TOP 10 Trending Programming Languages for Mobile App Development

Choosing a programming language is crucial for the project’s success. Each has different pros and cons, affecting the app's performance, scalability, and maintainability. The right solution can result in faster development, lower costs, and better software quality. We at Join.To.IT know it like no one else, as we have been creating advanced mobile apps for over 10 years.

Today, we will discuss the top trending app development languages to help you make an informed decision. From established Java and Swift to emerging Kotlin and Dart, we'll cover their core features and suitability for your business needs.

1. Swift

Swift is a modern, powerful, and intuitive programming language created by Apple in 2014 to develop iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS software. Many companies and organizations use it, including IBM, Lyft, Airbnb, and LinkedIn. Also, Swift has a growing presence in the education sector, with many universities and coding boot camps teaching it.

Swift is the best fit for iOS app development.

This mobile app programming language has the following features:

• Syntax: Swift's syntax is concise and easy to read, making it developer-friendly. It supports many modern programming language features, such as closures, generics, type inference, and functional programming concepts.
• Safety: Swift includes optional, automatic memory management, and error handling, which make it easier for programmers to write safer and more reliable code. Optionals help avoid null pointer errors, since they allow variables to be either a value or nil. Plus, automatic memory management prevents memory leaks.
• Performance: Thanks to its compiler and optimization technologies, Swift is intended to be speedy and effective. It's optimized for modern hardware architectures and uses a high-performance runtime to deliver faster performance.
• Interoperability: Swift is interoperable with Objective-C, allowing programmers to mix and match code written in both languages for app development. This feature makes it easier to adopt Swift gradually and reuse existing Objective-C code.
• Open source: In 2015, Apple released Swift as an open-source project, allowing developers to contribute and use it in various projects.

2. Java

Java is a popular general-purpose app development language owned by Oracle Corporation. It helps build enterprise, web, and Android mobile apps. Amazon, Google, Twitter, and the European Space Agency use Java for their projects. The name "Java" was inspired by the coffee that the developers were drinking at the time. 

Java is the best fit for Android app development.

Java’s key features include:

• Platform independence: Java programs can be executed on any device with a Java Virtual Machine (JVM) and installed without regard to the underlying operating system or hardware.
• Object-oriented programming: Java supports the concepts of encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism, allowing to write modular, reusable code.
• Garbage collection: Java includes automatic memory management through garbage collection. This feature helps prevent memory leaks and simplifies the writing of more reliable and robust code.
• Multi-threading: Java provides built-in support for multi-threading, allowing for concurrent programming. Also, it can improve the performance of applications that need to do multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Security: Java includes a robust security model that protects against common threats, such as viruses, malicious code, and unauthorized access to data.
• Rich API: Java has a rich set of APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) for various tasks: I/O, networking, database access, graphics, and more. That’s why developers can create complex applications with less code.
• Community support: Many popular frameworks and libraries were built on Java, such as Spring, Hibernate, and Apache Struts.

3. Objective-C

Objective-C was the main programming language used for building Apple's software and operating systems until the release of Swift in 2014. It helped to create the iTunes media player, the Safari web browser, and the original versions of Apple's iLife software suite. Today, Objective-C is still widely used, especially in legacy applications and maintaining existing codebases. 

Objective-C is the best fit for legacy iOS app development.

It is known for the following features:

• Object-oriented programming: By supporting the principles of encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism, Objective-C simplifies the process of writing modular, reusable code.
• Smalltalk-like syntax: Objective-C is similar to the Smalltalk programming language, with message passing between objects and dynamic typing.
• Automatic reference counting: Objective-C includes automatic reference counting (ARC), a system that automatically manages the memory used by objects.
• Dynamic binding: Objective-C allows objects to be linked together dynamically at runtime, rather than statically at compile time. Also, developers can inspect objects and classes at runtime to determine their properties and methods.
• Interoperability with C: Objective-C is fully compatible with C code and can use its libraries and functions.
• Integration with Cocoa framework: Objective-C integrates with the Cocoa framework, which provides a set of APIs for developing graphical user interfaces and accessing system resources.
• Community support: Objective-C benefits from a devoted community of developers who actively contribute to its advancement and offer assistance through diverse online forums and resources.

4. C++

C++ is an extension of the C programming language that offers a robust and versatile programming approach and supports multiple paradigms. It can create various applications, including system software, operating systems, video games, scientific simulations, and more. Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Office, and MySQL use C++.

C++ is the best fit for high-performance mobile app development.

Let’s discover its core features:

• Object-oriented programming: C++ allows programmers to design their code in a way that promotes a clean and organized structure, making it easier to build complex applications.
• Templates: This app coding language supports templates, enabling programmers to write reusable code that can be used with different data types.
• Memory management: C++ gives the programmer control over memory management, improving the efficient use of system resources. However, this can also make C++ code more prone to memory leaks and other issues.
• Performance: C++ can be the best programming language for mobile apps, producing highly efficient code. It can be helpful for solutions that require great performance, such as video games and scientific simulations.
• Compatibility with C: C++ is backward compatible with C. That means that C++ code can use C libraries and functions, and C code can be compiled using a C++ compiler.
• Standard library: C++ includes a rich standard library, which provides a wide range of functions and data structures for common programming tasks, such as input/output, string handling, and container classes.
• Community support: C++ has a large developer community that continues to support it through online forums and other resources.

5. C#

C# is a widely used programming language introduced by Microsoft in the early 2000s as part of its .NET initiative. Designed to be more efficient and expressive than C++, it helps build various solutions, from desktop software to mobile apps.

C# is the best fit for Windows mobile app development.

Here are some features of this programming language:

• Object-oriented programming: C# enables writing well-organized, modular, and reusable code. It helps to improve code quality, reduce development time, and make applications easier to maintain and update.
• Memory management: Using automatic memory management and other techniques, C# helps developers prevent common memory-related issues and focus on writing high-quality code.
• Cross-platform: Applications built with C# run on multiple operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
• Type-safe: C# helps to prevent errors by checking the types of variables and parameters at compile time.
• LINQ: C# supports Language Integrated Query (LINQ), a potent instrument for searching and modifying data in various formats, including databases, XML, and JSON.
• Asynchronous programming: With C#, developers can write code that executes in parallel, reacts to changes in data or events, and provides a better user experience.
• Integrated Development Environment (IDE): C# is used with Microsoft Visual Studio, a powerful IDE with many tools and features for writing, testing, and debugging code.
• Active community: Created by the community, ASP.NET, Xamarin, and Unity can be easily installed using tools such as NuGet.

6. Python

Python is a high-level programming language for app development created in the late 1980s. As one of the most widely used options among developers worldwide, it helps build applications with AI/ML algorithms.

Python is the best fit for cross-platform mobile app development and machine learning projects.

Here are some key features of Python:

• Simple and readable syntax: It uses whitespace indentation to denote code blocks, enhancing the code structure's readability and comprehensibility. That’s why Python is popular for beginners as well as experienced programmers.
• Interpreted language: Python does not require prior compilation before execution. It makes writing and testing code easier and faster, as developers can immediately see the results of their code changes.
• Object-oriented programming: Programmers can change individual objects of the code without affecting the rest.
• Dynamic typing: Variable types are determined at runtime and aren’t specified in advance, which simplifies the coding process.
• Standard library: Python’s library includes web development, networking, and data processing modules.
• Third-party libraries: Active community of developers has created a wide range of third-party libraries for data analysis, machine learning, and more, which are easily installed using pip.

7. JavaScript

JavaScript is a universal language used primarily to enhance web pages with interactive and dynamic features. It was originally created in just ten days and called Mocha. Built for web browsers, it's now used in server-side programming with the Node.js runtime or in desktop and mobile app development with tools like Electron and React Native.

JavaScript is the best fit for web-based mobile app development. We recommend it for workout streaming solutions.

Let’s discover the core features of JavaScript:

• Client-side language: JavaScript is a client-side language that enables developers to incorporate dynamic behavior and interactivity into web pages without making server-side changes.
• Interpreted language: JavaScript doesn’t need to be compiled before running, which helps developers view the outcomes of their code modifications instantly.
• Object-oriented programming: Developers can create modular, reusable code that is easy to maintain and update, as well as software objects that represent real-world objects naturally and intuitively.
• Dynamic typing: This feature improves the simplicity of code writing, allowing developers to create variables without specifying their data type.
• Functions as first-class citizens: In JavaScript, functions are treated as first-class citizens, allowing them to be passed as arguments to other ones, returned as values from functions, and stored in variables. This way, programmers can write more reusable code.
• Asynchronous programming: JavaScript allows developers to write code that can run in the background while another one executes. It is useful for making network requests and updating user interfaces.
• Dedicated community: Developers’ community has created many third-party libraries and frameworks, such as jQuery, React, and AngularJS, which can be easily installed using npm.

8. Kotlin

Kotlin may become your best programming language for app development in Android solutions. It is designed to be more concise and expressive than Java, making writing and maintaining code easier. Many large companies, including Pinterest, Netflix, and Uber, have adopted Kotlin. 

Kotlin is the best fit for Android and cross-platform mobile app development.

Here are its fundamental features:

• Statically typed: Kotlin is a statically typed language, meaning variable types are determined at compile time. It can help catch errors early on and make code easier to maintain.
• Object-oriented programming: Kotlin provides features, such as classes, objects, inheritance, and interfaces, for creating and organizing code in a modular and reusable way.
• Functional programming: With it, developers can write more concise and expressive code, simplifying its reading and maintenance.
• Null safety: This feature helps prevent null pointer exceptions and makes code more reliable.
• Interoperability with Java: Programmers can use Kotlin and Java together in the same project, making it easier to adopt Kotlin in existing projects or libraries.
• Concise syntax: Concise and expressive syntax can make code easier to read and write. And features like type inference and string templates reduce boilerplate code.
• Coroutines: Kotlin supports coroutines, a lightweight and efficient way to write asynchronous code. As a result, code performs long-running tasks without blocking the main thread.
• Growing community: Kotlins community has created various third-party libraries and frameworks, such as Ktor, Spring, and Android KTX, easily installed with Gradle.

9. Rust

Rust is a systems programming language developed by Mozilla in 2010. It was designed to be safe, fast, and concurrent, making it suitable for building low-level software, such as operating systems, network services, and device drivers.

Rust is the best fit for high-performance mobile app development and security-critical solutions.

Core Rust features include:

• Memory safety: Rust prevents memory-related bugs: buffer overflows, null pointer dereferencing, and use-after-free errors. How? It combines compile-time and runtime checks, such as ownership and borrowing rules.
• Performance: Rust’s performance can compete with C and C++ providing low-level control over hardware resources, such as memory allocation and CPU usage.
• Concurrency: Rust provides powerful tools for writing concurrent programs, including threads, message passing, and futures.
• Functional programming: Rust includes closures, pattern matching, and immutability, allowing developers to write modular, reusable code.
• Zero-cost abstractions: Aggressive optimization and careful memory management enable programmers to write high-level code compiled down to a low-level machine one, without sacrificing performance.
• Cargo package manager: Rust allows engineers to manage dependencies and build complex projects. It also includes a built-in testing framework and documentation generator.

10. Dart

Dart is a general-purpose programming language created by Google in 2011. It is gaining popularity for building mobile solutions with the Flutter framework.

Dart is the best fit for high-performance, visually appealing apps for multiple platforms, including iOS and Android, as well as web and desktop solutions. 

Let’s find out what features it has:

• Object-oriented programming: Using encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism principles, Dart enables developers to write more flexible, scalable, and efficient code for a wide range of applications.
• Client-side and server-side language: Dart can be a client-side language to build web applications that run in the browser or a server-side option to create backend services.
• Optional static typing: Dart allows developers to choose between static and dynamic typing or combine both. It helps catch errors at compile time and makes code more efficient.
• Asynchronous programming: Programmers can write code handling multiple tasks and events simultaneously without blocking the main thread. It guarantees the user interface remains responsive and interactive.
• Flutter: Dart is the primary language to build Flutter, which enables building high-performance, natively compiled mobile, web, and desktop applications from a single codebase.
• Hot Reload: Developers make changes to code and see the results immediately without stopping and restarting the application. It can speed up development and testing.
• Growing community: A range of created third-party packages and plugins can be easily installed using pub, Dart's package manager. 

Conclusion

The world of mobile development is constantly evolving, and so are the application programming languages that support it. That’s why developers must stay on top of the latest trends and choose the option that will allow them to create fast, secure, and user-friendly solutions. 

Now you understand which coding language is used for making apps. But if you’re unsure what to choose, you can learn more about Join.To.IT’s expertise and contact us for further information.

FAQ

What are the most popular mobile app development languages in 2023?

The most popular mobile development languages include Swift, Java, Objective-C, C++, C#, Python, JavaScript, Kotlin, Rust, and Dart — each has its unique features, pros, and cons. You should consider the chosen platform, project requirements, and developer expertise to make the right decision. Feel free to contact Join.To.IT and get a consultation about your specific needs.

How to choose the best language for app development?

If you don’t know which language is best for app development, consider your project requirements, target platform, dev team's skill set, and future scalability. It is essential to assess the pros and cons of each option, its user-friendliness, available tools, and community support. Researching and analyzing these factors can help select the best language for mobile app development.

What programming languages are used for mobile apps on iOS, Android, or cross-platform development?

Swift and Objective-C are the most commonly used mobile application development languages for iOS solutions. For Android apps, choose Java and Kotlin. For cross-platform development, popular options include Flutter/Dart, React Native/JavaScript, and Xamarin/C#. 

Why new programming languages are worth considering?

New app development programming languages like Kotlin or Dart are worth considering since they offer improved features, making coding easier and more efficient. Additionally, they may be more specialized in certain tasks, offering better performance and capabilities. Staying up-to-date with new languages also allows developers and companies to be competitive in the industry and adaptable to changing technologies.