Updated on February 3, 2023
It’s a new year, which means there’s a new list of the most in-demand programming languages.
Every year, Coding Dojo lists the top programming languages based on what employers want most in job candidates.
We determine this list by reviewing Indeed and LinkedIn. We use this list to find out the number of job listings that include each of the top 20 languages listed. The 10 with the most job listings get included in the roundup.
Stepping up your coding skills can open the door to a career in many different areas, from game development to designing your own websites, mobile applications, and more.
When you learn the most in-demand coding languages, you can set yourself apart in the job market and make yourself more attractive to employers.
Depending on your budget and how much time you can commit to learning, you might pursue a four-year degree at a college or university or enroll in a coding bootcamp.
Want to upskill but not sure which programming language you should learn this year?
In this post, we highlight the most in-demand programming languages for 2023 so you can stay on top of your tech game.
What Are the Top Programming Languages of 2023?
You might be wondering which programming languages are worth learning now. That’s understandable. It takes time and money to learn a new language.
The top 10 programming languages of 2023 are:
- Python
- SQL
- Java
- JavaScript
- C
- C++
- Go
- C#
- Assembly
- MATLAB
The top three languages — Python, SQL, and Java — all have more than 50,000 job openings. Not too shabby, considering the tech sector’s tumultuous times as of late.
How Do Layoffs Affect Coding Demand?
It’s all over the headlines: Layoffs in the tech industry, especially big tech.
People at high-profile companies like Meta, Twitter, and Amazon are getting pink slips and cut from the payroll. Thus far in 2023, more than 40,000 tech workers at more than 150 companies have lost their jobs.
Many companies cite slowdowns in spending, high inflation, and needing to correct overzealous hiring.
However, it’s not all doom and gloom.
Overall Demand Slows, But Opportunities Remain
More than 375,000 tech jobs need to be filled in 2023 — and that’s just in the United States. This means there are nearly 10 times as many job openings as there have been layoffs. So, despite headline layoffs, tech jobs have actually increased recently.
Plus, it’s not just the tech industry who are looking for software developers—coders are in-demand in across the board.
Many laid-off tech professionals have also been able to secure a new role quickly — sometimes just out of work for only a week or two.
They’re also getting larger paychecks. According to Revelio Lab, 52% of laid-off workers found a new job with higher pay.
Losing your job and income is stressful, but potentially earning more money makes it easier to see the silver lining.
Python is Back On Top
Python leads the pack of the top programming languages to learn in 2023, with nearly 69,000 new jobs. It’s easy to see why.
As one of the most versatile and easy-to-use programming languages, companies can use Python in all kinds of ways, from creating apps and websites to automating processes and tasks.
Even non-tech professionals like accountants and business analysts use Python for tasks like data visualization and analysis.
Python is one of the top programming languages if you’re looking to advance in your current career or pursue new opportunities.
Employers such as government agencies, financial institutions, and tech companies all need professionals with a mastery of Python.
Java’s Popularity Isn’t Waning
Other programming languages may be the darlings of the moment, but Java is still one of the world’s most popular and appealing programming languages.
In 2023, Java claims the No. 3 spot in terms of the most in-demand programming languages.
This object-oriented language is free to use and can run on all platforms. It’s often used in application and web development, and it’s also used on the backend of big-name sites like Google, YouTube, and Amazon.
If you’re just learning how to code, Java is a particularly good language to learn. You can get your feet wet with Java and then expand your knowledge into other programming languages.
Want to know more about Java and why it’s worth learning in 2023? Check out our practical guide to all things Java.
Hey MATLAB!
When it comes to the most in-demand programming languages of 2023, MATLAB is like the cool kid at school. Everybody wants to get to know it — specifically engineers and scientists. It cracks our top 10 list of the top programming languages of 2023.
MATLAB is one of the best programming platforms for solving mathematical equations. Millions of scientists and engineers around the world use it for things like wireless communications, data analysis, control systems, robotics, and signal and image processing.
MATLAB is incredibly useful but can be hard to understand. Its OOP is complex and advanced, while Python is more suitable for beginner programmers. This is just something to keep in mind when you’re considering the best coding languages to learn.
Why You Should Learn a Programming Language – Or a Few
Don’t let the current news headlines scare you away from learning the year’s most in-demand coding languages. Yes, there have been layoffs, but the tech industry is already rebounding.
While you could go back to school and take some computer programming classes, this may not be the best fit if you have a demanding professional or personal life.
Instead, take a look at joining a coding bootcamp. This can often be the most cost-effective way to learn the best coding languages. You can also complete a coding bootcamp much faster than an associate or bachelor’s program.
It only takes two minutes to start your application with Coding Dojo. Let’s do this!
