Coding languages are an integral part of computer science. Computer Science informs us that a coding language is used to instruct a computer on performing a task or series of functions. You might have heard names like Java, C-Sharp (C#), Python, and JavaScript tossed around in online forums. These languages are the most popular, but newcomers to coding should understand something crucial. Not all coding languages are the same. Some languages are better suited to specific tasks than others. There is also a steep learning curve for some of these languages. The coding language you choose to learn stems from what you intend to do with those languages. This article looks at the most common coding languages and what they’re most useful for.
Coding Languages You May Run Into
Developing a program is a complex task. It usually requires a proper grasp of the language you’re using to do something in it. Learning a language to code in is a bit different from learning a language you speak in. Yet, there are similarities. You’d be surprised how much vocabulary that coders use is dedicated to their particular language choice. When we consider the most common languages in use today, we must look at what developers use them for and how widespread their reach is.
1. Python
Python is a language named after a snake and is widely regarded as the best first language for beginners. It has simple, straightforward syntax (grammar), allowing newcomers to grasp complex ideas like coding structures without worrying about the nuances of the language too much. Many people start with Python, but they shift into another language when deciding what they want to do. That isn’t to say that Python is a dead language. It sees use in coding complex algorithms in IoT devices and developing artificial intelligence. It can also be used for data analysis if needed. Unfortunately, if you’re looking to do mobile development, Python doesn’t have much of a use in that industry.
2. JavaScript
Not to be confused with Java (mentioned later), JavaScript or JS is used to build interactive websites. JavaScript as a language has a pretty broad reach, and many people use JS sites without even realizing that they’re doing so. It has integration with website infrastructure and makes it easy to implement things like eCommerce stores. JavaScript comes in a handful of “flavors” like Node.js, React, and Angular. While they have a lot of things in common, and learning to use one makes it easy to use the others, they all have unique projects built in each of their frameworks. JavaScript is most commonly found in website development, especially browser-based applications. However, users might disable JS from their browsers because of security concerns, making it harder for code to run when it needs to.
3. C-Sharp (C#)
C# is a language that has quite a history and lineage behind it. It is a descendant of one of the earliest languages developed for computer use and arguably one of the first Object-Oriented languages – C. The latest iteration of the C family is supported by Microsoft (officially) and provides a pretty solid base to build applications that can run on anything. C#’s power comes from how quickly it executes commands. A holdover from its predecessors, C# can even allow programmers to do manual memory allocation to speed up their programs and efficiency. It’s used in the development of Windows and other software and can be used in game development as well. Two popular game engines, Unity and Godot, already have native support for C# with others trying to play catch-up.
4. Java
Not a coffee bean, but a coding language. Java has a long history and is one of those languages that beginner computer scientists in the early 00s would recognize at a glance. Java’s strengths are in its network architecture and portability. Java executes its programs in what’s called a “virtual machine,” a memory space that creates its own environment for code to run within. This helps ensure that the code won’t cause the machine to become unstable if it fails to execute. Many businesses adopted Java as a business coding language, and it’s remained in that role to this day. Java is most typically used for coding business applications, but it also sees extensive use in Android coding, as the operating system itself is built on Java. Unfortunately, Java’s drawbacks stem from being incompatible with cloud architecture.
5. C-Plus-Plus (C++)
Another descendant of the C family, C++ was actually the precursor to C#. C is even faster at executing commands, and many of the native dynamic linked libraries in Windows are written in C++. The language works well for coding utilities that can be useful in a wide variety of settings. C++ can even be used to write utility code to add functionality to already developed programs. Because of its speedy operation, it doesn’t see a lot of use in application development, but rather infrastructure development. Scientists use C++ to do mathematical calculations, and many game engines are written in C++ as their base language. One of the more popular game development engines that still uses C++ to develop its utilities is the Unreal Engine. Unfortunately, C++ is not a beginner-friendly language at all. From nuances like memory allocation to a lack of run-time checking, it can be a chore for a new coder to get the hang of the language.
Choosing Your First Coding Language
The first coding language you choose will set the stage for any others you learn afterward. You’ll compare new languages to that first one and see where they fall short and where they improve. Python or JS are good choices for most beginners, but don’t let that discourage you from learning C# or Java. Regardless of which language you select, Legends of Tech provides classes developed and run by industry leaders. Check out our coding courses today to get started on your journey towards becoming a programmer.