Crack the code on programming languages

So, you want to learn to code. Like every beginner, you Google which programming language you’re going to need – and this is where the trouble starts.

There’s the classic HTML, but what about JavaScript? Doesn’t everyone use PHP now anyway? And isn’t Ruby the future?

We’ve compiled a guide all about the top 9 programmer languages of right now, which ones you need for different roles, and what they can do.

1. HTML/CSS

This is probably the most popular language mentioned when people start talking about coding, building websites or anything within the programming realm.

HTML, or Hypertext Markup Language, is for web design. Similarly, CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) is the language used to describe a website’s presentation, including its fonts, colours and layout. It’s the science behind the style of a web page. So, if you’re interested in building websites, this is your bread and butter.

How long does it take to learn HTML coding? One of the best parts about learning this beginner language is that it takes only 2 weeks to a month to get comfortable with using it.

2. JavaScript

Want to program games? Or desktop applications? JavaScript is behind the curtain of interactive or animated web functions.

As of 2021, 13.4 million programmers worldwide use JavaScript, because, alongside HTML and CSS, it’s used in most browsers in some form or another.

3. Java

The first thing to note here is that this language isn’t related to JavaScript.

Java is what you need to learn if you’re interested in developing apps. Java works across several software platforms – like Android and Mac – making it a good all-rounder for games and mobile app programmers.

4. PHP

Another web language, this one is used by giants like Facebook, Etsy and WordPress.

PHP – Hypertext Preprocessor – has gained massive popularity recently and can be embedded in text form into HTML code, meaning it’s easy to incorporate into a current programmer’s knowledge base. Get to grips with PHP once you’re confident in HTML/CSS. 

5. Ruby

Used by huge websites and applications like Groupon, Shopify, Airbnb and Twitter, Ruby is big in the start-up business, as it’s relatively user-friendly and is making a persistent climb in popularity.

Users have reported being able to build an app in under 10 minutes – so it’s definitely one to watch.

6. Python

An excellent entry-level point, many people learn to code Python because it’s popularly used to make sense of data. These days, it’s also commonly being used in app design.

It’s a good, powerful, all-rounder for the code novice.

7. C++

Looking into commercial software? Or programming within banking, finance and retail?

C++ created Microsoft Windows, Google Chrome and most of the Adobe suite. Its power is unparalleled and it’s incredibly adaptable across the professional and commercial sectors.

8. C

C is the basic framework that allows you to understand the relationship between a program and hardware.

It’s still one of the most used programming languages out there, used to build global sites like eBay and Spotify.

9. Objective-C

Before Swift, another programming language came along, Objective-C was widely used in Apple’s iOS.

If you want to develop for the Apple App Store, it’s still the most cohesive with their products.

To name but a few, these are 9 of the top programming languages out there, but that doesn’t always mean they are right for the job you want. Find out about the necessary languages to learn for AI and IoT roles below:

What about if I want to work in AI?

Of the languages mentioned above, Java and C++ are top dogs in AI. Java is an easy(ish) way to code algorithms, the stuff AI is made from. C++ communicates with hardware, which is essential for AI’s existence.

Others worth mentioning in this field are Python, Lisp and Prolog.

Python is the most widely-used programming language of AI developers due to its simplicity, whereas Lisp is predominantly used in the prototype stages. Prolog is great for building basic mechanisms like pattern matching, automatic backtracking and tree-based data structuring mechanisms.

What is IoT?

IoT is the Internet of Things. IoT are essentially everyday items that have become smarter through computerisation – think smart meters and Amazon Echo. They’re big business and they’re only set to increase their infiltration into day to day life.

Languages needed to work in IoT are Java, C, JavaScript and Python. C handles the basics and Java irons out the bugs, while JavaScript makes devices interoperable and Python data-mines like a mole.

While learning the intricacies of coding and its languages can be overwhelming, each and every one has a use in the current digital age. You’ll either be learning one of the founding fathers – which will give you a well-rounded foundation and make it much easier to learn other programming languages later – or you’ll be getting to grips with an up-and-comer for a more specific purpose.

Most programmers earn over AU$70,500 per year on average, so there’s certainly money to be made in the industry.

If this article has got you interested in learning to code, check out our coding courses or get in touch with our expert coding career consultants today to chat about your options.