Why Enterprises Depend on JavaScript, Python, and Java

For nearly three decades, three programming languages have consistently been the top choices for developers. These languages have maintained their popularity and widespread use in the tech industry and are expected to remain dominant for the foreseeable future. Their robustness, versatility, and extensive community support ensure they continue to be integral to software development and enterprise solutions.

Despite significant advancements in cloud computing, mobile development, and AI, the daily operations of enterprises worldwide continue to rely heavily on three programming languages that originated in the 1990s. JavaScript, Python, and Java consistently rank among the top languages in nearly every popularity index.

According to GitHub's annual State of the Octoverse report, these three languages have occupied three of the top four spots every year since 2014. What accounts for the enduring dominance of these programming giants, maintaining their status as the preferred choices for developers for nearly three decades with no signs of being dethroned?

JavaScript (5.8 million users)

While Java dominates the back end, JavaScript powers the front end of applications, despite having no direct relation to Java. JavaScript controls all the interactivity on a web page and has held the top spot in GitHub’s programming language rankings for a decade.

JavaScript, along with its server-side companion Node.js, gained popularity soon after their introduction in 1995 due to their simplicity and versatility. Its seamless integration with HTML, the language used to create web pages, established JavaScript as the standard for web development, even as mobile app development emerged.

JavaScript is ubiquitous, powering everything from Google and YouTube to Facebook. It also enhances the design of diverse websites, from the historical St. Louis Browns baseball team site to the popular Design Matters podcast site.

Python (5.2 million users)

Python, a powerful scripting language, excels at making queries, automating tasks, and analyzing data. Despite its surge in popularity for big data and analytics applications, Python actually made its debut in 1991, making it the oldest of the top three languages. It's the backbone of applications on platforms like Amazon, Netflix, Spotify, and Instagram. In 2019, Python surpassed Java to claim the #2 spot in GitHub's rankings, and it saw a remarkable 22.5% increase in popularity in 2022.

Python shines in performing one-off, general-purpose tasks; however, its main limitation is speed. It doesn't match Java's capability in supporting real-time tasks or financial transactions where milliseconds matter. Nonetheless, Python remains a favorite among software developers and is one of the most sought-after skills by employers.

Java (3.2 million users)

Java forms the backbone of most enterprise applications, handling critical tasks such as authentication, storage, and shipping. According to Azul’s State of Java Survey and Report, an impressive 98% of businesses utilize Java in their software applications or infrastructure, with 57% of these organizations relying on Java for the majority (60% or more) of their applications.

Java's enduring popularity is driven by a flywheel effect: building applications in Java is both fast and easy, and as more applications are developed, the process becomes increasingly streamlined. Applications are seldom created from scratch; they are constructed using a diverse array of technologies to deliver specific capabilities and features. Java’s true strength lies in its extensive frameworks, libraries, and open-source resources, enabling developers to rapidly assemble reliable applications with proven components.

Java's lasting prominence isn't just due to its historical significance. It benefits from substantial updates every six months, along with quarterly minor enhancements, bug fixes, and security patches. This regular update cycle ensures Java remains current and adaptable to new technologies. Java 22, for instance, is poised to play a key role in managing applications for large language models and generative AI within enterprise environments.

The Leading Programming Languages Are Here to Stay

As Gartner VP and Research Director Linda Ivy-Rosser observes, “Enterprise software … has historically been perceived as a support function, lacking innovation and taking ages to reap the benefits of a well-crafted application strategy.” This perception persists amid a shortage of skilled developers and increasingly tight IT budgets, leading enterprises to be risk-averse and hesitant to alter anything that functions adequately.

Furthermore, no new programming languages have emerged with the requisite momentum and robustness to displace Java, Python, and JavaScript as the fundamental pillars of software development. These languages have become integral to the operations of modern digital businesses, providing the necessary infrastructure for building reliable, scalable, and efficient applications.

Java, with its extensive frameworks and libraries, remains the go-to choice for enterprise-level applications, handling everything from authentication to data storage. Python excels in data analysis, automation, and machine learning, making it indispensable for big data and AI applications. JavaScript, along with its server-side counterpart Node.js, continues to dominate web development, enabling interactive and dynamic user experiences.

The staying power of these languages is further reinforced by their continuous evolution and adaptability. Java receives regular updates, enhancing its capabilities and security. Python’s simplicity and readability make it a favorite among both new and experienced developers, while JavaScript’s versatility and integration with web technologies ensure its ongoing relevance.

In light of these factors, Java, Python, and JavaScript are not only here to stay but will continue to play a crucial role in the development of enterprise software for years to come. They are deeply embedded in the fabric of digital business operations, providing the foundation upon which innovative and effective software solutions are built.