Gone are the days of SPS, SAS, and Strata. As demand for programmers, software engineers, web developers, and other technology sector professionals grows, so too does the need for programming languages that precisely instruct our laptops, cellphones, and other devices to work as if by magic.

By “speaking” to the computer in programming language it can understand the scope of what is possible is as infinite as the programmer communicating with it. Each language serves its own purpose to allow coders the ability to create a symphony of programs ready to meet just the right moment and become something that has the power to change the world.

It goes without saying that 2020 has presented the programming industry with a whole host of new challenges. From pivoting to work-from-home models across industries to mining data in the search for a cure for COVID-19, programming languages are uniquely positioned to tackle the new world that we are living in.

However, not all programming languages are created equal and with seemingly limitless options to choose from finding the programming language that works best for your needs can feel as daunting as trying to fix someone else’s source code.

Some of the Most Used Programming Languages in 2021

1. JavaScript

   Elegant in its simplicity, JavaScript has become one of the most recognizable programming languages in use today. Described as an intrepid programming language, its ability to work alongside other coding languages and speed up the execution of a program saves time for seamless server connectivity.

   As a client-side script, JavaScript can handle on-browser data-validation making it possible to isolate discrepancies so that a browser needs only reload the selected segment of the page rather than the website as a whole.

   JavaScript is able to do all this with a reduced code length to further improve the functionality of web applications and websites. It’s no wonder it has become popular with the likes of Amazon, Google, and PayPal just to name a few.

   On the flip side, JavaScript security can be called into question as the code is able to be viewed by the user. This leaves the programming language open to those who want to do their own patch as well as those who would dig into the code and use it for their own malicious intent.

   In many cases, this includes using the source code without needing authentication allowing those looking for an in to insert their own code into a website potentially compromising the website’s data security.

   This is further exacerbated due to JavaScript’s lack of debugging facilities. Browsers supported by JavaScript do not inherently show when an error has occurred making it difficult for programmers and developers to determine the problem, isolate it, and create a fix that protects the compromised source code.

2. Python

   With over 30 years of use as a programming language, Python’s popularity has only continued to grow thanks to its reputation as a high-level, general-purpose programming language that is notably dynamic.

   Its ability to suppose compelling programming has made it so that it can be found in everything from desktop apps to network servers and large projects from companies like Microsoft, Netflix, and NASA.

   Its adoption across industries can be pinpointed to its easy-to-use and readable programming language that is quick to develop. Python is also free to download allowing for novice and professional programmers alike to start writing code in minutes.

   Without question, Python’s dynamic programming language has played no small part in setting it on a trajectory to become the fastest-growing programming language in the industry.

   With such a long list of positives, it seems like a no brainer to use Python for whatever programming project comes your way. Yet, even with a programming language as exciting as Python, it’s important to consider some of the ways in which it falls short.

   Because it is an interpreted language, Python tends to run slower than some of its competitors which can be a problem depending on the speed with which a project needs to be completed.

   The most glaring pitfall of Python is the fact that it is not a native programming language to the mobile environment. While this does not mean that it can’t be used for mobile projects, it is not currently supported by iOS or Android as an official language making implementing it requires additional effort by the programmer.

3. R programming language

   As with Python, R programming language has been coveted by universities and research institutes for years reaching a fever pitch in 2020 for the coding languages’ statistical analysis and data mining all in the hopes of using it to find a cure for COVID-19. Coronavirus aside,  R’s purpose-built for large data sets and is open-source allowing for it to be used without any license or fee.

   This has created a large community of R programming language users that contribute to an environment of free-flowing ideas. R’s status as an independent machine has made it so that it is able to support cross-platform operation across operating platforms like Mac OS X, Linxus, and Windows.

   One of R programming language’s most notable drawbacks is its steep learning curve. This is predominantly due to the fact that it was created by statisticians making its syntax and data types different from other programming languages. R is also not concerned with memory management which quickly results in the programming language taking up all available space.

   Its flexible syntax means that programmers and developers must be diligent and write proper code or they run the risk of creating a messy, complicated code to go back and debug.

   R also lacks basic security measures and has no dedicated support team creating the potential for malicious changes to the source code without anyone who is an expert in the programming language to assist in figuring out what the error might be.

4. HTML5

   Chances are that the first programming language you were introduced to as HTML. And why not? Its ability to provide rich media support and enhance the user experience by supporting the creation of web applications, users’ local data, and servers easier than ever before makes it a force to be reckoned with.

   On the scene for several years, HTML5 has seen an increase in usage by programmers and developers eager to use the programming language for its support of video and audio through its CANVAS element.

   CANVAS easily allows programmers to turn plain web pages into dynamic web applications that easily go from desktop to use on smartphones and tablets. Because of this, CANVAS has risen to become the truest alternative to Flash allowing for programmers to move away from relying on software and plug-in.

   All of the capabilities that HTML5 brings to the table are dampened by the fact that it lacks browser support like that of Internet Explorer–one of the most widely used web browsers. HTML5 also runs into problems when it comes to the stability of the programming language.

   The language is still considered a work-in-progress leaving it open to changes at any time making it difficult to know just what will be stable and what will end up on the chopping block. Media licensing has also cropped up as a problem for those using HTML5.

   Because of these media licensing issues, rich media must be compressed into various formats to ensure it is compatible with most browsers creating more work for the programmer or developer.

   The ever-changing landscape of the next few years is one filled with the possibility of innovation that could change the world making it an exciting time to dig into some of the most used programming languages in 2020. All that’s left to do is find the programming language that will help your next great idea become a reality.