Are you ready to jumpstart your tech career in 2024? At Code Platoon, we ensure that our military coding students are trained in programming languages and technologies, offering both high salaries and high demand from employers. This article reflects our findings on the best-paying and highest-demand programming languages and software development tools for 2024. Whether you’re aiming for a career in full-stack software engineering or DevOps and cloud engineering, we hope these insights will help you make an informed decision.

The Top Programming Languages in 2024

Our research shows that Python and JavaScript developers continue to be in demand in 2024. These two languages are core to Code Platoon’s curriculum, ensuring our graduates are well-prepared for the job market.

• Python continues to be an essential language in the tech industry, ranking #2 in job postings and #1 in average salary. As a general-purpose language, Python is used in a wide range of domains, including back-end web development, data science, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and automation.
• JavaScript also maintains a strong presence, ranking #3 in job postings and #4 in average salary for the second year in a row. JavaScript is the only programming language that can run natively in all web browsers, making it essential for web development.
• C# climbs to #1 in job postings but falls to #3 in average salary compared to 2023. This language continues to be popular due to its strong integration with Microsoft products and the Unity gaming engine.

Programming Languages in 2024 Ranked by Job Openings and Average Salary

1. C#: Dominating the gaming industry and Windows applications but difficult to learn.
2. Python: Essential for data science, AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, and DevOps engineering.
3. JavaScript: The backbone of web application development.
4. C++: Ideal for high-performance applications, but like C# more challenging to learn than Python.
5. Java: Integral to business applications.
6. SQL: Essential for database management.
7. PHP: Maintaining relevance in web development.
8. C: Powerful, flexible, and widely used in operating systems.

Best Software Development Tools in 2024

In addition to programming languages, several key technologies are shaping the software engineering industry in 2024:

• Database Environments: PostgreSQL is the most popular database management system among professional developers for the second year in a row. This open-source database is known for its robustness and support for complex queries and transactions.
• Web Frameworks: React is the most used web framework by professional developers. It’s favored for its efficiency and flexibility in building user interfaces.
• Cloud Platforms: Amazon Web Services (AWS) remains the dominant cloud platform. However, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud have both grown in adoption.
• Containerization: Docker is the most popular tool for compiling, building, and testing applications, cementing its importance in modern DevOps practices.
• Artificial Intelligence: AI tools have surged in industry adoption; 62% of software developers incorporate AI into their workflows. Despite the rapid growth in AI’s adoption, most professional developers (70%) view AI not as a threat to their jobs but as a tool to enhance their work.

What to Learn for Software Engineering in 2024

Understanding the top programming languages and technologies is crucial for navigating the tech industry. At Code Platoon, Python and JavaScript remain pivotal in our curriculum, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for the demands of today’s job market. Additionally, familiarity with technologies like PostgreSQL, AI tools, and Docker further enhances our graduates’ career prospects.

Ready to dive into these in-demand skills? Apply now to join our next cohort and position yourself for success in the ever-evolving tech landscape.

For more insights and detailed industry trends, check out the latest reports from Stack Overflow and the TIOBE Index.

Rod Levy is the Founder and Executive Director of Code Platoon. He holds undergraduate and Master’s degrees in engineering from Cornell University and an MBA from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business, where he graduated with honors. Rod has completed Dev Bootcamp’s web developer program.

A common question we receive here at Code Platoon is a variation of “Should I go to Code Platoon, or get a degree in computer science at a university?”

This is of course a valid question when attempting to decide your future. But instead of simply comparing the raw numbers, I want to offer a few thoughts that will act as a way to compare this serious choice. 

To start with a popular phrase and apply it to this context, all coding bootcamps and colleges are not created equally. While this may seem obvious, we often forget to account for some of the variables when comparing. 

For example, we can’t simply ask whether any coding bootcamp is better or worse than any college – that’s immediately problematic from an analytical perspective. It would be better to start, at the very least, with a question like “Which is better, the best coding bootcamp, or the best college program?”

That starts to level the playing field, but only a bit; it doesn’t account for several other factors. For example, is the best college accessible to us? 

To use a personal example, I completed an MA in history a few years ago. When looking at potential schools, Harvard was considered the top choice by many, but that mattered very little from the practical cost perspective.

So, the practical must always factor in: “What is the best program that is accessible?”

And yet we can still further refine that. Let’s imagine that a highly-ranked college and a highly-ranked coding bootcamp are both accessible, and let’s suppose that the college has an edge in its graduate outcomes. That means it’s the smarter choice, right?

Not necessarily. First, when does the college program start, and second, how long does it take?

If we keep things equal in our hypothetical and say that they start at the same time, a coding bootcamp is much shorter in length by at least a few years. That has to be accounted for when doing a comparative analysis.

To put a fine point on it and contextualize the numbers, let’s suppose that a computer science degree holder from a good school lands a starting salary of $90,000/year, and the coding school graduate gets an offer of $80,000/year to begin a new role. While the CS degree path seems more profitable, it’s not that simple.

If a coding bootcamp takes 4-6 months and a degree takes 3.5-4 years, the coding bootcamp grad is earning that salary at least three years sooner than the college student who is still in school. By the time the college student graduates, they are roughly $210,000 behind in their earnings.

How does that look over a lifetime of earnings? How does it translate into further career development? Will one put us in more debt than the other? 

All of these are valuable and relevant questions, and it’s worth noting that even my hypothetical comparison can be altered based on numerous factors. The point is not to come up with a direct answer, but rather to offer a more robust method of comparison that goes beyond simply asking which one is better.

The short answer is, it depends. The longer answer is that it depends on a lot of factors, some of which are neglected and not taken into account, often because we don’t consider relevant qualifiers that offer a solid foundation for comparing. 

What is your current situation? How much time can you devote to training? What are the practical options based on these factors?

Be sure you are taking into account what matters to you, as no one knows your situation better than you. We are here to help you walk through those options and make the smartest, most informed choice possible. 

Greg Drobny is a former Airborne Infantryman, PSYOP Team Chief, political consultant, professional military blogger, and Code Platoon’s Student Outreach and Recruitment Manager. He holds a BA and MA in history and an MS in organizational psychology. He is married with four children who keep him more than slightly busy, and he is passionate about helping Veterans find their paths in life and develop the skills needed to pursue their goals.

For 15 weeks, the Whiskey Platoon graduates dedicated themselves to honing their coding skills during the Full-stack Software Engineering: Immersive program. From AI-driven chess tutors to comprehensive class management tools and real-time chat apps, their final group projects reflect their dedication and growth. Join us in this blog as we explore and celebrate their remarkable accomplishments. 

Starting the project showcase strong, Cheap Chess Tutor leverages Artificial Intelligence (AI) to help chess players improve their skills. New players can see suggested moves during real-time games with other players or computers. The app stores its data on a PostgreSQL database, so users can play multiple games simultaneously.

OpenAI powers the computer opponent. The team’s code translates the chessboard into text for ChatGPT 3.5 to analyze, then converts its responses back into JavaScript code, creating interactive visual effects for the user within a second.

“For many of us, this was the first time we had taken somebody else’s code and contributed enough to call it our own,” Drew, an active duty Airman, says. “It required a strong understanding of the code, which we gained through demos, reviews, and most of all, not being afraid to ask questions. Cheap Chess Tutor taught us the versatility needed to jump into any project and thrive.”

ChangeMate platforms social impact events and campaigns in a fun, social layout. The app offers organizers tools to promote their events, recruit volunteers, and assign tasks on a user interface created with React and Veet and enhanced using Bootstrap components. 

Individual users are motivated to host, volunteer for, and attend events for social causes by earning badges and recognition from the ChangeMate app. Part of the user functionality uses external and Restful APIs.

“Our vision was for ChangeMate to be more than just a social media platform,” Shawn, an Air Force Veteran and member of the ChangeMate team, says. “ChangeMate is a catalyst for positive change, bringing communities together to create a better world. We’re excited to embark on this journey with our users.”

The next team built Platoon Console, a class management tool for Code Platoon students and instructors. For students, the app streamlines their attendance records, manages pair programming, and provides a detailed class calendar and resources, including a searchable gallery of lecture videos. 

“We knew what students need from our own experience,” Landon, a Navy Veteran, says. “We frequently met with our instructors to define the scope of the classroom toolset and what information they need to collect on the platform.”

Based on their user research, the team designed the instructor side of the platform to check and approve attendance, which is stored on a back-end table of attendance records stored in SQL. Instructors can also select students to demo their code and generate random pairs or groups for assignments.

Transparent Budget Decisions (TBD) is a personalized finance app that tracks expenses and forecasts monthly expenses. Before writing any code, the team used Agile methods to determine their project scope.

“We created a whiteboard of potential features and categorized them based on our vision of the minimum viable product,” Weston, a Marine Corps Veteran who worked on TBD, says, “Each feature was broken down into a user story to determine its success criteria from that user’s perspective.”

TBD features an interactive calendar of transaction data and events, graphs the remaining budget using JavaScript against automatically deducted monthly transactions, and uses the Open AI API in the “Ask TBD” page, where users can receive instant answers from ChatGPT.

The last project in our showcase is Disclone, a full-stack chat application designed to provide users with a seamless communication experience. Users can join different channels or create their own. While on a channel, their messages are sent in real-time to other users via a WebSocket server built with Django and a Gunicorn server. The team deployed Disclone on an Amazon EC2 instance, packaged with a lightweight Docker container.

“Rather than focusing solely on creating a feature-rich application with what we already knew, our team saw Disclone as an opportunity to push the boundaries of our skills,” Jordan, an Air Force Veteran and Disclone developer, says. “We challenged ourselves by incorporating cutting-edge technologies we were eager to learn. These technologies not only enhance Disclone’s performance but also represent a significant milestone in our learning journeys.”

The GI Bill® has long been a cornerstone of military benefits, offering Veterans and Servicemembers a path to educational and career advancement. While many associate the GI Bill® with traditional college degrees, its scope has significantly widened to include an array of vocational and technical training programs catering to the evolving career landscapes of today’s workforce. One such opportunity is coding bootcamps, like Code Platoon, which are designed to equip participants with in-demand tech skills in a condensed timeframe.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill, with its broad coverage, includes non-degree programs at technical schools. Eligibility is straightforward: service after September 10, 2001, for at least 90 days, receiving a Purple Heart, or an honorable discharge with a service-connected disability after at least 30 days of continuous service. The Forever GI Bill enhancements mean no expiration for benefits for those discharged after January 1, 2013.

This GI Bill covers tuition and fees based on service length, directly paying the school. It also provides a monthly housing allowance (MHA) based on the school’s zip code and the student’s enrollment status.

FAQs: Your GI Bill Benefits for Bootcamps

Can the GI Bill be used for coding bootcamps?

Yes, the GI Bill can be used for coding bootcamps approved by the VA. It’s essential to verify that the bootcamp you’re interested in is eligible for GI Bill funding.

Is a coding bootcamp beneficial for Veterans?

Absolutely. For Veterans aiming to transition into the tech sector, coding bootcamps offer a streamlined, focused path to acquiring the necessary skills without the time commitment of a traditional degree program.

How do I choose the right bootcamp?

Consider VA-approved VET TEC training providers and those offering scholarships or money-back guarantees for job placement. Research, reach out to bootcamps directly, and connect with fellow Veterans who have taken this path to gather insights and make an informed decision.

Can I use the GI Bill at Code Platoon?

Code Platoon’s in-person programs are open to Veterans eligible for GI Bill benefits. In-person students can have tuition fully or partially covered, alongside receiving a stipend for a housing allowance equivalent to an E-5 with dependents BAH.

The GI Bill has evolved from a measure to support post-war education to a flexible tool for career transformation. For Veterans eyeing the tech industry, programs like Code Platoon represent a golden opportunity to leverage their GI Bill benefits toward a dynamic and fulfilling new career path.

Jim Hennessey is Code Platoon’s Director of Marketing. Jim brings a strong background in nonprofit marketing and start-up enterprises to the mission of Code Platoon. Jim is a graduate of Clemson University and currently lives in Chicago. Follow Jim on LinkedIn.

Are you a US military member preparing to transition out of the service and wondering about your next career move? Look no further than the DoD SkillBridge program—a valuable program designed to assist Servicemembers in gaining civilian work experience before they separate from the military.

What is SkillBridge?

SkillBridge—also known as the Career Skills Program (CSP) in the Army—is an innovative program that allows eligible military members who are within their last 180 days of service to participate in civilian job training, internships, and apprenticeships during their last 180 days of service. This program provides a unique opportunity for transitioning Servicemembers to gain valuable skills and experience in a civilian workplace, helping them seamlessly transition into the workforce.

How Does SkillBridge Work?

Servicemembers can explore a wide range of approved SkillBridge programs offered by participating companies and organizations. Once a suitable opportunity is identified, Servicemembers can apply and, upon acceptance, begin their training or apprenticeship during their final 180 days of service.

Benefits of SkillBridge for Transitioning Servicemembers

• Hands-On Experience: SkillBridge provides hands-on experience in a civilian work environment, allowing Servicemembers to apply their military skills to real-world scenarios.
• Industry Connections: By participating in SkillBridge or the Career Skills Program, military members have the opportunity to network with professionals in their desired industry, potentially leading to job offers post-service.
• Smooth Transition: SkillBridge helps ease the transition from military to civilian life by providing practical work experience and in-demand skills for the job market.
• Career Exploration: SkillBridge allows Servicemembers to explore different career paths and industries, helping them make informed decisions about their post-military career goals.
• Resume Building: Completing a SkillBridge program adds value to a Servicemember’s resume, demonstrating their commitment to professional development and readiness for civilian employment.
• Financial Support: In addition to gaining valuable experience and skills, Servicemembers will continue to receive military stipends and benefits while participating in SkillBridge or the Career Skills Program.

SkillBridge and the Career Skills Program are fantastic resources for US military members preparing to transition out of the service. By participating in these programs, Servicemembers can gain valuable experience, build connections, and enhance their employability in the civilian workforce. Take advantage of SkillBridge today and pave the way for a successful transition into your next career!

Greg Drobny is a former Airborne Infantryman, PSYOP Team Chief, political consultant, professional military blogger, and Code Platoon’s Student Outreach and Recruitment Manager. He holds a BA and MA in history and an MS in organizational psychology. He is married with four children who keep him more than slightly busy, and he is passionate about helping Veterans find their paths in life and develop the skills needed to pursue their goals.