Rightfully said, the current century is all about technology (apps, smartphones, phablets, etc.). This is due to the tech sector, which is booming in its own right. If you own a smartphone or have logged on to a computer occasionally, you will understand what I’m talking about.

To put it in a nutshell, coding skills are in high demand today. Programming jobs pay significantly more than any average position. Career in SAP ABAP (Advanced Business Application Programming) is particularly popular for its immense need and requirement.

The popularity of a language depends on the employment sector. Financial systems are bogged down by complicated functions and require languages like C# and Java. Media and design related software require more dynamic and versatile programming languages like PHP, Ruby, Objective-C, and JavaScript that employ minimalistic code.

Moving on, let’s get down to the fundamentals and talk about the top software languages, proficiency in which can ensure a sure-shot ticket to success.

1. Java

The most important programming language to date, it continues to grace the top of the coding-languages list. The brainchild of Oracle, it is the most influential and persistent programming language ever devised.

• It was developed by Sun Microsystems in 1990s.
• It is the standard, in-demand language for web-based content, enterprise software, mobile apps, games, and the Android operating system.
• It can be employed across multiple software platforms.
• A program written on Mac OS X using this language can also run on Windows.
• Learn it on: Oracle.com, Lynda.com, and Udemy.

2. Ruby

Developed by computer scientist Yukihiro Matsumoto in the 90s, this is the youngest programming language in broad use. It is an object-oriented, dynamic, and open-source language with simple syntax, designed specifically for easy understanding.

• It is used to develop mobile apps and websites.
• It is the force behind Ruby on Rails framework, which is used on GitHub, Scribd, Shopify, and Groupon.
• It is the best language for beginners as it’s fairly user-friendly.
• Learn it on: Code School, Codecademy, RubyMonk, and TryRuby.org.

3. Python

This language was developed by Guido van Rossum in the 80s and eventually handed over to the Python Software Foundation that serves as the language’s administrator.

• It is one of the most widely used high-programming languages.
• It is a scripting language that churns out large quantities of functional and readable code in a short period of time.
• Through Python you can learn modularity, indentation, and the importance of naming conventions.
• It is used for coding mobile apps and websites.
• It powers the apps for Pinterest, Instagram, and Rdio through Django, and is also used by Yahoo!, Google, and NASA.
• Learn it on: Codecademy, Python.org, Lynda.com, and LearnPython.org.

4. JavaScript

Not to be confused with Java, JavaScript was developed by Brendan Eich of the Mozilla Foundation (earlier Netscape) in the 90s. It derives most of its syntax from C and is an object oriented language.

• It can be used across multiple web browsers.
• It is important for developing animated or interactive web functions.
• It is also employed in game development and writing desktop applications.
• This language is embedded in Adobe’s Creative Suite, Google’s Chrome extensions, Adobe Acrobat and Reader, and Apple’s Safari extensions.
• Learn it on: Treehouse, Lynda.com, Codecademy, Code school, and Learn-JS.org.

5. C Language

This programming language was developed in the early ‘70s and soon became the building block for other high-level languages like JavaScript, Python, Java, and C#.

• It is used for implementing operating systems and embedded applications.
• It is best to learn this language first before progressing to the big guns, as C language provides the basics for all.
• Learn it on: Introduction to Programming and Learn-C.

6. C++

C++ is an intermediate-level language with object-oriented programming features. It was originally designed to enhance the nuances of C language.

• It is the driving force behind Winamp, Firefox, and Adobe
• It is basically employed to develop application software, systems software, high-performance server, video games, and client applications.
• Learn it on: CPlusPlus.com, CPrograming.com, and LearnCpp.com.

7. C#

Microsoft came up with its .NET initiative, and with it came into being a multi-paradigm language called “C-sharp”.

• It combines the features of both C language and C++.
• It is a general-purpose language that is used to develop software for Windows and Microsoft platforms.
• Learn it on: Lynda.com, TutorialsPoint.com, and Microsoft Virtual Academy.

8. Objective-C

This is an object-oriented and general-purpose language used by Apple operating system.

• It powers Apple’s iOS and OS X and can also be used to create iPhone apps.
• Due to its assistance in devising software for Apple, this once-outmoded programming language has come back into the picture.
• Learn it on: Lynda.com, Cocoa Dev Central, Mac Developer Library, and Mobile Tuts+.

9. PHP

PHP is nothing but a hypertext processor that is a free, server-side scripting language used to design apps and dynamic websites. It has become quite popular with web developers due to its easy incorporation into an HTML source document rather than an external file.

• It is used to power more than 200 million websites that include Digg, Facebook, and WordPress.
• Learn it on: Treehouse, Codecademy, Zend Developer Zone, Lynda.com, and PHP.net.

10. SQL

SQL stands for Structured Query Language. It is a special-purpose language used for managing data and information in relational database management systems.

• It is commonly employed for its “Query” function that searches informational databases.
• It was standardized by ISO (International Organization for Standardization) and ANSI (American National Standards Institute) in the 1980s.
• Learn it on: SQLCourse.com, SQLZoo.net, and TutorialsPoint.com.

In conclusion, a great developer not only has his coding basics in place, but knows when and where to use them as well. The languages are not hard to learn, and are a wondrous asset in the highly technical world of today.

So picked your language yet? Know where to begin?

Let us know!

Tina Jindal is a professional content writer who works on a variety of topics like employment, real estate, and education. A career advisor for naukri.com, she has been involved with renowned publications as well. You can contact her @Gmail | LinkedIn | Google+.