What Developers Are Actually Using

If you're wondering which programming languages are dominating in 2025 — whether you're starting a new project, leveling up your skills, or pivoting your tech stack — you're in the right place.

We analyzed three major sources of developer trends:

• Stack Overflow Developer Survey 2024

• GitHub Octoverse 2024

• JetBrains Developer Ecosystem Report 2024

Here’s what the data says — and what it means for you.

1. JavaScript + TypeScript – The Undefeated Duo

JavaScript remains the most ubiquitous language in the ecosystem, but it's no longer alone.

TypeScript, its typed superset, has become a staple for enterprise-grade applications. The combination dominates modern front-end and full-stack development with frameworks like React, Next.js, and Vue.

• Why it matters: TypeScript adds predictability and scalability, and Microsoft’s backing doesn’t hurt either.

• Who's using it: Everyone from solo indie hackers to Fortune 500 companies.

“In large-scale systems, using JavaScript without TypeScript now feels almost reckless.”

2. Python – AI’s Best Friend

Python’s dominance in AI, ML, and data science continues. Thanks to tools like PyTorch, pandas, and integrations with platforms like ChatGPT API, Python remains the choice for rapid prototyping and analysis.

• Still ranked #1 in GitHub stars and Stack Overflow’s “most desired” language.

• Popular for: Data pipelines, automation, backend APIs, and now even AI agents.

“If you're building anything with AI in 2025, chances are it started in Python.”

3. Rust – The Coolest Kid on the Systems Block

Rust has topped Stack Overflow’s “most loved language” for years. It’s now moving beyond systems programming into cloud-native development and even embedded AI applications.

• Meta, Google, Amazon are all using Rust.

• Its memory safety guarantees and performance edge are unmatched.

“Rust is what C++ wished it could’ve been.”

4. Go (Golang) – Cloud Native, Simplified

Go continues its quiet rise as the backbone of cloud infrastructure — powering tools like Kubernetes, Docker, and Terraform.

• Loved for its clean syntax and built-in concurrency.

• Go’s tooling is a dream for backend engineers tired of heavy runtime overhead.

“Write once, run with confidence at scale.”

5. Kotlin – Android and Beyond

Kotlin has gone from "Java alternative" to a serious contender in server-side and multiplatform development.

• The default for Android apps.

• Seeing growth in backend frameworks (Ktor) and Kotlin Multiplatform.

“If you’re touching Android in 2025, Kotlin isn’t optional.”

6. SQL – Not Going Anywhere

Despite being decades old, SQL is still indispensable. With the explosion of data engineering, analytics, and BI platforms, SQL remains a core tool.

• Still one of the most-used languages on Stack Overflow.

• The language of choice for querying Postgres, Snowflake, and even Supabase.

7. Dart – Flutter’s Ride-or-Die

Dart’s growth continues thanks to Flutter’s popularity in mobile and web development.

• Great for cross-platform apps with native performance.

• Learning curve is low, and adoption is growing outside mobile too.

8. C# – Holding Steady with Game Dev & Enterprise

While not flashy, C# remains strong due to its integration with the Unity engine and .NET ecosystem.

• Popular for: Game development, enterprise systems, desktop apps.

• Microsoft continues to modernize it alongside .NET 8 and Blazor.

9. Java – Legacy Never Dies

Java is far from dead. It still powers countless enterprise systems, banks, and government infrastructure.

• Preferred for stable, long-term projects.

• Newer features like virtual threads (Project Loom) are making Java exciting again.

Language Rankings (2024 data)

Stack Overflow Top 10 (by usage & preference):

1. 

   Python

2. JavaScript

3. SQL

4. HTML/CSS

5. TypeScript

6. Rust

7. Go

8. Bash/Shell

9. C#

10. C++

GitHub Octoverse (Top Starred Projects):

1. 

   Python

2. JavaScript

3. TypeScript

4. Java

5. C#

6. C++

7. PHP

8. Shell

9. C

10. Go

JetBrains Ecosystem Report:

1. JavaScript

2. Python

3. HTML/CSS

4. SQL

5. Java

6. TypeScript

7. C++

8. C#

9. C

10. Go

TL;DR – Where Should You Bet?

Sources

• Stack Overflow Developer Survey 2024

• GitHub Octoverse 2024

• JetBrains Developer Ecosystem 2024