C# (.NET) entered the top 3 most loved programming languages according to StackOverflow 2024
The annual StackOverflow developer survey is one of the most authoritative sources of data on the state of the IT industry. In 2024, more than 65,000 developers from around the world took part. And the results turned out to be quite revealing: the C# language and .NET platform have firmly secured a place in the top three among the "most loved" technologies.
What is a "loved language"?
StackOverflow defines this metric as the percentage of developers who actively use a technology currently and are willing to continue working with it in the future. C# scored an impressive 68.4% — meaning more than two-thirds of surveyed .NET developers are genuinely satisfied with their choice.
Why is C# so loved?
Analysts attribute the growing popularity of C# to several factors:
- .NET cross-platform capability: Thanks to .NET Core and .NET 8/9, developers can create applications for Windows, Linux, macOS, mobile devices, and even embedded systems.
- High performance: The latest versions of .NET demonstrate record-breaking code execution speed, approaching native languages.
- Modern language features: Records, pattern matching, primary constructors, and other features make code concise and safe.
- Ecosystem and tools: Visual Studio, Rider, a powerful NuGet package manager, and deep integration with Azure.
- Community and Microsoft support: Active platform development and regular releases with new features.
What else did the survey show?
In addition to the love rating, StackOverflow 2024 revealed several important trends:
- Rust and TypeScript are also in the top 5 most loved languages.
- Python remains the most used language overall (especially in data science and AI).
- JavaScript and HTML/CSS are the consistent leaders among web technologies.
- .NET developer salaries remain above market average, especially in North America and Western Europe.
What does this mean for beginners?
If you are thinking about which language to learn, C# is an excellent choice. It combines high demand, good salaries, and a pleasant development process. And thanks to .NET's cross-platform capability, you won't be tied to a single OS. Try writing your first project in C# — it might just become your favorite tool.
The full results of the StackOverflow 2024 survey are available on the official website. And we remind you: on PythonLib you will find many articles and guides on C# and .NET for beginners and experienced developers.