The Many Languages of IT Programming

The languages used in IT programming instructs a computer to perform selected tasks. Programming language involves high-level language to direct software or web functions. Each high-level language is unique and involves unique keywords and a specific syntax for program instructions. High-level programming language for either software or web instructions appears simple compared to human language but must be converted to machine language at some point to enable the computer to understand the instructions. To convert high-level language to machine language it must be compiled or interpreted. Which language or method of conversion is best depends upon the task, language, program, and individual developers.

Software Languages

C Programming Language

The C programming language has been in use since its development from 1969-1970s where it was derived from BCPL typeless language. The C language evolved to a type structure developed for use as an implementation language for the UNIX system. The C language peaked in use from 1977-1979 when the UNIX system was promoted for portability. This language became standardized in the mid-1980s and further changes by the ANSI X3J11 committee saw the C language spread from its exclusive use in the UNIX system to other computer uses.

C++ Programming Language

With developments in computer technology and capabilities, it is no surprise that the C++ programming language was developed as an extension of C programming. Developed in the 1980s, C++ has capabilities that make it useful in object- oriented programming. From the user end, object-oriented programs are easier to implement, modify, and create personalized functions. Because C++ is a hybrid language combining features of both the C language and goal-oriented language, you can program in either or both options. With the C++ programming language, you also have the advantage of creating your own classes and functions. C++ programming is generally used in graphics and software engineering.

Visual Basic Programming Language

Visual Basic is based upon the BASIC programming language and is the first programming environment that allows the addition of large quantities of information using a drag and drop feature. After dragging and dropping controls, a programmer then inputs definitions for their behavior and appearance. Since Microsoft first developed it in 1990, the Visual Basic program set the norm for programming languages. Visual Basic allows programmers to develop new prototype applications quickly.

Java Programming Language

Developed by Sun Microsystems, the Java programming adapts the best of several C and C++ languages and uses a Unicode that assigns 2 bytes per character within the ASCII character set. The Unicode assignment includes unusual symbols and characters from different programming languages but is transparent unless a programmer specifies the use of Unicode characters. Java is a case sensitive language and this needs to be taken into consideration when constructing code. Java is one of the most popular programming languages in use for a variety of software applications.

Web Languages

XML Web Language

The XML language provides flexibility in creating information formats and how those formats as well as the data they contain will be shared on the web. Though similar to HTML, the XML language uses markup symbols to describe the content as the type of data to be displayed as well as how it will be displayed. The markup symbols used in XML are self-defining and unlimited. As an easier to use subset of the SGML language, XML can be used together with HTML in various web applications. XML applications may be found in a variety of programs from personal profiles, banking, e-commerce applications, medical records and more.

HTML Web Language

Similar to XML, HTML language is a markup language that is widely used in the development of web pages. Written in standard ACSII text, HTML can be in any text editor. Language commands are case insensitive. However, characters within the document are case sensitive. The tags used within the HTML language allow the browser to identify and read various aspects of a webpage such as headline, titles, subtitles, and content.

Javascript Web Language

Netscape and Microsoft Systems released Javascript in 1995. Though sometimes used interchangeably, Javascript and Java are not the same language! Javascript is an objective-based program that is widely used and accessible to beginners. You can use Javascript along with other programs to create scrolling texts, change image or text size, or interact with users by providing processing forms and validating input when forms are completed. Typically, Javascript is an embedded code.

VBScript Web Language

In 1996, the VBScript web language was launched as part of Microsoft Windows Script Technologies and has been installed by default into every desktop Windows release since 1998. As a hybrid of Visual Basic, the VBScript language aids in the development of web pages that are both functional and dynamic. You can embed VBScript anywhere within an HTML page. You can use VBScript to specify actions within a webpage or change the look of your webpage once it loads.

PHP Web Language

As an HTML-embedded script, PHP syntax comes from a mix of Java, C, and Perl languages. The main goal of PHP is to allow for fast generation of dynamic webpages. As an embedded script, there is a lot of interchange that can occur between HTML and PHP. PHP can actually generate HTML. As a server-side script, you will not see PHP in your browser, but will see the HTML code PHP generates.

Java Web Language

Because the Java language borrows syntax from C and C++ language, it quickly becomes familiar to programmers in developing webpages. Programmers who are familiar with C and C++ programming should pay careful attention to the differences between the C languages and Java. Slight oversights in understanding the differences can result in code errors. The use of the Java SDK environment is recommended for beginner programmers as it contains simple command-line tools.

The Many Languages of IT Programming