Top five programming languages to learn in 2018

Top five programming languages to learn in 2018

Programming or coding is a skill which should be known by everyone. In a world where we rely on technology so heavily, it is really necessary to know how to make a computer do the things we want to do. Programming gives us the power to create new things and influence people as everyone is using a smartphone or a tablet these days.
Here are the top five most in-demand, programming languages you should learn in 2018, whether you’re a beginner, intermediate programmer or even an advanced coder trying to widen your skill set.

1.C++

C++ is a good choice as a first programming language. It has good demand and will be one of the most prominent programming languages for about another 10 years, according to experts. C++ is one of the most powerful and fastest programming languages we have right now. It is used in many areas like building game engines, and even in developing android apps. The concepts of objects and classes and the whole of object oriented programming paradigm can be understood well with C++.

But the most vital reason why it’s so popular is its wide range of applicability. C++ is used to write operating systems, other programming languages, graphics and games, and even in the field of embedded systems, where C, a subset of C++ (basically C++ without the classes and objects) is used to program microcontrollers and microprocessors. (C is used to program popular microcontroller boards like Arduino)

C++ is hence a really good programming language that has a good market value and is also powerful. You can start learning C++ from several online tutorials, in the form of YouTube videos or interactive coding websites.

2.Python

Python is known for its simplicity and powerfulness. Its syntax is simpler and much easy to grasp for a complete beginner. It is much easier to use and is included in the syllabus of many basic programming and computer science courses. It enables coders to do more stuff in lesser lines of code.

For example, the most basic program, the “Hello World”, is written in Python and C++ , to show the difference in the syntax.

The code to print a string “Hello World” in Python: -

The code in C++ to get the same thing done.

As you can see, as a beginner, learning Python will be much simpler in terms of syntax.
But don’t let this make you underestimate the power of python. Python is a widely used language with applications in fields such as data science, Machine learning, GUI development and web development. Python is recognised as an official language at Google and it is even used in the Server Side programming in YouTube. There are a lot of tutorials available online to learn and master python easily.

3.Java

Let’s face it. Java is everywhere. It is estimated that Java runs in around 3 billion devices worldwide! It is used in devices like smartphones, tablets, Bluetooth devices, printers, televisions, set-top boxes and what-not.

Learning Java, although not as simple as python, can be a huge investment if you want to see yourself developing apps in the future. Java is the main language used to develop android applications. Although other languages like Kotlin and C++ are used, Java still remains the popular choice. According to the IEEE Spectrum ranking of popular programming languages, Java was the most popular language. It has a very wide range of applications including web applets and server apps. Hadoop and other Big Data technologies also use Java as their language.

Java programmers are the most paid in the industry. It is the most in demand skill in many sectors like software development and app development. Java has a very rich assortment of libraries and APIs to use extensively while making software. It supports OOP paradigm and is a good programming language to learn once you have an idea of what all the concepts in programming are. I won’t recommend it as a first language if you are just beginning out.

4.C#

Pronounced as C Sharp, C# is a popular programming language developed by Microsoft. It was released in the year 2000 as a modern object oriented language. It is a high level language and is relatively easy to read and learn once you know the syntax of other languages like Java or C++. It is flexible and at the same time powerful, and has stayed in the top five programming languages ever since its release. It works with the .NET framework and has a lot of applications like game development, GUI development and mobile development.

It is a great skill to have in your arsenal, but it will be easier to learn C# after mastering Java.

5.JavaScript

JavaScript is generally used as a client-side scripting language. It means that is it used to code all the interactions in a web page and defines how it is supposed to work. It is more satisfying than other programming languages. It can be learned as a first programming language as it is easy to get started and start coding. You’ll also start seeing results quicker.

JavaScript opens a new world to coders – the world of Web Designing. Web design is a skill that is in much demand these days. With more people using smartphones, there is a need of developers who can code beautiful and interactive web pages which runs smoothly both in computer and your smartphone. Web design can be very gratifying as you can code up the exact thing you see in your mind and use JavaScript to make it work properly as a website. You can even set up your own web design business to start earning cash for designing websites to various clients.
JavaScript is the language of the web. Considering the fact that we spent almost 99% of our time in the internet today, JavaScript is a pretty neat language to have at your disposal.

Reference :- University notes.

I am Sreeram from Kerala. I am presently studying electronics engineering.