As software developers, it’s important to have a thorough knowledge of different programming languages and their various applications. Whether you already have experience in coding or you are just starting out, knowing this can help you make strategic decisions on your career development.

In this article, we will explore 6 of the most used programming languages and match them to job roles where they can best serve your professional development. By equipping yourself with this information, you’ll be able to choose the career path that best matches your dream job.

1. Java

Java is one of the most widely used and powerful programming languages in the world, and for good reason. It’s used to build Android apps, desktop applications, backend systems for websites, and much more. It’s the go-to option for big projects.

One of the key factors that makes Java so popular is its portability: it can can run on nearly every system—which makes it particularly useful for cross-platform development. Its scalability means that, as companies grow and expand their operations, they don’t need to entirely rewrite their code base or change their development language.

Also, there are many Java communities. Developers who are just getting started with coding can access a huge collection of tutorials from various sources: starting with Stack Overflow and GitHub, all the way to Reddit and Discord channels, just to name a few. These resources also make it easier for developers to keep up with changes, which can be invaluable for professional development.

Do you think big software projects is the kind of work you want to be part of?
Best chances: Think Java.

2. C (with spinoffs C++ and C#)

C (with spinoffs C++ and C#) is one of the oldest programming languages, used for decades in the tech industry. It has great portability across different operating systems such as Microsoft Windows, Apple macOS, Linux, and Oracle Solaris. Its combination of efficiency, portability, and flexibility makes it suitable for tasks ranging from low-level system programming to high-level application development.

It can be used to create small but efficient programs tailored specifically to user needs in the Internet of Things domain or implements algorithms shared online.

It’s a default language for many applications related to audio/video gaming development and there are plenty of libraries available online which speed up its usage significantly. It’s the ideal choice for projects where efficiency or portability are important factors.

C++  is a versatile programming language used for decades to develop various applications, including performance-critical ones like games and audio/video programs.

It is also commonly used for developing graphical user interfaces (GUIs), embedded systems, and even some operating systems such as Apple’s OS X and parts of Microsoft Windows.

Many Google products have been written in or contain components written in C++; the same applies to Facebook.

Its versatility makes it suitable for almost any field from medical device software to financial trading platforms. Its high level of functionality and flexibility allows developers greater control over how their programs run while taking advantage of certain libraries that provide additional functions not available elsewhere thus speeding up development time.

Do you want to be known for developing a video game?
Best chances: Think C.

3. PHP

PHP is a popular, open-source language used for creating dynamic web pages and applications. Mostly used to power content management systems (CMS – with WordPress as the biggest of them, with 25% of all running websites), create e-commerce platforms, and forums, PHP has plenty of tools that make it easy to use even for beginners who are just starting out with coding.

Key advantages for PHP: increased speed; cost savings due to its open-source nature scalability & reliability; regular updates available providing security patches & additional features; immense library of plugins allowing extra functionality without having to build from scratch yourself!

Do you enjoy the CMS/e-commerce world?
Best chances: Think PHP.

4. Python

Python is a popular introductory programming language renowned for its easy-to-learn syntax. It plays an integral role in some of the most exciting advancements, such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, and Big Data.

Experienced developers often pick it up as a second or third language due to its features that make coding easier and more efficient. Python also provides great support for object-oriented programming (OOP), allowing developers to break down complex problems into smaller objects. Overall, Python enables rapid development with fewer lines of code, making it an ideal choice for those looking to get started in programming quickly yet effectively.

Are you a “less is more” fan?
Best chances: Think Python.

5. SQL (Structured Query Language)

SQL (Structured Query Language) is a powerful database query language used to manipulate data in databases. It is the foundation of many large-scale websites and applications, particularly those that require extensive data management or are highly data-driven.

SQL allows users to interact with their databases using queries written in its own specific syntax. This makes it easy to sort through large amounts of data, quickly and efficiently. It can also be used for creating custom reports from multiple tables or datasets, as well as performing statistical calculations such as calculating aggregate values like averages and sums. Increasingly being used with “NoSQL” or non-relational databases such as MongoDB due to its simplicity and ability to work with multiple types of databases at once.

Having a deep understanding of SQL is extremely valuable if you want to pursue career-related analytics, data science, strategy, or business intelligence. Having strong knowledge in this area is valuable not just because it can generate insights, but also because you gain the abilities needed to build complex models.

Are you having most fun around big data?
Best chances: Think SQL.

6. JavaScript

JavaScript is most common when creating modern interactive websites or web apps. It can be used for both client-side and server-side scripting via frameworks such as Node.js, allowing developers to build complex applications that run on the backend too. JavaScript also allows developers to easily create mobile apps through technologies like React Native or Ionic Framework, eliminating the need for separate languages per platform.

As technology advances rapidly so does JavaScript’s popularity making it one of today’s most widely utilized programming languages.

Do you like interactive products? You can build one.
Best chances: Think JavaScript.

Depending on the software product you want to create, there is a language that specializes in that type of software. Languages are constantly evolving as new technologies are developed, so it’s important to keep up with the latest trends if you want to stay ahead of the game.

If you want to start a career as software developer or you want to specialize or shift your career in a certain direction, check out our Careers page and see the open roles we have and the kind of projects we do.