Ten coding languages you should be learning

Posted by JJ (Hans) VAN DER LAAN on 19 December 2017 10:30:00 CET

Ten coding Lanaguages you should learn.png

Do you speak Python?

With thousands of different coding languages out there, for the untrained eye it can often be difficult to tell them apart. Unlike our own languages, there are no alphabets or translators on hand to help you learn. But with programmers and developers in demand more than ever before, learning the right one could be the key to finding your next job.

To help you choose which one is right for you, here are ten coding languages you could be learning right now:

 

C

C is one of the oldest coding languages still around today.

However, that doesn’t make it obsolete. What sets C apart is that it forms the foundations of many languages present on this list, including C++, C# and Python. It also provides the programmer with maximum control, allowing easy customisation and the ability to edit without working to a set framework.

Although it isn’t the easiest language to learn, it’s well worth putting the time in, as moving on to other languages will often be easier with some experience in C.

 

What it looks like: 

 

#include<stdio.h>

main()

{

printf(“Hello World”);

}     

 

Primary benefit: Learning to code in C will make other languages easier to learn.

Perfect for: People who like to keep their code old-school.

 

C#

Pronounced ‘C sharp’, this language was initially developed by Microsoft and comes under the .NET framework.

It’s a general purpose, object oriented language, designed for developing and improving web applications, meaning companies are always searching for developers with C# skills. This is also intensified by the fact that programmers can build on existing code, rather than repeating it multiple times, making it less expensive for businesses to get their products out there.

However, Apple evangelists beware – C# primarily runs in Windows. 

 

What it looks like:

public class Hello1

{

public static void Main()

{

System.Console.WriteLine(“Hello, World!”);

}

} 

 

Primary benefit: Always a number of job opportunities available for people with C# skills.

Perfect for: People who want to work with Microsoft Windows.

 

Objective C

Objective C, like C#, traces its roots back to the C language.

However, unlike C#, Objective C was designed and developed by Apple. Not only does it only operate on Apple operating systems, it also happens to be their language of choice, making it a great choice to anyone interested in app development.

Well, iPhone App development at least…

 

What it looks like:

#import <Foundation/Foundation.h>

int main (int argc, const char * argv[])

{

NSAutoreleasePool *pool = [[NSAutoreleasePool alloc] init];

NSLog (@”Hello, World!”);

[pool drain];

return 0;

}

 

Primary benefit: Will help you learn to develop IOS apps.

Perfect for: People who want to build the next avian super-app.

 

C++

An intermediate, object oriented language, C++ is an enhanced version of C. Think of it as, well, C plus (plus). Get the name now?

C++ runs on multiple hardware, and helps power major software such as Firefox and Adobe. However, the language really comes into its own when used to develop computer games. So if you’re interested in traditional games development, a basic knowledge of C++ will be essential.

 

What it looks like:

#include <iostream>

int main()

{

std::cout << “Hello World!”;

}


Primary benefit:
 Will help you get into Games Development.

Perfect for: People who want to make the next Monkey Island.

 

Java

Developed by Sun Microsystems in the mid 1990’s, Java runs on just about any operating system.

It’s almost impossible to do anything digital without coming into contact with Java, with its presence felt all across the web, in Android apps, and even on your desktop. What’s more, most programmers have some kind of experience using the language, owing to its inclusion in most computer science courses.

 

What it looks like:

class HelloWorldApp {

public static void main(String[] args) {

System.out.println(“Hello World!”); // Prints the string to the console.

}

}


Primary benefit: 
Will help you develop Android apps.

Perfect for: People who think Apple is overrated.

 

JavaScript

JavaScript is one of the most useful languages for budding Developers to learn. It is also nothing to do with Java (the name thing is just a coincidence).

Introduced in 1995, JavaScript is the most used coding language in the world. It’s multi-platform, meaning it runs on most operating systems and web browsers, and is essential for anyone looking to build fully functional interactive or animated websites.

So whether you want to get into games development or help build the next generation of smartwatches, a good understanding of JavaScript will be invaluable.

 

What it looks like:

!DOCTYPE HTML>

<html>

<body>

 

<p>Header…</p>

 

<script>

alert(‘Hello, World!’)

</script>

 

<p>…Footer</p>

 

</body>

</html>

 

Primary benefit: JavaScript will help add the ability to incorporate interactivity to your arsenal.

Perfect for: People who want to build their own websites.

 

Python

Python is what’s known as a high-level programming language, although is often considered one of the easiest languages to learn for beginners. It’s name was also inspired by a certain British comedy troupe, although that’s not important*.

What is important is its simplicity, best expressed by its clear and compact syntax. This was intended to emphasise readability, whilst also reducing the amount of code necessary. For this reason Python is used by a number of businesses, including Google, Yahoo! and NASA.

 

What it looks like:

print(“Hello, World!”)


Primary benefit: 
A fast first foray into coding.

Perfect for: People who want to get their start-up off the ground as quickly as possible.

 

Ruby

As with Python, Ruby is considered a fast and fun way for beginners to get into programming.

It powers Ruby on Rails, one of the web’s most popular development frameworks, used by .com giants such as Groupon, Github and Twitter. It’s also object orientated, making it relatively easy to read and write.

In fact, Ruby is intended to emphasise human needs over those of a computer, which is perfect for those who aren’t fans of anything too overcomplicated.

 

What it looks like:

puts “Hello World”


Primary benefit: 
In high demand right now.

Perfect for: People who want to learn coding as quickly as possible.

 

PHP

PHP (Hypertext Processor) is a useful tool for anyone interested in building dynamic websites and apps.

It is what’s known as a server-side language, as all code is developed using PHP, but is viewed as plain HTML by the user. Both the pre-built modules available and the ability to simply embed codes in HTML make this an attractive proposition.

They’re also just two reasons why Facebook, WordPress and Wikipedia all value PHP so highly.

 

What it looks like:

<?php  Print “Hello, World!”; ?>

<?php  Echo “Hello, World!”; ?>


Primary benefit: 
Flexibility, and in demand across a range of different industries.

Perfect for: People who want to make their blog better.

 

SQL

SQL is mainly used to interact with databases.

The acronym stands for Structured Query Language (which apparently wasn’t quite catchy enough), and its most common use it to query databases, making it a handy tool for those working with large pieces of data on a daily basis.

It’s also useful when storing a lot of content, which is one of the reasons sites like WordPress see SQL as essential.

 

What it looks like:

SELECT ‘Hello, World!’;


Primary benefit: 
Will help you learn to search and query difficult sets of data.

Perfect for: People who are all about that database.

 

* reed.co.uk does not recommend basing your career choices on the name of 1970s British comedy troupes you may be fond of. 


 

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Topics: Coding, Learning Coding, Tips & Tricks, Coding language