GitHub released the most used programming languages on the platform. JavaScript maintains its position as the top programming language, while Python and C++ consistently remain among the top five. Typescript surprisingly overtook Java to become the third most used language in open source software (OSS) projects on GitHub, with its user base expanding by 37%.

This year, more people are using programming languages like T-SQL and TeX for data analysis and operations. Experts in data science and research are turning to free, shared resources (open source) for their work. It’s clear that now these programming languages are being used for a lot more than just traditional software; they’re being picked up in many different fields for various types of projects.

When looking at the new projects on GitHub in 2023, the usual languages are still popular. But now, languages such as Kotlin, Rust, Go, and Lua are being chosen more for new projects. This shows that the range of languages developers use is growing.

GitHub’s report also shows more developers are working with AI, or artificial intelligence. This means there’s a shift happening: developers worldwide are getting more interested in AI and starting to use it more in their projects.

Here is the list of the most used languages on GitHub!

JavaScript

This remains the most used language, holding a prominent place in web development. It is executed on the client side of web pages, allowing for the creation of dynamic content. 

Companies across the globe employ JavaScript extensively for web applications, with frameworks like React and Angular facilitating the development of single-page applications. It’s the tool of choice for front-end developers, and with Node.js, it has become equally significant in back-end programming.

Python 

Python has risen in popularity due to its simplicity and the vast array of libraries available for tasks such as data analysis, machine learning, and web development with frameworks like Django and Flask. 

Its usage extends across sectors including finance, healthcare, and education. Python’s syntax and dynamic nature make it accessible for beginners and invaluable for rapid application development.

TypeScript

A typed superset of JavaScript developed by Microsoft, has gained traction for offering optional static typing. This feature is crucial for developing larger codebases, providing developers with tools to spot potential bugs more easily. It is used in both front-end and back-end development, with major frameworks like Angular advocating for its use.

Java 

This language is synonymous with enterprise-level backend systems, Android mobile application development, and large-scale systems due to its Write Once, Run Anywhere (WORA) philosophy. Organisations worldwide adopt Java for its performance, security features, and the robustness provided by the Java Virtual Machine (JVM).

Java maintains its popularity among developers partly because it offers advanced features like automatic memory management, checks on data types during runtime, and the ability to introspect upon and manipulate the class structure at runtime.

C#

Created by Microsoft as part of the .NET framework, is primarily used for Windows desktop applications and game development using Unity. Its object-oriented design is favored for enterprise software, and it’s integral in the development of Windows-based applications.

C++ 

This language offers fine control over system resources and memory, which is essential for game development, high-performance applications, and systems programming. Its use is prevalent in software that requires high efficiency, such as desktop applications and servers.

C++ continues to be chosen for creating new software where speed is crucial, such as in computer-aided design/manufacturing (CAD/CAM) or server applications that require rapid processing like those used in high-frequency trading. It’s essential in building virtual machines, writing device drivers, developing runtime interpreters, and creating tools. Moreover, C++ plays a pivotal role in the development of AI applications and is a fundamental component of the infrastructure underpinning Google’s Android operating system.

PHP 

PHP is a server-side scripting language that powers a significant portion of the web. It’s integral to content management systems like WordPress and Drupal, and it’s often used in conjunction with databases like MySQL to build dynamic websites.

C language

One of the oldest programming languages, remains in use for system/software development, embedded systems, and operating systems like Linux. Its portability and efficiency make it a staple language in computer science curricula and systems programming.

Ruby 

Ruby is known for its elegant syntax and is primarily used in web development, underpinned by the popular Ruby on Rails framework. It supports rapid application development, which is a draw for startups and the development of Minimum Viable Products (MVPs).

Ruby language continues to be a strong choice for both front-end and back-end web development. The language is popular with 

Go

Often referred to as Golang, developed by Google, is recognised for its simplicity and efficiency, especially in the context of concurrent processing and micro services architectures. It is chosen for network servers, data pipelines, and even command-line tools.

Go is not specifically object-oriented or procedural and is recognised for its speed, which comes from direct compilation to machine code.