These are apparently the most popular coding languages around - with an old favourite taking top spot

(Image credit: Shutterstock / Elle Aon)

New research from online developer community Stack Overflow has revealed the most popular programming languages its developers use.

Unsurprisingly, JavaScript remains the most popular language among the more than 3,000 UK developers surveyed, with three in five (63%) using the language regularly.

HTML/CSS (54%), SQL (52%) and Python (51%) also ranked highly, which isn’t shocking considering these languages have dominated the programming landscape for some time now.

These are the most popular programming languages

Bash/Shell (39%), TypeScript (37%), C# (34%), Java (22%), C++ (21%) and PowerShell (18%) rounded up the list of the top 10 most commonly used languages among UK respondents.

Despite JavaScript’s dominance, the survey highlighted a shift in preferences for the future, with Python coming out as the language that developers are most eager to use. More than two in five (43%) said that Python would be their top choice over the next 12 months.

The language has a reputation for being easy to learn, but it’s also versatile, well suited to automation and works across a variety of platforms.

Only 40% of developers intend on continuing using JavaScript, which could be a sign of its demise.

The study also placed the UK on a scale of more than 65,000 global respondents, highlighting that British developers typically have one more year of coding experience compared with US respondents, and two more than Canadian developers.

Besides analyzing current trends, the study also looks at the future of programming both in terms of developer interest and demand, uncovering areas for personal development that could prove lucrative for programmers.

Stack Overflow uncovered decreasing median salaries across many popular languages. Nim, Erlang and Apex were the only three to attract a higher salary in 2024 compared with 2023, which indicates potential future growth due to increasing demand.

More from TechRadar Pro

Check out the best Python online courses
AI is becoming increasingly vital in software development
In need of a hardware upgrade? These are the best laptops for programmers

With several years’ experience freelancing in tech and automotive circles, Craig’s specific interests lie in technology that is designed to better our lives, including AI and ML, productivity aids, and smart fitness. He is also passionate about cars and the decarbonisation of personal transportation. As an avid bargain-hunter, you can be sure that any deal Craig finds is top value!