The most used programming languages: which is the best to learn?
Are you one of those people who are interested in programming? Are you asking yourself what is programming, how hard is it to learn to program, how to get started in IT and what programming language is right for you?
In the article you will learn:
Today, the most popular programming languages are Python, Java, JavaScript and SQL, which are widely used for web application development, task automation, enterprise system development and database management. With JavaScript being the most widely used programming language in IT for computer programs, it dominates the field of web development and provides interactivity and dynamism for many web applications. An overview of the most popular programming languages will give you a little insight into the world of IT and help you figure out what programming language should I learn. You don’t have to start your new career as CTO of a technology company right away. Start as a junior programmer and gain valuable experience and the opportunity to grow your career. Gradually, you’ll discover which programming language for beginners should you learn.
How to choose a programming language
Choosing which programming language to learn is not difficult. What types of programming languages do we have, how to choose the right one and what are the differences between them? There are some programming languages that you can only learn if you already know another language related to them. And secondly, there are too many programming languages, so there is probably no one who knows them all. If you’re looking for a way to learn how to program and are hesitant about which programming language to choose, you need to ask yourself a basic question first. It is not which programming language is easy to learn or which programming language is most in demand. Ask yourself, what do you actually want to create in that language? To do this, you need to know at least the most basic differences.
Frontend vs backend: Differences in programming context
Programming languages are not specifically limited to frontend or backend programming. Some languages are used on both sides (for example JavaScript). In addition, there are frameworks and technologies that are designed specifically for frontend or backend needs and specialized development in each part of a web application.
Frontend development
Yes, the term “Front-End” (or “frontend”) is used in programming and web development. This term refers to the part of a web application or software that is visible and interactive to the user. Frontend means that you create what the user sees at the computer at the end. Front-End development includes design, user interface and features that are directly accessible and controllable through a web browser or other interface.
A frontend developer focuses on implementing design and functionality that is presented directly to the user.
This includes graphical elements such as text colours, images, diagrams, buttons, navigation menus and more to ensure that the website is responsive and fast.
This is often associated with programming languages and technologies such as HTML, CSS and JavaScript. On the other hand, the “Back-End” part is responsible for data processing.
Backend development
On the other hand, the term “Back-End” (or “backend”) is again used in the field of programming and software development to refer to the part of a web application or software that runs in the background, i.e. on the server side. The Back-End is responsible for processing data, interacting with the database, managing server operations and providing information to the Front-End that is visible and controlled by the user.
Backend developer uses various programming languages and technologies such as PHP, Ruby, Python, Java and frameworks such as Node.js, Django, Ruby on Rails, etc. Together with Front-End, they form a complete web application or software. These two parts work together to form a functional user interface.
Sometimes a programmer’s decision of what programming language to choose is a decision between higher and lower programming languages. This depends on the specific requirements of the project, the preferences of the programme and the character of the task that needs be solved. Here are some aspects that could influence the choice.
What are higher programming languages
In computer science, they are a label for programming languages with a greater degree of abstraction. A higher level programming language or higher-level language is designed with a high level of abstraction that allows programmers to work without the need to delve deeply into the specific technical details of the hardware and operating system. These languages have their own definition of grammar and syntax, which makes them easier to understand and use.
Higher level programming languages include Java, Python, Ruby and Swift, JavaScript, C#. They are suitable for fast development and easier implementation of programs.
What are lower programming languages
The term “lower level programming language” is used in IT to refer to a group of programming languages that minimize or completely eliminate abstraction from the functioning of the processor in a computer. The term “lower” indicates a minimal or no degree of difference between a given programming language and the machine instructions of a processor or its instruction set. As a result, lower level programming languages are often considered to be “tightly coupled to hardware”.
Lower level programming languages include Assembler, the intermediate-level C language, C++: An Extension of C, Rust, Fortran, Assembly Language.
Programming languages are divided into frontend and backend. Frontend means that you create what the user sees at the computer at the end. Backend programming languages are the ones that stand in the background and create the processes whose result you see on the monitor. These are the basic types of programming languages. Maybe you are aware of the meaning and use of languages, you just have no idea what you would enjoy. We have therefore written down the characteristics for the most commonly used programming languages.
HTML language
HTML is a hypertext markup language. Hypertext means that it can contain links to other pages, for example, and markup means that it uses tags, called markup tags. The HTML programming language is not inherently a programming language. In fact, programming is the process by which you say “If A happens, do B.” HTML can’t do that. It is only responsible for the information that is displayed on the web.
However, it is a communication language without which websites do not work, so everyone who plans to work on web development should know at least its basics. To master it, just understand that each command has an opening and closing tag and memorize a few basic tags. For creating HTML files, you can use the programs you already have on your computer, such as Notepad or Notepad++.
CSS Programming – Cascading Style Sheets
The abbreviation CSS stands for Cascading Style Sheets. HTML tells you what should be on the page, CSS tells you what it should look like. The combination of HTML and CSS is enough to create simple, static web pages. The only interactive element will be the links. You can’t create user accounts or any other dynamic elements. You don’t really need CSS in the IT world if you don’t want to create websites. But the logic of cascades is very helpful in more complex programs and the ability to place an element in the right place is always useful too.
JavaScript programming language
JavaScript has become the main programming language of the frontend, so together with HTML and CSS, it completes the trinity, with which you can already create real web pages. JavaScript is responsible for interactivity. JavaScript throws you a red warning if you enter a phone number in the wrong format in a web form, and is the one who can anger the average user by repeating the phrase “Password is not strong enough, choose another one”.
It often introduces new tools, which may not suit everyone. You’re constantly learning new things, and as is the case with new things, some of them don’t always quite work out. However, it still has old and proven tools. So-called frameworks, which could be loosely translated as superstructures, are very popular. The best of them at the moment are Angular and React for example. React is used when a user changes something on a web page – React redraws a specific element. In addition, Angular also has tools for communicating with the database.
PHP programming language
PHP is an abbreviation probably known to everyone who is at least a little bit interested in programming. It belongs to object-oriented languages, but it is not a requirement to write objectively. Objects are certain data structures. They have its qualities, methods and events by which the object performs the actions for which it was programmed. The abbreviation PHP stands for Personal Home Page Tools, because in the beginning the language was intended for easy creation of web pages. Gradually, however, the system became a widely used tool, and so the abbreviation came to be explained as Hypertext Preprocessor.
It is the most widely used open source scripting language and is mainly used for writing code for web applications. It is a dynamic language, so on the web it is responsible, for example, for accepting passwords at login, managing users, moderating discussions and so on. It can work with relational databases such as MySQL, while still maintaining simplicity of writing. A PHP programmer gains a great advantage when using PHP programming because of its compatibility not only with Linux, but also with the common Windows operating system.
Programming in PHP is very similar to other programming languages, so if you’ve encountered one in the past, you won’t have much trouble with it. If you are entering the world of programming, PHP is a good first choice. The composition is quite simple and can be learned quickly. It’s similar to JavaScript, Java and C++, which is also not a bad introduction in case you find out later that you want to switch to these languages. The world-famous WordPress, Joomla or PrestaShop run on PHP.
Java programming language
It is universal, object-oriented and probably the most stable programming language. It is used in the backend of those projects for which reliability is important. Thus, it is often the first choice of architects of business applications, such as banking systems. Java may be competing with more modern languages like Kotlin, but it still tops the popularity charts. The basics of Java is made up of classes, which makes it a bit more difficult for a beginner to understand than Python.
Its advantages include accuracy, safety and clarity. Due to the policies of its manufacturer, which is Oracle, it works in such a way that it does not need modifications to work with different operating systems. This made it a staple for Android. If you choose Java programming language, you’ll have no problem finding a well-paid job.
“If you like new challenges and you control .”
Maria, HR manager
Python programming language
It is one of the simplest programming languages and is often the first choice when learning programming. Its clear structure is relatively easy to understand, but its robustness invites the programmer to get lost in the structure and commands. Being as popular as it is, it kind of completes the vicious circle – it has a lot of third-party libraries and excellent cooperation with other systems, which in turn makes it more popular, thus expanding its integration. Compared to Java, it has wider code, which comes at the expense of speed. For a massive project where performance would play a significant role, it probably wouldn’t be the best choice. Yet such projects do exist.
Although Python is often referred to as a “scripting language”, it is used to develop many large software projects. It has been used for popular games such as World of Tanks or Sims 4 and is also used by Google. Its supporters prefer to call it a high-level dynamic programming language because the term “scripting language” is associated with languages that are only used for simple shell scripts or with languages like JavaScript. They are simpler and for most purposes less capable than “real” programming languages like Python.
SQL language
Structured Query Language or SQL programming language is not a general programming language, its essence is to access relational databases. A relational database is a set of tables which have some relationship between. You can very easily imagine it as Excel, only in a web interface and much more complex. SQL is used as response to a request for information, usually in the form of a table. For example, SQL is what searches for songs from a particular artist from a selected year on a music website. Thus, this language is definitely needed by anyone who plans to process data.
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C programming language
The C programming language is slightly higher level than Assembler and is probably the oldest structure-oriented programming language. It is one of the more difficult to learn because it requires prior theoretical knowledge. Programming in C language requires certain steps and understanding of basic concepts especially for novice programmers. Therefore, the C programming language for beginners can be a challenge! It is the basis for many kinds of programming languages, such as C++, Java C#, JavaScript and Pearl. It is used to develop system applications under Windows, UNIX and Linux operating systems.
C++ programming language
C++ programming language is a younger, lighter and more modern version of the C language. C++ works on a variety of platforms, is fast and powerful. This makes it suitable for complex games or complex mathematical simulations.
C# programming language
It reads “C Sharp” and is based on the C, C++ and Java programming languages. It is Java’s biggest competitor and is equally focused on all kinds of applications – web, desktop and mobile. It is also known as the primary language for designing games powered by the Unity platform.
Kotlin programming language
It is a relatively young, modern programming language inspired by languages such as Java, Python, Scala, Groovy, C# and others. It picked the best of them and quite successfully missed the mistakes. One of the best features of this language is its ability to cooperate with Java, it can use all its libraries and frameworks. When deciding between programming in Kotlin vs Java, the two can work together quite smoothly within the same project at the same time due to their compatibility. Kotlin is interoperable with Java, which means that there is the ability to combine code written in both languages in a single project. Currently, Kotlin is the strongly preferred programming language for Android.
Golang programming language (Go)
This language was created by Google. Its main feature is simplicity of use, as well as good code readability, efficiency and speed. It is used for servers and desktop applications. It is not yet used very often in Slovakia, but it is expected to become more widespread in the near future. It has excellent performance thanks to good memory management and resource release for individual elements. It is growing into a strong competitor to Python.
If you’re interested in one of the languages, you’re on the right track to enter the world of IT. Try to get into one and in time you’ll see where your desire to code takes you. You may end up with languages and tools that are not open-source, but these are more expensive to train and to buy licenses for. Open-source solutions are clearly the most suitable for a novice programmer and the most desirable for small and medium-sized jobs nowadays.
If you are looking for a job opportunity to break into the world of IT, we at msg-life Slovakia have an open door for you. On our website, you can discover attractive job opportunities related to the field, such as positions for Java developers or IT testers. Both will open doors for you to grow professionally and develop your skills.
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