Programming Languages You Should Know in 2022

When it comes to choosing the right candidates, employers often look for someone who’s demonstrably proactive and eager to learn. So, what better way to show off these qualities in yourself than to embark on learning some new programming languages this year? 

We’ve outlined the top five programming languages that should be on your upskill list in 2022. Whether you just want to expand your knowledge base, or you want to futureproof your career in time for Web 3.0 and the Metaverse, these are the languages that will get you there.

JavaScript

JavaScript is the programming language of choice for the majority of web developers, used to create most of the interactive elements of any web page (think graphics and anything clickable). According to a recent survey by Stack Overflow, it’s used by 69.7% of developers, making it one of the most commonly used programming languages in the world. It’s also the most sought-after by tech hiring managers. So, if you don’t have JavaScript in your toolbelt, now is the time to get to grips with it. 

Luckily, JavaScript is also one of the easiest languages to learn. It’s an interpreted language, which means you can immediately run your code whenever you make changes without having to compile it every time.

That’s great news for beginners learning the language, as you can easily test and check for bugs or errors as you go. There are also plenty of educational resources for JavaScript online since it’s such a popular language.

Java

Not to be confused with JavaScript, Java is an object-oriented language that was designed for “write once, run anywhere” functionality. That means you can run Java code on any compatible machine without having to recompile it. 

It’s also a useful language to learn if you want to move into development for fintech or crypto. Java is highly secure and works well with big data, which means it’s often used in online finance applications and blockchain development. According to a recent HackerRank survey, it’s also the third most sought-after programming language by employers. This is a vital programming language to know if you’re interested in development for Web 3.0 or the Metaverse.

R

If you work in (or want to move into) data analysis, R is an important language to add to your skillset. Like Java, R is an object-oriented language. It’s designed for statistical programming and is most often used by data analysts and data miners for its extensive libraries for interactive graphics. It’s also used by developers in fintech and telecoms. 

The best part? There’s a skills shortage of R developers, so learning the language could give you the edge over other candidates.

Kotlin

Want to move into app development? Kotlin is the programming language to learn. It was originally designed to be a more concise, easier-to-use version of Java while still being fully interoperable with Java code. It’s also known for being secure, hence its popularity for use in mobile apps. 

One of the fastest-growing languages, Kotlin is currently used by over 60% of Android developers and Google estimates that 70% of the apps in its Play Store are written in Kotlin. Google also uses the language for many of its own apps, and is even migrating several of its older apps over to Kotlin too. 

Python

Last, but by no means least, we have Python. Used by around 80% of the coding population and listed as Stack Overflow’s number one most wanted language (i.e. the language most developers want to learn), Python ranks number two on HackerRank’s list of the most sought-after languages according to hiring managers. 

Like JavaScript, Python is considered fairly easy to learn thanks to its interactivity. It’s also multi-functional with extensive libraries that can be used for app development, back-end development, AI, machine learning, data science, and more. If you only want to learn one language this year, Python is probably the best option. 

Future-Proof Your Toolkit

As a developer, you’ll already be aware of the need to constantly upskill and keep up-to-date with the latest in the industry. But, if you’re struggling to pick which language to focus on next, this list is a good place to start. 

Of course, the only way to learn a new programming language is to put your skills to the test and develop a programme using it. Our team has got plenty of tips to help you keep on track with upskilling.