JavaScript
JavaScript is one of the world’s most popular coding languages. Since its inception in 1995, JavaScript has played an essential role in making the World Wide Web function. As of 2022, 98% of websites have incorporated it, and it’s usable across all platforms. JavaScript is commonly used in sites with embedded videos, animations, or graphics, such as video streaming sites and gaming pages, and is especially common in online casinos. Many of these sites are written in JavaScript and since they offer live dealer games featuring high-quality video, there’s no better place to see this coding language in action.
Java
Dating back to May 1995, Java is the older cousin of JavaScript. Its versatile, general-purpose language makes it an ideal starting point for those learning to code. Java is one of the most commonly found coding languages. It can run on any device with the Java platform, and the “write once, run anywhere” mantra at the core of Java is no exaggeration. This language is commonly found in mobile apps, software, web applications, and more. It’s the native language of the Android OS.
Python
Python is another coding language that is frequently recommended to newcomers. As far as easy-to-understand languages go, Python is one of the best. Its intuitive format has helped to make it a prevalent coding language since its creation in 1992. The versatile nature of Python makes it excellent for general use, like web applications, but it also has other specializations. Programmers typically use it for artificial intelligence and machine learning, for example. Python is one of the most popular coding languages, and familiarity with it is in high demand.
PHP
PHP is a free and open-source coding language that is another great starting point. It’s easy to learn, intuitive, and highly versatile. Like JavaScript, PHP is most commonly used for coding websites, though it has other applications. A high-level, object-oriented programming language, PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor is a server-side scripting language rather than client-side, like JavaScript. It’s often used to manage dynamic content and website databases and integrates well with database languages like MySQL. Like other coding languages on this list, PHP has a variety of resources out there to help you understand the language and master the basics.
SQL
Structured Query Language, sometimes called Sequel, is a domain-specific coding language. It’s designed for managing data stored in databases. Unlike Java or Python, SQL is not general-purpose and has a much narrower use. SQL is commonly used by software developers, database admins, and server developers and is found in various industries. It has seen everyday use in data mining and analysis in recent years. Its more specific use makes it a less popular coding language for newcomers, but it’s becoming increasingly popular.
C/ C++
C is one of the most established coding languages out there. It’s also the oldest. Created in 1972, C is as influential as it is widely used. Despite their age, C and C++ are still quite complex languages. Languages such as Java and Python have clearly taken elements and ideas from C in their formation. C is a versatile language used in a variety of areas. Primarily used in system applications, such as Windows and Linux, C is also used for creating graphics, games, and applications that require many calculations.
C#
Next, we have C#, a much more recent offshoot of C. This coding language first appeared in 2000, quickly becoming another popular and versatile language. C# is a high-level, general-purpose, multi-paradigm coding language with many uses. It’s found in desktop apps, mobile apps, and cloud-based services, to name a few. It’s also incorporated into many games and used primarily for the gamine engine, Unity. C# is relatively easy to learn, especially if you’re already familiar with C, C++, and Java.
R
The simply titled R coding language is perhaps the most unique on this list. This increasingly popular language is beneficial for large tech companies and academic fields. R is a low-level programming language and software environment that is typically used in statistical computing and graphical techniques. The language has many valuable tools, such as machine learning algorithms, that help it in its niche. Statisticians and data miners often use R for developing software and data analysis. As such, it is popular with insurance actuaries, data scientists, demographers, and more.
Golang
First appearing in 2009, Golang is one of the most recent coding languages on this list. Designed by Google, Golang, or simply “Go”, was created to fill in the gaps found while working with servers and distributed systems. Since it has a simple syntax, Go compiles code much faster than the likes of C++. It also has the added benefit of being more optimized and straightforward since it’s a much newer coding language. It offers less time typing to the programmer and is a far more streamlined language than the others on this list.
Swift
Swift is another open-source language used for application development. Designed for Apple platforms, it is built for modern app developers and emphasizes speed, power, and safety. Though it’s still compatible, Swift is taking over Apple’s older Objective-C code. With interactive debugging, a streamlined syntax, fail-safes that reduce runtime crashes, and much more, Swift is becoming an increasingly popular and respected coding language found in various Apple applications. With great tutorials and playgrounds, Swift is an ideal starting point for new programmers.
Groovy
Finally, we have Apache Groovy. This object-oriented coding language is compatible with Java syntax and is both static and dynamic. Groovy has various features similar to those found in Python and Ruby. Created in 2003, this coding language simplifies the authoring of code with its dot-separated notations. It is generally considered to have a smaller learning curve than most coding languages and is much easier to master. The build tool is rapidly gaining popularity, while Groovy is frequently used as a Java enhancer because of its greater flexibility.
Conclusion
Coding languages might seem overwhelming to those looking to get into programming. Still, each coding language has its benefits and preferred applications. Getting a handle on several of the most commonly used will give you a massive advantage in mastering computer languages. Whether it’s Python or C++, understanding what languages the internet relies on can make problem-solving and quality-of-life changes easy to render.
