A question that’s top of mind for programmers, developers and software engineers: Which programming language should I learn next?
I’m trying to choose a computer programming course and I was wondering if you could steer me in the right direction by giving me some idea of which computer programming languages employers look for most often. I don’t want to end up learning languages that are rarely asked for.
Glad you asked!
Continuous learning is your super power
Employers need people like you to pick up new languages and platforms just-in-time. But don’t skip the fundamental languages and platforms that employers need.
Programming languages that are in-demand in 2017
( Source: PYPL Index )
- Demand for Java and Python programmers continues to grow
- HTML, CSS, JavaScript, the LAMP stack (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP) and VB .NET are going strong
- AngularJS, React and Node.JS are the go-to JavaScript libraries
- Mobile developers are in demand. Swift is hot for developing iOS apps. Java and Go are great for Android development
- You can’t go wrong by learning the C languages: C#, C++ and Objective-C
Which programming language should you learn next?
If you know Java, Python and some of the other always in-demand languages listed above, then consider learning some new technologies that programmers use to build these rapidly emerging technologies:
( Image source: pypl.github.io/PYPL.html )
- Artificial intelligence (AI): AI, the Internet of Things (IoT) and automation is happening big time thanks to recent developments in machine learning and deep learning. Actually, A.I. is creating more jobs than it’s taking away.
- Augmented reality (AR): We’re seeing lots of buzz about augmented reality (AR). Remember when Pokemon Go took the world by storm? That was only the tip of the iceberg. Virtual Reality (VR) goes hand-in-hand with AR.
- FinTech: A revolution in Banking and Finance technology. Blockchain, bitcoin, data storage, privacy and protection are the key areas for FinTech development.
Artificial Intelligence is the biggest technology trend for Toronto
Toronto is a global leader in AI research and development
According to this TechNorth-McKinsey Report released in December 2016, Toronto has everything it takes to build a global technology supercluster of ability in artificial intelligence and quantum computing.
Toronto is a world leader in AI development, which means AI and machine learning is a good choice for professional development.
Don’t be discouraged by the high bar of entry to AI engineering jobs
AI Research engineers, Machine Learning Engineers, Data Scientists and Deep Learning Engineer are in high demand and command excellent pay. You’ll find that some of the advertised AI jobs need a PhD. With the right mix of skills and experience, you can find the loophole to get the job without a PhD.
A background in Mathematics, Probability and Statistics gives you an advantage for AI jobs.
Robbie Allen published 150 of the best machine learning, NLP and Python tutorials I’ve found to help you launch your AI career.
Machine learning is a sub-field of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
Developers build machine learning and data science software with the same algorithms that are traditionally uses in Statistics. Linear Algebra, vectors and some Calculus will give you a big head start in machine learning.
Andrew Ng, who teaches an excellent introductory course on Machine Learning, calls AI the new electricity.
We’re seeing a push to hire women and people of colour to develop AI to offset the potential for gender and racial bias.
Key skills in demand for AI Research and Development
Some of the skills in demand for AI development are data science or statistics, data mining, machine learning, Python, R, C++, MatLab, TensorFlow, Scala and Apache Spark.
Programming skills in demand for AI are Python, R, C++, Java, Apache Spark, MatLab, TensorFlow and SLAM
What are the most popular programming languages in 2017
The PYPL Popularity of Programming Language Index analyses searches for programming language tutorials on Google.
Github Trending shows the top open source projects and trending programming languages that are trending on GitHub.
CodeEval is a platform where developers showcase their skills by participating in app building competitions and solving programming challenges. This is a great way for programmers to impress employers.
The TIOBE Programming Community index rates programming languages based the languages most used by of skilled engineers world-wide, courses and third party vendors.
How to pick your first programming language (infographic by Udacity)
Great places to learn new programming skills
Now you know which programming skills are most in demand in the Toronto IT job market. Here are some places the take the next step..
Awesome places to learn to code in Toronto:
Learn programming skills online:
Your thoughts?
Did I miss any programming skills or training opportunities that you think people should know about? Please leave a comment to let me know.
Tim Collins, Stafflink Founder and Chief IT Recruiter
We’re here to help you hire mobile developers, software engineers and other IT staff
I’m Tim Collins and I’m here to connect you with the technology specialists you’re looking for. You can reach me at 416-364-2300 or email timc@stafflink.ca
Learning Python is a great way to start. I am still learning how to program and decided to start with Python. I also signed my daughter up for Ucode, so she can start learning to program now instead of waiting till she is older. She is loving it so much!
Hey Martin,
It’s great that you’re daughter enjoys coding. We need more women in tech.
Thanks for your comment!
Laura
I recently covered this topic in depth. Here are the 10 most important languages for a programmer to master. In my view, a coder who does not know at least one of these is wasting his or her time on weak technologies:
10 Most Important Programming Languages to Know
Also, here’s another decent post on the subject, but I highly recommend you go with my list of 10, spoken from someone with a lot of coding under my belt: Business Insider’s List