What are the programming languages most used by companies? Which ones are most sought after by IT recruiters?
Discover our analysis of the main programming languages most used in 2025/2026, with insights into the Quebec job market.
⭐ Key Takeaways
- ✔ Python dominates widely with a 22.61% market share according to the TIOBE index for January 2026.
- ✔ C# was named language of the year 2025, confirming its strength in enterprise development and video games.
- ✔ C reclaims 2nd place ahead of C++, thanks to the growing embedded systems market.
- ✔ JavaScript remains essential for all web development, despite a slight decline.
- ✔ In Quebec, Python, Java, C#, JavaScript and SQL are the 5 most in-demand skills.
- ✔ Rust reaches a historic high at the 13th position, confirming interest in performance and security.
- ✔ Choosing a language depends on your target field: web, mobile, AI, embedded systems or data.
What is a Programming Language in Computer Science?
A programming language in computer science is a set of rules that allow developers to write instructions understood by a computer. These instructions define the actions the machine must perform to accomplish specific tasks, such as processing data, controlling hardware or creating user interfaces.
Each programming language has its own characteristics, advantages and areas of application. This diversity allows developers to choose the tool best suited to their needs and project requirements.
The Reference Ranking: Top 10 Most Used Programming Languages in 2025/2026
Based on the TIOBE index for January 2026, here is the official ranking of the most used programming languages in the world:
| Rank | Language | Market | Main use | Learning difficulty | Application in Quebec |
| 1 | Python | 22,61% | AI, Data Science, Automation | Easy | Very high |
| 2 | C | 10,99% | Operating systems, Embedded | Hard | Medium |
| 3 | Java | 8,71% | Business applications, Android | Medium | High |
| 4 | C++ | 8,67% | Systems, Games, Performance | Hard | Medium |
| 5 | C# | 7,39% | Windows applications, Video games | Medium | Very high |
| 6 | JavaScript | 3,03% | Web Development, Applications | Easy to moderate | Very high |
| 7 | Visual Basic | 2,41% | Legacy Windows applications | Easy | Low |
| 8 | SQL | 2,27% | Database management | Easy to moderate | Very high |
| 9 | Delphi/Object Pascal | 1,98% | Windows applications | Medium | Low |
| 10 | R | 1,82% | Statistics, Data Science | Medium | Medium |
Important Notes:
- C# was named programming language of the year 2025 by the TIOBE index for the second time in three years, with an increase of 2.94%
- C and C++ exchanged positions, with C reclaiming 2nd place
- Rust reached its highest historical level at position #13 (1.51%)
- Go lost its place in the top 10, dropping to position #16
💡 Fed IT Tip
If you're a beginner, focus on Python or JavaScript. These two most used programming languages offer the best combination of ease of learning and job opportunities.
The Most Used Programming Languages: Detailed Analysis
Python: The King of Artificial Intelligence
Easy to learn and versatile, Python is the most used programming language in 2025, particularly in automation, data science, web development and artificial intelligence. Its clear syntax makes it accessible to beginners, while its powerful library of tools (TensorFlow, PyTorch, Pandas) makes it the preferred choice of AI experts.
Strengths:
- Ease of learning
- Very active community
- Wide choice of specialized libraries
- Exceptional versatility
Weaknesses:
- Execution speed sometimes less efficient
- Automatic memory management less effective in some cases
Application Areas in Quebec:
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning
- Data analysis and Data Science
- Process automation
- Web development with Django or Flask
💡 Fed IT Tip
With the explosion of generative AI in 2025, mastering Python has become a major asset. We're seeing an increase in demand for Python profiles in our job offers.
JavaScript: The Web Essential
JavaScript remains one of the most used programming languages for web development. It allows the creation of dynamic and interactive interfaces on websites. Used client-side and server-side (with Node.js), JavaScript has also become popular for mobile app development thanks to frameworks like React Native.
Strengths:
- Universal presence in web development
- Relatively accessible learning
- Very active community
- Rich ecosystem (React, Vue, Angular, Node.js)
Weaknesses:
- Performance sometimes limited for heavy calculations
- Complex code management for large applications
Recent Evolution: TypeScript, a superset of JavaScript, is gaining popularity thanks to its static typing which improves code maintainability.
Java and C#: The Pillars of Enterprise Software Development
Java occupies the 3rd position of most used programming languages with 8.71% market share. This robust and versatile language remains widely adopted in enterprise application development, Android software and web solutions. Its portability allows developers to create applications that run on different platforms without major modifications.
Java Strengths:
- Proven robustness for over 30 years
- Exceptional portability (Write Once, Run Anywhere)
- Massive adoption in large enterprises
- Built-in security and automatic memory management
Weaknesses:
- Sometimes verbose code
- Performance slightly lower than C++ in some cases
- Evolution slower than some competitors
C#, with 7.39% market share, was named programming language of the year 2025 by the TIOBE index for the second time in three years. Developed by Microsoft for the .NET ecosystem, C# has successfully completed two major transformations: moving from Windows-only to cross-platform, and from Microsoft proprietary to open source.
C# Strengths:
- Perfect integration with Microsoft technologies
- Modern and elegant syntax
- Excellent for game development with Unity
- Rapid evolution and adoption of new trends
- Now cross-platform and open source
Weaknesses:
- Historically rooted in the Microsoft environment
- Less universal ecosystem than Java
💡 Fed IT Tip
The battle between Java and C# to dominate the enterprise software development market remains undecided. C# is gaining ground thanks to its modernization and openness, while Java retains its massive installed base. In Quebec, both most used programming languages offer excellent job prospects.
Which Languages Dominate According to Your Specialty?
Choosing a programming language strongly depends on your field of activity. Here's a detailed analysis of the most used programming languages by specialty.
Web and Mobile Development
Front-End Web Development
Front-end developers create the visible and interactive part of websites. To work as a web developer, the most used programming languages in this field are:
- JavaScript (essential) with its React, Vue.js or Angular frameworks
- JavaScript/TypeScript (increasingly in demand)
- HTML5 and CSS3 (fundamentals)
JavaScript frameworks like React, Vue.js and Angular are particularly sought after by Quebec employers in 2026.
Back-End Web Development
Back-end developers handle the server side of applications. The most used programming languages are:
- JavaScript/Node.js (front/back versatility)
- Python with Django or Flask
- PHP (still very present in WordPress and existing sites)
- Java with Spring Boot
- C# with ASP.NET
- Go (rapid growth)
Mobile Development
For creating mobile applications, the most used programming languages vary by platform:
Android Applications:
- Kotlin (Google's recommended language since 2019)
- Java (still relevant for maintaining existing applications)
iOS Applications:
- Swift (preferred modern language)
- Objective-C (declining but still present)
Cross-platform Applications:
- JavaScript/TypeScript with React Native
- Dart with Flutter (strong growth)
💡 Fed IT Tip
To maximize your job opportunities, we recommend mastering at least one front-end language (JavaScript) and one back-end language (Python or Java). This versatility is highly sought after by Quebec employers.
Data Science and Cybersecurity
Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
The most used programming languages in Data Science are:
- Python (undisputed leader with TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn, Pandas)
- R (advanced statistical analysis)
- SQL (essential data manipulation)
- Scala with Apache Spark (distributed data processing)
Cybersecurity
In the field of IT security, the most used programming languages include:
- Python (automation scripts, penetration testing)
- C/C++ (system-level vulnerability analysis)
- JavaScript (web security)
- Bash/PowerShell (system scripts)
Embedded Systems and Performance
For applications requiring optimal performance or working at the system level, the most used programming languages are:
C and C++
Powerful and efficient, C and C++ remain essential for:
- Operating systems
- AAA video games
- Real-time applications
- Embedded software
Strengths:
- Maximum performance
- Precise hardware control
- Massive industry adoption
Weaknesses:
- Steep learning curve
- Manual memory management
- Longer development time
Rust
Rust reached its highest historical level in January 2026 with position #13 and a market share of 1.51%. This modern programming language is gaining popularity for:
- Critical systems requiring reliability and security
- High-performance software
- Blockchain and cryptography development
Strengths:
- Memory safety without garbage collector
- Performance comparable to C++
- Bug prevention at compilation
- Growing industry adoption
Weaknesses:
- Difficult learning and steep curve
- Less mature ecosystem than C++
- Long compilation times
- Difficulty penetrating the embedded systems market
Important Note: According to the TIOBE analysis for January 2026, despite its historic record, Rust still struggles to establish itself in the embedded systems market, which remains dominated by C.
Go
Go dropped from 10th to 16th position in 2025-2026 (1.24% market share), losing its place in the top 10 most used programming languages. Despite this decline, Go remains relevant for:
- Microservices and web services
- Cloud infrastructure
- DevOps tools
Strengths:
- Simple and clear syntax
- Fast compilation
- Native multithreading management (goroutines)
- Excellent for network applications
Weaknesses:
- Loss of momentum according to the TIOBE index
- Fewer advanced features
- Sometimes verbose error handling
💡 Fed IT Tip
Although Go lost its place in the top 10 most used programming languages according to TIOBE, it remains highly in demand for cloud infrastructure and DevOps positions in Quebec. Mastering it can differentiate you in the job market.
The Reality of the IT Job Market in Quebec
At Fed IT, we analyze Quebec companies' technical skill needs daily. Here's our market analysis based on our internal data and 2025 trends.
Most In-Demand Programming Languages in Quebec
Top 5 Skills Sought by Our Clients:
- Python - Demand up 40% compared to 2024
- JavaScript/TypeScript - Stable with constant demand
- Java - Still highly sought after in large enterprises
- C#/.NET - Strong demand in video games and enterprise software
- SQL - Cross-functional skill required in almost all positions
Emerging Languages with Strong Growth:
- Go (+30% in one year)
- Rust (+25% in one year)
- Kotlin (+20% in one year)
Salary Analysis: Which Languages Pay Best?
According to our internal placement data from 2025:
Premium Languages:
- Rust: $95,000 - $140,000 (specialized demand)
- Go: $70,000 - $90,000 (cloud infrastructure)
- Scala: $60,000 - $100,000 (Big Data)
Mainstream Languages:
- Python: $85,000 - $115,000 (excellent opportunities/salary ratio)
- Java: $75,000 - $125,000 (stability)
- C#: $55,000 - $120,000 (video game sector particularly lucrative)
Base Languages:
- JavaScript: $70,000 - $90,000 (wide range depending on experience)
- PHP: $60,000 - $80,000 (mature market)
- SQL: $60,000 - $100,000. Usually combined with other languages
💡 Fed IT Tip
Niche languages like Rust offer high salaries, but the volume of offers remains limited. For a stable career with good salary prospects, Python and Java represent the best balance between opportunities and compensation.
Actively Recruiting Sectors
Artificial Intelligence and Data Science
- Strong demand for Python and R
- Competitive salaries with project-based bonuses
- Booming sector in Montreal (AI hub)
Video Game Development
- C++, C# (Unity) and Python highly sought after
- Montreal remains a global video game hub
- Attractive salary packages in major studios
Financial Services
- Java and C# dominant
- Growing need for Python in quantitative analysis
- Job security and social benefits
Information Technology and Telecommunications
- Diversity of required languages
- Focus on JavaScript, Python and Java
- Remote work opportunities
How to Choose Which Programming Language to Learn?
Choosing among the most used programming languages depends on several personal and professional factors. Here's our method to guide you in this decision.
Criterion 1: Your Career Goals
Want to work in AI or Data Science? → Learn Python as a priority, supplemented by SQL and R
Targeting web development? → Start with JavaScript, then explore TypeScript and a back-end framework (Node.js, Python or PHP)
Dream of creating video games? → C++ for AAA games, C# for Unity, or Python for prototyping
Targeting mobile applications? → Kotlin for Android, Swift for iOS, or JavaScript/Dart for cross-platform
Want to maximize job opportunities? → Python or Java offer the best volume of offers in Quebec
Criterion 2: Your Experience Level
Complete beginner: The most used AND most accessible programming languages are Python and JavaScript. Their clear syntax and large community facilitate learning.
Intermediate: Expand your skills with Java, C# or Go depending on your target field.
Advanced: Explore niche languages like Rust, Scala or Kotlin to specialize and increase your market value.
Criterion 3: Market Demand
Regularly check job offers on platforms like Fed IT to identify the most used programming languages in your region and target sector.
Indicators to Monitor:
- Number of published job offers
- Proposed salary ranges
- Experience requirements
- Complementary technologies required
Criterion 4: Your Learning Capacity
Be realistic about the time you can dedicate to learning:
Quick learning (3-6 months to be operational): Python, JavaScript, PHP
Medium learning (6-12 months): Java, C#, Go, Kotlin
Long learning (12+ months): C++, Rust, Scala
💡 Fed IT Tip
Don't try to learn all the most used programming languages simultaneously. Master one perfectly before adding a second. Employers prefer a Python expert over a superficial generalist in five languages.
Programming Languages by Specific Field
Internet of Things (IoT)
To work in the Internet of Things, the most used programming languages are:
- C (essential for embedded devices)
- C++ (complex IoT systems)
- Python (rapid prototyping and data analysis)
- JavaScript/Node.js (user interfaces and IoT applications)
- Go (distributed IoT applications and web services)
Employer Sectors in Quebec:
- Home automation and smart buildings
- Industry 4.0 and automation
- Connected health
Enterprise Software Development
The most used programming languages for enterprise software include:
- Java (robust enterprise applications)
- C#/.NET (Microsoft environment)
- Python (automation and integration)
- SQL (enterprise data management)
These languages offer the stability, security and scalability needed for critical enterprise applications. Computer programmers specialized in these technologies are highly sought after by large Quebec organizations.
Automation and DevOps
For infrastructure automation and DevOps practices, the most used programming languages are:
- Python (automation scripts)
- Go (DevOps tools like Docker and Kubernetes)
- Bash/Shell (Linux system scripts)
- PowerShell (Windows environment)
Resources for Learning the Most Used Programming Languages
Recommended Learning Platforms
For Beginners:
- Codecademy (interactive, ideal for JavaScript and Python)
- freeCodeCamp (free, focused on web development)
- Khan Academy (programming basics)
For Advanced Learning:
- Udemy (comprehensive and affordable courses)
- Coursera (online university programs)
- Pluralsight (professional training)
For Practice:
- LeetCode (solving algorithmic problems)
- HackerRank (programming challenges)
- GitHub (open source projects)
French-Language Communities and Resources
Forums and Groups:
- OpenClassrooms (courses in French)
- Grafikart (web tutorials in French)
- French-speaking Discord and Slack communities
Events in Quebec:
- Developer meetups in Montreal
- Hackathons organized by universities
- Technical conferences (ConFoo, Web à Québec)
💡 Fed IT Tip
Create a GitHub portfolio from the start of your learning. Recruiters systematically check GitHub profiles to assess candidates' actual level, beyond certifications.
2026 Trends: The Future of Programming Languages
Big Winners of 2025-2026
According to the TIOBE index for January 2026, several programming languages experienced remarkable progress:
C#: Language of the Year 2025 With an increase of 2.94%, C# wins the title of programming language of the year for the second time in three years. This success is explained by its ability to evolve rapidly and its successful transition to cross-platform and open source.
C: Return to the Top C progressed by 2.13% to reclaim 2nd position. The growing market for embedded systems and connected objects explains this renewed interest in this simple and efficient language.
Perl: The Surprise Return Perl made a spectacular comeback, jumping from 32nd to 11th position, thus reintegrating the top 20 most used programming languages.
R: Pushed by Data Science R climbed from 18th to 10th place (+0.81%), driven by the continued growth of data science and statistics.
Rust: Historic Record Rust reaches its highest level with the 13th position (+0.34%), confirming growing interest in security and performance.
Languages Losing Ground
Go: Exit from Top 10 Go dropped from 10th to 16th position (-1.37%), definitively losing its place in the top 10 most used programming languages according to the TIOBE analysis.
Ruby: Confirmed Decline Ruby exited the top 20, falling to 27th position (0.58%). Its return to the top ranks seems unlikely in the short term.
JavaScript: Slight Decline Despite its essential status for the web, JavaScript lost 1.17%, dropping from 4.20% to 3.03% market share.
Predictions for 2026
TypeScript: Imminent Entry into Top 20 Currently at 32nd position, TypeScript should finally break into the top 20 most used programming languages in 2026, driven by massive adoption in large-scale JavaScript projects.
Zig: Candidate for Top 30 Zig climbed from 61st to 42nd position in 2025. This spectacular progress makes it a serious candidate to join the top 30 in 2026.
The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Programming Languages
The explosion of generative AI in 2025-2026 is transforming how developers use the most used programming languages:
Transformation of Development
- AI assistants (GitHub Copilot, Amazon CodeWhisperer) significantly accelerate development
- Automatic code generation becomes common for repetitive tasks
- Developers focus more on architecture and business logic
Impact on Python : Python consolidates its leadership position (22.61%) thanks to:
- Dominance in AI libraries (TensorFlow, PyTorch, Transformers)
- Ease of integration with language models
- Rich ecosystem for machine learning
What This Means for Your Career
- Mastering Python becomes even more strategic to stay competitive
- Understanding AI concepts, even as a web developer, becomes a differentiating asset
- Knowing how to use AI tools to increase your productivity becomes an essential skill
- The ability to architect complex systems takes precedence over simply writing code
💡 Fed IT Tip
Don't fear AI as a competitor, but learn to use it as a career accelerator. Developers who master the most used programming languages AND generative AI tools are the most sought-after profiles in 2026.
Fed IT: Your Partner for a Successful Development Career
At Fed IT, an IT placement agency, we understand that mastering the most used programming languages is only part of the equation for career success. Our expertise in the Quebec information technology market allows us to support developers at every stage of their professional journey.
Our Services for Candidates
Highlighting Your Technical Skills
We help you showcase your mastery of the most used programming languages in your CV and during interviews. Our team knows the precise expectations of technical recruiters.
Access to Best Opportunities
Thanks to our network of partner companies, access positions in web development, mobile, AI, video games, and much more. Browse our IT job offers.
Personalized Advice
Our IT-specialized consultants guide you in your training and career orientation choices based on the most used programming languages and market trends.
Our Services for Employers
Technical Talent Recruitment
Struggling to recruit developers mastering Python, Java or other most used programming languages? Our proven methodology and vast network of qualified candidates allow us to find the ideal profile for your projects.
Temporary and Permanent Mandates
Whether you need a developer for a one-time project or a permanent hire, we adapt our services to your specific needs.
Quebec Market Expertise
Benefit from our in-depth knowledge of salaries, sought-after skills and best recruitment practices in the IT sector in Quebec.
FAQ: Your Questions About the Most Used Programming Languages
What is the best-paid programming language in 2025?
Niche languages like Rust ($95,000 - $140,000) offer the highest salaries in Quebec. However, Python and Java offer the best balance between volume of opportunities and compensation ($70,000 - $125,000), with many more offers available in the market.
Is Python still relevant in 2026?
Yes, more than ever! Python remains one of the most used programming languages in 2025, driven by the explosion of generative artificial intelligence, machine learning and Data Science.
Which programming language should beginners learn?
Python is the best choice for beginners thanks to its simple and readable syntax. JavaScript is also excellent for seeing immediate visual results with web development. These two most used programming languages offer excellent job opportunities after a few months of learning.
How many programming languages should you know?
To be competitive in the job market, master 2 to 3 languages:
- A general-purpose language (Python or Java)
- A web language (JavaScript/TypeScript)
- A data management language (SQL)
This combination covers the majority of Quebec employers' needs.
Will programming languages disappear with AI?
No. AI transforms the way of coding but doesn't replace developers. AI tools generate basic code, but developers remain essential for:
- Designing system architecture
- Solving complex problems
- Ensuring code quality and security
- Maintaining and evolving applications
AI makes developers more productive, but their expertise remains indispensable.
Which language to choose between Java and Python?
Choose Python if:
- You're a beginner in programming
- You're targeting AI, Data Science or automation
- You prefer simple and concise syntax
Choose Java if:
- You're targeting large enterprises and large-scale applications
- You want to work on Android
- You favour robustness and performance for complex systems
Both are among the most used programming languages and offer excellent career prospects.
Which languages are used in GAFAM (Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon, Microsoft)?
These tech giants mainly use:
- Google: Python, Java, Go, C++
- Apple: Swift, Objective-C, C++
- Meta (Facebook): Python, PHP, C++, Rust
- Amazon: Java, Python, C++
- Microsoft: C#, TypeScript, Python, C++
Note that Python and C++ are common across all these companies.
How do you know if a programming language is declining?
Monitor these indicators:
- Decrease in TIOBE and Stack Overflow indexes
- Reduction in number of job offers
- Absence of updates or new features
- Migration to modern alternatives
Regularly check market trends and Fed IT publications to stay informed.
Sources and References
This article relies on the most recent market data to offer you a comprehensive analysis of the most used programming languages:
- TIOBE Index (January 2026) - Global ranking of programming language popularity based on web searches, technical discussions and developer activity (https://www.tiobe.com/tiobe-index/)
- Stack Overflow Developer Survey 2025 - Survey of over 49,000 developers in 177 countries, analyzing 314 different technologies (https://survey.stackoverflow.co/2025/)
- Fed IT Internal Data - Analysis of our placements and skills most demanded by Quebec employers in 2025-2026
These sources allow us to cross-reference global trends with the reality of the Quebec job market, to offer you the most relevant advice for your development career.
