It analyzed 6,782 IT professionals across various roles, and the results show that TypeScript is surging ahead. The top five languages—TypeScript, Python, JavaScript, C#, and Java—remained unchanged compared to last year, but significant shifts are happening underneath the surface. TypeScript is gaining serious momentum, while languages like Java and PHP are gradually losing ground. For anyone planning a career move or looking to align their skills with current demand, these programming language trends are worth a close look.
1. TypeScript – The Rapidly Rising Leader
If you’re tracking the most popular programming languages in Ukraine, TypeScript is the one to watch. Its adoption has surged dramatically: from just 6% of developers using it as their primary language in 2020 to 21% in 2025. That’s a threefold increase in five years, and it shows no signs of slowing down. This year alone, TypeScript jumped from 17% to 21%, making it the primary language for one in five respondents in the latest survey.
What’s driving this TypeScript adoption? A big part of the answer lies in its static typing. Unlike plain JavaScript, TypeScript lets you catch errors during development rather than at runtime, which makes code more reliable and easier to maintain. This is especially valuable in frontend development and full-stack roles. Among Software Engineers specifically, 25% now use TypeScript as their primary language. Its tight integration with frameworks like Angular also gives it a strong foothold in enterprise projects. For you, learning TypeScript is a practical step toward building scalable, error-resistant applications — and it’s clearly a skill that employers are prioritizing.
2. Python – Dominant in Data Science, Slightly Dipping Overall
Python holds firm in second place at 16% of Ukrainian IT pros, though that figure has dipped just a bit. That slight decrease might raise an eyebrow, but it doesn’t tell the full story. Python absolutely owns the data science, machine learning, and AI development niche, commanding a massive 75% share there. If you’re looking to break into AI development or build a career around data analysis, Python is still your most practical starting point. Its readable syntax makes it a favorite for Python for beginners, while its vast library ecosystem (like TensorFlow, PyTorch, and pandas) keeps it indispensable for professionals.
Why Python’s overall share is slightly decreasing
The small overall drop likely reflects market saturation or fresh competition from newer languages that target specific use cases. Python has been around for decades, so many developers already know it or have moved on to specialise elsewhere. That doesn’t mean Python is losing relevance — it simply means its growth has leveled off. For you, the takeaway is clear: if your work touches data science or machine learning, Python remains non-negotiable. If you’re in web development or system programming, you might find other languages a better fit. Either way, Python’s strong foundation in AI development means it will stay a core skill for years to come.
3. JavaScript – Still the Web’s Swiss Army Knife
From Python’s data science stronghold, you can pivot to the language that powers nearly every interactive page you visit. JavaScript’s commercial use stands at 11.5%, but it also serves as a secondary or open-source tool for 14.5% of respondents. That combined 26% presence tells you something important: this language is everywhere, even when it isn’t your primary job.
JavaScript remains essential for web development, both on the frontend and the backend. If you build user interfaces, you’ll likely reach for a frontend framework like React, Vue, or Angular — all built on JavaScript. On the server side, Node.js lets you run the same language outside the browser, making full-stack development more streamlined. You can handle everything from dynamic page interactions to API logic without switching languages. That versatility is why JavaScript consistently ranks among the most popular programming languages for Ukrainian IT pros. Whether you’re crafting a simple landing page or a complex web application, knowing JavaScript gives you a reliable, practical tool for almost any web-based task.
4. C# – Gradual Decline but a Strong Embedded Comeback
While JavaScript dominates the web, C# has long been a staple for enterprise applications and Windows-based development. Its overall share among Ukrainian IT pros is slowly decreasing, but that’s only part of the story. In the Embedded systems niche, C# has made a notable surge, jumping from 33% to 45% in the past year. This growth is driven by the expanding capabilities of.NET IoT and cross-platform tools, which let you write C# code that runs on microcontrollers and single-board computers. If you’re working with hardware, this shift means you can leverage familiar enterprise-grade patterns without switching to a lower-level language.
What’s driving C# growth in Embedded systems? The key factor is the.NET ecosystem’s push into the Internet of Things (IoT). With frameworks like.NET nanoFramework and support for ARM-based devices, C# now offers a practical bridge between high-level application logic and low-level hardware control. For Ukrainian developers already comfortable with C# in enterprise settings, this opens up a new niche without requiring a complete skill reset. The language remains a reliable choice for building robust, maintainable code, and its embedded comeback shows that even a gradually declining language can find fresh, specialized demand. If you’re exploring the most popular programming languages for career growth, don’t overlook C#—especially if you’re interested in the intersection of software and hardware.
5. Java – Losing Ground in Ukraine’s Tech Landscape
While C# holds steady in specialized niches, another well-established language is seeing a different trend. Java once dominated Ukraine’s developer ecosystem, but its share has steadily declined from 14.1% in 2021 to 10% in 2025. This drop reflects both regional dynamics and broader global shifts in how applications are built. If you’re evaluating the most popular programming languages for your next career move, it pays to understand why Java is losing some of its luster — and where it still shines.
Why is Java’s share dropping? The main story is competition. Kotlin has largely replaced Java for new Android development, offering a more concise and modern syntax. At the same time, cloud development increasingly favors languages like Go and Python for microservices, while TypeScript eats into Java’s server-side stronghold with its lighter runtime footprint. Despite this erosion, Java remains a massive force in enterprise Java environments — banks, insurance firms, and large-scale e-commerce platforms still rely on its stability, portability, and mature ecosystem. If you’re comfortable working with legacy codebases or large distributed systems, Java skills remain very marketable. For many Ukrainian IT pros, the choice between Kotlin vs Java comes down to project type: Android apps lean Kotlin; enterprise backends still often call for Java. So while its overall popularity is shrinking, Java isn’t going away anytime soon — it’s just repositioning itself in a more specialized niche.
6. DB (SQL) – The Surprising Resurgence of Database Languages
While Java is settling into its specialized niche, another language family is making a dramatic comeback. DB, primarily SQL, has skyrocketed from a mere 0.8% in 2020 to a solid 6% today. That’s a massive leap in just five years, and it has effectively swapped places with PHP in the rankings. This resurgence is one of the most surprising shifts in the most popular programming languages landscape, and it tells you a lot about where the industry is heading.
So, how did DB rise from 0.8% to 6% in five years? The answer lies in the explosion of data engineering and analytics. As companies collect more data than ever, they need skilled professionals who can manage, query, and optimize databases. SQL is the backbone of this work. It’s the language you use to talk to relational databases, and it’s essential for everything from generating business reports to powering the backend of modern applications. The decline of PHP, which once dominated web development, contrasts sharply with DB’s growth. This swap highlights a fundamental shift: the demand for pure web scripting is cooling, while the need for robust database management is heating up. For Ukrainian IT pros, learning SQL is no longer just an optional skill — it’s becoming a core requirement for many data-focused roles.
7. C++ – Overtaking Kotlin with a Systems-Programming Comeback
While SQL is solidifying its place in data roles, another shift is happening further up the rankings. C++ has overtaken Kotlin, signaling a renewed interest in low-level, high-performance computing. This isn’t just a minor shuffle — it reflects a broader demand for systems programming expertise in Ukraine’s tech scene. If you’ve been focusing on mobile or web development, this comeback might make you reconsider your skill set.
So, why is C++ gaining on Kotlin? The answer lies in its core strengths. C++ remains the backbone of game development, where every millisecond of performance matters. It’s also essential for embedded systems — think IoT devices, automotive software, and robotics — and for high-performance computing applications like financial modeling or scientific simulations. As industries push for more efficient, resource-aware software, the need for developers who can write tight, optimized code grows. Kotlin, while excellent for Android and modern JVM projects, doesn’t offer the same level of hardware control. For Ukrainian IT pros, picking up C++ could open doors to specialized, well-paying roles that are less saturated than mainstream web development. The resurgence of this classic language proves that sometimes, the old ways are still the most powerful.
8. Kotlin – Losing the Lead to C++ but Still a Key Android Language
You might have noticed a shift in the rankings: C++ has overtaken Kotlin, marking a relative decline for what was once the faster-growing language. This doesn’t mean Kotlin is fading away, though. It remains a cornerstone for Android development, where it offers a modern, concise alternative to Java. If you’re building mobile apps, Kotlin is still a practical choice for its seamless interoperability with existing Java code and its official support from Google. The competition from Java, which remains deeply entrenched in enterprise mobile projects, along with newer cross-platform frameworks, may be contributing to Kotlin’s slower momentum. Meanwhile, Swift climbed to 10th place and Go dropped to 12th, further reshaping the landscape. For Ukrainian IT pros focused on Android, learning Kotlin still provides a solid path to a stable career—even if it’s no longer leading the pack overall. It’s less about chasing the most popular programming languages and more about matching the right tool to your specific projects.
9. PHP – Swapping Places with DB and Fading in Popularity
If you’ve been following the shifts in the landscape, you’ll notice that some languages rise while others fall. PHP is a clear example of the latter. Once firmly in the top tier, it has now swapped places with DB. DB grew from just 0.8% in 2020 to about 6% today, while PHP’s share has dipped below that same mark. This change in the ranking of the most popular programming languages shows how quickly developer preferences can evolve.
Despite its decline, PHP hasn’t disappeared. It remains the backbone of countless legacy web applications and powers a huge portion of WordPress sites. If you work with content management systems or maintain older codebases, PHP is still a practical skill to have. That said, for new projects, many developers now turn to modern alternatives like Node.js or Python. These languages offer cleaner syntax, better performance, and more active communities. So while PHP’s role is fading in popularity, it’s far from obsolete—it’s just finding its place in a more diverse ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you choose the right programming language to learn based on this data?
Start by matching the language to your career goals. If you want to build web applications, focus on JavaScript and TypeScript. For data science or automation, Python is a practical choice. Beginners often find Python’s syntax the most readable, while those targeting enterprise roles should consider Java or C#.
Why does the survey methodology affect the ranking of the most popular programming languages?
Different surveys measure popularity in distinct ways. The DOU survey polls Ukrainian IT professionals directly, reflecting local job market trends. In contrast, TIOBE ranks languages by search engine queries globally. This means a language like Python may appear dominant in global indexes but show a slightly different share in a focused regional survey.
Is it risky to learn a language with a smaller share in the most popular programming languages list?
Not necessarily. A smaller share often indicates a specialized but growing niche. For example, languages like Rust or Kotlin are gaining traction in systems programming and Android development, respectively. Learning a less common language can reduce competition for jobs and position you in a high-demand area, as long as you verify local job listings for that skill.
