List of the Top 18 Programming Languages for Visual Studio 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.

Cascading Style Sheets, or CSS, act as a style sheet language that web developers utilize to arrange the layout of HTML and other elements on a website. Renowned for its widespread use, CSS is one of the most commonly employed languages throughout the Internet. For style sheets to perform optimally, it is essential that your markup is devoid of errors. To easily correct markup issues, employing a utility such as HTML Tidy can prove advantageous. This tool not only tidies up the markup but also improves its clarity and makes it easier to modify. I strongly recommend using Tidy regularly on any markup you handle, as it is particularly effective in refining content produced by authoring tools that may have inconsistent formatting practices. Each style property begins with the property name, followed by a colon, and concludes with the specific value assigned to that property. When you have multiple style properties, it is important to separate each with a semicolon to ensure clear differentiation. In summary, embracing best practices with tools like Tidy can greatly enhance web development efficiency and elevate the quality of your code. Additionally, adopting such practices will ultimately contribute to a more maintainable and scalable web project in the long run.

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.

IronPython stands as an open-source variant of the Python programming language, intricately woven into the .NET framework. This integration allows IronPython to tap into both .NET and Python libraries, enabling seamless invocation of Python code from other .NET languages. Boost your development workflow with the interactive capabilities offered by Python Tools for Visual Studio, designed to create a more dynamic setting for both .NET and Python projects. As a significant contributor to the .NET ecosystem, IronPython equips Python developers to exploit the vast functionalities of .NET effectively. Furthermore, .NET developers can leverage IronPython as a dynamic scripting language, ideal for embedding, testing, or initiating new applications from scratch. The Common Language Runtime (CLR) serves as a robust platform for the development of programming languages, while the Dynamic Language Runtime (DLR) enhances its compatibility with dynamic languages even further. Additionally, the rich libraries and presentation framework provided by .NET deliver an abundance of features and capabilities to developers. However, to maximize the advantages of IronPython, it's crucial for developers to modify their existing Python code to fit IronPython's syntax and standards. By making these adjustments, programmers can fully capitalize on the remarkable integration that IronPython offers. This adaptability not only enriches the development experience but also fosters innovation within the software development landscape.

Pascal has gained increased relevance in today's world compared to the past, especially with modern implementations such as Oxygene, which offers a broad array of features. Oxygene is recognized for its adaptability as a programming language, equipping developers to create a wide variety of applications across numerous platforms. It accomplishes this by combining various language features that streamline the development process, embracing key object-oriented principles typical of current programming languages, like classes that incorporate methods, properties, and events. Furthermore, it boasts advanced, specialized functionalities that assist in specific development tasks, including the ability to build safe, multi-threaded applications, many of which are unique to Oxygene. These attributes are firmly based in the principles of Object Pascal, upholding the language's design philosophies that make Pascal easy to understand and learn. As an object-oriented programming language, most of the code in Oxygene is organized within "classes," which promotes efficient and structured code management. This modern methodology not only respects the heritage of Pascal but also tailors it to meet the demands of contemporary programming challenges, ensuring that it remains relevant in a rapidly evolving tech landscape. Consequently, Oxygene exemplifies how traditional languages can evolve to address the complexities of today's programming environments.

TypeScript enhances JavaScript with improved syntax, creating a smoother integration with development environments, which helps in identifying errors early on within the editor. The TypeScript code is compiled into JavaScript, making it compatible with a wide range of platforms such as web browsers, Node.js, Deno, and mobile apps. Its understanding of JavaScript allows TypeScript to utilize type inference, providing robust tooling while reducing the need for extensive additional code. According to the 2020 State of JS survey, 78% of participants indicated they use TypeScript, and an impressive 93% of those surveyed plan to keep using it. The most common errors developers face are often type errors, where an unexpected type of value is encountered within a specific context. These mistakes can arise from simple errors such as typos, misinterpretations of a library’s API, incorrect assumptions about how code executes at runtime, or various other oversights. Consequently, adopting TypeScript can greatly improve both code quality and developer productivity by mitigating these frequent issues, ultimately leading to a more efficient coding experience. Additionally, its structured approach encourages best practices and fosters a more disciplined development environment.

Mercury serves as a sophisticated evolution of the BASIC programming language, offering complete compatibility with Microsoft Visual Basic.NET™ while broadening its scope and potential applications. This groundbreaking tool empowers developers to enhance their existing VB.NET projects, allowing them to leverage their Visual Basic™ skills for creating applications across a diverse range of contemporary platforms. Furthermore, developers have the option to integrate Mercury code with any of the other five Elements languages within a single project, enhancing functionality and versatility. The inclusion of the Mercury language in our development environments is both smooth and effective. You can utilize our smart yet powerful IDEs, Water for Windows or Fire for Mac, to create projects equipped with project templates, code completion features, and extensive debugging tools available on all platforms, among other advanced development options. Additionally, Mercury guarantees seamless compatibility with Visual Studio™ versions 2017, 2019, and 2022. Within the Elements framework, all programming languages are treated with equal importance, enabling easy integration of Mercury with C#, Swift, Java, Oxygene, and Go in the same project, which cultivates an atmosphere of flexibility and innovation in software creation. This adaptability not only enhances developer experience but also paves the way for exploring new and exciting programming paradigms and solutions.

Synergy DBL stands out as a dependable business language adhering to ANSI standards, complete with class libraries, a high-performance database, and seamless .NET interoperability, which together underpin the Synergy/DE product suite. This adaptable language provides developers with the tools to create scalable and portable enterprise applications while supporting both object-oriented and structured programming paradigms. There are two distinct versions of Synergy DBL: the classic edition and the variant tailored for .NET environments. The classic version connects effortlessly with a range of open technologies such as XML, HTTPS, SSL, and ActiveX, promoting smooth interaction with external applications and data sources. Furthermore, the multi-pass Synergy DBL compiler boasts advanced prototyping features and stringent error-detection mechanisms, ensuring that the code produced is of the highest quality. On the other hand, Synergy DBL for .NET empowers developers to craft libraries and applications that operate natively within the .NET framework, allowing for further enhancements through the utilization of .NET Framework libraries, third-party controls, and effective interoperability with applications created in various programming languages. This level of adaptability and integration makes Synergy DBL a highly suitable option for the demands of contemporary software development. Ultimately, its robust capabilities and flexibility cater to the evolving needs of developers in today's dynamic tech landscape.

X# is an open-source programming language tailored for the .NET framework and is rooted in the xBase language. It comes in multiple versions such as Core, Visual Objects, Vulcan.NET, xBase++, Harbour, and Foxpro, among others. Developed on the Roslyn platform, which underpins contemporary Microsoft C# and Visual Basic compilers, X# features a wide array of enhancements. A newly introduced options page (tools/options/text editor/X#) permits users to customize the suggestions offered by the editor in the general code completion list. The code completion functionality is crafted to present pertinent namespaces, types, and members after a colon or dot, while suggestions following AS or IS are geared towards types and namespaces. To strengthen compatibility with FoxPro and Xbase++, several preprocessor enhancements have been integrated, including the introduction of the #if and #stdout commands. Additionally, various minor tweaks within the RDD system have been executed to improve its compatibility with Visual Objects, XBase++, and FoxPro, thereby ensuring a more fluid development process. These refinements are a testament to our dedication to ongoing enhancement and responsiveness to user input, as we continually strive to meet the evolving needs of developers.

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.

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.

In Visual Studio 2022, the default target framework for .NET Core projects is set to version 6.0, whereas for .NET Framework projects, it typically defaults to version 4.7.2. You can easily locate the selector for the .NET Framework version on the project configuration page during the new project creation process. It is important to note that C++/CLI is not included by default when you install the C++ workload in Visual Studio. If you want to add this feature after installation, you can access the Visual Studio Installer from the Windows Start menu and search for the relevant option. After launching the installer, click the modify button next to your installed version of Visual Studio, navigate to the Individual components tab, and scroll down to the section for compilers, build tools, and runtimes to enable C++/CLI support for the latest v143 build tools. Once you have made your selections, simply click modify to download the required components and update your Visual Studio environment. By leveraging C++/CLI, it becomes possible to create C++ applications that utilize both .NET classes and native C++ types, providing a powerful tool for developing console applications. This capability enhances the interoperability of managed and unmanaged code, significantly improving the overall functionality and versatility of your projects. Consequently, developers can take full advantage of the extensive features provided by both C++ and .NET frameworks.

JSON, which stands for JavaScript Object Notation, provides a compact format that facilitates data exchange. Its straightforward nature enhances both human readability and machine parsing, making it an appealing choice for developers. Originating from the JavaScript Programming Language Standard ECMA-262 3rd Edition published in December 1999, JSON is a text-based format that maintains independence from any particular programming language while utilizing familiar syntax seen in C-family languages such as C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, Perl, and Python. This adaptability makes JSON a standout option for data interchange across various platforms. The JSON structure is based on two main elements: 1. Name/value pairs, which can be represented in various programming languages as objects, records, structs, dictionaries, hash tables, keyed lists, or associative arrays. 2. An ordered sequence of values, commonly represented in many programming languages as arrays, vectors, lists, or sequences. These essential components are widely recognized, and virtually every modern programming language includes support for them, thereby further solidifying JSON’s position as a highly practical data format for developers. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its effectiveness in facilitating seamless data communication across different systems.

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.

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.

HTML, an acronym for HyperText Markup Language, is the fundamental markup language that underpins every website on the internet. This essential coding language plays a critical role in structuring and organizing various elements within web pages and sites. The most recent version, HTML5, is tailored for the effective arrangement and display of content on the World Wide Web, marking the fifth and final major release recognized by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). Currently, the specification is known as the HTML Living Standard and is consistently updated by the Web Hypertext Application Technology Working Group (WHATWG), which includes prominent browser developers such as Apple, Google, Mozilla, and Microsoft. HTML5 incorporates extensive processing models to enhance compatibility across different implementations; it improves existing markup options while also introducing novel markup and application programming interfaces (APIs) that are advantageous for complex web applications. As a result of these innovations, HTML5 is increasingly regarded as a viable platform for developing cross-platform mobile applications, emphasizing its adaptability and significance in contemporary web development. The continuous advancement of HTML5 not only mirrors the evolving needs of digital content creators but also addresses the expectations of users seeking improved interactive experiences online. This ongoing refinement of the language underscores its pivotal role in shaping the future of web technologies.