Why are there different coding languages

Part of its popularity comes from the fact that once you write a piece of code in Java, it can run on just about any device with the Java platform. However, some of the main uses include for business software, web applications, and mobile apps. You can get started with the basics of Java programming with our free courses on building your first mobile game. This will introduce you to some of the essential concepts and constructs of Java.

However, it does use a Java-like syntax, which is where the name comes from. JavaScript is a high-level, object-oriented programming language although that second point is up for some debate. The language was created in the early days of the internet, back in As mentioned, JavaScript is a language used to write code that runs in web browsers. As such, it has a wide range of applications and is especially useful for making web pages interactive and responsive.

PHP is another easy-to-learn coding language that is both free and open source. PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor is a high-level, object-oriented programming language. As such, it is often used together with JavaScript.

There are many uses for PHP, although mostly for website development. You can use it to manage dynamic content and databases on a website, for example. The latter is particularly relevant, as it integrates well with database languages such as MySQL. As with many coding languages, the best way to learn is to get as much practice as you can with the language. There are many resources available that will take you through the basics, such as how the language works and what the basic syntax looks like.

In fact, most developers need to have at least a basic knowledge of the language. Structured Query Language SQL, sometimes called Sequel , is a domain-specific language designed for managing data held in databases. SQL is mainly used to communicate with databases. R is a low-level, functional programming language and software environment, mainly aimed at statistical computing and graphical techniques. There is a vast library of tools that come with the language, including machine learning algorithms and other useful tools.

Statisticians and data miners often use R to develop things like statistical software and data analysis packages. Although general-purpose languages can be used in various ways, more niche and specific tasks often require a more specialised language.

If you want to get into coding and programming, there are many opportunities to do so. Category: FutureLearn Local , Learning. Category: Current Issues , General. Category: Digital Skills , Learning , What is. We offer a diverse selection of courses from leading universities and cultural institutions from around the world. Clojure , a Lisp-like language that runs on the JVM , benefits from its ability to run code from the extensive existing libraries of Java objects and methods.

Not all languages lend themselves to writing safe code. The C programming language, for example, is notorious for having features or lack thereof that lead to devastating vulnerabilities such as null pointer dereferencing. Other languages try to address these concerns with stricter rules.

For instance, some languages place restrictions on what operations can be performed on various types of data. The strictest of these languages are sometimes called "strongly typed," and they can offer peace of mind to programmers who prioritize security and stability in software development. Examples of strongly-typed languages include Rust , Nim , Ocaml , and Haskell. Languages may also place limits on "mutability," the ability of a data object to change state.

Instead of objects whose values are overwritten, these languages favor "immutable" objects: values in memory that cannot be changed without explicit exception. Immutable objects have attracted interest as multi-core CPUs have become widespread, because of their tendency to promote "thread safety.

Languages that prioritize immutable objects include Rust and Clojure. When programming in a new language, it helps to access an active, passionate community of developers who actively use and contribute to each other's work. Before choosing a programming language, find out more about that language's community.

Some languages have an exciting, dynamic, vibrant user base you might want to be part of and other languages may have little or no community. When writing a program, the programmer's thoughts and problem-solving abilities are "speaking" through that language. As a result, programmers tend to prefer languages where they are comfortable expressing themselves.

What makes a language and programmer work well together is hard to define, however. Ultimately, the only way to know which language you are comfortable with is to use different languages for different projects and compare them for yourself. Why are there so many programming languages? Additional information How can I learn more about computers? Links to where to watch free online lectures and courses. All computer learning and training pages. See our programming languages page for an index of programming languages.

Java is used to develop enterprise-level applications for video games and mobile apps, as well as to create web-based applications with JSP Java Server Pages. When used online, Java allows applets to be downloaded and used through a browser, which can then perform a function not normally available.

The language was introduced to the public in and is now owned by Oracle. Ruby is an open-sourced, object-oriented scripting language that can be used independently or as part of the Ruby on Rails web framework. HTML is the standard markup language used to create web pages; it ensures proper formatting of text and images using tags so that Internet browsers can display them in the ways they were intended to look.

HTML is used to create electronic documents pages displayed online. Visit any page and you will see an example of HTML in action. Before then, all communication was sent using plain text.

JavaScript is a client-side programming language that runs inside a client browser and processes commands on a computer rather than a server.

Despite its name, JavaScript is not related to Java. JavaScript is used primarily in Web development to manipulate various page elements and make them more dynamic, including scrolling abilities, printing the time and date, creating a calendar and other tasks not possible through plain HTML.

It can also be used to create games and APIs. C Language is a structure-oriented, middle-level programming language mostly used to develop low-level applications. C Language is used to develop systems applications that are integrated into operating systems such as Windows, UNIX and Linux, as well as embedded softwares.

Applications include graphics packages, word processors, spreadsheets, operating system development, database systems, compilers and assemblers, network drivers and interpreters. Pronounced C-sharp not C-hashtag , C is a multi-paradigm programming language that features strong typing, imperative, declarative, functional, generic, object-oriented and component-oriented disciplines. C helps developers create XML web services and Microsoft.