The world needs computer programmers. Every country is jostling for as many computer programmers as they can get their hands on. Work hours are flexible, job opportunities plentiful, and pay is constantly rising. But, how does one start programming and which programming language is the best for general custom software development?
Let’s take a look at several programming languages, why they were created, and their advantages.
1. C#
C# (pronounced “C sharp”) is a 2000 revamp of C, the granddaddy of programming languages. Microsoft developed C# out of C, a sturdy but rigid programming language that hails from 1972.
The advantages of C# are flexible automation and synergy with Microsoft’s .NET Framework (pronounced “dot net”). In short, C# is optimized to work on Windows, Linux, and Mac, allowing for productive cross-platform custom software development.
2. C++
Created in 1985, C++ was imagined as a spinoff and a slight upgrade of C. The name itself is an inside joke, since “++” after a variable in C means “increase this by 1”.
The main advantage of C++ is support for different programming styles. A programmer can tweak as many functions as desired to make C++ code synergize with other programming languages.
3. Java
Developed by Sun Microsystems in 1995, Java was imagined as a universal, portable programming language. For example, Java can be used to program smart cards as well as bank workstations.
The advantages of Java are platform independence and scalability. Java can be used to write Android apps as well as corporate software that runs on huge networks.
4. JavaScript
JavaScript is the most popular programming language for adding functionality to the internet. It was developed in 1995 by Brendan Eich, one of the geniuses behind Firefox.
The advantages of JavaScript are “in time” execution and compatibility with browsers. This means the code is executed by the browser as the user is clicking around a website.
All those dynamically changing buttons and fields on websites? Nearly all of them are due to JavaScript, denoted by the .js file extension.
5. Python
Python is a modular programming language created in 1990, with the original intent being to make tedious tasks fun.
Python excels at data scrapings, such as downloading thousands of Wikipedia articles containing a keyword, or hundreds of images of a certain size scattered across a website.
The main advantages of Python are that it’s optimized for human readability and easy to expand with extensions.
Python comes with some core functionality and offers a whole slew of extensions that each programmer can mix and match. It’s even possible to combine the strengths of several computer languages using some of the extensions.
6. HTML
HTML was first created in 1993, since becoming a core standard of the modern internet. HTML uses a very simple system of tags, such as, to create text documents that a browser can parse and display as a webpage.
In 2020, barely any website uses HTML on its own since the benefits of JavaScript are considered too good to ignore.
The advantages of HTML are it’s broad applicability and ease of use. Everything from hyperlinks to images have a dedicated tag in HTML, allowing fine-grained control of webpages, though not all tags are equally supported by browsers.
HTML of any webpage can be viewed by using the “View Source” browser option on any webpage.
7. CSS
CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) is a programming language that’s an adjunct to HTML, and loaded into a webpage from a separate file. CSS is used to define colors, fonts, and styles within a webpage.
Though HTML has enough tags to do that without CSS, programmers encourage using CSS for better compatibility. For instance, a webpage created in 2020 might be viewed in 2030 by a browser that doesn’t support some HTML tags.
The main advantage of CSS is the ability to manage colors, fonts, and layouts across thousands of web pages with a single file.
8. Rust
Rust stems from the C family of languages and was developed in 2010 by Mozilla, the company behind Firefox, with Brendan Eich as a contributor. The focus of Rust is on network security and resource allocation to create the least amount of vulnerabilities possible.
The advantage of Rust is that it can be used to create tiny network components running on small devices where security is crucial, but resources are limited.
For example, internet-of-things devices might use Rust.
9. PHP
Created in 1995, this server-side language is most akin to JavaScript, except that it isn’t executed by the browser. PHP also stems from C and has some extension capability like Python, making it present on nearly 80% of all websites on the internet.
The main advantage of PHP is server-side custom software development, but newbies beware. PHP is perhaps the hardest programming language out there because the evolution of PHP wasn’t planned or structured. This led to inconsistencies between major PHP releases.
10. Perl
Perl was designed in 1987 as a proof-of-concept programming language. Today, Perl is used for custom software development where several large systems need to interoperate.
Examples include the IMDB website and the DuckDuckGo search engine.
The main advantage of Perl is the ability to glue different, normally incompatible, components together. It’s an amazing tool for administrators since it can do in one line what other languages take reams of code to accomplish.
Conclusion
Every computer programming language offers unique advantages, tailored for specific tasks, yet mastering all is neither feasible nor necessary. Mastery of just one or two can suffice.
Among the ten computer programming languages we’ve discussed, the C family stands out for its pivotal role in custom software development. These languages form the bedrock for many others, with their influence evident in major software and platforms.
Windows, for instance, is developed using C, C++, and C#, illustrating the versatility and power of these languages. Similarly, Unity, the renowned cross-platform game engine, also relies on the C family, showcasing their capacity to not only create tools but to enable the creation of further tools in a cascading effect.
C#, in particular, is identified as a cornerstone for future technological advancements. Its significance cannot be overstated, marking it as a must-learn language for any aspiring programmer looking to make a mark in the field of software development.
At Sparkfish, we understand the intricacies of these programming languages and their applications in custom software development. We are adept at harnessing the power of the C family, among others, to create bespoke software solutions that propel businesses forward.
If you’re looking to leverage custom software development to elevate your operations and achieve your strategic goals, we invite you to reach out. Contact Sparkfish to explore how we can assist you in navigating the complexities of software development and turn your innovative ideas into reality.
Let’s work together to shape the technology of tomorrow.
