List of the Top 21 Programming Languages for FOSSA in 2025

At the core of extensible programming is the concept of defining functions. Python facilitates this with mandatory and optional parameters, keyword arguments, and the capability to handle arbitrary lists of arguments. Whether you're a novice in programming or possess years of expertise, Python remains approachable and easy to grasp. This language is notably inviting for newcomers while still providing considerable depth for those experienced in other programming languages. The following sections lay a strong groundwork for anyone eager to start their Python programming adventure! The dynamic community actively organizes various conferences and meetups to foster collaborative coding and the exchange of ideas. Furthermore, the comprehensive documentation acts as an invaluable guide, while mailing lists help maintain user connections. The Python Package Index (PyPI) offers a wide selection of third-party modules that enhance the Python experience. With an extensive standard library alongside community-contributed modules, Python presents endless programming possibilities, making it an adaptable choice for developers at every skill level. Additionally, the thriving ecosystem encourages continuous learning and innovation among its users.

The Java™ Programming Language is crafted to be a flexible, concurrent, and strongly typed language that is oriented around objects and follows a class-based framework. It is usually converted into bytecode that complies with the guidelines established in the Java Virtual Machine Specification. Developers typically write their source code in plain text documents, which are designated with a .java extension. These source files are then compiled into .class files using the javac compiler. Unlike code meant for native processors, a .class file contains bytecodes that represent the machine language recognized by the Java Virtual Machine (Java VM). To run an application, the java launcher tool initiates an instance of the Java Virtual Machine, enabling the smooth execution of the compiled bytecode. This entire workflow illustrates the remarkable efficiency and portability that Java provides across a wide range of computing platforms, showcasing its adaptability in diverse programming environments. As a result, developers can rely on Java to create applications that function consistently regardless of the underlying system architecture.

Kotlin is crafted for user-friendliness, enabling developers to create powerful applications from the outset. Its seamless compatibility with the Java ecosystem allows the utilization of favored JVM frameworks and libraries without difficulty. Developers can easily share their application logic across various platforms, including web, mobile, and desktop, while providing users with a native-like experience. This method not only conserves time but also grants unrestricted access to features specific to each platform. The Kotlin community is robust, with a swiftly growing international network of contributors enhancing the language's capabilities. An extensive range of community libraries supports developers, readily offering assistance through various community channels or direct queries to the Kotlin team. For those developing mobile applications for both iOS and Android, Kotlin Multiplatform Mobile functions as an SDK, effectively combining the benefits of cross-platform development with native app creation. By keeping a single codebase for critical elements such as networking, data storage, and analytics, developers can optimize the creation process for their Android and iOS applications. This streamlining of development not only boosts productivity but also cultivates an environment ripe for innovation in various projects, leading to more efficient workflows and enhanced application quality.

PHP is a versatile, flexible, and highly efficient programming language that caters to a variety of applications, from personal blogs to some of the most trafficked websites in the world. Recently, the PHP development team launched version 8.0.20, which is now accessible to all users. Additionally, while exploring the PHP.net website, you can easily obtain the information you need without searching through a box; instead, you can utilize straightforward PHP.net URLs that guide you directly to specific sections. This straightforward navigation enhances the overall user experience, enabling both developers and casual users to interact with PHP resources more effectively and efficiently. Consequently, the improvements in accessibility and usability reflect the ongoing commitment to enhancing the PHP ecosystem.

Visual Basic, which is an object-oriented programming language developed by Microsoft, facilitates the quick and easy creation of type-safe applications within the .NET framework. This version specifically focuses on improving the Visual Basic Runtime (microsoft.visualbasic.dll) for .NET Core, making it the first version designed exclusively for that environment. Upcoming revisions are expected to integrate aspects of the Visual Basic Runtime that depend on WinForms technology. The .NET framework itself serves as a dynamic and open-source development platform suitable for building various application types. Regardless of the specific application being developed, the code and project files retain a uniform structure and functionality. This consistency allows developers to utilize the same runtime, application programming interfaces (APIs), and language features throughout all of their projects. A Visual Basic application comprises standard components, with a solution hosting one or more projects; each project may include multiple assemblies, which are compiled from several source files. This organized approach not only helps streamline the development process but also empowers developers to efficiently handle the complexities of their applications. In essence, the framework’s cohesive design fosters a productive environment for developers to innovate and bring their ideas to fruition.

Participating in Swift programming is not only fun but also interactive, thanks to its concise and expressive syntax that incorporates modern features valued by developers. Built with an emphasis on safety, Swift allows the development of software that functions at impressive speeds. This programming language stands as a result of innovative research in language design, combined with rich experience in creating applications for Apple platforms. The clarity of its syntax supports the use of named parameters, which greatly improves the readability and maintainability of APIs in Swift. A significant advantage is the elimination of semi-colons, which results in a more fluid and streamlined coding process. Additionally, inferred types lead to a more organized codebase and minimize the chances of errors, while modules do away with the necessity for headers, creating well-structured namespaces. To accommodate a variety of international languages and even emojis, Swift strings are designed to be Unicode-compliant and employ UTF-8 encoding for enhanced performance in diverse applications. Furthermore, writing concurrent code is made easy with user-friendly built-in keywords that clarify asynchronous behavior, thereby improving both the clarity and reliability of the code. This rich array of features establishes Swift as an attractive option for developers looking to build efficient, reliable, and innovative applications that meet modern demands. Its growing community and extensive resources also contribute to making the learning curve easier for newcomers.

Are you intrigued by the widespread popularity of Ruby? Proponents of the language often refer to it as a masterpiece of design, blending artistry with practical applications. Since its public debut in 1995, Ruby has cultivated a dedicated community of developers from diverse backgrounds worldwide. By 2006, it had achieved notable recognition, with user groups forming in major cities and Ruby-centric conferences drawing significant attendance. During that time, the Ruby-Talk mailing list became particularly active, averaging around 200 messages each day. Nonetheless, in more recent years, the number of messages has dwindled as the community has splintered into various smaller factions. Ruby remains a mainstay in the top 10 rankings of programming languages, according to several indices that assess their growth and popularity, including the TIOBE index. A key driver of this enduring success is the increasing visibility of Ruby-based software, especially the influential Ruby on Rails web framework, which has been instrumental in attracting developers to the language. The unique combination of elegance, practicality, and a rich ecosystem of tools continues to draw fresh talent into the ever-evolving Ruby community. This ongoing evolution suggests that Ruby will maintain its relevance in the programming world for years to come.

Scala elegantly combines object-oriented and functional programming paradigms into a singular high-level language. Its static type system effectively reduces the risk of errors in complex applications, while compatibility with JVM and JavaScript empowers developers to build efficient systems that can tap into vast libraries. The Scala compiler excels at handling static types, which means that in most cases, you won’t have to declare variable types explicitly; the powerful type inference system takes care of it for you. Structural data types are represented through case classes, which automatically generate well-defined methods for toString, equals, and hashCode, in addition to enabling deconstruction through pattern matching techniques. Furthermore, functions in Scala are considered first-class citizens, allowing developers to create anonymous functions with a concise syntax. This combination of features not only enhances productivity but also makes Scala a highly attractive option for developers who wish to enjoy the strengths of both programming approaches. Ultimately, the blend of usability and functionality solidifies Scala's reputation as a modern and versatile programming language.

Perl stands out as a remarkably adaptable and feature-packed programming language that has been advancing for over thirty years. It functions effortlessly across more than 100 platforms, from handheld devices to large-scale mainframes, making it an ideal option for both rapid prototyping and larger development projects. The name "Perl" actually refers to a group of languages, with "Raku," which was once known as "Perl 6," being a unique variant that has its own dedicated development team. Although Raku has emerged, it does not significantly impact the continued progression of the original Perl language. Perl comes with powerful tools tailored for text manipulation, making it especially effective for processing HTML, XML, and a variety of both markup and natural languages. Furthermore, Perl can handle encrypted web data, facilitating e-commerce transactions and underscoring its dependability and broad applicability in contemporary programming tasks. This extensive adaptability enables developers to utilize Perl across numerous applications, ensuring it maintains its significance in the current technology landscape, while its ongoing evolution promises to introduce even more innovative features.

Fortran has been expertly designed for tasks demanding high performance, particularly within scientific and engineering fields. It offers dependable and well-established compilers and libraries, which empower developers to build software that functions with remarkable speed and efficiency. The language's static and strong typing allows the compiler to catch various programming errors early in the process, aiding in the creation of optimized binary code. Even with its concise format, Fortran is surprisingly user-friendly for beginners. Crafting intricate mathematical and computational expressions for large arrays is as effortless as writing equations on a whiteboard. Additionally, Fortran provides support for native parallel programming, featuring a user-friendly array-like syntax that streamlines data sharing across CPUs. This adaptability enables users to run nearly identical code on a single processor, as well as on shared-memory multicore systems or distributed-memory high-performance computing (HPC) and cloud platforms. Consequently, Fortran continues to serve as a formidable resource for individuals seeking to address challenging computational problems. Its enduring relevance in the programming landscape showcases its significant contributions to advancing technology and scientific research.

In Haskell, every expression has a type that is determined at compile time. It is essential for the types in function applications to match correctly; if they do not, the compiler will reject the code. This rigorous type system not only ensures correctness but also acts as a framework for defining program structure. Each function in Haskell operates under the principles of mathematical functions, which makes them fundamentally "pure." Even in the case of side-effecting IO operations, these are merely specifications of actions to be executed, produced by pure functions. Haskell avoids the use of statements or commands; it focuses instead on expressions that cannot change variables—either local or global—and cannot alter states like time or randomness. Although it is not mandatory to specify every type within a Haskell program, types can be inferred through a process known as bidirectional unification. Programmers also have the freedom to explicitly declare types when necessary or to ask the compiler to provide them for clarity, thus improving documentation. This level of flexibility empowers Haskell developers to maintain a balance between type safety and user-friendliness while fostering an environment conducive to robust software development. Overall, Haskell's design encourages clarity and precision in programming practices.

Rust is notable for its remarkable speed and efficient memory management, functioning without the necessity of a runtime or garbage collector, which makes it ideal for high-performance applications, embedded systems, and smooth integration with various programming languages. Its sophisticated type system and ownership model guarantee both memory and thread safety, enabling developers to identify a wide range of bugs during the compilation phase. The language is bolstered by comprehensive documentation and a user-friendly compiler that provides detailed error messages, along with a suite of top-notch development tools—including an integrated package manager, build system, smart multi-editor support with auto-completion and type checking, as well as an auto-formatter. Thanks to Rust's rich ecosystem, developing a command-line interface tool is straightforward, equipping developers to confidently manage and distribute their applications. Moreover, Rust can significantly enhance JavaScript projects, streamlining the process of publishing to npm and bundling with webpack, which ultimately boosts the development workflow. By utilizing Rust's features, developers can achieve faster, more reliable software solutions, which can ultimately lead to improved project outcomes and increased productivity.

With a wide range of tools and APIs provided by top cloud service providers, creating services in Go has become more straightforward than ever. The language boasts a rich set of open-source libraries, alongside its robust standard library, making it an excellent choice for developing quick and advanced command-line interfaces. Go's impressive memory management and support for various integrated development environments further bolster its ability to power fast and scalable web applications. Additionally, its rapid compilation speed and clean syntax, coupled with built-in documentation and formatting features, are specifically designed to cater to the needs of DevOps experts and site reliability engineers. This discussion delves deeply into all aspects of Go. Whether you are starting a new project or aiming to enhance your existing Go expertise, a well-structured interactive introduction is available, divided into three distinct parts. Each segment includes practical exercises that reinforce your learning, while the Playground feature enables users to write and execute Go code directly within a browser, with immediate compilation and linking occurring on our servers. This interactive learning method not only makes mastering Go effective but also turns the process into an enjoyable experience. Furthermore, the community surrounding Go offers valuable resources and support, enriching your journey as you explore this powerful programming language.

Erlang is a unique programming language crafted for the development of soft real-time systems that excel in scalability and prioritize continuous availability. Its versatility allows it to be utilized in a variety of sectors including telecommunications, finance, online shopping, computer telephony, and instant messaging services. The Erlang runtime system comes with built-in functionalities for concurrency, distribution, and resilience to failures. Furthermore, the Open Telecom Platform (OTP) consists of a suite of Erlang libraries and design principles that act as middleware for building these systems. This suite also features a distributed database, tools for language interoperability, and resources for debugging and managing software deployments. By harnessing these advanced capabilities, developers can create powerful applications that efficiently manage large transaction volumes while sustaining performance across fluctuating loads. Consequently, the combination of Erlang and OTP empowers developers to meet the demands of modern software challenges effectively.

Elixir is a dynamic and adaptable functional programming language crafted for the development of scalable and maintainable applications. This language operates on the Erlang VM, which is well-known for its ability to facilitate low-latency, distributed, and fault-tolerant systems. Elixir is applicable in a variety of domains, such as web development, embedded systems, data processing, and multimedia applications, which broadens its appeal across many sectors. If you're interested in getting started with Elixir, take the time to delve into our extensive guide and learning materials. The language employs lightweight execution threads called processes, designed for isolation and communication through message passing. Due to their lightweight nature, it's typical for a single machine to handle hundreds of thousands of these processes at once. The isolated design allows for independent garbage collection, significantly reducing system-wide pauses and enhancing resource efficiency for vertical scaling. Furthermore, these processes can communicate with others on different machines within the same network, further increasing the language's flexibility and reliability. Overall, Elixir's architecture not only supports the creation of highly concurrent applications but also offers developers a powerful tool for building resilient systems that can thrive in demanding environments. As developers continue to embrace Elixir, its community and ecosystem are expected to grow, leading to even more innovative uses and advancements in the technology.

C#, commonly known as "C Sharp," stands out as a modern programming language defined by its object-oriented and type-safe characteristics. It empowers developers to craft a diverse range of secure and efficient applications that function seamlessly within the .NET framework. Rooted in the C language family, those who are adept in C, C++, Java, and JavaScript are likely to find C# straightforward and approachable. This guide presents a detailed exploration of the fundamental aspects of C# up to version 8. As a language built on object-oriented and component-oriented principles, C# incorporates constructs designed to facilitate the creation and use of software components. Throughout its evolution, C# has integrated features that address emerging workloads and innovative software design strategies. At its core, C# embodies the principles of object orientation, allowing developers to define types and their related behaviors while nurturing a robust environment for application development. Furthermore, the language continuously evolves to remain pertinent in the dynamic realm of technology, adapting to meet the needs of modern developers. Ultimately, C# stands as a testament to the ongoing innovation in programming languages and their pivotal role in software engineering.

Clojure is recognized as a practical, efficient, and adaptable programming language that features a comprehensive set of tools, forming a cohesive and powerful toolkit. This dynamic and general-purpose language combines the accessibility and interactivity typical of scripting languages with a robust structure suitable for multithreaded programming. While Clojure is classified as a compiled language, it retains its dynamic nature, ensuring that all its capabilities remain available during runtime. The language allows for smooth integration with Java frameworks and includes optional type hints and type inference that enhance Java calls by circumventing reflection. As a Lisp dialect, Clojure advocates for the code-as-data concept and provides an advanced macro system. Primarily designed for functional programming, it offers a wide variety of immutable and persistent data structures. In cases where mutable state is necessary, Clojure incorporates a software transactional memory system and a reactive Agent system, rendering it a versatile option for diverse programming challenges. Furthermore, the language's focus on concurrency and simplicity makes it particularly attractive to developers seeking efficient and effective solutions in their projects. This combination of features establishes Clojure as a compelling choice for anyone serious about programming.

JavaScript functions as both a scripting and programming language that is widely utilized on the internet, enabling developers to build interactive and dynamic features for websites. An impressive 97% of all websites around the world rely on client-side JavaScript, highlighting its crucial role in web development. As one of the leading scripting languages available today, JavaScript has become indispensable for creating captivating online user experiences. Strings in JavaScript can be represented using either single quotes '' or double quotes "", and it is essential to be consistent with the chosen style throughout your code. For instance, if you initiate a string with a single quote, you must also terminate it with a single quote. Each type of quotation mark comes with its own set of benefits and drawbacks; for example, using single quotes can make it easier to incorporate HTML within your JavaScript code, as it removes the need to escape double quotes. This is particularly important when you need to include quotation marks within a string, which often necessitates using opposite styles for clarity and correctness. Furthermore, mastering the management of strings in JavaScript is crucial for developers aiming to elevate their programming abilities and create more sophisticated applications. In conclusion, a solid grasp of string handling will not only improve your coding efficiency but also enhance the overall quality of your web projects.

C++ is celebrated for its clear and concise syntax. Although beginners may initially perceive C++ as more complex than other programming languages due to its extensive use of symbols such as {}[]*&!|..., mastering these symbols can actually bring about a greater level of clarity and organization, surpassing languages that rely heavily on lengthy English phrases. Furthermore, C++ has improved its input/output system in comparison to C, and the integration of the standard template library makes data management and interaction more efficient, ensuring it remains as approachable as other languages without losing any essential functionality. This programming language adopts an object-oriented paradigm, treating software elements as individual objects with unique attributes and behaviors, which enhances or even replaces the conventional structured programming model that focused primarily on routines and parameters. By prioritizing objects, C++ provides developers with increased flexibility and scalability in their projects. Thus, the advantages of C++ position it as a robust choice for modern software development.

Create a fully developed async-await framework for user interfaces that utilize event-driven programming, incorporating isolate-based concurrency. This programming language is specifically designed for building user interfaces and features improvements such as strong null safety, a spread operator for expanding collections, and a collection if statement that allows for tailored UI customization based on the platform. It enables developers to work with a flexible type system that provides comprehensive static analysis and sophisticated, customizable tools. You can target web deployment through fully developed, efficient compilers that are optimized for JavaScript. Furthermore, backend capabilities can also be constructed using the same programming language that drives your application. This summary acts as an initial guide to the language, especially for those who favor practical learning experiences. To gain a deeper understanding, delving into the language and library tours or utilizing the Dart cheatsheet codelab would be extremely advantageous. Engaging with community-driven resources can significantly enhance your skills and knowledge, making it easier to navigate the programming landscape. Expanding your connections within the community can provide additional insights and support as you continue your journey in mastering this language.

C is a programming language that emerged in 1972 and remains highly relevant and widely used in the software development industry today. Serving as a versatile and general-purpose imperative language, C is employed to build a variety of software applications, including operating systems, application software, compilers, and databases. Its lasting significance positions it as a cornerstone in programming, impacting numerous contemporary languages and technological advancements. Moreover, the efficiency and performance that C offers further solidify its importance across different areas of software engineering, ensuring its place in future innovations as well. The language's robust features and widespread adaptability continue to attract both new and experienced developers alike.