Aggregating and analyzing data from multiple sources can provide valuable insights and minimize biases in various fields. When it comes to determining the popularity of programming languages, pundits often combine results from different pollsters to get a more accurate picture. Similarly, ZDNet, a well-known technology news website, attempted to gauge the popularity of programming languages by aggregating rankings from multiple sources.
In this endeavor, Senior Contributing Editor David Gewirtz collected data from nine popularity rankings, which included sources like PYPL, the Tiobe index, GitHub’s Usage 2023 summary report, and various rankings from Stack Overflow and IEEE Spectrum. The goal was to identify the most popular programming languages based on the aggregated rankings.
The results of Gewirtz’s analysis revealed distinct clusters of programming languages based on their popularity. In the top cluster were Python, JavaScript, and Java. These languages are considered highly representative in the world of AI coding, indicating the significant role they play in artificial intelligence development.
The next cluster consisted of classic C-based languages, including C++, C#, and C, along with TypeScript (a more robust variant of JavaScript) and SQL. These languages have a long-standing history and are widely used in software development.
Following the C-based language cluster, Gewirtz identified another group of languages that were popular in the past but have seen a decline in popularity. These languages primarily include HTML/CSS, PHP, and Shell, which were heavily used for building and operating websites. Additionally, Gewirtz noted the growing popularity of languages like R and Dart, as well as the decline of Ruby.
Just above Ruby were Go, Rust, Kotlin, and Lua, languages that are gaining traction in the developer community. Although they may not be as popular as Python or Java, their rising popularity demonstrates their potential for future growth and adoption.
At the bottom of the popularity chart was Swift, Apple’s preferred programming language. Objective-C, the previous language used for Apple programming, has significantly dropped in popularity since the introduction of Swift. However, the interest in Swift among programmers is not as high as one might expect. This could be attributed to the fact that there are relatively fewer companies hiring Apple app developers compared to companies seeking expertise in other languages.
From the aggregated data, it is evident that the C-family of languages, with the exception of Java, continues to dominate the programming landscape. While Gewirtz recommends learning Python, Java, and JavaScript for beginners, he also emphasizes the importance of learning multiple languages and frameworks. It is crucial for programmers to build practical projects using different languages, as programming is not solely an intellectual exercise but a hands-on craft.
Moreover, Gewirtz underscores the significance of learning how to learn languages rather than focusing on a single language. The ability to adapt and learn new languages efficiently is a valuable skill for programmers. By exploring and familiarizing themselves with diverse programming languages, programmers can enhance their problem-solving abilities and expand their opportunities in the ever-evolving tech industry.
In conclusion, aggregating rankings from various sources provides valuable insights into the popularity of programming languages. Python, Java, and JavaScript emerge as the top languages, followed by various C-based languages and other popular options. While Swift lacks standout prominence, it remains Apple’s language of choice. However, the industry still demands expertise in a range of languages, making it essential for aspiring programmers to learn multiple languages and frameworks. By continuously expanding their knowledge and skills, programmers can stay relevant and adaptable in the dynamic world of software development.
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