Most Popular Programming Languages in 2026

Programming languages instruct computers on how to perform specific tasks. As a result, knowing how to code is a crucial skill for numerous tech professionals. At a glance, here's what you need to know about programming languages and the professionals who use them:

• Demand for coders is high. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), software developers are projected to grow by 16 percent between 2024 and 2034, representing much faster-than-average job growth compared to all occupations in the country [1].

• Popular programming languages include Python, JavaScript, HTML, and C. However, different careers require knowledge of different programming languages.

• By learning in-demand programming languages and expanding your knowledge of the languages you already understand, you can strengthen your programming skills and stand out from other job candidates.

In this article, you'll learn more about the most popular programming languages used today. Afterward, if you want to start building your programming skills today, consider subscribing to Coursera Plus to gain access to an extensive catalogue of programming-focused courses.

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Most popular programming languages to learn in 2026

The following list outlines a few of the most popular programming languages among software developers worldwide [2]. Here's what you need to know:

1. JavaScript

JavaScript is the most popular language to learn, according to a study by Statista [2]. JavaScript (JS) is a scripting language used to make websites and mobile applications more interactive. It is also commonly used for game development. JavaScript is well-known for its ability to make websites come alive by adding elements such as animations, dropdown menus, and color-changing buttons.

Read more: What Are Scripting Languages? (And Why Should I Learn One)

Should you learn JavaScript?

If you need help determining whether JavaScript is right for you, consider the features in the following section. Overall, JavaScript is an excellent programming language for front-end developers to learn. W3 Techs reports that JavaScript is used as a front-end programming language for nearly 99 percent of all websites [3].

Key features of JavaScript

Examples of high-performance applications developed with JavaScript include Google, Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter. Here are a few reasons why you might consider learning this popular programming language:

• JavaScript is fast. It runs immediately within a web browser, reducing load time.

• JavaScript is easy. Not only is JS a relatively easy language for programmers to learn, but its popularity and simple syntax also makes it easy to recognize and implement.

• JavaScript is interactive. JS adds noticeable and responsive elements to websites such as zooming capabilities and dropdown menus. These elements enhance the user's experience and make JS an in-demand addition to website development.

• JavaScript gets along with other programming languages. As a core web language, JS is closely aligned with CSS and HTML (other core languages used to build websites). It also has a variety of frameworks and extensive library that programmers can learn to specialize their skills.

Read more: Java vs. JavaScript: What's the Difference? 

Getting started with JavaScript

Ready to get started with this beginner-friendly, popular choice? Earn a certificate for your resume while learning JavaScript from an accredited university online with the JavaScript for Beginners Specialization from the University of California Davis.

2. HTML/CSS

Fifty-five percent of the software developers who participated in the Statista survey reported using HTML/CSS. Like JavaScript, HTML and CSS are used for front-end development. HTML stands for Hyper Text Markup Language. It is the standard programming language for documents designed for web browser display. CSS, or Cascading Style Sheets, is a rule-based language. It determines how specific elements should be displayed in a document that is written in a markup language (like HTML).

Should you learn HTML/CSS?

If you're an aspiring web developer or someone who is looking to transition into web development from a related role, you can benefit from learning HTML and CSS. They are considered to be two core technologies for web development. Consider using the following section to determine whether HTML/CSS is the right choice for you.

Key features of HTML/CSS

• HTML provides the structure of a page, while CSS dictates the visual layout. Together, they make up the foundation of web development.

• HTML and CSS are user-friendly. This accessibility makes them a great option for beginners in software development.

• HTML is platform-independent. It runs on a browser, meaning you can use it with nearly any device with a simple operating system (OS).

Getting started with HTML/CSS

If you're ready to get started in HTML and CSS, consider learning the basics with an online course like Web Design for Everybody: Basics of Web Development and Coding Specialization. Not only will you learn how to design and create websites with HTML/CSS, but you'll also build an understanding of JavaScript.

3. Python

Python is a dynamic object-oriented programming language that combines data structures with easy-to-learn syntax. Its applications vary from simple functions like powering a moderator bot on Reddit to complex functions such as financial data analysis and machine learning. 

What is object-oriented programming?

Object-oriented programming is a coding model that organizes data and functions into reusable pieces of code as classes, objects, methods, or attributes. This programming approach is suitable for larger and more complex programs such as mobile applications.  

Should you learn Python?

With Python, you can do anything from game development to statistical analyses. If you want to get into software or application development but are still deciding which specialization you'd like to pursue, consider learning Python. You can use the following section to guide your decision.

Read more: Being a Python Developer: What They Can Do, Earn, and More

Key features of Python

Python has been around since 1991, giving it time to grow a community of developers and gain popularity [4]. While there are a lot of advantages for developers to learn Python for web development and software applications, there are two primary reasons:

• Python is versatile. Python is a very versatile and highly-utilized language. Python's versatility has led it to be used for everything from basic web development to complex AI systems and embedded projects. Furthermore, Python has the ability to act as a "glue" code that connects different programming components together to interact and run on every operating system.  

• Python is simple. Python's language structure is based in English syntax, making it easier for English-speaking programmers to read and comprehend compared to more numerical-based languages. Python is also an open-source programming language, which means anyone can download and use the source code for free.

Read more: How Long Does it Take to Learn Python?

Getting started with Python

When you're ready to learn Python, consider enrolling in an online course from an accredited university. With the Python for Everybody Specialization from the University of Michigan, you'll learn how to write your very own program.

4. C 

C is a multi-paradigm, procedural language. It supports structured programming, meaning it’s a low-level language that doesn’t require a lot of runtime to support. This makes C a great language for operating systems, hardware drivers, and kernel-level software. C has two extensions:

• C# (pronounced C sharp). C# is a high-level, object-oriented programming language that compiles into byte code instead of machine code.

• C++ (pronounced C plus plus). C++ was created by Bjarne Stroustop to build upon C by adding object-oriented programming abilities without subtracting the speed and ease of use that C is known for. It's considered to be a General Purpose Programming Language (GPL).

Read more: C# vs. Java: Which to Choose?

Should you learn C?

This high-level language is one of the oldest and most widely used software programming languages. Many consider learning C essential to understanding computer architecture, networks, and operating systems. You can learn more about why you might benefit from learning C in the following section.

Key features of C

While there are a lot of compelling reasons to learn C, the reason it may be so popular comes down to communication. C allows developers to easily speak with one another as well as with their machine(s). Let's look at these reasons a bit more closely:

• C is great for collaboration. C has been called the common language of programmers. So, by learning it you’ll be able to easily speak and interact with developers of different levels and fields.

• C is portable and efficient. C is popular because it allows developers to speak to programs easily and efficiently. Programmers use C because popular programs from Windows and Linux to iOS use it. In addition, since it’s one of the oldest programming languages, it serves as backbone code for many older and newer applications that may want to interact with older technology. 

Getting started with C

You can master programming fundamentals, learn about the software development life cycle (SDLC), and gain problem-solving skills in C with Duke University's Introductory C Programming Specialization.

Other popular programming languages

Some other programming languages to consider learning once you’ve mastered the basics include:

• Java

• TypeScript

• Perl

• Bash

• R

• SQL

• PHP

How to start learning a new programming language

Stepan Furdei, a software engineer at Meta, says his master's degree in computer science put him on the right track in his career, "however self-education accounted for more than 90 percent of my success."

"Over my 17 years of engineering, the technologies changed so much that I wouldn't fit anywhere these days if I didn't keep continuously pushing, exploring new technologies as they came up, and always striving to do better," says Stepan Furdei, a software engineer at Meta. "I can't think of any successful engineer who wouldn't do that."

Here are some options for learning a new programming language:

• Bootcamps. Bootcamp courses take a more accelerated and intense approach to learning how to code. Depending on the subject, they may last a week or a couple of months. These courses may often be offered by companies and universities to accelerate learning in a streamlined manner. 

• Degree programs. Degree programs in computer science and computer engineering often include programming coursework where you may learn about other valuable software skills, including web development and hardware applications. 

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