Which Programming Language Should You Learn?

Choosing Your First Programming Language

Embarking on a programming journey requires careful consideration when selecting a language to learn. It’s crucial to invest your time in a language that provides immediate benefits and prepares you for future endeavors.

The optimal choice is influenced by several factors. We will explore the characteristics, learning curves, and earning potential of various languages.

To illustrate, we’ll also present the classic "hello world" program in each language, a traditional starting point for new programmers.

Software Programming Languages

This section focuses on languages designed for developing software applications intended to run directly on computers or mobile devices.

We will subsequently examine web-programming languages, which are essential for building dynamic websites and interactive browser interfaces.

Foundational Concepts

For those new to programming, it’s recommended to review two preceding articles in this series that cover fundamental programming concepts.

• Variables and Datatypes: Understanding how data is stored and manipulated.
• Functions, Loops and Decision Making: Learning the building blocks of program logic.

Java

Java is a comprehensively object-oriented programming language, characterized by strong typing and a rich set of features. A primary focus of Java’s design is support for networking and achieving compatibility across diverse platforms.

While applications developed in Java are capable of executing on a vast array of operating systems, it’s important to note that performance may not match that of applications specifically engineered for native execution.

It frequently serves as the foundational language within Computer Science curricula, resulting in widespread introductory programming experience among students.

Furthermore, Java is utilized in the development of Android applications, although direct compatibility between standard Java applications and the Android environment is not guaranteed.

Financial Prospects

Significant earning potential exists for developers who can create and market successful, paid applications within the Android marketplace.

A substantial number of Java-based employment opportunities are also available in the enterprise sector; however, these positions often attract considerable competition and may offer comparatively modest compensation.

[Important Distinction: It is crucial to differentiate between Java and Javascript, as they represent distinct languages with differing applications – Javascript being primarily used for web development, a topic we will explore in a future discussion].

C/C++

Frequently considered as a single entity, C and C++ are distinct languages. C++ can be understood as an extension of C, incorporating object-oriented programming capabilities.

C++ is favored by experienced developers and serves as the foundation for many complex computer games and sophisticated Windows applications.

Its performance is exceptional, but it demands meticulous attention to detail from programmers regarding memory allocation. This precision contributes to a significant learning curve, making it less suitable for those entirely new to programming.

Potential for Earning

Due to a comparatively smaller pool of developers than those proficient in Java, C++ programmers consistently experience strong demand and receive competitive compensation.

This demand is particularly pronounced within the gaming sector.

Likelihood Of Making You Money is high due to specialized skill set.

The need for skilled C++ developers remains constant.

C#

Often referred to as C sharp, this programming language was originally developed by Microsoft as an alternative to Java. While initially similar, C# and Java have evolved and now exhibit significant distinctions. It is a general-purpose, strongly-typed, object-oriented language.

C# delivers strong performance, although it generally isn't quite as rapid as C++. Applications developed using C# necessitate the .Net framework for execution and are primarily designed for the Windows operating system.

Financial Prospects

A substantial number of C# positions are available within the corporate sector, particularly for developing enterprise-level solutions. However, generating income from a single software product is less common compared to fields like mobile application development.

Despite this, C# remains an enjoyable and accessible language, especially for those new to programming. It is a recommended choice if your development focus is exclusively on the Windows platform.

Microsoft Visual Studio Express is available for free download. This provides valuable assistance with graphical user interface (GUI) design and offers features like code completion.

Furthermore, it supports Visual Basic and a variety of other programming languages associated with Microsoft.

Visual Basic

Visual Basic represents a significant offering from Microsoft, functioning as an event-driven programming language.

Its primary focus lies in the development of straightforward applications featuring graphical user interfaces (GUIs).

Event-Driven Programming

The event-driven nature of the language dictates that code execution is largely determined by user interactions.

For instance, code is triggered in response to actions such as a button click.

Ease of Use and Limitations

Visual Basic is renowned for its accessibility, allowing beginners to quickly create and deploy simple applications.

However, its capabilities are ultimately constrained, and it may not be the most effective choice for acquiring a deep understanding of core programming principles.

While offering a gentle introduction, it can potentially hinder the development of a robust foundation in programming concepts.

Objective-C / Cocoa

Objective-C serves as the foundational language for the majority of applications developed for both OSX and iOS. It is, fundamentally, an extension of the C programming language, incorporating object-oriented capabilities, similar to C++. However, it is most commonly utilized in conjunction with the Cocoa framework.

This framework facilitates the creation of graphical user interfaces and advanced functionalities within the Mac ecosystem. Effective memory management is a crucial aspect of development with this language.

Learning Curve and Development Tools

While the syntax and underlying concepts can present a steeper learning curve when contrasted with languages like Java or C#, Apple provides a robust and freely available development environment, XCode.

XCode, along with its associated tools, streamlines the process of building practical and functional applications. A substantial collection of both written and video tutorials further enhances accessibility, making it less daunting than, for example, C++.

Objective-C remains the primary choice for OSX and iOS development, offering the advantage of a single language for targeting both desktop and mobile platforms.

Potential for Revenue

A developer account, requiring a $99 annual fee, coupled with a compelling application, unlocks significant earning potential. Apple has already distributed $2 billion to developers through its platforms.

Developers on the App Store generally experience greater success with paid applications compared to their Android counterparts. Conversely, Android developers often find more profitability through in-app advertising models.

This concludes the language overview for today, encompassing the majority of languages used in real-world software development across PCs, Macs, and mobile devices.

It’s important to note that mastering the fundamentals of any language simplifies the process of learning others. Similar to how knowledge of Chinese kanji aids in understanding Japanese, programming languages frequently share common characteristics and syntax.

Expect a future article exploring web-based languages such as Javascript and PHP.

Are you interested in discovering the best browser IDEs available to programmers? Explore our curated list:

Acknowledgement is given to Jeffery, a frequent and helpful contributor to the MakeUseOf comment section and tech Answers forum, for suggesting this article and contributing to the selection of languages covered.