Top 8 programming languages to learn in 2023 (according to tech recruiters)

Sharpen up your programming skills and become more employable in 2023 with these top programming languages.

Whether you’re keen to upskill during the festive break or searching for your first graduate job in tech, learning a new programming language can make all the difference.

But with over 2500 coding languages available, knowing where to start is no cakewalk.

That’s why we’ve removed all the guesswork and put together this handy guide. (And they say nothing in life is free! 😉)

The best programming languages to learn for 2023

1. JavaScript

Let’s begin with the world’s most popular programming language among developers. Used by around 65% of the market, JavaScript has been called the “backbone of the internet”.

So, for general programming purposes, JavaScript is an excellent choice for any aspiring web developer. During 2020, I even took my chance to learn JavaScript and here’s what I had to say about it at the time:

“JavaScript is a fantastic first language to learn. It’s got an easy learning curve and allows you to build useful projects from the get-go. You get access to some amazing frameworks, like React/Vue/Node, allowing you to take JavaScript even further.”

JavaScript is notorious for being simple and easy to learn, with a huge community of developers able to support your development with free guidance, advice and learning resources. Below is an excellent beginner course from FreeCodeCamp.

2. Python

Coming in fourth in the global popularity contest, Python provides developers with another ‘go-to’ general-purpose programming choice.

Recognised as a vital language for machine learning (ML), Python remains in high demand for being open-source with specific languages such as scikit-learn (sklearn) ML library, providing unsupervised and supervised learning algorithms.

Python is considered robust, secure, and fast, with versatile capabilities covering anything from data analysis to web development visualisation.

Software developers love Python as a scripting language as it contains enhanced programming paradigms, such as imperative, procedural, and object-oriented programming languages.

3. SQL (Structured Query Language)

SQL is the perfect programming language to learn if you’re a data scientist or interested in statistical computing.

As the demand for database management increases, SQL is a savvy choice if you want to get ahead of the curve. Whether organising website databases or evaluating marketing campaigns, SQL developers will be in high demand in 2023 and beyond.

Here’s one of the most popular tutorials for beginners:

4. Java

Over 25 years later, and Java is still one of the most in-demand programming languages amongst hiring managers, with companies such as Netflix and Airbnb utilising its capabilities.

As another general-purpose programming language, developers can create coding that can run anywhere with new frameworks, including Spring and Hibernate.

From “big data” to back-end web development and intricate software engineering, this programming language proves it can still do it all, with employment opportunities for Java developers always in high demand.

5. Go / Golang

Go / Golang is emerging as one of the fastest-growing programming languages – and for good reason!

Due to its simple structure, syntax familiarity and DevOps integration, Go keeps climbing the programming language rankings year after year.

Including Docker and open-source container systems like Kubernetes, It’s a highly valuable programming language within the DevOps culture. Go is also known to reduce bugs and is notorious for completing complicated projects faster than other alternatives.

Want to stay in the loop for all things Go? Subscribe to Iain’s bi-monthly Gopher Gold newsletter.

6. C#

Starting its journey as a Microsoft language, C# has naturally developed to integrate with Windows and Linux. For this reason, C# provides a perfect programming tool for GUI-based desktop candidates.

It’s an absolute must for software engineers and game or mobile app developers.

Microsoft even have their own fundamentals course:

7. Rust

Rust offers speed and security with advanced “safe code” features, reducing unexpected behaviours and system crashes. As a programming language, the stock behind Rust is predicted to continue its meteoric rise, with growing significant Web Assembly support and avid users like Dropbox and Coursera.

8. Ruby

Commonly used by developers for web applications, Ruby has also made its name through data analysis and prototyping capabilities.

Many beginners gravitate towards this language for its friendly user community. Plus, the syntax offers a digestible general-purpose language easier to interpret.

And the cherry on top? The additional Ruby on Rails framework offers additional benefits, including:

• Web application security
• Low maintenance
• Full-stack development

Here’s a fantastic crash course to get you started:

Put your new programming languages to the test

At Revoco, we specialise in finding the best tech talent for our clients, so we know what the market needs.

If you want to know more about programming language trends for 2023 or need a hand finding new opportunities, get in touch with us.