The 10 Best Programming Languages for Software Engineer

If you’re considering a career as a software developer or software engineer, it’s easy to get lost in the noise of all the tools and languages out there. It’s a lot to take in at first. 

The good news is that you don’t have to learn everything at once. Depending on your career path, some languages will naturally be more useful than others.  

The trick is to build a solid foundation with a few core tools and stack your skills from there. In this guide, we cover 10 of the most valuable languages for software development today.  

Key Points

• You don’t need to learn every programming language to get started as a software engineer. Start with the languages that match the kind of work you want to do. 
• Some of the best programming language for software development and engineering include Python, JavaScript, Java, TypeScript, C#, SQL, Go, Kotlin, Rust, and Swift. 
• Demand varies by language. A CoderPad survey reports strong recruiter demand for Python and JavaScript, while Stack Overflow reports JavaScript, SQL, Python, TypeScript, and Java among the most-used languages by developers. 
• Knowing a variety of programming languages could broaden your job prospects. Build a foundation first, then add new languages as your projects or career goals change. 

The 10 Best Programming Languages for Software Engineers 

As a software engineer, you’re likely to use multiple programming languages. Java and Python are classic starting points. You might also find yourself working with cloud computing platforms like Azure or AWS. And if you lean more toward the software development side, your day-to-day will probably focus more on specific frameworks and building out apps. 

With so many options, the way forward is to keep things simple. Start with what matches your interests and career goals. As you study (and eventually master) different programming languages, you’ll build a solid foundation over time. 

To help you narrow it down, this table breaks down some of the top languages for software development by difficulty, demand, and common use cases. 

Language	Best for	Difficulty	Percentage of recruiters seeking this skill*	Common use cases
Python	Software engineers	Beginner-friendly	45.7%	– Data science  – Machine learning/AI  – Back-end web development  – Desktop apps  Game development
JavaScript	Software developers and engineers	CSS and HTML proficiency generally needed	41.5%	– Interactive website development  – Server-side environments  – User interface development  – Machine learning/AI
TypeScript	Software developers	Beginner-friendly	27.9%	– Front- and back-end web development  – Enterprise web apps  – Complex codebase maintenance
Java	Software developers	Prior coding knowledge generally needed	39.5%	– Enterprise-grade software  – Android apps  – Large-scale AI apps  – Data processing systems
C#	Software developers and programmers	C language proficiency generally needed	24.4%	– Web app development  – Game development  – Cross-platform mobile app development  – Enterprise-grade software development
Go (Golang)	Systems programming engineers	Beginner-friendly	10.2%	– Cloud infrastructure development  – Web services and API development  – Back-end services  – DevOps tools
Rust	Systems programmers	Prior coding knowledge generally needed	5.1%	– Systems programming  – Security-critical projects  – Video game and web development  – Data science  – Machine learning/AI  – Back-end systems development
SQL	Data scientists and software developers	Beginner-friendly	21.3%	– Data analysis  – Database management  – Enterprise-grade app development  – Data-driven app development
Swift	iOS, macOS, iPadOS, and watchOS developers	Beginner-friendly	3.4%	– Cloud service projects  – Command line tools  – Machine learning/AI  – iOS and Windows apps
Kotlin	Android app developers	Object-oriented programming and Android proficiency needed	6.9%	– Android app development  – Web app development  – Back-end services  – API development  – Cross-platform app development

* Based on CoderPad State of Tech Hiring 2025 

1. Python

Python is 1 of the most useful software engineering languages because it shows up across many fields. In fact, a Stack Overflow survey of developers found that 57.9% of respondents use it. 

Python is intuitive and user-friendly, so even those without a strong computer science background can learn it. And as an open-source language, Python has a massive community behind it. Instead of building everything from scratch, you can use pre-written code (libraries) to help with the heavy lifting. That makes it a fit for novice and advanced programmers alike. 

Popular use cases include: 

• Back-end web development 
• Data science 
• Machine learning (artificial intelligence) 
• Automation and scripting 
• Desktop applications 
• Game development 

Real-world example: 

• Streaming service platforms (like Netflix) use Python throughout their content lifecycle. This includes everything from data analytics to making personalized user recommendations. 

2. JavaScript

JavaScript is among the core languages of web development. Many of the websites you visit use JavaScript in some form or another. It runs on servers (via Node.js) and in browsers, making it a pillar of full-stack development. Plus, it’s relatively easy to get started with, though it helps to have a foundation in CSS and HTML. 

JavaScript is also in high demand. Four in 10 recruiters seek applicants proficient in it, according to CoderPad. 

Popular use cases include: 

• Building interactive, responsive websites (front- and back-end development) 
• Interactive web page elements (like drop-down menus or animations) 
• Server-side environments 
• User interface development 
• Single-page applications 
• Task automation 
• Machine learning and AI model development (via TensorFlow.js) 

Real-world example: 

• PayPal uses a JavaScript SDK that developers can add to checkout pages to display PayPal payment buttons and payment options for buyers. It’s a simple example of JavaScript powering interactive web experiences people use every day. 

3. TypeScript

Developed by Microsoft, TypeScript has become increasingly adopted by enterprise teams. Nearly 28% of recruiters look for developers proficient in it, according to CoderPad, making it 1 of the best programming languages for software developers to have on their resume. 

Think of TypeScript as JavaScript’s more structured cousin. It’s a beginner-friendly, open-source language that works in the same environments as JavaScript. It syncs up with major operating systems and existing web technologies. It also expands on JavaScript with key features like refactoring and auto-completion for code. 

Popular use cases include: 

• Front-end web development with frameworks like React 
• Back-end development via technologies like Node.js 
• Large-scale or enterprise-grade web applications 
• Maintenance of complex codebases within JavaScript 
• Making code more readable and safer via early error reduction 

Real-world example: 

• TypeScript can be used anywhere JavaScript lives. Developers can use it to do things like build random password generator apps or typing speed detector apps. 

4. Java 

Java is a workhorse for enterprise-grade software and Android apps. It’s perhaps best known for its stability, scalability, and massive ecosystem. Nearly 30% of developers use it, making it the seventh-most popular software engineering language in Stack Overflow’s survey. 

While Java isn’t exactly beginner-friendly, it boasts an expansive set of frameworks and libraries. Plus, it can run on nearly any operating system without the need for constant updates or modifications. The code is also reusable and maintainable. 

Popular use cases include: 

• Enterprise-grade applications across websites, desktops, and mobile apps 
• Large-scale AI applications 
• Android app development 
• Data processing 

Real-world example: 

• Companies use Java for applications such as medical imaging software development. In this case, it can be used to process and analyze medical images, such as MRIs or X-rays. 

5. C#

C# is a general-purpose, object-oriented language used across Windows-based apps. It may be easier to pick up for those with a background in other C languages (like C++). Nearly 25% of recruiters seek applicants with C# proficiency, according to CoderPad.  

This programming language integrates seamlessly within .NET’s massive ecosystem of frameworks, libraries, services, and more. It’s a top choice for Windows-based app developers. 

Popular use cases include: 

• Web app development 
• Game development 
• Cross-platform mobile app development (via .NET Core) 
• Enterprise-grade software development 

Real-world example: 

• The well-known gaming engine, Unity, relies on C# to develop both 2D and 3D video games. 

6. Go (Golang)

Built by Google for speed and simplicity, Go is another open-source programming language. It uses simple syntax and has built-in concurrency support, making it beginner-friendly. Thanks to increased demand for cloud computing, the language’s popularity is quickly growing. CoderPad has it ranked as the 10th-most in-demand coding language. 

Go is 1 of the top programming languages for software engineers looking to get into systems programming. It produces clean, readable code and has high performance. It also has an automatic memory management feature that cuts down on complex development. 

Popular use cases include: 

• Cloud infrastructure development 
• Scalable web services and API development 
• Back-end services 
• DevOps tools 

Real-world example: 

• Twitch uses Go for its simplicity, readability, performance, and safety. Among other things, the company relies on it to help solve live video and chat feature problems like latency issues. 

7. Rust

Rust is a high-performance programming language known for memory safety and reliability. Developers often use it for systems programming, security-focused software, networking tools, and back-end infrastructure. Thanks to its robust security features, it’s frequently used in systems programming and security-critical projects. 

Rust runs on embedded devices and integrates with other languages. It also boasts many productivity features, like documentation, auto-completion, and tooling. It’s not quite as beginner-friendly as other languages. You’ll likely need a solid coding foundation before learning it. 

Popular use cases include: 

• Systems programming 
• Security-critical projects 
• Networking applications 
• Video game development 
• Web development 
• Machine learning and AI 
• Data science 
• Back-end systems development 

Real-world example: 

• Cloudflare uses Rust to process millions of HTTP requests (worldwide) every second. The company also relies on it for optimal security in edge computing and content delivery services. 

8. SQL

SQL isn’t a traditional programming language, but it’s essential for anyone working with data.  Software engineers, data scientists, analysts, and back-end developers use SQL to work with relational databases. It’s the third-most-popular developer technology, according to Stack Overflow’s developer survey. 

Developers use SQL to query and manage those databases, as well as to manipulate and retrieve information. SQL also shows up in many software applications, such as Java apps that embed database queries or systems built to process large amounts of structured data. It’s also beginner-friendly compared with many programming languages, which makes it a practical early skill for software engineers. 

Popular use cases for SQL include: 

• Data analysis 
• Database management 
• Enterprise-level app development 
• Data-driven app development (with other languages) 

Real-world example: 

• Amazon uses SQL to identify user behavior, engagement metrics, and subscription trends. 

9. Swift

Swift is a software engineering and programming language for building iOS and macOS apps. It’s built for speed and safety, which makes it a strong choice for software engineers interested in Apple app development.  

Swift is also approachable for newer programmers. Its syntax is clean, and its safety features can help developers catch certain bugs earlier. Although Swift is most common in Apple development, the open-source Swift project also supports broader use cases, including server-side apps and embedded software. 

Popular use cases include: 

• Cloud service projects 
• Command line tools 
• Machine learning and AI 
• iOS and Windows app development 
• Scalable applications 

Real-world example: 

• Airbnb uses Swift—specifically, the Swift UI framework—for building app interfaces and to build and maintain iOS features at scale.  

10. Kotlin

Kotlin is a top language for Android development. The Kotlin community claims that more than 60% of professional Android developers use it as their primary language. 

Kotlin is more concise than Java, but it still works with Java code. It also supports multiplatform development, making it a versatile option. Kotlin can be easier to learn if you already understand object-oriented programming or Android development. And its modern language features reduce boilerplate code, which helps developers write cleaner, more readable applications. 

Popular use cases include: 

• Native Android app development 
• Web app development 
• Back-end services and APIs 
• Cross-platform app development 

Real-world example: 

• Affirm uses many programming languages, including Kotlin and Python, to develop its back-end services and APIs. 

How to Choose the Right Language for You

The best programming language for software development largely depends on what you want to accomplish. So, take into account: 

• Your goals and interests (what you want to build) 
• The current job market (employer demand) 

There’s no right or wrong answer here, but working through your goals will give you an idea of where to start. 

Start With What You Want to Build 

Knowing what you want to build or where you want your career to go is the first step in deciding which language to pursue first. 

Here are a few questions to get you started: 

• Want to build websites or apps? If so, start with JavaScript. 
• Interested in video game development? Learn Rust and C#. 
• Have a driving curiosity for artificial intelligence or financial data analysis? Python is a strong starting point 
• Keen on building budgeting apps for iPhones? Build a foundation in Swift. 
• Interested in Android apps? Kotlin is likely the best fit. 
• Drawn to back-end systems, APIs, or cloud infrastructure? Look at Java, Go, or TypeScript. 
• Want to work with databases, reporting, or data-driven apps? Learn SQL. 

Many beginners also wonder how software engineering and computer science connect. The paths overlap, and both involve learning programming fundamentals. The difference is focus: Software engineering is centered on building and maintaining real applications, while computer science goes deeper into theory and how computing systems work. 

Consider the Job Market

Software development can be a high-paying field with strong long-term growth.  

Software developers earn a median annual wage of $133,080, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Employment for software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers is projected to grow 15% through 2034—much faster than the average for all other occupations. 

Demand can vary by language, though. These entries from our list ranked in the top 10 in CoderPad’s survey: 

• Python 
• JavaScript 
• Java 
• TypeScript 
• C# 
• SQL 
• Golang 

If you’re unsure about which languages to choose, it never hurts to start with the most popular options. The CoderPad and Stack Overflow surveys are good, free resources to explore what’s in demand.  

Don’t Worry About Picking the “Perfect” Language

Becoming a successful software engineer or developer doesn’t mean you have to choose the “right” or “perfect” tools from the get-go. Plenty of professionals learn multiple languages over their careers. 

What matters most is getting the ball rolling. You can always pivot later on. Often, skills from 1 language—like problem-solving or understanding data structures, for example—transfer well to others. 

Start Learning and Building 

Software engineers use many programming languages, and there’s no single language every engineer needs to know. Python, SQL, JavaScript, C#, and TypeScript are common starting points, but they’re only part of the picture.  

Each language serves a different purpose. Some are geared toward front- or back-end web development. Others are better suited to data analysis or game development. 

Try not to worry too much about choosing the “best” language. Focus instead on what matches what you want to build. Then, find a beginner project and start writing code. Writing code is the fastest way to find out what clicks. 

Ready to explore software engineering as a career? Check out software engineering jobs at Intuit. Even if you’re not quite ready to apply, reviewing job listings can give you a better idea of what employers are looking for in candidates. 

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