Language is something that we communicate through. We need a medium via which we can communicate with the people around us. For humans, language is a set of words, though abstract, that have some meaning and can be conveyed. Likewise, a computer also needs language to communicate to its user or its related parts like mouse, mic, or keyboard. The language of the computer contains a specific set of keywords that are predefined and perform specific functions. Those are called programming languages. In other words, a programming language is a set of instructions through which humans interact with computers. It contains a set of commands, instructions, and syntax used to create a software program.
The computer understands a language that consists of bits, i.e., 0s and 1s. Every word is made through the combination of 0 and 1. And all this was done manually. The development of programming languages has brought a great revolution in the world of computers, and the advancement in technology is seen globally.
What is a Programming Language?
Defined precisely, a programming language contains a set of rules for creating instructions for a computing device to perform specific tasks. The term programming language usually refers to high-level language. High-level languages are those used by programmers to write the code. This code is then compiled to low-level languages that a computer understands. Examples of high-level languages include C, C++, Python, BASIC, Java and many more. The code is much like creating a to-do list for a computer. It has to be logical and detailed.
We are well acquainted with the fact that the use of smartphones and computers/laptops has increased drastically. Whenever we tap on an icon on our smartphone or any other device, it opens and starts working as per our command. Have we ever wondered how is it working as we want it? It is programmed to do so. Behind every action that happens on our click is a program that makes it work.
With code and programming, you can get the computer to draw shapes, do large and complex calculations within seconds, create attractive graphics, and build the games that feel almost real with gravity and particle collision.
These days we have seen restaurants where the robots are there to take the order and serve you accordingly. All of them work because there are several programs running on their machines. They work according to the instructions given to them through the code.
Top 5 Programming Languages to Learn in 2024
For doing anything digitally we know that it requires programming. There are new developments in programming languages too. From the old languages like C and FORTRAN, the tech world has moved to languages like Java, GoLang, C#, and many more. Here are some of the programming languages that one should learn to prevail in 2024 and their respective areas of application.
Swift
This language was introduced by Apple in 2014 as an alternative to Objective-C. Swift requires less coding than Objective C to do an equal amount of work. In addition to this, debugging and syntaxes are also easier. The learning level is moderate to difficult. This language finds its applications in the following:
- Apple Mobile and Desktop applications
- MacBook
- iPhone
- iPad
With the increasing popularity of iPhone gadgets, it is clear that this language is to stay and it can be beneficial for you to learn this.
Java
This language is at the top of the list of most popular programming languages. It is the leading general-purpose application development language and framework. Developed by Sun Microsystems in 1991, Java is a high-level, memory managed, compiled language. The learning level is moderate to difficult. The developers found it tedious to manage memory allocation manually, so the introduction of Java proved to be a major step forward for application development.
The cross-platform capability of Java makes it a versatile language. It was marketed as ‘write once, run anywhere’. A program written in Java can run on any platform with a compatible JVM(Java Virtual Machine).
Google’s Android Operating System is developed in this language. The millions of set-top boxes and embedded devices work on Java. This language finds its applications in almost every area like
- Web applications
- Mobile
- Embedded system
- Business applications
If you are willing to build your career as a software developer, learning Java becomes inevitable for you. Enroll in Java Certification Training now!
Python
With very high popularity and a lot of job openings, Python is also on top of the list of most popular programming languages. It is a relatively new programming language. It is an interpreted language that also has a feature of automatic memory management and object-oriented programming. The learning level of Python is easy to moderate. The language finds its applications in the following.
- Data Analysis
- Artificial Intelligence
- Web Applications
Learn More: Basics of Python Programming
Go
Go is also known as Golang. Two Google engineers introduced this language in 2009. So it is not very old in the market and not that popular as compared to Java and Python. The learning level is moderate.
Golang includes the complexities of C/C++, but the syntaxes used in this are simpler than that of C++. Go design includes features such as compatibility, cross-platform, simplicity and support for modern processors. Go is used in general cases like
- Local Applications
- Web applications
Though the popularity level and the number of jobs available for Go are relatively low, there is a rapid growth following in engineering and DevOps circles.
JavaScript
This language is very similar to Java and can be combined with HTML to make cross-platform mobile applications. JavaScript is popular and in high demand and is not very difficult to learn. It is a high-level, dynamically typed, interpreted language.
NodeJS is a web server that runs JavaScript on the server-side. It supports the visual, browser-run elements of most modern web applications and that is the reason most real user monitoring tools cater to JavaScript. JavaScript is generally used in the following:
- Web applications
- Local applications
Summing Up
Seeing the popularity level of the programming languages and the high demand of code developers in the IT industry, you must learn some of the programming languages in order to land a great job in Software Development. Taking a course for learning any of the programming languages may prove to be very helpful.
