Why These Programming Languages Are So Popular

Since the creation of the first programmable machines, people have come up with about 7 hundred programming languages. All of these formal languages are used primarily to write computer programs. Every year, the number of these languages is increasing — some of them can be used only by a handful of people, and some are gaining worldwide popularity.

What Makes a Particular Language Renowned?

To begin with, there is no consensus on this issue, since there are many ways to measure one’s popularity: we can lean upon the number of questions on Stack Overflow, or GitHub repositories, or Google searches. In this article, we rely on the PYPL index, in which all the positions are calculated in accordance with the number of searches in Google.

What is the reason for the rise of a particular programming language? The most obvious answer is a paradigm shift. Radical changes in the industry do not happen often, however, if they do, they invariably lead to the emergence of new languages: for example, the emergence of the Internet and the spread of JavaScript and PHP. As soon as a new need arises, a new programming language appears, created in order to take its place in the emerging niche.

So, in this article, we will look at the top 3 most commonly used programming languages according to the PYPL index and try to understand what makes them so widespread.

Python

Python is on the first line of the most popular programming languages. This formal language, and a real rock-n-roll star, accounts for about 30% of all other languages. In 2019, the Google search “what is Python programming language” outnumbered some searches about the most popular celebrities.

Python has gained much popularity due to its simplicity. This language is not difficult, and it is easy enough to pick up. For many programmers, Python was one of the first languages they've learned.

On the other hand, Python is a fairly flexible programming language. It can be used for a variety of different tasks. Software engineers also have many libraries at their disposal.

Today this programming language is widely used in such modern industries as the development of artificial intelligence, machine learning and data analysis. Python is also in widespread use in DevOps, web and game development.

Java

The second most popular language according to the PYPL index is Java.

Millions of developers use this language all over the world — and this is largely due to the fact that this formal language is closely associated with such an acronym as WORA — “write once, run anywhere.” In other words, Java is a portable code that can be run on any computer, regardless of operating system or hardware. It is the platform independence factor that plays a key role in the fact that Java is still one of the most popular programming languages.

As with Python, Java is not considered to be a difficult language to learn. In almost all lists, the language is in the top five of the easiest to start with.

Currently, this computer language is widely used to create Android apps, web apps and even desktop software. Java is also popular with programmers from industries such as the Internet of Things and Cloud Development.

JavaScript

The programming language that, to a certain extent, defines the shape of the modern Internet is, without a doubt, JavaScript. About 95% of all websites use JavaScript.

The history of this language clearly illustrates how the paradigm shift is causing the rise in the popularity of specific technologies. Originally, JavaScript was used in conjunction with HTML and CSS in order to add interactivity to websites. The language has played a key role in making web pages feel more like native apps, as well.

Today, JavaScript is not only widespread on the Internet, but it is also exploited for developing mobile applications and even for machine learning.

The Language of the Browser is in the inventory of such giants as Google and Facebook. The functioning of the services like Netflix, YouTube, or Google Maps is not possible without JavaScript.

Conclusion

As we mentioned above, nothing is set in stone, there is no such language that would remain an irreplaceable number one for years and years. Therefore, many specialists have to learn more than a few computer languages while climbing up the ladder.

And if you are already determined to start learning some languages, you can pay attention to one more article — “10 Advice for Beginner Programmers I Wish I Heard Earlier”. In it, looking back from a distance of many years, we share those things that are not always noticeable for those who are just beginning their journey as a programmer.

And remember, diligence is the mother of good luck!