The Most In-Demand Programming Languages for Job Seekers
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Understanding Programming Language Demand
Many programmers often choose which language to learn based on its popularity, a strategy that can lead to misguided decisions. This reliance on ranking platforms has resulted in a divided community, with some insisting that the TIOBE index is flawed while others dismiss the PYPL Popularity index as inferior. The prevalent belief is that a language's popularity corresponds directly to its demand in the job market.
In this article, we aim to clarify this misconception by examining the programming languages that recruiters truly seek, independent of popularity rankings.
SQL: The Top Language in Demand
A review of 19 programming languages across seven job boards, including freelance sites, revealed that SQL consistently ranked as the most sought-after language. Interestingly, SQL does not appear in the PYPL rankings and holds only the 10th position in TIOBE.
Here are the findings:
- Indeed: 203,961 jobs
- Glassdoor: 86,231 jobs
- LinkedIn: 1,182,629 jobs
- Flexjobs: 2,665 jobs
- SimplyHired: 102,059 jobs
- Upwork: 6,808 jobs
- Freelancer: 204 jobs
Total: 1,584,557 listings
Most database-related positions require SQL proficiency. If you're prioritizing market demand, SQL is the language to focus on.
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Bash/Shell: The Least Requested Language
Among the 19 languages analyzed, Bash/Shell received the fewest recruiter requests:
- Indeed: 4,806 jobs
- Glassdoor: 2,189 jobs
- LinkedIn: 9,718 jobs
- Flexjobs: 17 jobs
- SimplyHired: 2,406 jobs
- Upwork: 309 jobs
- Freelancer: 34 jobs
Total: 19,479 listings
Despite its low demand, mastering Bash/Shell could reduce competition for jobs.
Python: A Popular Choice
Python is widely regarded as a favorite among programmers. While it ranks first in popularity on both TIOBE and PYPL, it does not secure the top position in demand. Here’s how Python measures up:
- Indeed: 218,173 jobs
- Glassdoor: 72,294 jobs
- LinkedIn: 877,403 jobs
- Flexjobs: 2,075 jobs
- SimplyHired: 97,554 jobs
- Upwork: 15,327 jobs
- Freelancer: 309 jobs
Total: 1,283,135 listings
Although Python is a top contender, the high competition means securing a job might not be as straightforward.
Rust: The Second Lowest in Demand
Rust was found to have the second-lowest number of recruiter requests, slightly above Bash/Shell:
- Indeed: 9,302 jobs
- Glassdoor: 2,825 jobs
- LinkedIn: 7,431 jobs
- Flexjobs: 83 jobs
- SimplyHired: Not listed
- Upwork: 508 jobs
- Freelancer: 15 jobs
Total: 20,164 listings
Rust is increasingly gaining traction, being a modern language designed to address the limitations of C/C++. Despite its low demand, it offers numerous hidden advantages, including high salary potential.
Java: A Long-standing Favorite
Java remains a highly popular language, ranking 3rd on TIOBE and 2nd on PYPL. Here’s its demand breakdown:
- Indeed: 176,758 jobs
- Glassdoor: 46,506 jobs
- LinkedIn: 844,147 jobs
- Flexjobs: 1,481 jobs
- SimplyHired: 68,628 jobs
- Upwork: 8,515 jobs
- Freelancer: 210 jobs
Total: 1,146,245 listings
While Java is consistently in demand, it faces strong competition, and newer languages like Kotlin are emerging as more favorable alternatives.
Swift: The Third Least Requested Language
Swift ranks 14th and 10th on TIOBE and PYPL, respectively, but it is the third lowest in terms of recruiter interest:
- LinkedIn: 19,734 jobs
- Flexjobs: 338 jobs
- Upwork: 1,502 jobs
Total: 21,624 listings
Despite its lower rankings, Swift is invaluable for mobile app development and is Apple's preferred choice for iOS applications.
JavaScript: A Strong Candidate
Contrary to expectations, JavaScript does not dominate the top ranks but remains in high demand due to frameworks like Node.js:
- Indeed: 149,863 jobs
- Glassdoor: 51,597 jobs
- LinkedIn: 791,445 jobs
Total: 1,097,282 listings
JavaScript is essential for front-end development, making it a worthwhile language to master.
Kotlin: The Modern Language
Despite Android being the most widely used OS, Kotlin surprisingly ranks among the least demanded:
- Indeed: 9,966 jobs
- Glassdoor: 2,550 jobs
- LinkedIn: 16,064 jobs
Total: 33,315 listings
Kotlin is Google's primary language for Android development, making it a smart choice for future career prospects.
C/C++: The Established Languages
C and C++ rank high on both TIOBE and PYPL, but they may not be the best choices for job seekers:
- Indeed: 89,808 jobs
- LinkedIn: 745,973 jobs
Total: 878,783 listings
While C/C++ have a strong presence, their drawbacks make them less competitive compared to modern languages.
Objective-C: A Language on the Decline
Objective-C's days are numbered as Apple shifts towards Swift. Here’s how it compares:
- Glassdoor: 25,384 jobs
- LinkedIn: 7,192 jobs
Total: 33,398 listings
Mastering Objective-C may provide short-term benefits, but its future seems bleak.
C#: A Balanced Choice
C# ranks well on TIOBE and PYPL, but its job market demand is moderate:
- Indeed: 101,458 jobs
- LinkedIn: 179,830 jobs
Total: 366,711 listings
Though C# is a viable option, modern alternatives like Rust may offer better prospects.
Go: A Language to Watch
Go has shown promise as a modern language with increasing relevance:
- Indeed: 9,049 jobs
- LinkedIn: 22,266 jobs
Total: 38,040 listings
As it continues to grow, mastering Go could lead to lucrative opportunities.
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