​​​​​​​Top 8 Most In-demand Programming Languages in 2022

Did you know there are more than 200 programming languages? How many of them can you name without Google?

Only a few of these languages are used in the real-world industry. These languages are used for large corporate systems, popular solutions and products. If you want to succeed in the developer job industry, you’d better know the most popular names on this list.

The popularity of every programming language changes with time, so the list of 8 top-rated languages changes constantly. Moreover, the popularity of each language is relevant. For example, one of the factors that defines the popularity of a programming language is the number of mentions on the programmer’s forum. However, programmers say the number of mentions shows the number of problems related to this language, not its popularity.

The popular TIOBE index uses several indicators including the number of courses, skilled engineers available on the market, search rank, and others. TIOBE emphasizes the fact that the most popular language does not mean the best language. 

To define the top-rated programming languages at the moment, DevJobsScanner analyzes the open jobs in different countries. To make the result more relevant, DevJobsScanner excludes non-technical IT positions, and job offers with 4+ languages mentioned in the job description.

For the first half of 2022, DevJobsScanner analyzed more than seven million job postings. We are happy to share the results of their research.

1. JavaScript / TypeScript

Many programmers do not love JavaScript because it is a dynamically-typed language. However, the truth is that JavaScript is the most in-demand programming language on the market. One of the cornerstones of JavaScript’s success is TypeScript, a superset with type safety. The arrival of Typescript pushed the popularity of JavaScript to first place. Initially, TypeScript was supported by Microsoft Visual Studio, but when it grew legs, many IDEs started supporting it natively.

Moreover, new JavaScript frameworks like Angular and Nest.JS are written for TypeScript. With JavaScript\TypeScript, you can create websites and applications, which are in high demand nowadays. Approximately one-third of all available developer jobs are JavaScript\TypeScript vacancies, with little less than half a million open positions.

2. Python

Python could take the highest position, and it probably will do so in the near future. Right now, it is in second place, and this is all due to its versatility. Python is good for everything, from large systems to microservices. It can be used for scripting, running services and data analysis, but the most amazing option is small applications that can quickly solve a problem a big system cannot handle.

We’d also add that it has one of the greatest and biggest communities, which are friendly to new Python developers.

Approximately 20 percent of all developer jobs are for Python developers of varying seniority levels.

3. Java

Since 1995, when Java was created, this language has taken the highest position. Simply speaking, Java is cool. Some modern languages have tried to push Java off the list, but with no success. Java is the language of large corporate systems. Many financial and banking systems were created with Java. There is always a need for developers who can support and maintain these systems.

However, it would be a mistake to think Java is only a legacy code. Many new projects using Java appear every year. It is just a good programming language.

Also, Java has a lot of libraries and frameworks. Spring and other frameworks add to Java’s popularity, as they are used in top-tier companies.

Approximately 17 percent of the modern developer job market is occupied by Java positions.

4. C#

Among the object-oriented programming languages, C# is known for a wide range of use cases. It is easy to learn and use, but that does not mean C# is limited. C# is a cross-platforming language, which means a lot nowadays: it is good for application development. This general-purpose language is mostly used with the .Net framework.

Another IT branch that uses C# is the Unity game engine. This engine is also used for AR and VR development — the technology of the future. So, the skeptics who are waiting for C# to leave the market should review their forecasts.

5. PHP

PHP is one of the oldest programming languages, launched in the middle of the 1990s. Of course, it has some weak spots. For example, a low barrier to entry. As a result, the internet is full of poor code written in PHP. Some snobbish experts declare the death of PHP on a regular basis, but it is still one of the most in-demand languages.

WordPress, the popular content management system, supports PHP’s popularity. Roughly, every third website on the internet runs on WordPress, and new websites  are built with it all the time. The use of PHP for the web varies from simple one-page sites to complex platforms like Facebook. So, there is no visible end for PHP.

6. C/C++

C and C++ (which means C with classes) are the pioneers among the programming languages. As a high-level language, C++ is preferred for high-performance software. It is suitable for big projects, and it is efficient and fast.

Its usage in the industry is wide, C++ can be found in video games, servers, databases, space probes and many others. Actually, it is everywhere. Operation systems, browsers, and applications are developed in C++.

Moreover, C\C++ can be used as a low-level language, so we can find it in smartwatches, GPS systems, mp3 players and more. So, C\C++ is one of the main programming languages in the technology world.

7. Ruby

Ruby accounts for five percent of all developer job listings because of its popularity as a back-end solution, in conjunction with the web framework Ruby on Rails. Ruby is an open-source language, so it is very budget-friendly. Many businesses appreciate this.

Ruby is easy to learn, and the Ruby community is very supportive to newcomers. So the transition to Ruby should not be a problem.

It is also necessary to mention Ruby gems — free libraries for Ruby. They are available on the official website And make development with Ruby even easier.

8. GO

Go, or Golang, was developed as an internal language by Google 12 years ago. It has very simple syntax, so it is easy to learn. This language is intended for quick and easy solutions like microservices. However, when it overgrew its parent company, developers from all over the world praised its growth.

Go can be used for almost all solutions of any size and importance. It is compatible with other languages, like C and PHP and has a wide range of libraries.

One of the most unexpected uses for Go is MVP creation. A Minimal Valuable Product allows companies to conduct technical and market tests for a new product. Scripting languages can be also used, but they are not as easy and effective as Go, so it’s no surprise that Go's popularity is growing, and next year we might see it in a higher position.

Summary

Without a doubt, JavaScript with Typescript dominates the developer job market. This can be easily explained by the growing demand for web applications. Roughly every third developer job is for JavaScript\TypeScript specialists.

Python and Java are also in high demand, in second and third places, respectively. The developers of these languages can support almost all existing corporate systems or create new ones. Java, Python and JavaScript have competed for first place for several years, so these three are probably the most popular. 

PHP has maintained its position for years, despite the opinion that it is obsolete. However, it is still in great demand for the web.

Ruby is popular for back-end solutions, while C\C++ is supported by the video games industry, and Go appears on top thanks to Google’s promotion and its simple syntax.

It can be said that this top 8 list reflects the global IT solution development situation, though it is more complicated than just eight languages and trends. For example, have you heard of Julia, a new programming language? Julia is close to the TIOBE top 20. It is a language for math calculations, so the world of programming languages is not limited to the languages at the top.