The Most Loved and Hated Programming Languages (With Developer’s Insights and Tips)

You’ve just launched your very first app. You’re thrilled as you see more and more people downloading it.

But then, out of the blue, those dreaded one-star reviews pop up. Users are upset because the mobile app is slow, crashes often, and has annoying bugs. It’s a mix of feelings—your app is getting popular, but it’s also starting to fall apart as it grows.

For many app developers, this isn’t just a bad dream—it’s what really happens. At first, it’s easy to pick a programming language that’s simple, trending, or popular to code the app. But as more people start using it, that choice can become a problem.

I’m sure you don’t want to experience this. So, I’ll introduce you to the world of the most loved and hated programming languages and how they impact the stability and scalability of your app. A greater understanding of the technology’s strengths and weaknesses will give you more direction on how to build an app that customers will be delighted to use.

Contents

• What are the most loved programming languages?
• What are the most hated programming languages?
• Why do stability and scalability matter in app development?
• What are the most stable programming languages worth using?
• Should you use the most loved or stable programming language?

What are the most loved programming languages?

Just a quick look at your home screen could tell me which apps you’re constantly using and loving. We all have our own favorites and choose them because they’re convenient and easy to use or because we’re plainly fond of their features.

Like us, programmers and developers have their own favorite tools and languages for building mobile apps, web apps, and SaaS products.

A 2024 Stack Overflow Developer Survey revealed insights from over 65,000 developers, uncovering key trends, preferences, and challenges faced by developers worldwide.

Source: StackOverflow

The survey highlights the most popular programming languages, including Rust and Scala, and reveals the top five most loved by developers. It also dives into the least favored languages, offering a well-rounded perspective on developer sentiments.

Here are the top 10 most loved programming languages

Rank	Programming Language	Percentage (Most Admired and Desired)	What’s Special
1	Rust	82.2%	Memory safety and performance without garbage collection (GC)
2	Scala	76.8%	Combines object-oriented programming (OOP) and functional programming
3	Zig	73.8%	Low-level control with safety features
4	TypeScript (TS)	69.5%	Adds static typing to JavaScript
5	Clojure	68.4%	Modern Lisp for functional programming
6	Go	67.7%	Simple syntax and built-in concurrency
7	Python (PY)	67.6%	Easy to learn with extensive libraries
8	SQL	67.4%	Essential for database management
9	GDScript	65.2%	Scripting language for Godot, a free, open-source game engine
10	C#	64.1%	Versatile for desktop and game development

Let’s dig deeper into the top five most admired and desired programming languages and their best use.

1. Rust: All about safety, speed, and concurrency

Rust is a programming language that helps keep things safe and fast. It makes sure your computer programs don’t crash by avoiding common mistakes. You can use Rust to build websites and systems that work better and more efficiently.

Source: YouTube

One project using Rust is Servo, a web browser. It was started by Mozilla and is now managed by the Linux Foundation. Rust is great when you want your apps to run quickly and securely.

2. Scala: Great for building scalable and robust apps

Scala is a computer language that mixes two ways of programming: object-oriented and functional. It’s built to be simple and use advanced techniques. You can use Scala to create custom apps that process data heavily, as it is especially useful for dealing with vast amounts of data.

Source: YouTube

Apache Spark is a unified analytics engine that runs in Scala and other programming languages. It’s a high-performance data processing engine that supports a wide range of data analytics tasks like from simple data transformations to complex machine learning workflows.

3. Zig: Low-level control with safety features

Zig is one of the top three most admired programming languages known for its speed and safety. It lets you control how the computer uses its memory, which is crucial for optimizing the performance of operating systems and mobile devices.

Source: YouTube

Zig is great for projects where you need things to run quickly and safely. For example, Bun.js, a tool similar to Node.js for running JavaScript code, is written in Zig, a language known for its speed and safety features.

4. TypeScript (TS): Integrates modern frameworks like Angular and React

TypeScript is a special version of JavaScript that helps you find mistakes early on. This is useful when building big websites that must be easy to update and grow.

Source: YouTube

This programming language works well with popular tools like Angular and React. Angular, for example, uses TypeScript to help create complex and large websites.

5. Clojure: Best for data processing and real-time analytics apps and tools

Clojure is a modern Lisp dialect that emphasizes functional programming and immutability. It runs on the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) and is known for its simplicity and expressive power. Clojure can manage data and perform real-time tasks in apps like data processing and analytics.

Source: YouTube

Metabase is a great example of a tool made with Clojure. It helps users easily view and analyze their data, making it a suitable choice for apps that need to handle large amounts of information smoothly.

So, should you start using these programming languages and eliminate the rest?

Absolutely not. But one thing I learned is that to each their own. Even if you’re using the most admired and loved programming language in your app development process, it doesn’t guarantee that it will give you sustained growth and success. Many factors make this happen, from developing an app idea to launching it publicly.

💡 On that note, our founder, Michael MacRae, shares his unique insights into building successful apps in 10 actionable steps. Check out the article to pick up valuable insights.

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What are the most hated programming languages?

Not all programming languages are equal. Some are known to be hard to use, especially for developing custom apps; others are old-fashioned or not ideal for making big, modern apps.

Even with these problems, people still use them in certain special areas and sometimes even in niche projects. However, they are least desirable because they are outdated and have less community support.

Here’s a table of the least desired programming languages based on the 2024 Developer Survey:

Rank	Language	Percentage	Challenge or Limitation
1	Zephyr	0.4%	Limited to specific hardware and embedded systems
2	Prolog	0.7%	Steep learning curve, niche use in AI
3	Apex	0.7%	Restricted to the Salesforce ecosystem
4	Fortran	0.9%	Outdated, mainly used in legacy systems
5	Nim	0.9%	Smaller community, fewer resources
6	Delphi	1.0%	Declining popularity, limited modern use
7	Ada	1.1%	Complex syntax, niche in defense/aerospace
8	Objective-C	1.2%	Superseded by Swift for iOS development
9	VBA	1.3%	Mostly used for Excel macros, limited scope
10	Perl	1.4%	Perceived as outdated, complex syntax

1. Zephyr: Limited to specific hardware

Source: YouTube

Zephyr is a small operating system used for devices with few resources, like the Internet of Things (IoT). It’s built to work with specific hardware, which means it’s not very flexible. Instead of handling general programming tasks, Zephyr is focused on specific functions within embedded systems.

2. Prolog: Hard to learn for some developers

Source: YouTube

Prolog is a special computer language used mostly for smart tasks like artificial intelligence and understanding languages. It can be challenging to learn because it uses a different programming approach compared to more common languages. While Prolog is excellent for specific applications like AI and human-computer interaction, it’s not suitable for every type of programming.

3. Apex: Only works with Salesforce

Source: YouTube

Apex is a language created by Salesforce to create apps on its platform. It can only be used in Salesforce’s ecosystem, so it’s not useful for other projects. However, it is great for creating custom tools for their internal developers.

4. Fortran: Considered old and hard to use

Source: YouTube

Fortran is an old language mainly used for science and math problems. Some people find it hard to work with because it’s not as modern as other languages. It’s still used in older science projects, especially in physics.

5. Nim: Not many people use it yet

 

Source: YouTube

Nim is a newer language that helps programs run smoothly. Since few people use it yet, there aren’t many resources to help you. It’s good for building programs like system software that need to manage memory well. This language isn’t as popular as others like Rust, Swift, and Scala because they have specific uses or are harder to learn, which makes them less common for everyday projects.

Here’s my take: It’s not surprising that these languages are less commonly used. While it’s interesting to know them—the uses and limitations—they won’t be helpful when building apps and products.

In had the chance to interview one of our iOS developers, Adonis Dumadapat. Here’s his advice to founders and entrepreneurs considering which programming languages to use to develop their apps:

“I’ve heard a lot of companies say, “Let’s use the latest technology,” but that’s not always the best choice. Prioritize stability over speed. That’s my advice.”

Prioritize stability over speed.

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Why do stability and scalability matter in app development?

It’s crucial that apps work well and can grow as more people use them. Even as you develop apps iteratively, you must plan to ensure they can handle increased traffic and data smoothly.

Here’s why both stability and scalability are important and how they differ:

• ✅ Stability means your app works without breaking or giving errors. A stable app keeps users happy because it doesn’t crash, which helps keep them coming back. If an app crashes or is slow, people might leave bad reviews on mobile app stores, and fewer people will use it.
• ✅ Scalability is about your app handling more users or data without slowing down. A scalable app manages more users and data without slowing down. Ensuring your app remains smooth and competitive as it handles more traffic is key for growth. Fact is, nearly 50% of potential users will leave an app if it takes longer than two seconds to load, so make sure the app can also handle high-traffic loads.

Here’s how I understand the differences: stability focuses on making sure your app works correctly all the time, while scalability is about handling more users and growth.

Aspect	Stability	Scalability
Focus	Consistency and reliability of app performance	Ability to handle increased load and growth
Objective	Make sure that the app functions correctly without errors	Make sure that the app can grow with increased demand
Impact	Directly affects user satisfaction and app retention	Affects the app’s capacity to serve more users
Measurement	Measured by crash rates and uptime	Measured by performance under high load
Approach	Involves bug fixing, performance tuning	Involves architectural planning and resource management

Stability affects how delighted and satisfied users are, and scalability affects how many users your app can serve. To check stability, you look at how often it crashes. For scalability, you see how well it works with lots of users.

💡 Balancing both helps create a strong and flexible app that can succeed for a long time. We actually have a guide on startup scaling to give you more direction on how to start and then scale your business for growth. I encourage you to also check it out.

In the meantime, let’s unpack the factors to consider if you want to prioritize stability.

What are the most stable programming languages?

Your mobile app grows alongside your business. The right language can set you up for success, while the wrong one could limit its potential and cause problems later on.

This section explores the world’s most stable programming languages and frameworks and why our Appetiser Apps team uses them.

1. Swift: Best for iOS app development

Swift is an Apple programming language for creating apps on iPhones, iPads, Macs, and other devices. Unlike the older language, Objective-C, it’s easy to read and write because it uses simple words.

Source: Apple

Adonis Dumadapat, our iOS developer, has been using Swift for almost 10 years. He said, “Swift gives me an edge in doing things efficiently. Even though it might not be the fastest in terms of development, I compensate with my proficiency and deep knowledge of the programming language.”

For Adonis, Swift helps him work productively and get things done.

Apple keeps updating Swift, so it’s always getting better. It’s good for making iPhone apps because it works well and keeps your app safe from errors. Plus, it’s easier to find app developers adept at Swift, so you don’t have to worry about the expertise and skillset if you want to focus on iOS app development.

2. Kotlin: Best for Android app development

Kotlin is a programming language that works with Java, making it a favorite for developing Android apps. In fact, in 2024, 5.8 million developers are using this programming language globally. It’s easy to write because it uses simple, concise syntax, null safety, and excellent tooling support to avoid mistakes, like forgetting important parts of code.

Source: Developers.com

Kotlin’s stability is underpinned by its backward compatibility and the “Comfortable Updates” principle, ensuring that updates do not break existing code. Your developers can also use it for server-side development and multiplatform mobile development, extending its use beyond Android apps.

3. React Native: Best for building cross-platform apps

React Native is a JavaScript framework for building mobile apps that can run on iOS and Android devices using a single codebase. This framework allows you to use native components and features, providing an almost native performance and user experience.

Source: Ide.swmansion.com

Maybe you’re wondering how many mobile apps are built in this way. In 2023, 14% of mobile apps on the Apple Store and Google Play Store are built with React Native.

React Native’s stability stems from its strong community support, which ensures regular updates and improvements. It is ideal for cross-platform app development, enabling faster development cycles and cost savings.

4. Laravel: Best for developing web applications

Laravel is a PHP framework that lets you make websites using PHP, making it a popular choice for web application development. It’s popular among web developers because it’s easy to use and has strong features like organizing web pages, keeping users secure, and storing information. With this framework, you don’t have to start from scratch.

Source: Laravel Code Tips

Laravel’s stability is due to its large community and active development, much like React Native, which benefits from extensive documentation and numerous third-party packages. It is best used for building scalable and maintainable web applications, such as eCommerce sites like iHerb and high-profile fashion websites like Vanity Fair and Vogue.

5. Vue.js: Best for building dynamic web apps

Vue.js is a progressive JavaScript framework for building websites that look stunning and load without hiccups. It offers component-based architecture, which enhances code reusability and maintainability. Many developers prefer to use it to create dynamic web applications.

Source: Vuejs.org

Vue.js is stable due to its simplicity, extensive documentation, and active community support, making it a favorite among developers. It is particularly well-suited for projects that require a flexible and adaptable front-end framework.

Interestingly, I discovered that Grammarly, the popular proofreading and editing tool, previously used Vue. But in 2021, they announced that they transitioned to React/Typescript.

With such a huge amount of data processing and over 30 million users using the platform, it’s not surprising they are using these tech stacks.

💡 Speaking of tech stacks and programming languages, if you’re planning to build advanced platforms or apps for your business, our comprehensive comparison guide on the different expertise and tasks of a front-end and back-end developer will be invaluable.

My two cents: Should you use the most loved or stable programming language?

When selecting a programming language, you should choose one that is aligned with your project’s specific needs and the language’s context of use.

Category	Characteristics	Limitations
Most Loved Programming Languages	Innovation and enthusiasm Developer satisfaction Niche applications	Community size and resources Learning curve
Most Stable Programming Languages	Proven track record Broad adoption Comprehensive ecosystem	Predictability and support Extensive documentation and support. Performance and compatibility

Here’s my detailed analysis of the two main categories: the most loved and stable programming languages.

If you’re leaning toward the most loved programming languages

Characteristics:

• Innovation and enthusiasm. Languages like Rust, Scala, Zig, TypeScript, and Clojure are favored for introducing innovative features that address existing programming challenges. Rust, for example, is lauded for its memory safety and performance without requiring a garbage collector, making it ideal for systems programming.
• Developer satisfaction. These languages often boast strong community support and attract software developers who value modern features and a fulfilling development experience.
• Niche applications. Many are applied in specific domains. TypeScript is popular in web development, with its static typing, while Clojure is preferred in functional programming circles.

Limitations:

• Community size and resources. These languages may have smaller communities and fewer resources than more established ones, potentially limiting library and tool availability.
• Learning curve. Unique features and frameworks can result in a steeper learning curve, impacting new developer onboarding and potentially delaying app development process.

If you’re leaning toward the most stable programming languages

Characteristics:

• Proven track record. Languages such as Swift, Kotlin, Laravel, Vue, and React Native are regarded as stable, thanks to their widespread adoption and reliability in production environments. They’re proven and tested already, so you don’t have to reinvent the wheel to build apps.
• Broad adoption. They are commonly used in mainstream applications, including mobile development with Swift and Kotlin, or web development with Laravel and Vue.js.
• Comprehensive ecosystem. These languages typically feature a robust ecosystem of libraries, frameworks, and tools that ease development and maintenance.

Advantages:

• Predictability and support. Stable languages and frameworks offer comprehensive documentation, community support, and a predictable development path, making them a safer choice for long-term projects.
• Performance and compatibility. Optimized for performance and compatible with existing systems, these languages are vital for enterprise applications like SAP ERP, Oracle, and Salesforce.

My take is that, choosing between the most loved and stable programming languages hinges on your project’s requirements:

• Innovation vs. stability. If you seek out-of-the-box features and have a team ready for a steeper learning curve, a loved language might be suitable. For reliability, broad support, and a proven track record, a stable language is a better choice.
• Project scope and resources. Assess the project scope, the availability of skilled backend developers, and long-term maintenance needs. Stable languages may offer more resources and a larger talent pool, which can be beneficial for larger projects. This also makes hiring app developers and programmers faster because they already know the language.
• Specific use cases. Consider your project’s specific use cases. For instance, Swift and Kotlin are preferred for mobile app development due to their native support and performance.

Of course, the decision should ultimately reflect your project’s objectives and your team’s expertise.

When I asked Adonis Dumadapat if he had a chance to speak to founders and entrepreneurs who want mobile apps, he said:

“Many people take the high-speed approach—developing once and compiling it into both Android and iOS. Yes, you save some money upfront, but in the end, you’ll encounter problems. I can’t say exactly what those problems will be, but they will happen. So, go native.”

That is just his opinion as a decade-long iOS developer, so you could take his advice and go for a native app development or explore other options like hybrid apps that will meet your project requirements.

Frequently asked questions about programming languages

1. What are the most loved and hated programming languages among developers?

In programming, languages like Rust, Scala, Python, and JavaScript often stand out as the most loved due to their simplicity, versatility, and strong community support.

On the other hand, Visual Basic and COBOL are frequently cited as some of the most hated programming languages, primarily due to their perceived complexity, inconsistent syntax, and legacy issues. These disliked programming languages can frustrate many developers who prefer modern tools with better support and libraries.

2. Why do some programmers dislike certain programming languages?

Disliked programming languages often have characteristics that lead to frustration, such as outdated syntax, limited libraries, or poor support for modern systems.

For example, languages like Objective-C and Perl are often criticized for their complexity and the extensive maintenance they require. This makes them less attractive compared to newer languages or updated versions of popular languages, which offer simpler solutions and better integration with current technologies.

3. What factors make a programming language popular among programmers?

Ease of use, versatility, and strong community support contribute to programming languages’ popularity. Languages like Swift, Kotlin, and Python are widely used because they provide robust libraries, are easy to learn, and have extensive online resources, such as on platforms like Stack Overflow. Many developers favor these languages for their ability to handle various tasks, from web development to data analysis.

4. How do operating systems influence the popularity of a programming language?

Operating systems play a crucial role in the popularity of programming languages. For example, languages like C are favored for their ability to create efficient system-level applications and are widely used in Linux environments.

Similarly, Microsoft’s support for languages like C# and Visual Basic on Windows platforms has led to their widespread adoption for developing desktop and enterprise applications. But it’s worth noting that while operating systems influence language popularity, other factors like community support, learning resources, and job market demand also play significant roles.

Build with a scalable product in mind

The journey from concept to a fully scalable product can be overwhelming when building an app, especially when selecting the right tech stack. Interestingly, most development agencies often operate like an assembly line in a factory where, after the design and development are completed, they move on to the next project and client, and they’re done with you.

At Appetiser Apps, we do things differently.

We have Momentum–a product accelerator designed to take your idea from concept to traction in 30 days. The proven process combines expert guidance, billion-dollar branding, and a wealth of resources to give your app a competitive edge.

What truly sets Momentum apart is the holistic approach. We help you choose the right tech stack to support your app as it grows, ensuring you’re building not just for today but for the future. Schedule a call today to get started.