Layoffs.fyi estimates that tech companies laid off over 260,000 employees in 2023. And in the first five months of 2024, nearly 85,000 workers were laid off. But the effects of this shift in the tech labor market haven’t been felt evenly across all technical disciplines. A select few roles have proven highly resilient despite the tech industry headwinds.

Let’s see which jobs continue to thrive and why they are crucial in the ever-changing tech industry.

Understanding Resilience in Tech Roles

Resilient roles continue to be in high demand despite fluctuations in the job market. These roles adapt to changes, maintain their importance, and often see increased demand. As we’ll see, data engineering is an example of a highly resilient discipline, with demand for data engineering roles rising by 102% from their 2022 highs.

On the flip side, roles that are not resilient can struggle to maintain their demand, often seeing dips in hiring or even mass layoffs. This decline can be attributed to a range of factors, including automation, AI advancements, and changes in business needs. 

For example, demand for mobile engineers has fallen 23% due to AI frameworks (like TensorFlow and PyTorch) simplifying tasks like image recognition, natural language processing, and recommendation systems.

Methodology

Our data comes from our 2024 Developer Skills Report, which combnies survey responses from developers, employers, and recruiters with data from the HackerRank platform.

Our list defines resilience by ranking the roles that demonstrated a consistent or increasing volume of coding test invites between 2022 and 2023.

The 5 Most Resilient Tech Roles

 1. Data Engineer

Data engineers are pivotal members of the data pipeline. They focus primarily on the architecture and optimization of data platforms. Their responsibilities encompass building systems for data ingestion, storage, analysis, visualization, and activation of vast datasets.

Job Responsibilities:

• Designing and developing scalable data pipelines
• Ensuring data quality and consistency
• Collaborating with data scientists to understand data needs
• Implementing data security measures

Why the role is important:

Data Engineers are essential because they create the backbone for data operations. With businesses increasingly relying on data-driven insights for decision-making, robust data infrastructure is paramount. The growing ubiquity of AI has also bolstered the demand for this skill set, with data engineers proving vital to the sourcing of data for data-hungry AI models.

As such, the demand for data engineering roles has been resilient, with a notable increase in monthly invites by 102% from their 2022 highs. 

 2. Data Analyst

Data analysts interpret data and provide actionable insights. They are crucial in translating raw data into meaningful information to drive strategic decisions.

Job Responsibilities:

• Analyzing complex datasets to identify trends and patterns
• Creating visualizations to present data insights
• Conducting statistical analysis
• Collaborating with business units to understand their data needs

Why the role is important:

In an era when data is considered the new oil, data analysts refine this resource. Their ability to derive insights from data helps businesses optimize operations, improve customer experiences, and drive innovation, making their role indispensable in any data-centric organization.

 3. Cloud Security & Cybersecurity Engineer

Cloud security and cybersecurity engineers defend organizations against a wide range of digital threats, including data breaches, malware and ransomware attacks, and phishing attempts. They protect sensitive information, prevent operational disruptions, and combat fraudulent activities. This protects sensitive user and corporate data while ensuring the company’s reputation and financial stability.

Job Responsibilities:

• Designing and implementing security measures
• Monitoring networks for security breaches
• Conducting vulnerability assessments
• Ensuring compliance with security standards

Why the role is important:

Put simply, security skills are indispensable. Cybersecurity maintains customer trust, ensures regulation compliance, and preserves operational continuity. By safeguarding data, companies foster customer loyalty and avoid legal penalties while also preventing revenue loss and maintaining productivity.

Organizations avoid costly recovery efforts and regulatory fines by averting data breaches and reducing downtime. Additionally, robust cybersecurity measures diminish the risk of ransomware attacks, eliminating the need for expensive ransom payments and subsequent recovery expenses.

Because of the many essential benefits they provide to both companies and consumers, cybersecurity roles are highly resilient.

 4. Site Reliability Engineer

Site reliability engineers (SREs) are responsible for maintaining the reliability and performance of IT systems. They bridge the gap between development and operations by applying a software engineering approach to IT.

Job Responsibilities:

• Monitoring system performance and reliability
• Automating operational tasks
• Managing incident responses
• Ensuring system scalability and efficiency

Why the role is important:

SREs are critical in ensuring that digital services are always available and high performing. Their work is essential in minimizing downtime and ensuring users have a seamless experience. The resilience of this role stems from the constant need to keep systems running smoothly, regardless of market conditions.

 5. Machine Learning Engineer

Machine learning engineers design, build, and deploy machine learning models. They work closely with data scientists to develop algorithms to learn and make data predictions.

Job Responsibilities:

• Designing machine learning algorithms
• Implementing machine learning models into production
• Evaluating model performance
• Collaborating with software engineers to integrate models

Why the role is important:

Machine learning is at the forefront of the most exciting technological innovations, driving advancements in artificial intelligence, predictive analytics, and automation. Machine Learning Engineers are essential for harnessing the power of data to create intelligent systems. The growing adoption of and reliance on AI-driven solutions underscores the importance of – and opportunity for – this role.

The post The 5 Most Resilient Tech Roles in 2024 appeared first on HackerRank Blog.

The world of software development is changing faster than ever before. Artificial intelligence (AI) has fundamentally changed the development life cycle. And expanding innovation and investment in technologies like machine learning (ML) and the internet of things (IoT) have impacted programming languages developers use every day.

In 2023, we witnessed significant shifts in the popularity of and demand for programming languages. New languages such as Dart, Vyper, and Kotlin have emerged to address the growing need for efficiency, blockchain development, and specialized use cases. 

Of particular note is the rapid growth of machine learning and AI tools, which have driven the popularity of languages like Python and C++.

So, which languages continue to hold sway in the tech industry? What languages should employers and developers be investing their time and energy in? To answer this question, HackerRank conducted an exhaustive study of developer preferences and language demand to create an unbiased list of the top programming languages. Here’s what we found.

Methodology

Our data comes from our 2024 Developer Skills Report, which combines survey responses from developers, employers, and recruiters with data from the HackerRank platform.

To identify language popularity, we analyzed which languages candidates selected for coding tests with multiple language options and their proficiency levels within each language. We’ve also measured the demand for each of these languages based on the number of tests created with the language in the test name. 

The data change rates reflect differences between volumes in 2022 and 2023. 

The Most Popular Programming Languages

#1. Python

What this language is used for: 

• Web development (back end)
• Data analysis and visualization
• AI and machine learning
• Scientific computing
• Numerical simulations
• Automation and scripting
• Game development

Python, a versatile and easy-to-read language, has surged in popularity for web development, data analysis, and artificial intelligence (AI) projects. It ranks number one in popularity and number two for employer demand—up 15% from 2022. 

Python’s variety of robust frameworks, clean syntax, and extensive libraries make it a top choice for beginners and seasoned developers. From building web applications to powering machine learning algorithms, Python’s popularity continues to grow. 

#2. C++

What this language is used for: 

• Game development
• High-performance applications
• Embedded systems (IoT devices)
• Graphics engines and rendering software
• Real-time simulations
• Financial applications

C++ is a fast and powerful programming language widely used in system software, game development, and high-performance applications. Its ability to directly interact with hardware and memory management gives it an edge in performance-critical scenarios. Despite being more complex than some languages, C++ remains a go-to choice for developers requiring high-speed computing. 

C++ is a top language for hardware-oriented applications, use cases that need fast rendering, and video game engines. It’s also commonly used for AI tasks that require control over memory management and intensive computations.

While it comes in second for developer popularity, C++ is the third most in-demand programming language, an 8% drop from 2022. 

#3. Java

What this language is used for: 

• Mobile applications 
• Enterprise applications
• Desktop GUI applications (IDEs and games)
• Back-end services
• Big data technologies (Hadoop and Spark)

Java, renowned for its platform independence and extensive libraries, remains a staple in enterprise applications, Android app development, and web services. Its “write once, run anywhere” approach is ideal for cross-platform development. Despite competition from newer languages, Java’s reliability and ecosystem ensure its continued relevance. 

When it comes to programming assessments, Java ranks first for demand. This is no surprise, given Java’s platform independence and well-tested ecosystem of libraries to assist development. Java remains a top coding language for enterprise-level software and applications. 

#4. SQL

What this language is used for:

• Querying and retrieving data from databases
• Creating and modifying database schemas
• Defining constraints to ensure data integrity

SQL is a widely-used structured query language for creating, defining, implementing, accessing, and managing relational databases. SQL stands out on this list as the only database-oriented language in a crowd of front-end and back-end languages.

SQL’s widespread use in database operations adds to its popularity, but its specialized focus restricts its broad adoption compared to more versatile languages like Python and Java. SQL climbed in rank to become the fourth most popular coding language among developers in 2023, though its total usage in programming language tests did decrease slightly during the same period.

#5. JavaScript

What this language is used for: 

• Web development
• Mobile development
• Interactive design
• Data visualization

JavaScript, known as the go-to language for web development, is crucial for making websites interactive and dynamic. While JavaScript is primarily a front-end programming language, popular frameworks like React and Node.js do extend its capabilities to back-end development. It also offers cross-platform development capabilities, especially with frameworks like React Native and Ionic, allowing developers to create mobile apps for iOS and Android using the same language.

JavaScript is widely favored by developers, ranking third in popularity and seventh in employer demand. However, JavaScript demand might be underreported, as employers could be assessing competency in this skill with more generalized test questions that test a variety of skills.

#6. C

What this language is used for: 

• Embedded systems
• Application software
• High-performance computing

It’s no surprise that C remains among the top 10 most popular coding languages. C is a powerhouse in the programming world, known for its efficiency and versatility. It’s the go-to language for tasks where speed and direct hardware access are critical.

One of its key applications is in embedded systems—think of the software running on your smartwatch or controlling the sensors in your car. C’s ability to communicate directly with hardware makes it indispensable.

C ranked sixth, remaining in the same position from 2022 to 2023. However, C didn’t manage to make the top 10 of the most in-demand coding assessment languages. While C continues to be important for specific applications and industries, its demand seems lower than other programming languages due to complexity, safety concerns, and the abundance of alternatives.

#7. C#/.NET

What this language is used for: 

• Game development
• Desktop application development 
• Mobile app development 

C# and the .NET framework, developed by Microsoft, are popular for building desktop applications, web services, and games on the Windows platform. 

What sets C# apart is that it’s a strongly typed language, helping developers avoid errors and bugs in their code. Pair that with the extensive libraries and tools offered by the .NET framework, and the seamless integration with Visual Studio, and you’ve got a winning combination that’s favored by Windows developers far and wide.

Despite competition from cross-platform alternatives, C#/.NET’s ecosystem and tooling make it an indispensable language for many developers. Companies that have adopted C# include Bloomberg, Dell, and Siemens.

C# ranks seventh for developer popularity. However, when it comes to demand in real-world assessments, it secures the fifth spot. This underscores its practical appeal and reliability in delivering tangible results, making it a cornerstone programming language.

#8. Go

What this language is used for: 

• Web development
• Systems programming 
• Cloud services

Go, or Golang, is a modern, statically typed language developed by Google. Known for its simplicity, concurrency support, and efficiency, Go is popular for cloud computing, microservices, and back-end development. Despite being relatively new, Go’s performance and growing ecosystem make it a promising choice for scalable applications. 

Since its launch in 2009, interest and demand have continued to grow. Between 2018 and 2020, Go was the top language developers wanted to learn. In 2023, Go rose in popularity, landing eigth on our list, and it remains within the top 10 in-demand programming languages. Tech giants like Uber, Docker, Dropbox, and Twitch have adopted Go to manage data and provide creative solutions. 

#9. PHP

What this language is used for: 

• E-commerce websites
• API development (Laravel and Symfony)
• Content management systems

PHP, a server-side scripting language, is essential for creating dynamic websites, content management systems (CMS), and e-commerce platforms. Despite its critics, PHP’s ease of use, extensive frameworks like WordPress, and compatibility with various web servers maintain its popularity.

PHP remains within the top 10 for both popularity and demand. However, its popularity among developers did decrease in 2023, dropping from eighth to ninth. 

#10. TypeScript

What this language is used for: 

• Mobile app development 
• Server-side scripting 
• Desktop applications 

TypeScript, a superset of JavaScript, adds static typing and tooling to the language. Popular for front-end development with Angular and React, TypeScript catches errors at compile time, enhancing code quality and maintainability. 

The robust tooling support, including features like code navigation, intelligent code completion, and automatic refactoring, makes TypeScript a solid coding language for developers and tech teams. Despite its learning curve, TypeScript’s benefits for large-scale applications are undeniable. 

Typescript rounds out the top 10 most popular coding languages among developers but did not manage to crack the top 10 for most in-demand languages. 

#11. Bash

What this language is used for: 

• DevOps
• Automation
• System maintenance
• Scripting operations on Unix-based systems

Bash (Bourne-Again SHell) is crucial for system administrators and DevOps engineers who use it to automate tasks and write shell scripts in Unix-based systems. Many developers are drawn to Bash for its simplicity, versatility, and efficiency in automating tasks and managing systems. Despite its age, Bash remains indispensable for managing Linux servers and executing automation scripts.

Bash rose in popularity among developers from 12th in 2022 to 11th in 2023.

#12. Swift

What this language is used for: 

• Apple products app development

Swift, developed by Apple, is the primary language for iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS app development. Its safety features, speed, and integration with Apple’s ecosystem have made it popular among iOS developers. 

Swift’s popularity has declined slightly: from 2022 to 2023, it fell from 11th to 12th in preference among developers. Swift’s decline in popularity may have been influenced by the many competing languages, platform diversification, and the maturation of existing codebases. It also never managed to catch on as a general-purpose language. Unable to achieve broader popularity, Swift’s usage levels reflect its role as a specialized technology. 

#13. Kotlin

What this language is used for: 

• Server-side development 
• Desktop application and Android app development 
• Data science and analytics

Kotlin, a modern programming language from JetBrains, is interoperable with Java and favored for Android app development. Its concise syntax, null safety, and seamless integration with existing Java codebases have increased popularity among Android developers.

While Kotlin falls last on our developer popularity list, its demand is noticeably higher than its popularity, ranking ninth in employer demand. Given its adoption by major companies like Netflix, Google, and JetBrains, Kotlin presents a compelling choice for developers and tech teams to consider.

The post The Most Popular Programming Languages of 2024 appeared first on HackerRank Blog.

2023 was a wild year for software developers. Layoffs and tech hiring slowdowns created a sense of economic uncertainty, while AI’s sudden leap to mainstream use is already disrupting how developers write code and how companies think about their skills strategies. 
After such major upheaval, it’s only natural to ask – what the heck is going on?

We explore that question in our 2024 Developer Skills Report. As the leader in evaluating developer skills, we leveraged original platform data and survey responses to observe what’s really happening in tech hiring and skills.

Key Findings

Market Optimism

The end of 2022 and the first half of 2023 were dicey in the hiring market, and tech in particular.

However from July 2023 forward, we’ve seen several signals that things may be heading in a more positive direction. New test creations are up 58% and test invites are up 86% since July 2023.

Market Concerns

Despite these positive signals, concerns about layoffs or a recession still linger.

52% of developers remain concerned about layoffs. Generally, developers are less vulnerable to layoffs compared to other disciplines, but there is plenty of anecdotal data from friends, coworkers, and social feeds to stoke anxieties regardless.

Similarly, nearly half of developers feel their industry is in a recession. Fortunately, though, 68% of developers think conditions will be better in 2024.

AI Goes Mainstream

AI has already become a staple in tech roles, altering work methodologies and skill strategies. The increase in AI-focused skill assessments signals organizations are rapidly seeking technical talent with this skill set.

Developer Perceptions vs. Management Views

A significant gap exists between what developers value and what executives, managers, and recruiters believe they value. This disparity extends to perceptions about job security, opportunities, and the effectiveness of upskilling programs.

Skills Verification Is Vital to Hiring and Upskilling Initiatives

Assessing technical skills – and having confidence in your findings – is critical for any company to hire, upskill, and promote their developers. But developers don’t sense their organizations have an accurate understanding of their existing skills. Neither developers or management feel a 4 year college degree prepares them adequately for today’s workforce.

Developers are opportunity-minded

In the current economic climate, managers, leaders, and recruiters all say developers value security more than opportunity, by about 40% to 33%. 

Developers disagree. 44% to 27%, developers place more importance on opportunity. 

Don’t get complacent. Developers aren’t hunkered down, grateful just to have a job. They will move on if the right opportunity presents itself.

For more on these and other findings, check out our 2024 Developer Skills Report.

The post 2024 Developer Skills Report: New Trends in Hiring and Upskilling appeared first on HackerRank Blog.

The past few years have seen plenty of uncertainty in the tech industry. Yet even as the broader economic outlook appears to be softening, the demand – and competition – for skilled tech talent has only increased.

To get an unbiased, unparalleled view into the programming language popularity, HackerRank undertook an intensive study of our platform data. From the supremacy of Java and Python to the rise of Go and TypeScript, 2023 is on track to be a pivotal year for developer skills.

Methodology

Our ranking of the most popular programming languages draws from our 2023 Developer Skills Report. In that report, we used exclusive data from the HackerRank platform to understand employer demand, developer preference, and candidate engagement.

We tracked the popularity of languages by analyzing the languages candidates chose to use on assessments with multiple options available, as well as their proficiency in those languages. For key languages on our list, we’ve included data and insights on employer demand for the skill. We also included HankerRank Community practice data to get a full spectrum of skill preferences. The rates of change for data are based on the difference between volume in 2021 and 2022. In total, our analysis is based on the language preferences of 2.8 million developers.

The Most Popular Programming Languages

#1. Java

What this language is used for: 

• Mobile applications
• Cloud applications
• Video game development
• IoT devices
• Web-based applications
• Big data
• Machine learning

Java is a high-level, object-oriented programming language used to create complete applications. The language is platform independent, allowing it to run on any device that supports its environment. 

This combination of performance and versatility made Java the most popular programming language with developers in 2021 and 2022. You can do just about anything with Java. (Well, almost anything.) 

Building a machine learning model? Check. Developing IoT software for a smart fridge? Java has you covered. And of course, it’s the official language for Android development, the leading smartphone system in the world. Big data frameworks such as Apache Spark and Hadoop have also made Java a popular supporting skill for data scientists. Java usage is widespread, with companies such as Google, Netflix, Uber, and Spotify using the language.

Growing in popularity at a rate of 155%, Java is likely to retain its number one position for the foreseeable future.

#2. Python

What this language is used for: 

• Web development
• Data analysis
• Data visualization
• Task automation
• Machine learning

Python is an interpreted, high-level, general-purpose programming language, and one of the most popular languages for rapid development.

There are a number of reasons behind Python’s popularity with developers. It’s easy to learn, usable on nearly every project, and vital for the field of data science. There’s also a range of powerful Python frameworks, including Django, Bottle, Web2Py, and PyScript. Python usage is also widespread, with companies including Intel, IBM, Netflix, and Meta using the language.

#3. C++

What this language is used for: 

• Browser rendering
• Device operating systems
• Video game development
• Cloud systems
• Banking applications

C++ is a general purpose, compiled, and statically typed programming language. Known as “C with Classes,” C++ is an extension of C with the functionality of user-defined data classes. 

The high performance of C++ has made it the top language for use cases requiring fast rendering, including browsers, banking applications, and motion design software.

Another major contributor to C++’s ubiquity is its ability to work closely with system hardware. Developers use C++ as their first choice for hardware-oriented applications, including video game engines, operating systems, and cloud systems.

Another contributor to C++’s ubiquity is its age. C++ is more than 40 years old. In that time, it’s grown to support millions of applications, and developers have perfected it with new libraries and 20 updates. Beyond new application development, C++ skills are vital for maintaining existing applications and infrastructure. 

While C++ rounds out the medal podium with a third-place ranking, it’s unlikely to surpass Python anytime soon. Python utilization is almost 50% higher, and their growth rates are about the same.

#4. JavaScript

What this language is used for: 

• Web development
• Mobile development
• Interactive design
• Data visualization

JavaScript is a dynamic scripting language used for adding interactive behavior to web pages and applications. The main way developers use JavaScript is to manage the behavior and user experiences of websites. But there are a number of other interesting use cases for JavaScript. Node.js is a framework that extends the functionality of JavaScript to back-end, server-side applications. And libraries like D3.js make JavaScript useful for data visualization. There are also a range of powerful JavaScript frameworks, including, React, Angular, Vue, jQuery, ExpressJS, and Backbone.

JavaScript stands out as the first front-end language on our list. And you might be wondering why it doesn’t rank higher. After all, outlets like Stack Overflow and Codecademy rank JavaScript as the top language in the world. The difference is down to methodology.

Lists like Stack Overflow’s are survey-based, which means they measure the percentage of developers who know a language. In contrast, HackerRank’s list is based on the frequency at which developers choose to use a language. This provides visibility into both the languages that developers know and their likelihood to use them.

That’s not to say that JavaScript isn’t widespread. A staggering 97.3% of all websites use JavaScript as a client-side language. And with usage increasing at a rate of 157% per year, JavaScript’s popularity is only going to grow.

#5. C#

What this language is used for: 

• Mobile development
• Desktop development
• Web development
• Enterprise applications
• Cloud services
• Video game development

C# is a general purpose, object-oriented, component-oriented programming language developed around 2000 by Microsoft as part of its .NET initiative. C# is based on the C family of languages, and has similarities to C, C++, Java, and JavaScript. 

An extension of C, C# adds on a number of features, including variable checking, type checking, bound checking, and garbage collection. Like other members of the C language family, C# is a popular and well-established language, with companies such as Microsoft, Stack Overflow, Accenture, and Intuit using it in their tech stack.

#6. SQL

What this language is used for: 

• Relational database management

SQL is an industry-standard structured query language for creating, defining, implementing, accessing, and maintaining relational databases.

SQL has been growing at a steady rate of 133%, but was replaced in the top five by C#, which is growing at a rate of 173%.

SQL stands out on this list as the only database-oriented language in a crowd of front-end and back-end languages.

That fact goes a long way in explaining its placement on the list. It’s ubiquity as database management earns it strong popularity, but it’s too specialized to challenge the popularity of more versatile languages like Java, Python, and JavaScript.

#7. C

What this language is used for:

• Enterprise applications
• Operating systems
• Video game development
• Calculation-based applications
• Programming language development

C is a general-purpose, statically-typed, and compiled programming language. C is a foundational programming language that’s become known as the mother of all languages. Many of the most popular languages are built on C, including:

• C++
• C#
• Python
• Java
• JavaScript
• PHP
• Perl
• D
• Limbo
• Verilog

Because C has contributed to so many other languages, developers who learn C will acquire fundamental skills that transfer to any other language.

While the languages C inspired have surpassed it in popularity, the language is still a vital part of modern development.

#8. PHP

What this language is used for: 

• Web development
• Desktop app development

PHP is a widely-used open source and general-purpose scripting language that is especially suited for web development.

PHP’s popularity is owed to the fact that it was one of the first server-side languages that developers could embed into HTML. It’s also fast, secure, versatile, and supported by a strong open source community.

While PHP isn’t as popular as other general-purpose languages, its specialization gives it an advantage in web development over languages like Python.

#9. Go

What this language is used for:

• Cloud development
• Back-end development
• Distributed networks
• General development

Go is an object-oriented programming language that Google created in 2009 for networking and infrastructure. But since launch it’s evolved into a general-purpose language used in a wide range of applications.

Over a decade after Go’s launch, interest in the language has continued to grow. From 2018 to 2020, Go was the number one language developers wanted to learn. Companies such as Uber, Twitch, Dropbox, and – yes, Google – are using Go in their tech stack. 

Go stands out in this list as the second fastest-growing language. This year, Go overtook Swift’s spot at number nine. And it might have enough momentum to take PHP’s ranking in the near future. Go’s popularity is growing at a rate of 190%, while PHP is growing at 145%. Add in the fact that employer demand for Go increased by 301%, and its growth may even impact the popularity of other languages. 

 #10. Swift

What this language is used for: 

• iPhone app development
• MacOS app development

Swift is an open source, general-purpose programming language with a focus on performance, safety, and design patterns. Designed by Apple to replace Objective-C, Swift is the go-to language for iPhone, iPad, and Mac iOS development. 

Beyond iOS, Swift is a general-purpose language suitable for a wide range of use cases. However, drawbacks such as incomplete cross-platform support and poor interoperability with third-party tools limit its versatility.

Upon its launch, developers had hoped that Swift could challenge the popularity of Python. But Swift never quite caught on as a general-purpose language, and its usage levels reflect its role as a specialized technology. This is demonstrated by its decline in popularity from nine to ten in our list. Employer demand for Swift is also limited, with it ranking thirteenth in demand.

#11. Kotlin

What this language is used for: 

• Android development
• Back-end development
• Data science

Kotlin is a cross-platform, general-purpose programming language designed for safety, productivity, developer satisfaction, and Java interoperability. Kotlin is most known for its role in mobile development, with over 60% of Android developers using the language. 

Android apps that use Kotlin include Trello, Evernote, and Coursera. Beyond Android applications, developers use Kotlin for roles throughout the tech stack, including back-end development, full-stack development, and data science.

Kotlin popularity is on the rise, moving from twelfth to eleventh in popularity. However, its usage is far lower than classic languages like Java and Python. Employer demand for the language is also limited, as Kotlin doesn’t appear in our list of languages with the highest demand.

#12. Ruby

What this language is used for: 

• Web development
• Video game development
• Scientific computing
• Data processing
• Automation tools
• Data analysis

Ruby is an interpreted, dynamic, open-source programming language with a focus on simplicity and productivity. Ruby has a diverse range of use cases, including data-driven web apps, marketplaces, and desktop apps. 

Ruby is most known for Ruby on Rails (RoR), a framework optimized for productivity, efficiency, and DRY (Don’t Repeat Yourself). Developers have gradually shifted away from Ruby over the past several years, and it’s not surprising to see it drop from eleventh to twelfth in popularity. 

#13. TypeScript

What this language is used for: 

• Web development
• Mobile development
• Enterprise-level development

TypeScript is an open-source, object-oriented language that is an extension of JavaScript, meaning JavaScript code is valid TypeScript code. Developed by Microsoft in 2012, TypeScript describes itself as “all of JavaScript, and then a bit more.” 

The language builds on the foundation of JavaScript with additional features, including classes, object-oriented techniques, and scalable code bases. TypeScript has been gaining popularity for years, and ranked 4th in GitHub’s 2022 language rankings. 

From 2021 to 2022, TypeScript showed large gains in its popularity with developers. With a doubletake-inducing 2,788% gain, TypeScript is growing faster than any other programming language. That popularity is also translating into hiring demand. TypeScript demand grew by a huge 392% (or 282% compared to trend).

Its growth may also affect the growth of larger languages. TypeScript is tightly linked with JavaScript. Will its growth come at the expense of JavaScript, or will it serve to amplify it?

#14. Scala

What this language is used for: 

• Mobile development
• Web developments
• Big data systems
• IoT development

Scala is a high-level, statically-typed programming language that combines object-oriented and functional programming. Its multi-paradigm approach to programming makes it ideal for a number of use cases, including big data, distributed systems, Android applications, and IoT devices. A major benefit for developers is that Scala is interoperable with Java code and libraries.

#15. R

What this language is used for: 

• Statistical computing
• Data analysis

R is an open-source programming language for statistical computing and data analysis. Researchers and scientists use R for data visualization and statistical analysis in a number of industries, including academia, research, fintech, retail, government, healthcare, and social media.

The popularity of R has fallen over the past several years. From 2021 to 2022, R dropped from the thirteenth to the fifteenth most popular language. And while R grew by 59% in 2022, most other languages on this list are growing two to four times faster. 

The differences in total volume are even more striking. Only 1,239 developers opted to use R in their assessments. But 484 times as many developers used Java – almost 600k. The gap in relevance between these two languages is striking.

Given all these data points, we expect another language to replace R on this list in the near future.

Key Takeaways

• It’s unlikely that lower-ranked languages will break into the top five. The gap in volume is too great to overcome.
• Go and TypeScript are the languages to watch. Their popularity and demand are growing at a rate unmatched by other languages.
• Ruby, R, SQL, and Swift saw their rankings decrease. Their usage is still growing, just not fast enough.
• General-purpose languages like Java and Python tend to outrank more specialized languages like SQL and Swift. While the popularity of specialist languages is strong, their specialization means they’ll never reach the widespread usage of more popular languages. 

For more insights about trending languages and technical skills, read HackerRank’s 2023 Developer Skills Report.

The post The 15 Most Popular Programming Languages of 2023 appeared first on HackerRank Blog.

There’s a lot of information about what specific programming languages developers use. But language popularity doesn’t necessarily translate to employer demand. To get an unbiased, unparalleled view into the dynamic world of in-demand programming languages, HackerRank undertook an intensive study of our platform data. 

We found that, despite recent uncertainty in the tech industry, demand for skilled tech talent hasn’t slowed down. But demand for key skills and competencies isn’t distributed evenly. Heading into 2023, we have some key projections on how demand for certain skills is changing. 

No matter how you measure it, 2023 is on track to be a pivotal year for developer skills. From the rise of Go and TypeScript to the decline of Swift and Ruby, here are a few of those key trends. 

The Most In-Demand Programming Languages

#1. Java

Java is a high-level, object-oriented programming language used to create complete applications. The language is platform independent, allowing it to run on any device that supports its environment. 

In terms of growth relative to the market, demand for top-ranked Java is actually growing slightly slower than the market. But Java still leads second-ranked Python by a strong margin. Its first-place ranking is secure for the foreseeable future.

#2. Python

Python is an interpreted, high-level, general-purpose programming language, and one of the most popular languages for rapid development. Python usage is widespread, with companies including Intel, IBM, Netflix, and Meta using the language.

Demand for Python is catching up to demand for Java. While Java is growing slower than the market, Python grew relative to the market. While Python’s growth may mean that it narrows Java’s lead, the wide gap between them means we’re unlikely to see any place-trading.

#3. SQL

SQL is an industry-standard structured query language for creating, defining, implementing, accessing, and maintaining relational databases. In 2022, demand for SQL grew at a steady rate and managed to surpass C++. It’s also growing faster relative to the market. 

But while SQL improved its demand ranking, it decreased in its popularity ranking. SQL’s third-place demand ranking is noticeably higher than its sixth-place popularity ranking. The source of this gap in supply and demand is unclear. Interest in the SQL vs NoSQL debate has risen steadily over the last decade. Developers turning toward non-relational database systems could be a contributing factor.

#4. C++

C++ is a general purpose, compiled, and statically typed programming language. Known as “C with Classes,” C++ is an extension of C with the functionality of user-defined data classes. The high performance of C++ has made it the top language for use cases requiring fast rendering, including browsers, banking applications, and motion design software.

In 2022, C++ fell from third to fourth place, overtaken by SQL’s steady growth rate. Demand for C++ is also growing slightly slower relative to the market. However, demand for the language isn’t going anywhere. C++ skills are vital for maintaining existing applications and infrastructure.

#5. JavaScript

JavaScript is a dynamic scripting language for adding interactive behavior to web pages and applications. Primarily used for building interactive web experiences, JavaScript stands out as the first front-end language on our list.

At fifth place, JavaScript has nearly four times the volume of the sixth-ranked Bash. This calls attention to an important characteristic of this demand-based ranking. After the top five, there is a huge gap in volume, placing the leading programming languages in a category of their own. While JavaScript is growing slightly slower than the market, its top-five ranking is secure.

#6. Bash

Bash is a command-line language for Unix operating systems. The language allows developers (or anyone who works with data) to work with computer files directly instead of using a graphical user interface (GUI). This makes it a useful skill to learn for cloud engineers and data scientists.

Bash stands out on our list as the only in-demand language that did not rank in popularity with developers. It will be interesting to see how this misalignment between supply and demand will affect the job market. Will an abundance of opportunity and demand inspire developers to learn the language? Or will a small talent pool of developers skilled in the language force employers to pay a premium for their skills? In 2020 Bash was already correlated with higher compensation than popular languages like C, C++, C#, Python, and Java.

#7. C#

C# is a general purpose, object-oriented, component-oriented programming language developed in 2000 by Microsoft as part of its .NET initiative. C# is based on the C family of languages, and has similarities to C, C++, Java, and JavaScript. 

Demand for C# sits in the middle of the language family. C++ far exceeds C# in demand, but C# holds a notable lead over C.

#8. Go

Go is an object-oriented programming language that Google created in 2009 for networking and infrastructure. But since launch it’s evolved into a general-purpose language used in a wide range of applications.

Go has been gaining popularity with developers for several years. In 2022 it was the second fastest-growing language, with its popularity increasing at a rate of 190%. And that popularity is translating into hiring demand. Demand for Go grew by 301% in 2022. 

One potential side effect of Go’s success is that it might affect the growth of larger languages. Developers looking to learn a new general-purpose language might start choosing Go over languages with weak demand. (We’re looking at you, Ruby.)

It will be interesting to see if Go has the momentum to challenge the rankings of other languages on our list. While demand for Go is growing at 140% relative to the market, C# is only growing at 10% relative to the market. Though momentum is on Go’s side, the gap between the two languages might be too large to overcome in just a few years.

#9. TypeScript

TypeScript is an open-source, object-oriented language that is an extension of JavaScript. Developed by Microsoft in 2012, TypeScript describes itself as “all of JavaScript, and then a bit more.” 

TypeScript has been gaining popularity for years, and ranked 4th in GitHub’s 2022 language rankings. Like Go, we’re seeing that popularity translate into hiring demand. At 392%, TypeScript had the highest growth in demand of any programming language.

It will be interesting to see how TypeScript’s growth will affect JavaScript. The two are tightly linked. TypeScript’s growth could come at the expense of JavaScript, or it could serve to amplify it.

#10. R

R is an open-source programming language for statistical computing and data analysis. Researchers and scientists use R for data visualization and statistical analysis in a number of industries, including academia, research, fintech, retail, government, healthcare, and social media.

While it ranks low on our list, demand for R is growing. At about 60% relative to the market, it posted the fifth-highest growth in demand.

What’s interesting is that growing employer demand for R is misaligned with its falling popularity with developers.

From 2021 to 2022, R dropped from the thirteenth to the fifteenth most popular language – dead last on our list. And while R grew by 59% in 2022, most other languages we ranked grew two to four times faster. 

How will this conflict between supply and demand play out in the job market? Like Bash, we’ll be watching closely to see if growing demand inspires developer interest or raises the compensation for R skills.

#11. PHP

PHP is a widely-used open source and general-purpose scripting language that is especially suited for web development. PHP’s popularity is owed to the fact that it was one of the first server-side languages that developers could embed into HTML. 

While demand for PHP is low compared to other general-purpose languages, its growth rate is actually quite high. Demand for PHP grew at about 180% relative to the market, making it the second fastest-growing language, surpassed only by TypeScript. 

PHP might have enough momentum to challenge R and break into the top ten. PHP’s volume is only slightly lower than R’s, but it’s growing about three times faster relative to the market. This rise in demand may help correct PHP’s lagging compensation, which Stack Overflow ranked second to last in 2020 and 2021.

#12. C

C is a general-purpose, statically-typed, and compiled programming language. A foundational programming language, C has become known as the mother of all languages. 

While it ranks low on our list – third to last – demand for C is still growing. At about 70% relative to the market, C posted the fourth-highest growth rate out of any language. While it doesn’t have the volume or growth to surpass PHP in the near future, its place is secure against the two struggling languages that appear next on our list.

#13. Swift

Swift is an open source, general-purpose programming language with a focus on performance, safety, and design patterns. Created by Apple to replace Objective-C, Swift is the go-to language for Mac, iPhone, and iPad iOS development. 

In 2022, Swift had the second-largest decrease in demand. Its volume in 2022 was only 80% of what it was in 2021. Swift’s popularity is also limited, demonstrated by its drop from nine to ten in our list on language popularity. Taking both of these figures into account, we can see that Swift is in a state of decline. This can be attributed to the fact that Swift never quite caught on as a general-purpose language, and has had to settle for specialization in iOS development.

#14. Ruby

Ruby is an interpreted, dynamic, open-source programming language with a focus on simplicity and productivity. Ruby has a diverse range of use cases, including data-driven web apps, marketplaces, and desktop apps. 

In 2020 Ruby ranked fifth in Stack Overflow’s list of highest paying programming languages. But despite high compensation, demand for Ruby is declining. Its demand in 2022 was only 66% of what it posted in 2021. It’s also growing the slowest relative to the market out of any language on our list. Developers have gradually shifted away from Ruby over the past several years, and it’s not surprising to find its demand fading as well.

Ruby is already dead last in demand. If it continues at this rate, another language will inevitably take its place. 

Key Takeaways

• Python and Java rank first and second in both employer demand and popularity with developers. It’s interesting to note that supply and demand for these key languages are aligned.
• The gaps in volume between languages are significant, effectively dividing the list into four tiers:
  • The first tier consists of the top five languages (Java, Python, SQL, C++, and Java Script), which have enough volume to stand in a league of their own. 
  • The second tier (Bash and C#) sees a significant drop in volume, with Bash having only 25% of the volume of JavaScript. 
  • The third tier (Go, TypeScript, R, and PHP) have similar demand levels and are growing the fastest. 
  • Rounding out the list is the fourth tier (C, Swift, and Ruby), whose languages barely post enough volume to rank on the list.

Methodology

Our ranking of the most popular programming languages draws from our 2023 Developer Skills Report. In that report, we used exclusive data from the HackerRank platform to understand employer demand, developer preference, and candidate engagement.

We tracked the demand for languages by analyzing the number of tests requiring developers to use a specific language. For some languages we also reference their popularity with developers, which is based on the languages candidates chose to use on assessments with multiple options available. The rates of change for data are based on the difference between volume in 2021 and 2022. In total, our analysis is based on tests taken by 700,000 developers.

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It’s hard to turn anywhere in 2022 without hearing talk of recession. Depending on the day of the week or the latest indicator, we’re either already in one, or heading into one. From layoffs to inflation to cooling real estate markets, all signs seem to point to a worsening economy. 

But what does that mean for developers and skilled tech workers?

We explore that question in our 2023 Developer Skills Report. And rather than relying on survey data, this year we’ve tapped into exclusive HackerRank platform data. This lets us observe what’s really happening in tech hiring, from which skills and languages employers are looking for to market temperature and candidate engagement. 

Slower growth is still growth

Overall, we see signs of a cooling market unfolding throughout 2022, but we also continue to see growth in tech hiring and in employer demand for a variety of skills and programming languages. Nearly every metric we analyzed is up in 2022 compared to 2021. But the growth curve has shallowed somewhat from the aggressive up-and-to-the-right trajectories we saw in 2021. 

While the broader economy may well be heading toward a recession (or already in one), developers will likely be insulated from the worst of it. 

What do employers want? Java, Python, SQL, and Data Science skills

Employer demand for top skills and languages increased by 140% and 138%, respectively. Java remains the most in-demand programming language, followed by Python and SQL, which this year surpassed C++. In terms of growth, Go and TypeScript made significant gains this year, both growing more than 300% year over year.

On the skills side, employers are hungry for anything data science-related. This includes second-ranked Machine Learning, as well as new additions to our skills for 2022, Data Wrangling, Data Visualization, and Data Modeling. REST API skills were also highly sought after, with demand jumping 250%.

Forecast for 2023 points toward resumed growth

In forecasting language and skill demand into 2023, our data team took a decidedly conservative stance, leaning toward the low end of the 95% confidence interval. And even with those lowered expectations, we’re still forecasting an uptick across most of the languages and skills we’re tracking. 

EMEA and Latin America seem best positioned heading into 2023

2020 taught us that globalization only goes so far, and that different regions fared better or worse through the COVID shutdowns. By indexing regional performance – in the form of assessment invites – against the global trendline, we can see that EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) and LATAM (Latin America) endured more severe and longer-lasting downturns than North America or the APAC (Asia Pacific) region. Both underindexed into 2021, and EMEA continued to underindex until October 2021. 

But now, as North America and APAC slip into underindexing, EMEA and Latin America seem poised to continue to modestly overindex. 

For more on these and other findings, go and check out our 2023 Developer Skills Report.

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