In 2025, just like in previous years, work on GitHub is dominated by a few key programming languages, reflecting broader industry trends and developer preferences. Notably, Python remains the most-utilized language on the platform, having surpassed JavaScript and other players quite some time ago. This change underscores Python's pivotal role in the burgeoning fields of data science and artificial intelligence.
The annual GitHub Octoverse Report provides insights into these developments, highlighting the top programming languages based on repository contributions, active users, and overall community engagement. Understanding these trends is essential for developers aiming to align their skills with current and future market demands.
Below is an updated overview of the ten most popular programming languages on GitHub, reflecting the latest data and trends. If you’re relatively new to the software development space, keep the following in mind as you apply for jobs and plot out your side projects.
10 Most Popular Programming Languages on GitHub
1. Python
Python's rise to the top spot is largely attributed to its versatility and the explosion of interest in data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. Its readable syntax and extensive standard library make it a favorite among both beginners and seasoned developers.
Key Features:
- Extensive support for scientific and numerical computations.
- Robust frameworks for web development (e.g., Django, Flask).
- Vast community support and a rich ecosystem of libraries.
Notable GitHub Repositories:
2. JavaScript
Despite being overtaken by Python, JavaScript remains integral to web development, enabling interactive and dynamic content across the internet. Its adaptability has cemented its position as a cornerstone of front-end development.
Key Features:
- Essential for client-side scripting and dynamic web pages.
- Supports event-driven, functional, and imperative programming styles.
- Extensive frameworks and libraries like React, Angular, and Vue.js.
Notable GitHub Repositories:
3. TypeScript
TypeScript's growth reflects a shift towards more maintainable and scalable codebases, especially in large-scale applications. By introducing static typing to JavaScript, it enhances code quality and developer productivity.
Key Features:
- Optional static typing and type inference.
- Improved tooling and editor support.The GitHub Blog
- Backward compatibility with JavaScript.
Notable GitHub Repositories:
4. Java
Java continues to be a stalwart in enterprise environments, powering a vast array of business applications and Android development projects. Its stability and scalability make it a preferred choice for large systems.
Key Features:
- Object-oriented programming paradigm.
- Robust memory management and security features.
- Extensive standard libraries and frameworks.
Notable GitHub Repositories:
5. C#
Backed by Microsoft, C# is prevalent in developing Windows applications, game development using Unity, and enterprise software solutions. Its integration with the .NET ecosystem provides a comprehensive development platform.
Key Features:
- Component-oriented and object-oriented programming support.
- Automatic memory management with garbage collection.
- Strong integration with Windows platforms and services.
Notable GitHub Repositories:
6. C++
C++ remains critical for system-level programming, game development, and applications requiring high performance. Its efficiency and control over system resources make it indispensable in performance-critical applications.
Key Features:
- Low-level memory manipulation capabilities.The GitHub Blog
- Support for multiple programming paradigms.
- Extensive standard template library (STL).
Notable GitHub Repositories:
7. PHP
PHP remains a dominant force in server-side web development, powering countless websites, including major platforms like WordPress. Despite newer alternatives like Node.js and Python gaining traction, PHP's simplicity and vast ecosystem ensure its continued use.
Key Features:
- Open-source with a massive community and extensive documentation.
- Seamless integration with databases like MySQL and PostgreSQL.
- Widely used for web applications and content management systems.
Notable GitHub Repositories:
8. Shell
Shell scripting has overtaken C in 2024, reflecting its growing importance in automation, DevOps, and system administration. Shell scripts simplify repetitive tasks, infrastructure provisioning, and CI/CD pipeline management.
Key Features:
- Used for scripting system-level tasks and automation.
- Found in nearly all Unix-based and Linux distributions.
- Essential for DevOps engineers managing cloud and server environments.
Notable GitHub Repositories:
- Oh My Zsh – A popular framework for managing Zsh configurations.
- Bash-it – Community-driven framework for Bash customization.
- NVM – Node Version Manager for managing multiple Node.js versions.
9. C
C remains foundational in system programming, embedded systems, and high-performance computing. Despite being overtaken by Shell in GitHub rankings, it continues to be widely used in operating systems, databases, and compilers.
Key Features:
- Low-level access to system resources with minimal runtime overhead.
- Used for developing operating systems, databases, and performance-critical applications.
- Strong influence on modern languages like C++, C#, and Go.
Notable GitHub Repositories:
- Linux Kernel – The core of the Linux operating system.
- Redis – A high-performance in-memory key-value store.
- SQLite – A lightweight database engine.
10. Go (Golang)
Go, also known as Golang, continues to rise in popularity due to its simplicity, concurrency support, and scalability. It is widely used in cloud computing, microservices, and backend systems.
Key Features:
- Excellent concurrency handling with Goroutines.
- Ideal for distributed systems and high-performance applications.
- Strong support from Google and cloud-native development.
Notable GitHub Repositories:
- Kubernetes – Container Orchestration
- Docker – Containerization
- Hugo – Static Site Generator
Emerging Trends in Programming Languages
While the top programming languages on GitHub continue to be widely used, several emerging trends highlight shifts in the industry:
Rise of AI-Driven Development with Python
- As mentioned above, Python’s dominance is heavily influenced by the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML).
- Frameworks like TensorFlow and PyTorch drive AI development, leading to increased GitHub activity.
Increased Adoption of TypeScript
- More developers and organizations are using TypeScript due to its scalability and enhanced code maintainability.
- Major JavaScript-based frameworks like Angular and React now recommend TypeScript as the default.
Rust and Go Gaining Popularity
- Rust continues to grow due to its memory safety features and adoption in system programming and web assembly.
- Go is widely used in cloud computing and microservices architecture.
Shell Scripting in DevOps and Automation
- Shell's overtaking of C reflects its critical role in automating IT operations, infrastructure management, and security.
Beginner-Friendly Languages Fueling Developer Growth
- The high adoption of beginner-friendly languages like JavaScript and Python suggests a growing number of new developers entering the industry.
- Educational platforms, universities, and bootcamps increasingly favor Python for introductory programming courses.
How to Choose the Right Programming Language for Your Career
Career Opportunities and Job Demand
- Python and JavaScript remain the best choices for job seekers in AI, data science, and web development.
- Java and C# are ideal for enterprise software, cloud computing, and Android development.
- C++ and Rust are crucial for performance-intensive applications, game development, and embedded systems.
Learning Curve and Community Support
- Beginner-friendly: Python, JavaScript, TypeScript
- Intermediate: Java, C#, PHP, Shell
- Advanced: C, C++, Rust
Future-Proofing Your Skills
- Languages with strong job demand and growing usage are Python, TypeScript, and Rust.
- Keeping up with frameworks and cloud-native technologies ensures long-term career stability.
Conclusion
The programming language landscape on GitHub highlights significant shifts, with Python taking the top spot, Shell overtaking C, and TypeScript continuing its rise. While traditional languages like Java, C++, and PHP remain essential, new trends in AI, automation, and cloud computing are reshaping developer preferences.
FAQs
Q: Which programming language is the most used on GitHub in 2024?
A: Python has overtaken JavaScript as the most used language on GitHub, driven by AI, data science, and automation trends.
Q: Why is Python more popular than JavaScript now?
A: Python's rise is largely due to its dominance in AI and machine learning, fields that have seen exponential growth in the past two years.
Q: What is the best programming language to learn?
A: Python remains a great all-around choice for career opportunities in AI, web development, and automation. However, knowledge of programming languages such as JavaScript and Swift can help you in your developer journey, especially if those languages align with very specific career goals and opportunities.
Q: Is Rust replacing C and C++?
A: While Rust is growing due to its memory safety features, C and C++ remain dominant in legacy systems, gaming, and performance-critical applications. There’s a sheer mountain of legacy code out there, and it’s going to keep older programming languages viable until roughly the end of time.
