Programming Languages to Learn in 2025

Programming languages are the building blocks of modern development. Yet, as business demands change, developers constantly learn new languages, technologies and techniques.

That’s why finding the right programming language to learn in 2025 can feel like a moving target. Here we break down the best programming languages today, including use cases, key advantages and hiring insights.

This way, you can stay ahead of trends and choose the right language — whether you’re a developer on the hunt for a new language or a business executive shopping for your next tech stack.

See a full list of our areas of expertise at Tecla.

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Why Programming Languages Matter for LatAm Devs in 2025

Did You Know? 70% of enterprise projects fail due to subpar tech stack selection.

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Every year, new languages and technologies rise up on the charts, changing the game for developers. Even with AI on the scene to support developers in their work, expert knowledge of top coding languages is vital to project success — here’s why.

1. Languages Impact Your Client’s Overall Tech Stack.

Your choice of programming language directly affects the project’s tech stack. It’s vital to seek out languages that fit within your greater tech skill set and ecosystem. Every language has its strengths and weaknesses when it comes to scalability, performance, security and so on.

2. Languages Determine Your Project Logistics.

Languages such as Python, JavaScript and Ruby are known for their ease of use and robust built-in capabilities. Whatever you choose, the language will determine your required team size, development speed and costs (licensing, maintenance, cloud services, etc.).

3. Languages Define Your Future-Readiness as a Professional.

Modern businesses have more technical complexity than ever. Leveraging languages known for scalability and extendibility (Go, Java, Python, etc.) can equip your project for the future. What’s more, top coding languages that emphasize data and UX may be especially valuable to build top customer experiences.

Explore why developer expertise matters in the age of AI according to GitHub.

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Most Popular Programming Languages in 2025

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The most popular programming languages are meeting the moment with traits such as versatility, rich integrations and security. Here are the 15 top-ranked languages, as selected by professional developers in the 2025 Stack Overflow Report.

JavaScript: The #1 Most Popular Language for Developers

JavaScript is the #1 most popular programming language today, used by 68.8% of professionals and running on 99% of client-side webpages. It’s known for versatility, high performance and a massive community, making it a language of choice for developers to learn.

Read even more reasons to learn JavaScript from CodeAcademy.  

HTML/CSS: A Gateway to Learning More Languages

Used by 63% of developers, HTML is a must-know language. It’s the universal code of webpages/apps, often a job requirement for roles and considered a gateway to learning more complex frontend and backend languages. Case in point: it’s currently used on 1.9 billion websites.

Find out the best way to learn HTML from Coursera.

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SQL: A High-Demand Language for Complex Data Ecosystems

SQL is a high-trending technology for business intelligence, ranked #2 in most in-demand languages. 61.3% of developers are using it at work and it’s consistently ranked in the top 5 for businesses’ primary language. Key advantages include rapid processing, scalability and security.

Learn why SQL skills are a major asset from the Moore Norman Technology Center.

Python: The #1 Fastest-Growing Language in the World

Python tops the charts in several major categories, including #1 fastest-growing language and the #1 choice for coding learners. It’s especially advantageous for performance-intensive systems due to its emphasis on simplicity and extendibility.

Get a full overview of why to learn JavaScript from Le Wagon.

Bash/Shell: A High-Paying Automation Technology

Bash/Shell is a scripting language that simplifies commands. It’s a winner for setting up automation in data and backend scenarios. As a lightweight language, it also enables a high level of efficiency. With today’s data heavy demands, it’s no wonder it’s top-ranked as a high-paying programming language.  

Learn exactly what Bash is used for with CodeAcademy.

TypeScript: The #1 Most Promising Language

TypeScript has been gaining traction in recent years (up 35% in demand in 2024) as a scalable language for frontend and backend projects. It has a reputation for reliability, code quality and easy maintenance. Plus, it’s listed as the #1 most promising language by JetBrains.

Discover why you should learn TypeScript vs. JavaScript from CareerFoundry.

C#: A Versatile Language for Gaming and More

29.9% of developers are using the tried-and-true C# language. Built by Microsoft, it’s a best fit language for integrating with Microsoft’s suite and/or Unity game development. Overall, it's a stable, scalable and well-documented choice.

Weigh the pros and cons of learning C# from AltexSoft.

Java: A Top-Ranked Language for Business Adoption

Java is a rapidly trending programming language that’s easy-to-learn, secure and platform-independent. It’s currently ranked #2 in business adoption, #2 for programming jobs and #2 in programming searches. Java is ideal for APIs, microservices, Android development and complex enterprise ecosystems.

Explore reasons why you should learn Java from CodingNomads.

PowerShell: A Tried-and-True Scripting Language

PowerShell is now used by 23.1% of developers. It’s known as a powerful command shell for Windows systems and beyond. Main benefits of this programming language include consistency, automation and integrations.

Get started with learning PowerShell with this in-depth guide from Netwrix.

C++: A Solid Language for Performance-Intensive Apps

C++ is currently clocking in as the #3 trending programming language. 21.8% of developers use it and it’s listed as a top promising language by JetBrains. Additionally, it’s high-paying and ranks #5 in salaries. Generally speaking, C++ is perfect for performance-intensive apps, such as 3D graphics, games and real-time big data.

Consult experts from GeeksForGeeks on learning C++.

C: A Staple Language That Teaches Fundamentals

Used by 19.1% of developers, C is another staple programming language with robust built-in functions. It’s an efficient, go-to choice for embedded systems, GUIs, games and more.

Get an intro to the C programming language at SimpliLearn.

PHP: A Mature Language That Still Meets Modern Needs

PHP is a high-demand programming language that supports 73% of webpages today, including ecommerce sites and CMSs. It’s consistently ranked on top coding languages by job demand and has advantages such as cross-platform and multi-database capabilities.

Read why PHP is worth it in 2025 with Matthew Setter.

Go (Golang): A Well-Paying Language for Cloud-Native Projects

Go (Golang) is listed as the #2 highest paying language and the #4 most promising language. It’s typically used for scalable cloud and DevOps systems, as it’s high-speed, minimalist and cross-platform.

Read what’s so great about the Go language with InfoWorld.

Rust: The #1 Most Admired Language by Developers

Rust was the #1 most admired programming language in 2025, cited by 72.4% of developers. In this same vein, it’s the #2 most promising languages and 53.4% of developers use it on a daily basis. It’s useful due to its systems programming, memory safety and security.

What’s behind the developer love for Rust? Get the full scoop from GitHub.  

Kotlin: A First-Choice Language for Android Development

Kotlin is a popular choice for Android and server-side development that’s currently ranked as the #3 highest paying programming language. It’s concise, easy to learn and interoperable with Java.

Find out more about Kotlin from experts at JetBrains.

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How to Choose the Best Programming Languages to Learn

While there’s no one right way to develop your career, certain programming languages may be more useful to your goals and client needs.

1. Audit Your Interests and Strengths

Before you start learning a new language, be honest with yourself. What are your real interests? For example, what languages do you use on your GitHub and pet projects?

It’s no use opting for a trendy programming language that makes you want to bang your head against the wall. Start by auditing what you’re really into.

2. Weigh the Business Demand

Next, you’ll want to assess the utility of learning the language. Looking at the job market demand and salary levels are good starting points. You’ll also want to consider your dream industry, team environment and future projects.

Learn what other key skills you should have to get a tech job in today’s market from Dev.Community and GitHub.

3. Balance Between Natural Skill vs. Learning Curve

Yes, you should play to your strengths when choosing a programming language to learn. But that doesn’t mean you should avoid a challenge.

Try to balance what comes naturally to you with gaining new skills. Pick a language that feels adjacent to your current abilities. It’s also helpful when the language has strong documentation and a community to power you through the learning phase.

4. Prepare for Your Best Programmer Future

Take into account your end goals as well. For instance, if you want to become a full-stack developer, you’ll have to learn a range of programming languages to cover your bases.

When in doubt, do a trial run. Dive into a new tutorial, sign up for a coding camp or simply try out a pilot project on your own. You can always correct course and learn something different if you’re not feeling it.

Get advice about choosing the best programming language from freeCodeCamp.

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Our Tecla Developer Hiring Process for Top Coding Languages

Watch our Tecla talent testimonials on YouTube for an insider’s look into our Tecla developer hiring process!

Remote hiring has become the new norm as businesses look for skilled and affordable talent beyond their borders.

At Tecla, we’re on the lookout for elite talent skilled in popular programming languages in 2025. We rigorously screen our candidates to create a network that brings the best of nearshore talent to the table:

• ‍Talent caliber: We recruit elite pros and thoroughly vet them across a spectrum of backend and frontend coding languages.
• ‍Time zone alignment: We work with LatAm-exclusive developers so that teams have significant workday overlap with U.S. businesses.
• ‍Cultural proximity: We check for cultural competency so that hybrid teams are well-aligned from kick-off.
• ‍Cost efficiency: We slash hiring costs through trim recruitment cycles and cost-friendly LatAm salaries.

As decade-strong LatAm talent specialists, Tecla is a no-brainer choice — whether you’re a developer after your dream job or a business keen to capitalize on great talent in LatAm.

Hire software developers in LatAm with us or join our community today.

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Land a Job in a High-Demand Programming Language With Tecla

In truth, you can’t go wrong when learning a new programming language. Yet, you’ll get more out of it if you can combine your interests with in-demand technologies that could boost your career.

Use our guide to the most popular programming languages in 2025 to embark on your next big learning adventure — and become a driving force for your clients’ next tech stack success.

Partner with Tecla to access top jobs in today’s most in-demand languages.

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