Are older programming languages like Java and Perl giving way to newer languages like Python and Ruby? Is HTML5/CSS3/JavaScript overtaking Flash and/or native mobile application development? Do Microsoft’s languages still have a large developer following, even as Microsoft promotes other languages as first-class citizens on platforms such as Windows 8 and Azure? Finding the answer to these questions can be harder than you think.
In many cases, of course, the popularity of a given programming language may not matter. Many programmers try to use the best tool for the job, or when in doubt, use what they know best. But sometimes language popularity does matter:
- Companies deciding what language to use for greenfield projects. Attracting skilled developers can be difficult, so using languages that developers like and that lots of developers know can be helpful.
- Although learning a language for the sheer joy of it is great, many developers want to focus on learning marketable skills. Knowing what employers are looking for is helpful.
- Educators may want to avoid focusing on languages with shrinking usage, both to boost the employability of their students and to gain the largest pool of support from other developers.
There’s no definitive source of information on programming language usage and popularity, but looking at a cross-section of data sources can offer some ideas about overall trends, in terms of popularity with developers and popularity with employers.
1. StackExchange and Github
In 2010,
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