Factors influencing the selection of a programming language include the project's goals, performance requirements, and the development team's expertise. Specific applications, such as web development, data analysis, or mobile app creation, may favor certain languages. For example, JavaScript is essential for web applications, while Python is popular for data science due to its readability and vast libraries. The availability of frameworks and community support also plays a critical role in decision-making. Additionally, considerations like scalability and maintenance impact the choice of the language for long-term projects.