Popular Programing Languages to Learn

Whether or not you dream to be the next Mark Zuckerberg or Bill Gates, programming is a highly useful skill to learn. Programming also teaches you vital skills such as problem-solving, communication skills, and creativity. If you are computer savvy and interested in stepping into the big wide world of programming, this article is for you.

What do programmers do?

The purpose of programming is to create a computer program that produces a certain desired action or behaviour. For example, extracting information from a database based on provided parameters.

A programmer figures out the process of designing, writing, testing, troubleshooting, and maintaining the source code of the program. The code is written in a programming language so that the computer can understand it. The source code may be new or a modification of existing code. In simple words, if you know programming, you can make the computer do things that you want.

When should you start learning to program?

If you had asked this question a decade back, people would have probably told you that you should wait until you complete your class XII at least. However, today, children as young as 6 years have started programming (and even developing mobile apps).

The world’s most budding programmer is just 7. Muhammad Hamza Shahzad, a boy of Pakistani origin, and a resident of Birmingham (U.K) became the world’s youngest certified Microsoft Office Professional (MOP) last year, which means that he has the skill to create web apps and basic shopping carts.  Children as young as eight years have used their knowledge of programming to build million dollar businesses.

There are several reasons why it makes sense to start learning to program early.

• In this digital age, programming is basic computer literacy. Computers, smartphones, and social media have become a part of our daily lives, which was not the case with our parents’ generation.
• Programming is a valuable professional skill. As young people enter the workplace, programming skills can help set them apart from others competing for the same job.
• Programming is a powerful skill to have if you aspire to be an entrepreneur. Just a decade ago, no one could imagine the phenomenal impact businesses such as Facebook and Twitter would have on the way the world communicates and socialises. With more businesses being conducted through the web, rather than brick and mortar establishments, programming has become a must have skill.
• Programming encourages creativity, logical thinking and problem solving. These change in thinking helps in other aspects of life as well.

Programming isn’t as hard to learn as we think; all it takes is desire and determination. Of course, the younger you are, the easier it is to learn anything new.

Programming languages you should learn

Anyone who wants to become a programmer, start a business venture, or find a job in a software company, should learn to program.

Here is the list of most widely used programming languages:

Python

It is a general purpose programming language that most closely resembles English language and is therefore easily readable. It is a great language for beginners and is equally useful for experienced professionals. Today, eight of the top ten computer science departments use Python to teach coding. Reddit and NASA use Python for their websites.

Ruby on Rails

Ruby on Rails is also a general purpose programming language similar to C or Java language. It is most commonly used in web programming. Ruby on Rails is best known for rapid development, and programmers don’t need as much code as there are myriad public libraries available. This programming languages is used in both small and large enterprises, and some of the big names of the online world including Living Social and Twitter use Ruby on Rails for some of their web applications.

PHP

Conceived in 1994, PHP, Hypertext Preprocessor was never intended to be a programming language. It was, in fact, designed to be a set of tools to help its inventor manage his personal home page. PHP is now acknowledged as an easy to use scripting language by programmers. It also offers advanced features for more seasoned programmers.

SQL

SQL pronounced sequel, is one of the most widely used programming languages since a long time. Database technologies such as Microsoft SQL Server and MySQL power both small and big businesses, hospitals, universities and banks.

Java

Java recently celebrated its 20th anniversary, and it one the most widely adopted programming languages. Around 9 million developers across the world use Java. All native Android devices are built on Java. Not only this, it powers websites such as Amazon and LinkedIn.

JavaScript

Though it sounds similar, it has nothing to do with Java. JavaScript is among the most powerful and popular programming languages, and it used to make web pages interactive. It is used for displaying pop us messages, add effects to web pages, or to create simple games. Interestingly, it is built into all major web browsers such as Safari, Firefox, and Internet Explorer.

C#

It is pronounced C sharp. It was developed in 2000 by Microsoft as an evolution of the C and C++ programming languages. It is modern, simple and object oriented.

C++

C++, or C-plus-plus dates back to 1983, and was developed in Bell Labs. It is a general purpose, object-oriented programming language. It is known to be the best programming language for developing performance-critical applications such as audio-video processing. Some of the most popular applications written in C++ include Adobe, large parts of Mac OX/X and Microsoft applications.

If you are a newbie, looking to learn one of these programming languages, you will find plenty of online resources. If you want to pursue programming further, it’s advisable that you hire an online tutor or a private tutor who can teach you the programming languages of your choice. So, go ahead, and begin your journey into the world of programming.