If you’re dreaming of a career in the tech industry and want to expand your knowledge of writing computer software and programs you’ll likely have considered learning a programming language. But with so many programming languages available it’s difficult to know which to choose. Below, we explore some of the best programming languages to study in 2025.
Written by Grant Longstaff. Published 6 Novemeber 2024.
Choosing which programming language to learn can be tricky, however, we think those below are some of the most popular, in demand languages for the future of technology and computer science.
Python
You’ve likely already heard of Python. This is because it’s one of the most versatile programming languages, often praised for its simplicity and readability. Python has a syntax closely resembling human language, making it perfect for beginners and a favourite of experienced developers. Python also has extensive libraries and frameworks of commonly used functions which can simplify many processes.
The PYPL PopularitY of Programming Language Index ranks Python as the language with the biggest market share and it appears to still be growing, especially in areas such as web development, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and big data analytics, with industries becoming more reliant on automation and data driven decisions.
Java
Java is another popular language choice, widely used for building both web and mobile apps, and enterprise software (Software used to fulfil business, rather than individual, needs). It also has a "write once, run anywhere" capability, meaning the code can run on any platform with a Java Virtual Machine (JVM). Java also has an extensive library and a focus on scalability which has led to its adoption in fields such as finance and app development.
C and C++
If you’re a gamer then there’s a good chance you’ve experienced the results of C and C++. They can power everything from operating systems to the most cutting edge games. Known for speed and efficiency, C provides low level hardware control, while C++ builds on C, adding object oriented features for complex software. Both languages are widely used in areas such as financial trading, game development, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
C#
C# is a general purpose programming language developed by Microsoft, used for building applications, games and web services. It’s also the foundation of Unity, a cross platform game engine, a popular choice for game developers on both Android and iOS. It’s also popular in web and mobile app development, cloud computing and the IoT.
Kotlin
We use our phones, and the many apps they come with, every day. Our increasing reliance on these devices means programming languages have been created to simplify app creation and make development even easier.
Kotlin is one such language, rapidly gaining popularity for Android app development. One of its biggest selling points is its compatibility with Java, meaning users can integrate Java code into Kotlin quickly and easily. With companies like Netflix using Kotlin to build their apps, it makes sense to add this to your list of programming skills for the future.
Swift
Apple have also created their own programming language for developing iOS and macOS apps. Swift is quick to learn and accessible for both beginners and experts, making it another popular coding language to learn in 2025.
Go
Go, also known as Golang, is a programming language developed by Google. It has an easy to read syntax making it a growing choice for programmers and it’s widely used in cloud development, web servers, and DevOps tools. Of course, Google use it, but many other companies do too, because of its reliability.
PHP
Geared towards web development, PHP is used across many web content management systems (CMS) with its code present in over 75% of websites. Whilst technically a scripting language, PHP is widely used to create interactive web applications and CMS tools like WordPress and is popular because of its simplicity and flexibility. If you’re hoping to pursue a career in web development then this might be the language for you.
Rust
Rust is a programming language with its focus set on safety and performance. Rust helps developers prevent memory errors and is becoming more and more popular in areas such as game development and embedded systems (specialised functions within a larger system). Importantly, Rust has a syntax similar to C and C++, and users of one may be able to quickly adapt to the other.
SQL
Structured Query Language, better known as SQL, is a powerful language for managing data. As a query language, it’s used to interrogate and manipulate information held in relational database management systems such as MySQL. Used in various ways, from web development to big data analysis, it can help organisations and businesses manage, find and change huge volumes of data and information. Many companies, such as Amazon and Uber, as well as industries such as finance, healthcare and cybersecurity rely on SQL to manage their databases and improve the experience of their end user so knowledge of this language will always be of use.
This list is far from exhaustive, we didn’t even mention HTML/CSS, Ruby or TypeScript for example. Dr Paul Sant, our head of Computer Science, said “learning the principles behind programming languages (most share similar principles) means you can move between programming languages quickly and easily. Programming is a powerful and key skill for many careers in IT and is an excellent tool in your IT armoury.”
If you’re considering a change of career and dream of a role in tech then our innovative MSc in Computer Science conversion course offers an excellent start.
