The Most Popular Programming Languages – 1965/2023 – New Update

What are the most popular programming languages from 1965 to 2023? In today’s article, we will look at the most popular programming languages throughout history. Starting with the most widely used early programming languages such as Algol, APL1, Fortren and others, we will look at the most popular programming languages in 2021 and 2023. These include Java, Python, C++, C and many others.

The Rise of the Most Popular Programming Languages in 2023

In the ever-evolving realm of technology, the quest to identify the most popular programming languages is one that perpetually captivates the minds of developers, students, and tech enthusiasts. 2023 has seen a dynamic shift in preferences, but some languages have maintained their stronghold amidst the changing tides. The prominence of these languages often reflects the demands of the industry, offering insights into current and emerging trends.

Python: The Undisputed Champion

For several consecutive years, Python has reigned supreme as one of the most popular programming languages. Its versatility is unmatched, catering to web developers, data scientists, and AI specialists alike. The concise syntax and vast library support have rendered it the go-to choice for beginners and professionals. Whether you’re automating mundane tasks, delving deep into machine learning, or simply building a dynamic website, Python’s prowess is undeniable.

JavaScript and its Web Dominance

No discussion about the most popular programming languages would be complete without mentioning JavaScript. As the backbone of web interactivity, JavaScript, coupled with frameworks like React and Vue, has transformed our online experiences. Its ubiquity on the web and continued support from major tech giants make it an essential language for any aspiring web developer.

Java: The Evergreen Giant

Java, with its “Write Once, Run Anywhere” mantra, has consistently been a stalwart in the programming world. Trusted by massive enterprises and beloved by Android app developers, its object-oriented nature and robust performance capabilities make it indispensable. Even as newer languages emerge, Java’s consistency and vast community ensure it remains a top contender in the popularity charts.

Emerging Contenders: Rust, Go, and More

While some languages enjoy enduring fame, newer entrants like Rust and Go are rapidly gaining traction. Praised for their performance and security features, these languages are increasingly being adopted in system programming and large-scale applications. As industries evolve, the popularity of these languages is testament to the tech world’s continuous pursuit of innovation and efficiency.

Most popular programming 2023

  • Python: 28.51;
  • JavaScript: 23.64;
  • Java: 18.88;
  • C#: 8.18;
  • Typescript: 7.59;
    PHP: 6.38;
  • C++: 5.91;
    C: 5.53;
  • Go: 5.29;
  • Kotlin: 3.46

The most used programming languages in the 60s and 70s

But what were the most successful programming languages in the 1950s and 1960s? Among the first programming languages we find Fortran. Fortran was a programming language born in 1957. It was developed starting in the early 1950s and published later in 1957. The strength of this program lies in its numerous application programs, function libraries. Among other things Fortran is still one of the most widely used programming languages despite being on the market for over 63 years.

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Cover of The Fortran Automatic Coding System for the IBM 704 EDPM, Wikipedia

Another program that was very successful was Cobol. Designed in the late 50s, precisely in 1959, it was officially published in 1961. Again, the program is still in use today (the latest version is from 2014). Cobol was designed by Grace Hopper, computer scientist and programming pioneer, who with the support of the U.S. Department of Defense, created a portable programming language capable of processing data.

Programming languages – Through the Years

If in 1950 and 1960 programming languages could be counted on the fingers, now there are thousands. From the simplest to the most complicated. In this infographic made by the website “The Software Guild”, you can see the evolution of programming languages from the 1950s to the 2010s. In fact, this visual map shows how programming languages are almost a family tree. I think it’s a very useful infographic to see how over time some programming languages we use now are “children” of the 1950s and 1960s.

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https://thesoftwareguild.com/blog/history-of-programming-languages
Data Source

The source of the starting data is the video and the calculation made by Data is Beautiful which has realized a popularity index on GitHub and other national surveys. To this data has been added the value of the 2020 data. The Y-axis is a value relativized specifically to create the data.

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