Top 5 programming languages is more of a prediction towards 2021, highlighting the most popular backend programming languages you should consider learning in 2021.
Choosing a programming language to start learning or what to learn next can be daunting, especially when you have an array of choices to choose from.
I’ll make the task easy for you by highlighting the languages that have or will gain a significant rise in demand come 2021.
The importance of backend programming languages for backend developers cannot be over-emphasized.
That’s why it’s important to choose the right one to learn or build your next project with.
Before I dive in, let me clear the air with some basic definitions, so we are all on the same page.
You’re free to skip through:
What is Programming Languages?
Programming languages are written languages that inform instructions that instruct the computer on how to carry out specific tasks. It is used to implement a set of algorithms.
Programming languages are what are used to develop software and computer programs.
What is Backend Development?
Backend Development is a term used to describe the behind the scene activities of an application, and it is the communication link or middleman between the database and the browser.
If you need detailed explanations of backend development:
I developed a complete guide to backend development article to guide you through.
Now that we have those out of the way, before we dive in, if you’re a backend developer or looking at delving into this career path, join other developers to receive daily articles on backend development that will boost your productivity.
Top 5 Backend Programming Languages 2021.
- Python
- JavaScript / TypeScript
- Go
- Rust
- Java
- Bonus: PHP
Let’s dive right into it.
Python
Looking at the 2020 StackOverflow survey:
We discovered that python is the Most Wanted programming language meaning that more people will be learning Python come 2021.
Python is also the third Most Loved language which means that python has already gained popularity.
It is a programming language that allows you to work quickly and build efficient systems faster.
Python posses as the easiest language to get started with:
Learning Python opens doors to lot more careers such as machine learning, Data Science, and even Ai, etc.
If you’re interested in Web Development:
The open-source python framework called Django allows you to build web applications with speed, performance, and security inbuilt.
Python also has NumPy, TensorFlow, PyTorch, sci-kit-learn, SciPy packages for scientific computations, mathematics, and engineering.
It’s also for those interested in Machine Learning, Data Science, etc., to easily getting started within their journey.
2021 Complete Python Bootcamp From Zero to Hero in Python is my highest recommendation for learning Python Programming Language for beginners, intermediate and advanced level Python developers.
It teaches you Python like a Professional, Starts from the basics, and goes all the way to creating your own applications and games.
Learn Python Programming Masterclass is a beginner’s friendly masterclass course for Python Programming Language for complete beginners.
JavaScript/TypeScript
It’s impossible to become a developer these days without learning JavaScript.
JavaScript has become the go-to language for web development, including Frontend and Backend development, making it very popular among developers.
According to the 2020 StackOverflow survey, JavaScript is the most popular language, including for professionals.
It is also the second most wanted programming language meaning that more people will be learning JavaScript in 2021.
Also, TypeScript is JavaScript with Types:
And it’s the second most loved programming language, and you should definitely consider learning it in 2021.
Although JavaScript is known to be a Frontend (Browser) language.
It has also gain lots of traction towards the backend development aspect with the introduction of Node.js.
Node.js can be used to build scalable network applications.
Node.js is available in macOS, Linux, and Windows; it has forgiving, flexible syntax and can work across all major browsers.
When it comes to learning JavaScript, I can’t recommend The Complete JavaScript Course 2021: From Zero to Expert! Enough.
The modern JavaScript course for everyone! Master JavaScript with projects, challenges, and theory. Many courses in one!
NodeJS – The Complete Guide (MVC, REST APIs, GraphQL, Deno) is the complete guide you need to learn Nodejs and Express.
This is my number one course on anything related to JavaScript for Backend Development.
GoLang
GoLang made it this year to my top 5 backend programming languages.
According to the 2020 StackOverflow survey, Go is the 5th most Loved and 3rd most wanted programming language making it an interesting programming language to consider learning in 2021.
Go(Golang) is google’s open-source programming language for building simple, reliable, and efficient software easily.
As a low-level language:
It is a great start for engineers with a special interest in building systems software without the headache of C/C++.
It is one of the best languages for building web servers, data pipelines, and data Science packages.
Go Bootcamp: Master Golang with 1000+ Exercises and Projects is an excellent course to learn the Go programming language, parked with loads of Exercises and Projects to strengthen your muscles as you learn.
Master Go (Golang) Programming: The Complete Go Bootcamp 2021 another great course parked with the latest trends in Go. Suitable for both beginners and experts.
Rust
In the 2019 StackOverflow Survey:
Rust was ranking at the top 1st Most Loved and 6th Most Wanted, increasing its popularity to 7.1%.
The 2020 Survey is still ranking as the topmost Loved and 5th most Wanted programming language.
There will be a boost, and high demand for Rust programming language comes 2021.
This huge demand makes it a suitable language for you to start learning in 2021.
Rust is a programming language developed by Mozilla Corporation as a low-level language for system programming focusing on speed and security.
Rust is like C, C++, and many big companies such as Dropbox and Coursera have already started adopting it.
Because we love RUST just like you, we have created a complete Beginners Guide to Rust just for you.
Looking at learning RUST more, take a look at these amazing courses.
Ultimate Rust Crash Course is one the best courses out there for Rust programming language. The instructor explaining complex terms with ease and aid the understanding of the language.
Learn Rust by Building Real Applications takes you straight to building real-life applications using the Rust programming language. If you’re looking at getting your hands duty with projects, then this course is definitely for you.
Java
With Java been the 2nd best known and 3rd most-loved language in CodingGame Survey.
Java is still a good language to learn in 2021, with more than one billion devices running Java.
You can’t afford to know the basics of this legend, at least.
Java is used by the world’s popular brands like Pinterest, LinkedIn, Airbnb, and Uber.
It is a versatile language, making it easy for other programming languages to run on it.
Also, Java can be used for Web development, with Spring as the most popular framework.
It can also be used for Android and Desktop development.
Bonus
For reading this long, I have a reward for you.
The 5 most popular backend frameworks with the highest Github Stars gained this year.
You can get an exhaustive list of the top 5 backend frameworks.
Final Thoughts
The information provided above and a more in-depth overview of each of the top 5 back-end programming languages and their different features.
Choosing a particular one for your project will solely depend on the type of project and the programming language, team strength, etc.
Let me know in the comment section which backend programming language you will learn first in 2021.
