What Are the Top Programming Languages to Learn in 2022?

Programming and coding are sought-after skills in many industries, but they’re non-negotiable for those working in DevOps, data management, or other aspects of application development. Ensuring you’re up to date with the most desirable programming languages could propel your career to new heights.

Whether you’re about to start an exciting role in DevOps, IT, or data science, or you’re already highly experienced but need to stay ahead of the technological curve, you’ll want to learn the following programming languages in 2022 and beyond.

JavaScript

More than 97% of websites use some level of JavaScript, making it an essential language for most developers or programmers to learn. JavaScript, an entirely separate entity from its ancestorJava, is used for web-based and non-web-based browser applications and server-side website deployment.

Advantages

JavaScript is widely used, so learning this language will help you get a development or programming role in many companies. It’s easy to understand, quick to implement, and puts low demand on website servers.

Drawbacks

There can be cross-browser incompatibilities that must be considered when coding with JavaScript.

Potential roles and salary expectations

In the United States, there are about 7,000 jobs for JavaScript developers open right now. The average starting salary is $114,169, with roles in top companies reaching $199K and above.

Go

The Go Language, sometimes shortened to Golang, is a programming language that Google created. As such, it’s no surprise that this language focuses heavily on web applications, API creation and management, and other internet-based tasks. Golang is agile and designed to meet the needs of developers who work across disparate systems or larger-than-usual projects.

Advantages

Many consider Go easy to learn due to its straightforward code that is compatible with numerous systems and platforms. The language is fast, agile, and ideal for various uses.

Drawbacks

Developer support for Golang is limited, and few online document resources are available.

Potential roles and salary expectations

Go software engineers can achieve salaries above $140,000, though the average salary for this position is $108,000. Senior software engineers may earn up to $179,000. Other roles include lead software engineers, site reliability engineers, and full stack software developers. One of Go’s highest-paid roles is the principal software engineer, where skilled applicants can earn over $207K.

Python

Python is a free and open-source programming language widely used by programmers and developers at all levels. In addition to applying Python to animation and the video game industry, developers can use Python for deep learning and machine learning techniques. Massive brands like Instagram, Pinterest, and even YouTube use Python.

Advantages

Most programmers consider Python highly intuitive and easy to learn. They also find Python easy to adapt to when pivoting from another language. Masses of official documents and support resources are available for this language, and there are many huge community groups dedicated to sharing Python information and best practices.

Drawbacks

Python is unsuitable for programmers or developers with low experience levels as many basic concepts are abstracted.

Potential roles and salary expectations

Python developers can expect average starting salaries of $116,559, but wages may be much higher with the right experience. Salaries also depend upon the company and location. For example, a Python-skilled deep learning engineer in New York could earn more than $245K a year.

C++

C and C++ are widely used for operating systems and file systems within organizations. Anyone aiming to be a system-level programmer must consider learning C++. This language is fast and stable, and it has the advantage of the C++ Standard Template Library (STL), which provides ready-to-use templates for algorithms, data structures, and more. C++ can also be a stepping stone to learning and comprehending more complex programming languages.

Advantages

C++ is ideal for various development tasks, including GUI applications, gamification, systems creation, and mathematical simulations. It is low-level, efficient, fast, and runs close to the system hardware level.

Drawbacks

The syntax can be complex, and there may be issues with memory corruption and buffer overflow. C++ also lacks an efficient object-oriented system, and it can create proficiency challenges due to its complexity.

Potential roles and salary expectations

Currently, there are more than 60,000 jobs available in the United States that require C++ experience. Average salaries hover around the $114K mark, with high-level developers earning more than $241K per year.

Swift

If you want to explore iOS development, you must learn Swift, the language used for all iOS applications on Apple devices. Support is widely available because Apple backs this programming language, although community support and resources are somewhat limited compared to other coding languages. Swift is highly scalable and compatible with numerous other languages and systems.

Advantages

Swift is easy to learn, with a high-level language syntax that requires only fairly basic coding skills. Swift works with the IBM Swift Sandbox plus IBM Bluemix, and tutorials are widespread for programmers and developers who want to learn Swift from scratch.

Drawbacks

Swift has no backward compatibility. So, once the iOS updates, apps and systems that use it must update to continue receiving further support. There is also a notable lack of interoperability with many third-party tools.

Potential roles and salary expectations

iOS developers can expect average base salaries of $103,927. Roles include software developers, software engineers, and mobile developers, with senior positions earning more than $146K.

PHP

PHP, one of the older programming languages on our list, hails back to 1990. PHP is still widely used today, primarily for coding server-side scripts. Other programming tasks include developing desktop applications or writing command-line scripts. A backend programming language, PHP is helpful for anyone who wants a career in backend development or DevOps.

Advantages

PHP is popular thanks to extensive and robust frameworks, numerous automation tools, and excellent debugging capabilities. This coding language also supports functional programming and object-focused programming. Accessible and straightforward for most people to learn, PHP comes with a vast community that provides support and resources.

Drawbacks

Using PHP for an entire project or webpage can make it run slower than other languages. Plus, data security is more challenging to implement with PHP, and developers may need to use multiple extensions to achieve their goals.

Potential roles and salary expectations

The average base salaries for PHP developers are slightly lower than those for people skilled in other coding languages. Starting annual wages are about $88,847 but can go much higher, with top salaries reaching $197,335.

Learning a new programming language can open up many doors for you — especially in the ever-growing realm of DevOps, where you might create applications and systems across varied and complex tech infrastructures.

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