When we set out to create a list of the top 100 programming languages, we knew we were in for a substantial undertaking. Even though most developers rely on around 20 languages, there are still numerous languages being used today.
It didn’t take us long to realize that presenting a comprehensive view of such a vast topic could be challenging. How could we possibly categorize the top 100 programming languages? Is there a hierarchy of significance among them? And how could we establish a standardized set of criteria for classifying them? These were the queries that arose in the planning phase, and we’ve managed to devise a solution.
We had to make a few tweaks, particularly deviating from the typical topic order. It was crucial to not assume that C is more sophisticated than Java or Python solely because it is addressed initially.
To determine which languages were appropriate, we referred to the TIOBE Index (although there are numerous programming languages accessible, we had to set a cap). For those unfamiliar with it, the TIOBE Index is a well-known metric used to gauge the popularity of different programming languages. Click on the provided link to learn more.
After much discussion, we arrived at a definition of a programming language. We ultimately decided to utilize the following description from Wikipedia as our basis:
As per Wikipedia, a programming language is a structured language that includes a series of instructions for producing various types of output. These instructions must be executed sequentially in order to execute computer-based algorithms.
To maximize its usefulness, we’ve updated the TIOBE Index to include only Works-approved languages. By doing so, we are certain that we have included all of the top 100 programming languages worldwide. We guarantee that we’ll delve into the most essential ones and provide a rationale for their prevalence.
With the required preparations in place, we’re ready to embark on this overview that will offer insights into each programming language and the potential advantages of using them.
Here are the top 50 essential programming languages:
C
Many regard C as the most influential programming language of all time. It’s indisputable that C has influenced the development of languages such as C++, C#, Objective C, Java, Python, and JavaScript. C provided many of the foundational features that are used by these languages today, particularly its control structures. Moreover, C was the first high-level language, making it possible to develop complex software with less expertise than previously required.
The well-deserved reputation of C stems from its ability to provide nearly limitless potential, as demonstrated at least since Unix version 4. Modern operating systems, language compilers and interpreters, drivers, and utilities are still largely written in this versatile language.Java
The popularity of Java can be attributed, in large part, to its adherence to the “write once, run anywhere” (WORA) philosophy. This means that programs written in Java can be executed on any platform that supports the language, without requiring any additional programming or recompilation. The Java Runtime Environment (JRE) allows for this by functioning within a Virtual Machine, enabling it to simultaneously run on numerous operating systems.
Java is an excellent programming language for a wide variety of tasks due to its extensive range of applications. It is utilized in Android and web development, game development, big data tools, and scientific platforms.Python
When asked which programming language to learn first, the answer is frequently Python. This is because the language emphasizes readability, user-friendliness, and versatility, making it an excellent choice for beginners, as it can be applied to a wide range of tasks.
Python is renowned for its versatility, allowing it to be used for developing diverse applications and games. It is particularly well-suited for specific tasks such as data analysis, scripting, and scientific research, which is why it’s a preferred choice for professionals working in these fields. However, Python is also a great option for creating AI-based apps and web applications.C++
The goal behind the development of C++ was to fuse the high-level features with the low-level features of C. Since its inception, C++ has undergone significant advancements by incorporating object-oriented, generic, and functional approaches. It is a compiled language and can be compiled using various compilers for use on multiple platforms.
C++ is a widely used programming language for system development and embedded systems due to its superior performance compared to its predecessor. As a result, it is commonly used in developing device drivers, gaming engines, image and audio software, telecommunications networks, and interpreters.C#
C# is an improved version of the C programming language, with added object-oriented features. It was created as part of Microsoft’s .NET initiative and is currently the primary language for .NET development.
C# is a versatile programming language, with a particular focus on developing software for Microsoft Windows. With the help of cross-platform tools like Xamarin, it’s also possible to build native mobile applications for a variety of devices.JavaScript
JavaScript has been an essential component of most websites, providing dynamic updates to styles, menu animation without the need for page reloading, and form input validation without leaving the page. Moreover, it can be used to create games, server programs, and mobile applications.
JavaScript is primarily used for client-side page behavior modification in modern websites. Furthermore, it’s not limited to front-end development; it can also be used for back-end and server-side development with Node.js.PHP
PHP often comes up when discussing server-side development, as it’s currently the most widely used language for creating server-based applications. This versatile programming language can handle cookie processing, gather data from web forms, and create dynamic content. While primarily used for web development, PHP can do much more than that.
PHP scripting is an excellent option for simple processing or command-line tasks, as it only necessitates a PHP parser to run. Experienced PHP users can even create desktop applications with it, although a deeper understanding of the language is required. PHP is straightforward to learn due to its gradual learning curve, making it an ideal language for novice programmers.VB.NET
Although C# is becoming increasingly popular among .NET programmers, Visual Basic still enjoys widespread use. This object-oriented, multi-paradigm language offers various advantages over its predecessor; it’s easy to learn, dependable, and highly scalable. Furthermore, it provides complete access to the .NET libraries.
Because it’s built on the .NET framework, VB.NET can be used to quickly develop applications for desktop computers, web browsers, and mobile devices.R
No wonder R has gained immense popularity among software developers, especially in the booming fields of data science and statistics. R boasts an impressive library that enables it to execute an extensive array of statistical and graphical methods such as clustering, linear and nonlinear modelling, classification, and much more.
Statisticians and data miners rely on R to perform statistical analyses and create top-quality data visualizations. Its versatility and availability of a wide range of add-ons has made R a popular choice for managing large datasets compared to other tools.SQL
SQL is an extensively used programming language that plays a crucial role in modern technology. It is used to build and control databases, as well as perform operations such as adding, modifying, and retrieving data from them.
SQL’s widespread adoption is due to its familiarity among engineers, enabling them to manage relational databases in contemporary IT environments like cloud-native systems and virtual networks. This is why SQL is often the go-to choice for working with data in a database.Go
Swift
If you’re interested in developing applications for iOS devices, then learning Swift is a must. Developed by Apple, this language is compatible with various Apple operating systems such as iOS, OS X, watchOS, tvOS and Linux. It is heavily inspired by both C and Objective-C but is also backwards compatible.
Swift is a high-performance, general-purpose language that is compatible with Apple’s Cocoa and Cocoa Touch frameworks as well as existing Objective-C code. It is Apple’s recommended language for app development, providing robust security and promoting good software architecture.Perl
Perl has been a widely used programming language for over forty years and has gained the nickname ‘the swiss army knife’ of programming. Its high-level, interpreted, and dynamic nature makes it suitable for both rapid prototyping and large-scale software development projects, and it is compatible with over one hundred platforms. Initially designed for text editing, Perl has since found applications in Linux system management, network programming, web development, and much more.
It’s worth noting that the term “Perl” may refer to the Perl family of languages, including Raku (formerly known as Perl 6). The original Perl team continues to work on its development, while Raku is now recognized as an independent programming language with its own development team and timeline.Self-assembly Code
Assembly language is a low-level programming language that is as close to processor instructions as possible, providing a minimal abstraction from computer architecture. As a result, it’s sometimes referred to as symbolic machine code.
An assembler is a specialized processor responsible for converting assembly code into machine code, allowing the processor to execute it. Since assembly is reliant on machine instructions, each assembler is designed for a specific computer architecture. While the significance of assembly language in modern times is debatable, it can be extremely beneficial in particular contexts, such as when speed or size optimization is necessary, when developing drivers, or in cases with tight time constraints, such as real-time simulators.Ruby
Ruby, which is described as a language of “meticulous balance” on its official website, has its features drawn from diverse programming languages such as Eiffel, Ada, Lisp, Smalltalk, and Perl. Its developers have complete freedom to modify or remove any aspect of this high-level, interpreted, and general-purpose language.
MATLAB
The MATLAB programming language is a potent option for technical and scientific applications. Being matrix-based, it allows for the most natural expression of sophisticated computational mathematics. Based on a proprietary platform, MATLAB enables users to work with matrices, implement data, and plot functions.
MATLAB is an invaluable resource for data analysts, programmers, and mathematicians involved in the development of algorithms, models, and applications. It provides an accessible environment with straightforward yet powerful calculation and visualization tools, allowing users to create sophisticated results that are easily understandable to those with a mathematical background.The Original Visual Basic
It’s impressive that Classic Visual Basic still ranks among the top 20 programming languages, as per the TIOBE Index, despite Microsoft declaring it obsolete in 2008. Nevertheless, it seems many developers still depend on it to maintain crucial legacy systems.
Historically, Visual Basic (especially after the VB community began creating their own components) proved to be a successful approach for developing Microsoft-focused applications by using the platform’s components. Unfortunately, currently, only developers who need it for a specific project and have expertise in other languages should consider learning it. We anticipate that Classic VB will be phased out in the foreseeable future, but it’s being maintained for archival purposes.Groovy in Apache
Apache Groovy is an object-oriented language that operates on the Java platform and provides syntactic compatibility with Java. Groovy shares some characteristics with other languages such as Python, Ruby, and Smalltalk, primarily due to its capability for static and dynamic programming. Furthermore, it is compatible with other Java programs and libraries, as it uses the Java Virtual Machine, making it even more useful.
Apache Groovy is a powerful tool that can enhance the performance of any Java project. It offers features such as scripting, domain-specific language creation, metaprogramming, and functional programming, making it an ideal “Java enhancer.” As a result, it provides greater flexibility and robustness for programmers working with Java.Objective-C
Objective-C is a high-level programming language that builds on C, incorporating syntax and functionality from Smalltalk. Since all C programs will run in an Objective-C compiler, it can be seen as a C superset. Initially, it was developed to bring Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) to C, but it has since evolved into its own language.
Given its advantageous features, Objective-C was previously theRust
Rust has been recurrently featured as one of the most favored programming languages in Stack Overflow’s Developer Surveys. This is due to its multi-paradigm approach that emphasizes efficiency and security. Rust’s powerful compiler extensively validates variables and memory locations, enabling developers to create efficient and idiomatic code.
Thanks to its swift performance, reliable memory management, and adaptable parallelism, Rust has become a popular choice among developers. It can be used for an array of applications, such as game engines, operating systems, browser extensions, and file systems, to mention a few.
Historically Significant, Emerging, and Infrequently Taught Languages
SAS
Designed explicitly to conduct statistical data analysis, this programming language can handle various database and spreadsheet formats. SAS collects the data, performs analyses, and presents results via diverse visualizations, textual formats, and web-based publications. Its ability to effectively handle and process vast amounts of data makes it a popular choice amongst governmental and academic institutions.Scratch
In recent times, there has been an increased emphasis from institutions such as governments, universities, and corporations on introducing young people to computer programming. Scratch is a free, visual programming language based on Smalltalk, expressly designed for children aged 8 to 16. It allows them to learn the basics of programming and systematic thinking by creating interactive media such as stories, games, and animations.D
D is an alternative programming language designed to tackle some of the challenges encountered in C. Although similar to C++ and an object-oriented language, D does not maintain backward compatibility with C.Dart
Dart is a programming language developed by Google for building web, server, and mobile applications. Its source code is compiled similarly to JavaScript, and it operates on the Dart Virtual Machine. Though Dart has been around for a while, it has recently gained popularity, especially after Google released Flutter for native Android development.PL/SQL
Database management entails more than just SQL; therefore, a procedural language that incorporates SQL, such as PL/SQL, is crucial. PL/SQL introduces additional procedural programming concepts such as conditionals, loops, functions, objects, types, and more. Since it is developed by Oracle, it is entirely compatible with the company’s databases.Logo
Individuals of a certain era may remember Logo, one of the earliest programming languages created for teaching children how to code. Many of us utilized a tiny turtle to learn how to write code on a terminal that could create numerous shapes and patterns with our instructions. Despite its potential to develop graphics, multimedia presentations, and games of professional-level quality, some individuals have referred to Logo as “Lisp for kids.”Delphi
Delphi, also known as Object Pascal, is a language and integrated development environment (IDE) created to facilitate quick application development. As a successor to Turbo Pascal, which was recognized for fast compilation times, Delphi expanded the language’s abilities to include object-oriented programming, making it an optimal choice for developing desktop, mobile, web, and console applications.COBOL
COBOL (Common Business Oriented Language) is one of the initial high-level programming languages still being utilized even today. Its prevalence primarily results from its ability to uphold and enhance prevailing corporate, financial, and administrative systems. Despite the possibility of its disappearance, its remarkable performance on mainframes assists in maintaining its usefulness as a language.Kotlin
Kotlin is a cross-platform, general-purpose programming language that Google has adopted for Android development. Its popularity primarily results from its numerous advantages, including greater compactness than Java, ease of learning, and fewer errors, making it a favourable substitute for Java.OpenEdge ABL Use Cases
OpenEdge ABL is a high-abstraction, fourth-generation programming language developed for enterprise application development. Its primary goal is to ensure maximum accessibility, offering all the necessary tools for Rapid Application Development, making it a suitable option for developing basic prototypes and interfaces for complex systems.Julia
The new and dynamic programming language, Julia, has recently gained popularity. Although widely applicable, it is particularly suitable for computational science projects, thanks to its built-in support for linear algebra, regular expression matching, and floating-point computations. Developers working on numerical analysis projects may benefit from using Julia as a convenient option.ABAP
ABAP, short for Advanced Business Application Programming language, is crucial for developing business-oriented applications and SAP software. The company behind the language happens to be the same name as the language itself.Scala
Scala is believed to share several similarities with Java, and that might just be true. Both languages are object-oriented, run on the Java Virtual Machine (JVM), and leverage Java’s library. However, Scala distinguishes itself from Java, as it is endowed with functional programming capabilities, a more compact syntax, and an increased level of readability.Transact-SQL
Transact-SQL (T-SQL) is a Microsoft and Sybase-created extension of SQL, employed for communicating with relational database management systems. Since Microsoft SQL Server is the most commonly used database management system, T-SQL is indispensable for programmers working on this platform. All interactions with this system are conducted via T-SQL statements, rendering this language highly favoured among its intended audience; indeed, it is considered a necessity.Scheme
Scheme is often regarded as a mere variation of Lisp, although we contend that it is far more than that. While it boasts a succinct core and various practical features, Scheme could be seen as less intricate compared to other Lisp versions. This minimalistic attribute can be viewed as both an advantage and a disadvantage, depending on the use case. As a matter of fact, several educators highly endorse it, and some engineers even consider it their preferred option for scripting and designing embedded systems.Prolog
Prolog differs from other programming languages by adopting a logic programming methodology. This approach means that a program’s logic is expressed through the connections between facts and rules, as opposed to the procedural logic used by many other languages. The logic is then used to interpret queries, making Prolog usable in Natural Language Processing and Artificial Intelligence projects.Ada
It is widely believed that Ada Lovelace (also known as the “Enchantress of Numbers”) wrote the first computer program, although this has yet to be officially confirmed. What is certain, however, is that the Enchantress had a significant impact on French programmers who, building on Pascal, created Ada – a high-level, object-oriented programming language. Although not the most popular language, the French development team placed a strong focus on security, particularly since the language was commissioned by the US Department of Defense.Lisp
Let us now delve into Lisp, one of the oldest high-level programming languages still in use today. Lisp is a group of languages which share the same revolutionary concepts, including tree data structures, dynamic typing, recursion, and higher-order functions. Over time, Lisp has been utilized for various purposes. Nonetheless, its continued importance is evidenced by the fact that numerous developers in the fields of artificial intelligence and machine learning have made it their primary tool of choice.Apex
Salesforce has developed its own exclusive programming language, Apex, to manage transactions, flow statements, and API requests. Apex is comparable to other object-oriented languages like Java and C#, enabling Salesforce developers to incorporate business logic into various system events. The primary benefit of Apex is what allures software professionals to use it with Salesforce.Lua
Lua continues to be one of the most efficient programming languages for expanding software systems and attaining more flexibility. Its architecture concentrates on effectiveness, portability, and simplicity, making it an ideal option for those with limited time and resources. Furthermore, Lua’s ability to operate on various operating systems is a substantial advantage that significantly amplifies its usefulness.Fortran
For more than sixty years, Fortran has remained a highly pertinent and favoured language, especially in areas such as mathematical computations, scientific computing, computational fluid dynamics, geophysics, and finite element analysis. Its exceptional performance in computationally intense applications has secured its position as the preferred language for numerous benchmarking programs. Developed by IBM as a general-purpose, imperative language, Fortran remains a dependable and efficient language for professionals.Haskell
Haskell is a fully functional, multi-paradigm, general-purpose programming language that is famed for being the inspiration for several other languages. Its functions are “purely functional,” signifying that they do not presume anything about the global or local state, aside from what is supplied by the function’s arguments. This straightforwardness has made Haskell a popular option for both academic and industrial applications.Hack
Hack is a programming language introduced by Facebook to enhance PHP. It includes static typing, new type rules, and enhances support for current type hints, enabling developers to use gradual typing and both dynamic and static typing. While it may not be the most extensively used language, Hack presents a tremendous opportunity for developers to benefit from its capabilities.VBScript
VBScript is a proprietary scripting language produced by Microsoft for web development. As JavaScript is widely adopted, VBScript is mainly utilised for Microsoft-centric applications and system development. As a result, VBScript is frequently employed by systems administrators, unit testers, developers of embedded programs, and creators of macros for Microsoft products.PC Software: Visual FoxPro
Although Microsoft rolled out the final version of Visual FoxPro in 2007, there is still a vibrant community that appreciates it for creating database applications. Despite the fact that Visual FoxPro is no longer employed for the development of many modern programs, numerous legacy systems have been established using it and are still running efficiently, requiring ongoing maintenance.TypeScript
TypeScript by Microsoft is a JavaScript extension that allows users to utilize any existing JavaScript-based application. It is a superset of JavaScript, providing the option of using it in place of JavaScript. Its development was driven by the desire to equip developers with a means of building extensive JavaScript programs that could execute on both the client and server.AWK
AWK is a distinct programming language that was developed in the 1970s and continues to be employed today. Though it is a restricted language, it is beneficial for processing large volumes of text in real-time, with the intention of generating new data or modifying existing text. This makes it a priceless tool for individuals who need to manipulate significant amounts of text.ActionScript
ActionScript, a JavaScript superset, is still popular among developers, demonstrated by its high ranking on the TIOBE Index. It was originally developed to build Adobe Flash Player-based online and desktop applications. Flash was commonly used on the web to generate animations and interactive features that were not possible using other means. However, with the appearance of HTML5, Flash has taken a back seat. Unfortunately, ActionScript is now regarded as an outdated language.Tcl
Tcl, pronounced “tickle”, is a high-level, general-purpose programming language that is recognized for its simplicity. The language applies control structures such as “for” and “if” as commands, allowing developers to exercise a substantial level of control and flexibility with the ability to modify almost anything with only a few instructions. These capabilities make Tcl a valuable asset for programmers engaged in rapid prototyping, application development, and quality assurance.Smalltalk
Smalltalk has heavily influenced the Model-View-Controller (MVC) paradigm for graphical user interface (GUI) development, ushering in a new epoch in user interface design. Despite its significance, though, most developers have moved on to other programming languages. One of Smalltalk’s current draws is the abundance of development frameworks, like Seaside, making it easier for programmers to create web applications.
50 Other Languages That Are Worth Mentioning
Although they may not possess the largest user bases, the most diverse range of applications, or prominent brands investing in them, there are numerous other programming languages that are worth considering, in addition to the ones already mentioned. These languages run the gamut from widely recognized to classical, promising, and nearly extinct.
ABC
ABC is a general-purpose programming language and integrated development environment (IDE), designed to replace BASIC, Pascal and AWK for teaching and prototyping. ABC played a pivotal role in the development of Python.Alice
This visual programming language is a subset of Standard ML that uses 3D objects and point-and-click logic to teach the basics of computer programming to beginners and young users.APL
The name “A Programming Language” (APL) may seem misleading, as it is one of the most unconventional languages in existence. This is mainly due to the usage of a varied set of visual symbols for its functions and operators.AutoLISP
AutoLISP is a programming language descended from the Lisp family, expressly crafted to interact with AutoCAD and its associated systems. It serves the primary purpose of executing geometric operations.Bash
Bourne Again Shell (or Bash) is a command language that is compatible with the ‘sh’ shell and operates in a window environment. Since its inception, it has become the default login shell for most Linux distributions.bc
BC (short for ‘Basic Calculator’ or ‘Bench Calculator’, depending on the source) is a language for arbitrary-precision calculation utilized for mathematical programming, given its ability to compute with numbers whose digit accuracy is only constrained by the amount of available memory.A Bourne Shell Example
Bash was originally an acronym for “Bourne Again Shell.” This joke works because it shares many similarities with Bash in terms of taking, processing, and producing results from commands, which can then be used in programming.C Shell
The C shell is a supplementary shell option that executes in a window and processes user input. Because it is based on the C programming language, it is regarded as being more accessible and easier to use than others.Clipper
Clipper is a compiler that enables programs written in various xBase dialects to be adapted for use on modern computers. It is widely used in commercial and database applications, and can also serve as a general-purpose programming language.Clojure
Clojure is a general-purpose programming language that blends scripting approaches with a robust framework for writing applications that can utilize multiple processors simultaneously. It is a subset of Lisp and has gained prominence in recent times, owing to its usage in artistic computing and endorsements from influential individuals.CoffeeScript
CoffeeScript is a concise language that removes the necessity for runtime interpretation, making code more straightforward and compiling it into JavaScript. This may appear peculiar because it is not a direct translation of JavaScript; nevertheless, the fundamental idea of CoffeeScript is that “it’s just JavaScript.”Application of Common Lisp
Common Lisp, a variation of the Lisp programming language, is viewed as being superior to its predecessor, Maclisp. Common Lisp was created with the aim of merging the different Maclisp dialects into a singular language that could meet diverse programming needs, by incorporating aspects of procedural, functional, and object-oriented programming.Crystal
Crystal is an object-oriented, general-purpose language geared towards high performance, inspired by Ruby to combine its efficiency with the rapidity and nimbleness of compiled languages. As such, it may be an appealing option for Ruby programmers seeking to optimize efficiency.cT
cT was an algorithmic language created with a focus on multimedia, incorporating features such as support for coloured visuals, mouse interactivity, and video. It was a rival option to VPython for cross-platform multimedia application development; however, it was ultimately not embraced.Elixir
Elixir utilizes Erlang’s BEAM virtual machine, enabling it to function as a general-purpose language. It implements numerous abstractions similar to Erlang, resulting in improved productivity and a highly flexible infrastructure.Emacs Lisp
Emacs Lisp is a Lisp variation utilized as a programming language for the Emacs text editor. It has resemblances to Maclisp and was inspired by Common Lisp, making it an appropriate language for modifying and improving Emacs.Erlang
Erlang is a general-purpose programming language first created for the telecommunications industry but now commonly employed for building concurrent applications. Its functional, high-level characteristics enable it to handle numerous inputs at once, rendering it a viable option for developing telecom tools, web applications, distributed computing systems, and other comparable solutions.Euphoria
Euphoria is an imperative-procedural language aimed at being clear, quick, and straightforward. This has made it a favored option in areas like string and image processing, artificial intelligence and mathematical research, thanks to its ability to efficiently handle collections of data variables.F#
F# was developed by Microsoft with a focus on productivity and has since been made freely available to the public, resulting in it being used for a range of applications, including cloud computing, mathematics, statistics, and corporate programming.Forth
Forth is a procedural language that does not differentiate between types, featuring interactive command execution and compiled command sequences that can be saved and reused. It is chiefly employed in devices with hardware-dependent interfaces.Genie
The Genie high-level language was created as an attempt to offer a more effective and organized alternative to the Vala compiler. Aside from differing syntax, Genie and Vala are fundamentally identical. Consequently, Genie is more akin to modern languages like Python and Delphi.Icon
Icon is frequently considered a high-level language due to its graphical capabilities, although it is primarily designed to simplify the complexity of manipulating strings and structures. Its abstract syntax makes it an excellent option for composing concise yet potent programs for purposes such as text analysis, document formatting, and data cleansing.IDL
IDL (Interactive Data Language) is a programming language developed for analysis and visualization of data, widely utilized in astronomy, atmospheric physics, and medical imaging. It has similar syntax to PV-Wave.Inform
Inform is a unique programming language used for developing interactive narratives. It is both procedural and object-oriented and provides the essential structural components for building the foundation of your stories.Io
Io is an Object-Oriented language influenced by Smalltalk, Lua and Lisp. It was created to explore concept unification and dynamic languages, with greater importance given to ease of use and adaptability rather than speed.Korn Shell
Our Unix shell combines concepts from both the Bourne and C shell, resulting in a user-friendly system for beginners and commonly used in corporate settings. As a consequence, the Korn shell is the most prevalent.LabVIEW
LabVIEW is a graphical dataflow language that enables the creation of applications by combining visual “routines”. It was developed to simplify the creation of intricate tools without requiring coding skills and has the ability to interface with measurement and control devices.Step-by-Step Reasoning
In the past, the term “Ladder Logic” was employed to describe a technique for describing the layout and execution of relay racks, utilizing a set of symbols and their interconnections. The concept behind this language’s inception is laudable; it offers a graphical interpretation of a program. This has resulted in Ladder Logic being extensively applied in control systems for processing and manufacturing plants.LiveCode
LiveCode is known for its exceptional readability, thanks to its object-oriented, English-like approach. Additionally, developers have reported that LiveCode can reduce the length of code required to complete a project by as much as 90%, while preserving functionality. Applications for artificial intelligence, big data, and cryptography have all been effectively developed utilizing LiveCode.Maple
Maple is a multi-paradigm language that enables users to develop powerful programs for a variety of tasks, including symbolic and mathematical analysis, data processing, and visualization. It is capable of functioning in both symbolic and quantitative contexts.Mercury
Functional logic is often regarded as a declarative form of reasoning, and Mercury is no different. This feature makes Mercury similar to Prolog, but with robust types and modes. It also shares many characteristics with Haskell.ML
The acronym ML refers to the research field of programming languages. This is facilitated by the Hindley-Milner type system, which enables implicit type assignment to achieve type safety and removes the need for explicit annotations.MQL4
MQL4 is a high-level object-oriented programming language with a C++-based foundation, providing significant flexibility. This makes it ideal for building complex applications that necessitate extensive calculations. Additionally, the platform’s built-in functions for managing trading interactions make it a popular option for generating MetaTrader 4 platform trading robots, indicators, scripts, and libraries.NATURAL
NATURAL is a unique fourth-generation language that distinguishes itself from other proprietary languages. Traditional languages are reliant on procedural features, whereas in Natural Language Programming (NLP), the structure is more organized and less dependent on such attributes. NLP supports both interpretive and compiled modes and employs an identical system for both program development and execution. NLP was intended to work in conjunction with Adabas, a well-known database management system.NXT-G
This graphical language was designed specifically to operate with the LEGO Mindstorms NXT robotics set. Function blocks and “sequence beams” are simply dragged and dropped to manage it. It can communicate with components other than those manufactured by LEGO, making it an excellent learning tool for teaching children programming and even beginners in the robotics sector.OpenCL
Despite the assertion that OpenCL is more of a framework than a language, we stand by our choice to include it in the TIOBE Index. OpenCL enables developers to write code that can be executed across a range of processors and accelerators such as central processing units, graphics processing units, digital signal processors, field-programmable gate arrays, and more. It also provides a uniform protocol for communicating with accelerators employed in cloud servers, mobile devices, embedded systems, and other types of parallel computing hardware.Oz
Oz is a multi-paradigm language that is commonly employed in educational environments. It incorporates principles from various programming methodologies, such as imperative, object-oriented, functional, and concurrent, which, coupled with its uncomplicated semantics, makes it a valuable supplementary educational tool.PL/I
PL/I, also known as Programming Language One, is a procedural, imperative language that was initially designed for utilization in scientific, engineering, business, and system programming. Today, it is predominantly used for legacy system maintenance or migration to new hardware.PostScript
PostScript is a page description language employed for describing images and page layouts. Its specialized nature makes it particularly suitable for visual output tasks, such as printing, typeface production, desktop Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs), and individual photographs. The publishing and data visualization industries widely use PostScript because of its resolution-agnostic character, which enables scalable components.Q
Q is a domain-specific language created for array processing and querying the kdb+ column-based database. It is a simplified version of the k language designed to improve readability.Racket
Racket is a versatile programming language that takes significant inspiration from Scheme and is ideal for scripting, research, and educational purposes. The Racket platform, which features a runtime environment, library support, and a Just-In-Time (JIT) compiler, contains the language.Red
Red was initially created as an enhancement to Rebol, but its ultimate goal was to become a complete programming language. Therefore, Red is both functional and imperative, making it suitable for both high-level and low-level programming tasks because of its two major components, Red/System and Red.Ring
At Ring, we place a high value on creativity and innovation in our work. Our general-purpose language supports imperative, procedural, object-oriented, declarative, functional, meta, and natural programming. Ring is also highly adaptable, user-friendly, and rapid, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, including web and game development.RPG
IBM’s high-level programming language RPG (Report Program Generator) was designed to substitute the punch card processing system of the IBM 1401. Over time, it has progressed into a language comparable to COBOL, widely used by enterprises to build commercial applications on IBM’s iSeries minicomputers.S
S, the forerunner to R, is a powerful resource for working with and analyzing data. It is a functional system that is highly malleable since user-written functions are regarded with the same level of significance as those that come with the system. Due to its clear code and comparatively uncomplicated language, S is frequently employed for statistical and graphical analysis in large-scale applications.SPARK
SPARK, a variant of Ada, is a language created specifically for developing software for safety-critical systems, such as those utilized in aerospace and aviation. Contracts may be utilized to verify the specification of a solution’s components, ensuring the safety and security of the solution.Stata
Stata is a platform built to facilitate statistical analysis and specialized research. It is more than just a language; users can create charts, visualizations, and simulations to address complex statistical problems. Both languages demonstrate a high degree of efficiency for scripting and data manipulation.Vala
Vala and Genie have many similarities. Vala is an object-oriented language, with syntax similar to C#, that produces C code. This means that any code created in Vala has the same performance as code written in C, but with the added advantage of being simpler to write and manage.Verilog
HDL (Hardware Description Language) is a language created specifically for describing the internal operations of digital logic and electrical devices. As a result, Verilog is often utilized in designing digital circuits and computer chips.VHDL
VHDL is a commonly employed hardware description language, frequently utilized by those involved in the development of central processing units (CPUs), motherboards, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and numerous other types of digital circuitry. VHDL can facilitate simulating designs and assessing their performance.
All the Fascinating Aspects of Programming Languages
The aforementioned demonstrates the vastness and complexity of the programming realm, and it only encompasses a small portion of the numerous languages in existence, ranging from general-purpose to those designed for specific applications. Naturally, languages are not the only element at play; frameworks, libraries, integrated development environments (IDEs), and many other facets of the programming environment also contribute to its intricacy.
Given the overwhelming number of choices available, it can be challenging to decide on the optimal approach for achieving development proficiency. Nevertheless, the breadth of options is what makes this industry so attractive. Ultimately, the decision of which direction to pursue is solely yours to make.
In our view, these programming languages are some of the most beneficial to pursue currently (especially among the top 20 programming languages). These languages will serve as a solid groundwork for success in your preferred domain, enabling you to specialize in areas of specific interest.
