How to Speak Computer: 5 Top Programming Languages
January 6, 2020
Software development has become one of the fastest-growing markets today, and the fruits of the labor put forth by the brilliant minds behind all of your favorite programs make themselves apparent every time you power on your smart devices.
Today, we depend on technology and web-connectivity more than ever before, which means we are also heavily reliant on the efficiency of computer communication. While there may be genius human brains behind the machines, it’s the intricate programming languages that put the gears of software realization into motion.
What are programming languages?
Programming languages are the formal language comprised of specific syntaxes, input instructions, and algorithms to achieve various types of output results.
In simpler terms, computer programming languages allow humans to give instructions to a computer in a language the computer understands.
Each programming language houses a set of keywords and commands that it interprets as specified requests. Through these computerized codes, computers are able to process massive amounts of information quickly and efficiently.
There is a sprawling array of computer programming languages that developers use today to communicate with computers and create futuristic software and each is designed for different applications and result yields.
Depending on the particular end-goal, a programmer may use a number of different programming languages to build a fully-functional script. While there are many commonalities among programming languages, each has its own distinct features.
Why are programming languages important?
Without programming languages, we would never enjoy high-speed collection and analysis of data nor the efficiency and convenience of your favorite software applications.
By providing a code sequence understood by both human and computer, programming languages serve as the single-most effective gateway into PC output manipulation.
Through the use of programming languages, computer engineers are well-equipped with the tools needed to work toward a faster, more intelligent technological future. Modern computer programming principles have a sizable influence on futuristic technologies that are in their earliest stages today, including autonomous vehicles, voice-recognition, natural language processing for artificial intelligence, and more.
Though seemingly niche to the technological sphere, programming languages exist in a larger, more global scope affecting our digital and real worlds as they develop. They can be used to do everything from increasing the power capacity of the internet to improve the efficiency of a Google search.
A mere sequence of letters, numbers, and special characters has the power to change the world as we know it, and we’re watching it happen every single day.
What are the types of programming languages?
Programming languages exist on an expansive spectrum of categorizations and end-goal purposes that distinguish one from another. There are a number of ways to break down how each may classify, but to provide a clear and comprehensive look into how each language’s functionality differs, we’ve broken it down into seven classifications.
1. Imperative Languages
Imperative languages are largely focused on interpreting how a program operates. They use a sequence of command steps to alter a program’s state, so rather than describing what a program should do, imperative languages communicate how to do it.
2. Object-Oriented Languages
Object-oriented languages use data (objects) rather than logic to define the data type of a data structure and the functions that can be applied to the data structure.
3. Declarative Languages
Functioning similarly to imperative languages, declarative languages instruct a program on what to do, rather than telling it how to do it.
4. Functional Languages
Functional languages are a type of declarative language that builds the elemental structure of a program by treating computation as the evaluation of mathematical functions.
5. Scripting Languages
Scripting languages automate the execution, integration, and communication between other programming languages. Scripting languages are typically used in conjunction with other programming languages.
6. Concurrent Languages
Concurrent languages support the simultaneous execution of threads and processes by means of structuring a program. Concurrent programming languages are most frequently employed to increase CPU-intensive program efficiency.
7. Multi-Paradigm Languages
Multi-paradigm programming languages provide a structured framework in which computer engineers can work with multiple programming languages simultaneously.
8. Dynamic Languages
Dynamic programming languages allow operations traditionally done at compile-time to be completed at run-time.
The top 5 programming languages today
1. JavaScript
What it is: JavaScript is a client-side scripting language used to increase user-interactivity on live HTML webpages.
What it’s used for: Modern HTML pages typically use JavaScript to bring interactive webpage elements to life. JavaScript bolsters webpage dynamics, effectively increasing the value and visual appearance of the user experience.
JavaScript coding features dynamic aspects capable of modifying information based on the time of day, altering display information based on mouse hover, and more.
2. C++
What it is: C++ is a general purpose, object-oriented programming language used to build software dependent on speedy high-performance to create large-scale applications. Functioning as a subset of the C language, C++ is better suited for precise fine-tuning and ambitious power-harnessing.
What it’s used for: C++ is used to write massively impressive software applications ranging from video games and office applications to operating systems and image manipulation programs.
3. Python
What it is: Python is one of the most popular object-oriented programming languages used to integrate systems as a scripting language. Built on flexible and robust semantics, Python is lauded for its readability and ease of learning and serves as a great introductory language for beginner developers.
What it’s used for: Python is used for developing desktop graphic user interfaces, video games, and software programs. This language houses an incredibly extensive library of tools and functionalities that simplifies the process of sequence construction.
4. Ruby
What it is: Ruby is a dynamic, object-oriented programming language that is known for being among the easiest to learn for novice coders.
What it’s used for: When it comes to doing more with less code, Ruby shines. Used in a number of tech industries, Ruby has several beneficial applications in web application development, robotics, system administration, and cybersecurity.
5. PHP
What it is: PHP is a server-side scripting programming language developed by Microsoft, designed for general-purpose programming and web development.
What it’s used for: PHP can be used to connect servers and databases, personalize existing content based on IP address, modify information based on time of day, and communicate with external webpages. It is one of the most dynamic and essential programming languages for modern web developers.
Wrapping up
Today, there are over 250 programming languages that bring our digital spheres to animated life, challenging yesterday’s technology with fresh, futuristic ideas. Our fast-paced world is spinning rapidly toward a future more dependent on intelligent machines and computer capable of making independent modifications without any human interference.
Programming languages sit at the heart of this tech revolution, evolving and impressing with every step forward.
Intro: Since the dawn of the computer age, engineers have been crafting and fine-tuning the ways in which we communicate with computers. Today, there are over 250 programming languages that are employed to bring our digital spheres to inventive, animated life.
What are programming languages?
A programming language is a formal language comprised of input instructions and algorithms to achieve various types of output results
Each programming language houses a set of keywords and syntaxes that it understands as organized commands and requests
Programming is more commonly referred to as “coding”
Why are programming languages important?
Programming languages work toward carving out a more intelligent, more efficient technological future
On a societal scale, programming languages are employed to
Create environmentally-friendly solutions to global issues
Improve the ways in which we innovate
Bolster the power of the internet
On a digital scale, programming languages
Automate, collect, manage, quantify, and analyze data and information accurately
Process data quickly and efficiently for calculated online and application outcomes
Periodic Table of Programming Languages
Color Key
Yellow - Imperative Languages
Orange - Object-Oriented Languages
Red - Declarative Languages
Blue - Functional Languages
Lime Green - Scripting Languages
Jade Green - Concurrent Languages
Purple - Multi-Paradigm Languages
Magenta - Dynamic Languages
Imperative Languages: Use a sequence of command steps to alter a program’s state
Object-Oriented Languages: Uses data (objects) rather than logic to implement real-world entities into programming
Declarative Languages: Instruct a program on what to do, rather than telling it how to do it
Functional Languages: Build the elemental structure of a program by means of treating computation as the evaluation of mathematical functions and avoiding changing-state and mutable data
Scripting Languages: Streamline the integration and communication between other programming languages
Concurrent Languages: Support the simultaneous execution of threads and processes by means of structuring a program
Multi-Paradigm Languages: Provide a framework in which programmers can work with several programming languages
Dynamic Languages: Allow operations traditionally done at compile-time to be done at run-time
What Are the Top Programming Languages Today?
1. JavaScript
Created by James Gosling
Released in 1995
JavaScript is traditionally used as a client-side scripting language to make online webpages user-interactive
b. What is JavaScript used for?
Front-end of web development
Web Interactivity
Widgets
Analytics
c. JavaScript was used to build:
YouTube
PayPal
Twitter
d. Ease of Learning: Moderate
2. C++
Created by Bjarne Stroustrup
Released in 1985
C++ is a powerful object-oriented programming language used to build software that relies on blazing high-performance to create large-scale applications
b. What is C++ used for?
Search engines
Operating systems
Video game development
Mobile app engineering
c. C++ was used to build:
Google
Apple Mac OS X
VLC Media Player
d. Ease of Learning: Difficult
3. Python
Created by Guido Van Rossum
Released in 1989
Python is a server-side open-source scripting language engineered to provide syntax that allows programmers to express complex concepts in simpler, shorter lines of code
b. What is Python used for?
Web development
Desktop graphical user interfaces
Video game development
Software engineering
c. Python was used to build:
Instagram
Spotify
Reddit
d. Ease of Learning: Difficult
4. Ruby
Created by Yukihiro
Released in 1995
Ruby is a dynamic, object-oriented programming language that is designed to support multiple programming paradigms
b. What is Ruby used for?
Web applications
Desktop graphical user interfaces
Web development
Internet of Things system development
c. Ruby was used to build:
Hulu
Groupon
Airbnb
d. Ease of Learning: Easy
5. PHP
Created by Rasmus Lerdorf
Released in 1995
PHP is a server-side scripting programming language design for general-purpose programming and web development
b. What is PHP used for? PHP is a scripting language that creates and controls dynamic website content
Prices, specifications, availability and terms of offers may change without notice. Price protection, price matching or price guarantees do not apply to Intra-day, Daily Deals or limited-time promotions. Quantity limits may apply to orders, including orders for discounted and promotional items. Despite our best efforts, a small number of items may contain pricing, typography, or photography errors. Correct prices and promotions are validated at the time your order is placed. These terms apply only to products sold by HP.com; reseller offers may vary. Items sold by HP.com are not for immediate resale. Orders that do not comply with HP.com terms, conditions, and limitations may be cancelled. Contract and volume customers not eligible.
HP’s MSRP is subject to discount. HP’s MSRP price is shown as either a stand-alone price or as a strike-through price with a discounted or promotional price also listed. Discounted or promotional pricing is indicated by the presence of an additional higher MSRP strike-through price
The following applies to HP systems with Intel 6th Gen and other future-generation processors on systems shipping with Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1 or Windows 10 Pro systems downgraded to Windows 7 Professional, Windows 8 Pro, or Windows 8.1: This version of Windows running with the processor or chipsets used in this system has limited support from Microsoft. For more information about Microsoft’s support, please see Microsoft’s Support Lifecycle FAQ at https://support.microsoft.com/lifecycle
Ultrabook, Celeron, Celeron Inside, Core Inside, Intel, Intel Logo, Intel Atom, Intel Atom Inside, Intel Core, Intel Inside, Intel Inside Logo, Intel vPro, Itanium, Itanium Inside, Pentium, Pentium Inside, vPro Inside, Xeon, Xeon Phi, Xeon Inside, and Intel Optane are trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the U.S. and/or other countries.
In-home warranty is available only on select customizable HP desktop PCs. Need for in-home service is determined by HP support representative. Customer may be required to run system self-test programs or correct reported faults by following advice given over phone. On-site services provided only if issue can't be corrected remotely. Service not available holidays and weekends.
HP will transfer your name and address information, IP address, products ordered and associated costs and other personal information related to processing your application to Bill Me Later®. Bill Me Later will use that data under its privacy policy.
Microsoft Windows 10: Not all features are available in all editions or versions of Windows 10. Systems may require upgraded and/or separately purchased hardware, drivers, software or BIOS update to take full advantage of Windows 10 functionality. Windows 10 is automatically updated, which is always enabled. ISP fees may apply and additional requirements may apply over time for updates. See http://www.microsoft.com.
Get Marvel’s Avengers when you purchase HP gaming PCs with qualifying 9th gen or 10th gen Intel® Core™ i5, i7 and i9 processors. Redemption code will be sent out by email within 60 days of purchase. Limited quantities and while supply lasts. Offer valid thru 12/31/2020 only while supplies last. We reserve the right to replace titles in the offer for ones of equal or greater value. Certain titles may not be available to all consumers because of age restrictions. The Offer may be changed, cancelled, or suspended at any time, for any reason, without notice, at Intel’s reasonable discretion if its fairness or integrity affected whether due to human or technical error. The Offer sponsor is Intel Corporation, 2200 Mission College Blvd., Santa Clara, CA 95054, USA. To participate you must create an Intel Digital Hub Account, purchase a qualifying product during the redemption period, enter a valid Master Key, and respond to a brief survey. Information you submit is collected, stored, processed, and used on servers in the USA. For more information on offer details, eligibility, restrictions, and our privacy policy, visit https://softwareoffer.intel.com/offer/20Q3-19/terms.