

83. MQL4

84. NATURAL

85. NXT-G

86. OpenCL

87. Oz

88. PL/I

89. PostScript

90. Q

91. Racket

92. Red

93. Ring

t94. RPG

95. S

96. SPARK

97. Stata

98. Vala

99. Verilog

100. VHDL

Now that we have addressed these points lets delve into this overview where we will explore the unique characteristics of each programming language and why you might consider using them.

The Top Must-Have Programming Languages

Chart displaying the programming languages ranked from 1, to 10.

C

Many regard C as one of the programming languages in history. It's hard to dispute that claim considering its role, in shaping C++, C# Objective C, Java, Python, JavaScript and numerous other languages mentioned below.

Many programming languages have borrowed elements from C, its control structures. C was the pioneering language to operate at a level paving the way, for software development with less expertise required.

C has been crucial in the reconstruction of Unix since its iteration. Has garnered substantial popularity due to its extensive capabilities. This versatile language is commonly employed in crafting operating systems, language compilers and interpreters drivers and various utilities.

Java

Java frequently secures a spot in programming language rankings because of its appeal primarily attributed to the "write once run anywhere" (WORA) concept. Any compiled Java code can execute on any Java supporting platform without necessitating recompilation upfront thanks to the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) running on a Virtual Machine for platform functionality.

Given Javas general purpose nature it is ideal for any development endeavor. From Android applications and web apps to games, data tools and scientific platforms—Java finds application, across domains.

Python

PythonMany newcomers who turn to the internet for advice, on which programming language to start with hear Python as the recommendation. This is because Python is known for its focus on code clarity, user friendliness and versatility. These qualities make it a great choice for beginners looking to learn and dive into a range of applications.

While Python can be utilized for projects such as business apps and games it excels in areas. It is commonly used for tasks like data analysis, scripting and scientific research due to its collection of tools. Moreover Python is well suited for web development and even creating applications based on intelligence.

C++

As an evolution of C C++ was designed to introduce higher level programming concepts while retaining the low level capabilities of its predecessor. Over time C++ has expanded to include features like object oriented programming, generics and functional programming aspects. Being a compiled language with support from compilers across platforms enhances its versatility.

Building upon the foundation laid by C C++ delivers performance which makes it popular, for system programming and embedded systems development.

C#

C# is a programming language that shares similarities, with C++ and focuses on object oriented capabilities. Developed by Microsoft as part of the .NET framework C# has become the language for .NET programming. Is commonly used for creating Windows desktop applications, games, web apps and mobile applications that can run on various devices using cross platform tools like

JavaScript

JavaScript plays a role in websites alongside HTML and CSS. It enables changes to styles, interactive menus, data validation without page refreshes and more. JavaScript is widely utilized in web development, mobile app creation, server side applications and game development due, to its versatility and functionality.Most contemporary websites utilize JavaScript in one way or another to manage page behaviors on the users end. While primarily a language, for front end development it can also be applied on the server side (with Node.js).

PHP

Moving on to server side programming languages lets talk about PHP, known as one of the used languages designed for server side development. This versatile scripting language is capable of gathering data from forms generating elements for web pages and managing cookies. However its capabilities extend beyond these functionalities.

For instance PHP excels in command line scripting for creating scripts that require a PHP parser to execute – ideal for processing tasks. Moreover PHP can be utilized in developing desktop applications; although proficiency is required to navigate it. Becoming proficient in this language is not a goal since it boasts a user learning curve making it an attractive choice for newcomers entering the programming realm.

.NET

Although many .NET developers now lean towards C# for .NET development, Visual Basic .NET remains an alternative, among developers.

This versatile object oriented programming language is the evolution of the Visual Basic offering a range of features. It stands out for its access, to .NET libraries user friendly nature, reliability and scalability.

VB .NET leverages the .NET framework to swiftly develop applications for Windows and Office well as web and platforms.

R

R has gained prominence in the realm of data science and statistical software due to its capabilities. With its library support R enables the implementation of statistical and graphical techniques like linear modeling, clustering, classification, among others.

Statisticians and data analysts favor R for its ability to conduct analysis and create data visualizations. It is a tool in handling data due to its vast array of accessible packages.

SQL

SQL plays a role in our technology driven society as one of the widely used languages, for database management.SQL, which stands for Structured Query Language enables developers to build databases with their structures and manage data tasks like adding, modifying and retrieving information.

The widespread use of SQL can be attributed to its provision of a language for engineers to work with databases in modern IT settings such, as cloud native platforms and virtual networks. As a result SQL is frequently chosen as the go to solution, for managing data stored in databases.