Top 5 Programming Languages for Entering IT in 2025: What to Choose?
Oleh Frolov
Senior Frontend Developer ? Amazon Web Services ? 6+ years ? TypeScript, React, JavaScript
"The market is overcrowded, the competition is fierce, it's impossible to get into IT" — typical excuses from those who have given up, resigned to a disliked job with a minimum wage and tough working conditions. Those who aim to improve their lives ask themselves: "How can I do this?" Today, I will give you an answer. I will tell you what you really need to learn in 2025 to enter the IT field.
I’ve gathered data from various job websites, covering Ukraine and neighboring countries (except Russia and Belarus). The analysis takes into account the number of vacancies, candidates, and median salaries. With the help of ChatGPT, we calculated the "attractiveness index" for each programming language — this metric helps understand how easy it is to find a job considering the competition and income levels.
C#: Universal but Controversial Choice
C# has long been among the top programming languages as it is used almost everywhere: from desktop and web apps to mobile games on Unity and cloud solutions on Azure. However, most of the market (85%) is web development, and C# in the web domain is dominated by ASP NET, which is less popular compared to other technologies.
Statistics:
C# is a good choice if you're interested in fields outside of web development. However, it’s harder to break into, and there are fewer vacancies. If you want to work in web development, it’s better to choose something more current. Personally, I wouldn't recommend starting with C#.
Swift: For iOS Developers with the Right Equipment
Swift is all about iOS development. But it’s important to note: you’ll need a MacBook or iMac, along with a device for testing (iPhone or iPad). While there are emulators, having the actual devices makes it much easier. If you already have the necessary equipment, Swift offers high salaries.
Statistics:
On the other hand, you could choose React Native — it doesn’t require expensive equipment, allows you to develop apps for both iOS and Android, and also helps you learn the popular front-end framework React. But Swift allows for a higher salary. If you already have the equipment, iOS development could be the best option.
Rust: Ambitious Choice with Low Competition
Rust is used for building browsers, blockchains, and high-load applications. It stands out for its safety and speed.
Statistics:
Rust seems ideal in terms of salary and competition balance. However, there are currently fewer vacancies, so job hunting may take more time than in other fields.
Golang: A Reliable Choice for Back-End Development
Golang, or simply Go, has been frequently appearing at the top of popular languages in recent years. It’s a powerful tool for back-end development, increasingly chosen over Java and C#.
Statistics:
If you're planning a career in back-end development, Go is an excellent choice. It’s a great option to earn above the market average and stay in demand for years.
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JavaScript: Universal and Best for Beginners
85% of the IT market is web development, and JavaScript is the core language of the web. Yes, the competition is high, but it’s the most versatile tool for getting started: by mastering JavaScript, you can work in front-end, back-end, and mobile development.
Statistics:
At first glance, the numbers may not seem impressive — competition is high, and the salaries are lower than Go or Rust. However, thanks to JavaScript's versatility, you significantly increase your chances of finding employment.
JavaScript Frameworks and Libraries:
Vue.js
The competition is lower than React, and the salary is good. If you’re only interested in front-end development, Vue is the most optimal choice.
Angular
Competition is higher than with Vue, and there are fewer vacancies. I wouldn’t choose Angular, preferring more modern technologies.
React.js
React may seem as unappealing as JavaScript at first glance, but it remains a key front-end technology and also opens doors for mobile development via React Native, which doubles your chances of landing your first job.
React Native
Mastering React Native alongside React will expand your job options, increasing your chances of entering IT.
Node.js
For back-end development, I would choose Golang, but Node.js is perfect for those who want to become full-stack developers. It’s an easy and logical step after React, further increasing the number of potential job opportunities.
Why JavaScript is the Best Start for Beginners
Full-stack development with JavaScript is the ideal path for newcomers in today’s market, which is currently facing tough times. By mastering JavaScript, React.js, React Native, and Node.js, you can apply for front-end, back-end, full-stack, and mobile development jobs. This means you increase your potential job opportunities without spending extra time or effort. It will take about 8–12 months of intensive study, which is the same amount of time needed to learn other technologies on this list.
That’s why I always recommend my students follow this path: JavaScript → React.js + React Native → Node.js. Of course, you’ll also need to learn supplementary technologies like Redux Toolkit, TypeScript, Next.js, Express.js, and UI libraries. But in my opinion, this is the fastest and easiest way to enter IT in 2025.