Top programming languages: which is worth learning?

Programming has become an irreplaceable part of the modern world. It is used in every industry – from building websites and mobile apps to complex artificial intelligence systems and game development. As technology moves forward, ever more programming languages appear. Each has its strengths and weaknesses and is meant for specific purposes.

For beginners, choosing a suitable language can be confusing – which to start with? On the other hand, even experienced developers often look for new ways of broadening their horizons. In this article we will look at the most used programming languages, explain what they are, their advantages, drawbacks and whom they suit best.

PHP

This is a scripting language meant primarily for developing dynamic websites. It is widely used on the server side and thanks to its simple syntax has become popular among beginners. It is ideal for projects needing fast, cheap solutions, and its use is very widespread within WordPress and similar platforms. It is used in developing content management systems (CMS) and also for various web applications.

On top of that, thanks to the Laravel framework, PHP allows simpler, more effective development of complex web applications. Laravel offers features for managing databases, authentication and security, which speeds up a developer's work. A framework is a tool or set of libraries that make developing applications easier by giving predefined structures, functions and solutions for common problems. Laravel also has a large community, which means plenty of available guides, extensions and solutions to various problems.

The advantages of PHP:

• Very popular for developing websites, above all with platforms such as WordPress.
• Simple to start with, widely supported on hosting servers.

The drawbacks of PHP:

• Less suitable for modern applications compared with JavaScript.
• Historically a bad reputation because of security problems, which more modern versions have eliminated, though.

Whom for: for beginners who want to work on developing websites.

An example:

<?php
echo "Hello World!";
?>

Every language has its specifics, and even in such a simple example you can see differences in syntax and complexity.

Python

Python is a high-level interpreted language that emphasises code legibility. That means its syntax is close to natural language, which makes it ideal for beginners. Python is used in various areas from developing websites (with the Django or Flask frameworks, for instance) to scientific computing, machine learning and automating processes.

Unlike many other languages it needs fewer lines of code to carry out tasks. Where other languages need 10 lines, for instance, Python manages it in two. It has found use in data analysis, developing web applications, automating tasks, but also in machine learning and developing artificial intelligence.

The advantages of Python:

• Simple, clear syntax suitable for beginners.
• A large community and plenty of libraries covering areas such as machine learning, data analysis and web application development.

The drawbacks of Python:

• Less suitable for developing mobile apps.
• It can be slower compared with other languages if performance is the priority.

It is an ideal programming language for beginners, scientists working with data and developers focused on artificial intelligence.

An example:

print("Hello World!")

Every language has its specifics, and even in such a simple example you can see differences in syntax and complexity.

JavaScript

It lets websites be interactive. It is a scripting language that runs on the client side (in the browser) and on the server side (with Node.js, for instance). Together with HTML and CSS it forms the foundation of the modern web. JavaScript is marked by fast development time thanks to frameworks such as React, Angular and Vue.js. Its universality lets you work on the front end and back end without needing to learn another language.

It is used in developing game applications (in browsers, for instance) and also in various interactive elements on websites.

The advantages of JavaScript:

• A key language for developing websites – it lets you create interactive elements.
• A wide range of frameworks such as React or Angular speeds up development.

The drawbacks of JavaScript:

• Harder for complete beginners to grasp.
• Some older frameworks are no longer supported, which can cause confusion.

JavaScript suits front-end and back-end developers working on modern web applications.

An example:

console.log("Hello World!");

Every language has its specifics, and even in such a simple example you can see differences in syntax and complexity.

Java

This is an object-oriented programming language designed to be "write once, run anywhere". That means programs written in Java can run on various platforms without needing to change the code. It is very popular in developing large enterprise systems and Android applications. Its strength is stability and robustness. Java is often the choice for large organisations needing reliable solutions.

The advantages of Java:

• High portability – code written works on various platforms.
• Suitable for extensive enterprise applications and Android development.

The drawbacks of Java:

• More complex syntax, which can be off-putting for beginners.
• It takes more lines of code for simple tasks compared with other languages.

It suits intermediate and senior developers working on developing large systems or database applications.

An example:

public class Main {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        System.out.println("Hello World!");
    }
}

Every language has its specifics, and even in such a simple example you can see differences in syntax and complexity.

C#

C# (read C-Sharp) is an object-oriented language developed by Microsoft. It belongs to the C family of languages, but its syntax is simpler and more modern. It is used mainly for developing games and Windows applications. It is closely integrated with the .NET platform, which makes using Microsoft's tools easy. In game development it is the main language for the Unity engine.

The advantages of C#:

• Perfect for developing games within the Unity game engine.
• Simpler syntax compared with C++, yet still strong performance.

The drawbacks of C#:

• Less used outside the Microsoft environment.
• The need to work in specific development environments such as Visual Studio.

Whom for: for game developers and developers working with the Microsoft platform.

An example:

using System;

class Program {
    static void Main() {
        Console.WriteLine("Hello World!");
    }
}

Every language has its specifics, and even in such a simple example you can see differences in syntax and complexity.

C++

This is a high-performance programming language often used in areas where speed and efficient use of hardware are critical. It is an extension of the C language with additional features for object-oriented programming. It gives the programmer complete control over the hardware, which is useful in developing games, graphical applications or operating systems.

The advantages of C++:

• Extremely fast and powerful, suitable for developing software where speed is key (games, operating systems, for instance).
• It gives complete control over memory.

The drawbacks of C++:

• Demanding syntax and a high level of complexity.
• Memory management errors can be hard to uncover.

Whom for: for experienced programmers and software developers where efficiency and performance matter.

An example:

#include <iostream>
using namespace std;

int main() {
    cout << "Hello World!" << endl;
    return 0;
}

Every language has its specifics, and even in such a simple example you can see differences in syntax and complexity.

Choosing the right programming language depends on your goals and experience. Beginners might start with Python or JavaScript, while advanced developers can explore more demanding languages such as C++ or Java. Remember that the best language is the one that lets you reach your goals effectively. Which language will you choose?