Top Programming Languages for AI Development in 2024

AI programming languages blend human creativity with machine intelligence. They enable the development of algorithms that power AI systems. Picking the right language simplifies building and refining AI systems for specific tasks.

This post explores the top five AI programming languages of 2024. You will learn their unique strengths, applications, and criteria to guide your choice.

The 5 Best Programming Languages for AI

1.   Python

Python excels as a top AI language with simple syntax, robust libraries, and fast prototyping.

Why Python is Great for AI

  • User-Friendly and Accessible: A straightforward syntax makes it easy to learn Python. Developers can read and write code without major difficulties.
  • Tons of AI Libraries: Python has vast tools like TensorFlow, PyTorch, and scikit-learn. These save time by providing prebuilt solutions for tasks like machine learning and data analysis.
  • Quick Prototyping: Developers can easily test ideas and switch between approaches.

2.   R

R is used for statistical computing and data visualization. R is an excellent choice for AI data analysis and modeling applications.

Why R Stands Out in AI Development

  • Powerful Statistical Modeling: R’s robust statistical packages are ideal for building large and complex models.
  • Data Exploration and Visualization: R excels in analyzing and visualizing data. It makes it easier for developers to identify patterns and insights needed to create effective AI models.
  • Active Community and Extensive Libraries: With a strong community of users, R benefits from a continuous stream of new packages and tools tailored for AI and data-related tasks.

3.   Java

Java, known for its platform independence and scalability, is a reliable choice for developing AI applications, especially at the enterprise level.

Why Java Works Well for AI Development

  • Portability and Scalability: The approach “write once, run anywhere” ensures that code written for one operating system runs seamlessly on others.
  • Rich Frameworks: Java offers advanced libraries like Weka and H2O for machine learning and data mining. It also provides deep learning frameworks to support complex AI tasks.
  • Vast Developer Community and Best Practices: There is a large pool of developers and well-established coding standards. Java provides ample resources, support, and best practices for building robust AI solutions.

4.   C++

C++, being a high-performance language, provides the best control and is most suitable for demanding AI computations.

C++’s Performance Edge in AI Development:

  • Performance: C++ includes elements that allow for the direct handling of memory and manipulation of the system, thus it is much more efficient than Python or any high-level programming language. This is especially helpful for real-time or small-footprint AI applications.
  • Memory Management:  C++ is a language that offers a number of mechanisms for managing memory with a high level of detail. This is necessary because many of the AI techniques involve working with large datasets or performing complex computations. 
  • Integration with Existing Systems: C++ is especially useful for interfacing with other systems since it is an excellent language to work with other codebases. This makes it possible for developers to incorporate already developed libraries and frameworks without having to rewrite all the code from scratch.

5.   Julia

A rising star in AI development, Julia is a modern programming language designed for numerical and scientific computing, making it highly relevant in AI contexts.

Why Julia is Gaining Momentum in AI

  • Speed and Readability: Julia strikes a balance between high-performance languages like C++ and user-friendly languages like Python. It offers near-C++ execution speed with clean, easy-to-read syntax, allowing developers to write efficient and modular code.
  • Built for Scientific Computing: Designed with scientific and numerical tasks in mind, Julia is particularly well-suited for AI operations like deep learning, where complex calculations are essential.
  • Expanding Ecosystem and AI Libraries: Julia’s growing community is rapidly developing specialized tools for AI, such as Flux and JuliaAI, enhancing its capabilities and appeal for advanced AI projects.

To Conclude

Selecting the perfect language for an AI project in 2024 is a crucial step in creating systems that work well and grow easily. Different languages like Python, R, Java, C++, and Julia each have unique benefits. Some are great for fast coding, others handle data better, and some deliver top-level performance. At S-PRO, we know every project is different. Our team can help you choose the most suitable programming language for your project. 

If you are looking to develop a bespoke MVP for your AI project, consider hiring S-PRO’s AI developers.