6 programming languages to learn in 2021

A solid understanding of the top programming languages is needed for careers in computer science. So, whether you’re looking to reskill, change jobs, or simply learn something new, a new programming language is a great place to start.

There are several factors to consider before choosing a language to learn. Some of the factors are difficulty level, the average salary for that language, and how that language is used in the industry. In order to determine which programming languages are the best to learn in 2021, we looked at the top tech trends and predictions for the year. In this article we will talk about the following programming languages:

1. Python

2. Java

3. Kotlin

4. Swift

5. C/C++

6. JavaScript

 

1. Python

Python is a programming language that any programmer should know. Python’s syntax is not just intuitive and simple to understand, but it’s also used in fields including machine learning and artificial intelligence, which are expected to grow in popularity in 2021.

Python has popular ML libraries such as Pandas and Scikit-learn makes it the preferred language for machine learning and data science. Therefore, anyone interested in pursuing a career in the industry should learn Python.

Machine learning jobs are expected to be worth USD 31 billion globally by 2024, with an annual growth rate of 40% for the next six years.

Python is also highly adaptable. Backend production, mobile applications, software development, data science, and even writing machine scripts are all done with it. Python for web development is projected to grow in popularity in 2021.

• Difficulty: Easy
• Salary offered: USD 72,500
• Industries: ML, Data Science, Web Development, IoT
• Benefits: Scripted, intuitive, flexible, good documentation

2. Java

Java is a well-known programming language that has been around for quite some time. It is still one of the most common and widely-used programming languages. Java is most commonly used in web and app development, and big data analytics, but it can be used in almost any situation (especially distributed systems).

Java is needed for enterprise-level web apps and microservices, which are expected to grow in popularity in the coming years. It is needed for Android development because it provides efficient memory management and high performance. For sites like Google, Twitter, Amazon, and YouTube, it can also be used on the backend.

Java skills will be expected in almost every large organization, especially in mobile growth. Investment in Java frameworks such as Spring, Struts, and Hibernate increased in 2021.

• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Salary offered: USD 79,000 
• Industries: Big Data, web apps, Android, distributed systems
• Benefits: Mature language, use anywhere in the world, OOP structure

3. Kotlin

Kotlin is a general-purpose programming language that supports functional programming and is fully interoperable with Java. Android apps, mobile, desktop applications, and server-side applications are all developed with Kotlin. It’s the perfect language for the professionals interested in working in those fields.

Most Google apps now use Kotlin, which was developed to be a more user-friendly version of Java. Pinterest and PostMates are two other businesses that will use Kotlin in 2020. Kotlin is a strong language to learn in 2021 since Android is the most common mobile operating system.

• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Salary offered: USD 136,000
• Industries: Mobile apps, desktop applications, Android
• Benefits: Easier to learn than Java, compatible with Java

4. Swift

Apple created Swift to help developers create iOS apps. As the popularity of iOS apps grows around the world, it will continue to be one of the most in-demand languages in 2021. Swift is also a great language for mobile developers because it’s simple to understand and supports almost all that Objective-C does.

It’s also supported by IBM Swift Sandbox, IBM Bluemix, and the majority of common iOS apps like WordPress, SoundCloud, and Mozilla Firefox.

• Difficulty: Beginner
• Salary offered: USD 98,000
• Industries: Mobile apps, iOS apps
• Benefits: Easy to learn, clean syntax, fast

5. C/C++

C is one of the oldest and fastest programming languages, and it is the basis for many other languages, including C#, Java, and JavaScript. C++ programming is essentially a more advanced variant of C.

Both languages are needed for any computer science or programming profession. C/C++ programmers can use compilers for most platforms. As they’re high-performance languages, they’re used to create programs where speed is critical, such as kernel creation, client/server applications.

C/C++ is also essential in game creation, computer graphics, and virtual reality, all of which are expected to grow in 2021. Almost every large company looks for C/C++ skills, so there’s never been a better time to learn C.

• Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced
• Salary offered: USD 76,500
• Industries: Robust applications, VR, video games
• Benefits: Fundamental to CS, offers higher control

6. JavaScript

JavaScript is a popular programming language, particularly for web development. It is widely regarded as the Internet’s standard programming language. Almost everything you see on the Internet is built on top of JavaScript.

JavaScript can be used to add dynamic features to websites on both the front-end and back-end. Most web libraries and frameworks, such as React, Vue, and Node, are built on top of it.

• Difficulty: Easy
• Salary offered: USD84,500 
• Industries: Web development, frameworks
• Benefits: Essential for web development, easy to learn

There are hundreds of other languages that need to be recognized. There are some other languages that can be in-demand for the coming years.