Python or TypeScript: are those the only two left?

There was a time when we evaluated compiled versus interpreted languages for a task based on its requirements and the support available.

The IBM–COBOL discussion sparked my interest in looking at the languages in current job listings. My reference target was C#. I had to check around 35 listings before I found one that mentioned it.

Two flavors left

With AI in the picture, there seem to be only two flavors left:

• Python: companies a bit deeper into the weeds of ML, building around it, whose early employees knew only Python. They're trying to do everything in Python.
• TypeScript / Next.js / React: energetic, product-oriented teams that start from the idea of using AI technology.

Interviews follow

Interestingly, a lot of these companies say explicitly that interviews are only in Python or JavaScript, since they don't have generic interviewers. Gone are the days when a candidate could show their skills in any language. It will be interesting to see how this trend progresses. My understanding is that most polyglot programmers are either in management or ready to retire in the next five to ten years.

On a different note, I personally feel it's risky to use weakly typed languages in security, banking or any other sensitive domain.