The Most Popular Programming Languages of 2018

Programming language popularity is influenced by a variety of factors, including utility, familiarity, and evolving software trends like cloud computing and microservices. Established languages such as Java and Python have consistently ranked high in surveys since 2014, with Python showing significant growth due to its simplicity and versatility. New Relic's analysis highlights a shift towards a "polyglot" approach, where developers use multiple languages suited to specific tasks, supported by trends like microservices and containerization. Microsoft's open-source initiatives and tools like .NET Core are also impacting language popularity by broadening accessibility. Emerging languages such as Go, Elixir, and Julia are gaining traction, driven by their unique advantages and growing industry needs, suggesting that developers should consider gaining expertise in these rising languages to stay ahead in the field.