The year 2024 has proven to be a pivotal one for programming languages, reflecting the ever-evolving priorities of the tech industry and the rapid pace of innovation. This in-depth analysis delves into the languages leading the pack, those quietly gaining ground, older languages experiencing a renaissance, and the new entrants sparking curiosity among developers, says Andriy Zhurylo, founder of Dijust company.

The Leaders: Programming Titans of 2025

As anticipated, several programming languages continue to dominate the scene due to their versatility, robust ecosystems, and widespread adoption:

  • Python: Python retains its crown as a top choice for developers across various domains, from web development to data science. Its intuitive syntax, extensive library ecosystem, and thriving community ensure its enduring popularity. According to the TIOBE Index, Python remains the most-searched programming language for the fourth consecutive year. Meanwhile, Stack Overflow’s 2025 Developer Survey reaffirms Python’s dominance in machine learning and AI applications.
  • JavaScript: The backbone of front-end and full-stack development, JavaScript continues to thrive. Frameworks like React, Next.js, and Vue.js have become more sophisticated, enhancing developer efficiency and performance. Additionally, the adoption of server-side JavaScript with Deno and Node.js further solidifies its ubiquitous role in software development.
  • Java: Despite its age, Java remains indispensable for enterprise-level applications. The release of Java 21, featuring long-term support (LTS) and innovative additions like pattern matching and structured concurrency, has reinvigorated interest among developers.
  • C++: Known for its power in systems programming, gaming, and high-performance computing, C++ remains a stalwart. The C++23 standard introduces features such as range-based algorithms and modules, which have boosted developer productivity.
  • Go: Gaining momentum in cloud-native development and microservices, Go excels with its performance, simplicity, and strong concurrency capabilities, making it a favorite for modern infrastructure tools.

Underdogs Making Waves

Beneath the dominant players, several less prominent languages are carving out significant niches:

  • Rust: With its emphasis on safety and performance, Rust has steadily grown as a preferred language for secure and high-performance applications, particularly in systems programming and blockchain development.
  • TypeScript: While technically an extension of JavaScript, TypeScript deserves special recognition for its rising adoption in large-scale projects. Its robust type system and developer-friendly tools are becoming indispensable for modern web development.
  • Kotlin: Initially celebrated for Android development, Kotlin has gained traction in backend development thanks to frameworks like Ktor and Spring, further solidifying its relevance.

Comebacks: Rediscovering the Old Guard

In 2024, some older programming languages have seen a resurgence, driven by specific industry needs or modern updates:

  • COBOL: As legacy systems in banking and insurance undergo modernization, the demand for COBOL expertise has surged. Modern tooling and targeted training initiatives have made COBOL more accessible to new developers.
  • Perl: Once fading into obscurity, Perl has found renewed life in niche domains like text processing and bioinformatics. The release of Perl 7 has introduced much-needed updates to its syntax and capabilities.
  • Fortran: The renaissance of scientific computing has brought Fortran back into the spotlight. Efforts by the Fortran-lang initiative have modernized the language’s ecosystem, attracting computational scientists.

Rising Stars: New Languages to Watch

Several newcomers have captured the imagination of developers in 2025, reflecting modern needs and preferences:

  • Carbon: Positioned as a potential successor to C++, Carbon has generated excitement for its emphasis on simplicity, performance, and enhanced developer productivity.
  • Bicep: In the realm of infrastructure-as-code, Microsoft’s Bicep stands out for its ability to simplify Azure Resource Manager (ARM) templates, improving readability and maintainability.
  • Zig: Praised for its simplicity and performance, Zig has emerged as a strong contender in systems programming and game development.

Emerging Trends Shaping the Programming Landscape

Several overarching trends are influencing the adoption and evolution of programming languages:

  • AI and Machine Learning: Python and R remain dominant in AI development, while Julia has gained recognition for its superior performance in numerical computing.
  • Web3 and Blockchain: Solidity is the de facto choice for smart contracts, but Rust and Go are increasingly used for blockchain infrastructure, thanks to their security and efficiency.
  • Cloud-Native Development: Languages like Go, TypeScript, and Python continue to thrive in this space, bolstered by advancements in Kubernetes, serverless architectures, and microservices.
  • Low-Code/No-Code Platforms: Though not traditional programming languages, tools like Microsoft PowerApps and Appian are shaping how developers approach software development, emphasizing speed and accessibility.

Expert Insights and Thought Leadership

Leaders in the programming community have weighed in on these developments:

  • Guido van Rossum, creator of Python, shared during PyCon 2025: “Python’s staying power lies in its adaptability. It’s not just about the language itself but the vibrant ecosystem that evolves alongside it.”
  • Anders Hejlsberg, the mind behind TypeScript, remarked: “Type safety has moved from being a convenience to a necessity in today’s complex web applications.”

Conclusion

The programming language landscape in 2025 showcases remarkable diversity, with established leaders evolving to meet modern demands, underdogs thriving in specialized areas, and new languages challenging conventions. As technology continues to advance, so too will the tools developers rely on, promising an exciting future for software innovation.