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What Are the Best Programming Languages for Software Development?

Software development is an extremely wide field, involving a variety of platforms, devices, and purposes. Depending on what kind of software you want to develop—and what platforms you want to develop for—your choice in programming languages may differ greatly from that of another developer. For example, a mobile app developer will likely need a different set of tools than a developer for Windows machines. Additionally, a web developer will use much different programming languages than someone who develops financial software.

Therefore, depending on whom you ask, you will receive radically different answers to the question, “What are the best programming languages for Software Development?” For this reason, it’s hard to develop a concise list—especially when considering the diversity of software itself. However, if you’re just starting out in your software development career, there are a few programming languages that you should definitely know from the start. These languages will give you the basis you need to pursue a career in a variety of different fields.

Without further ado, here is our list of the best programming languages for software development:

#6: Ruby (on Rails)

Ruby, as a programming language, actually isn’t all that popular and was on the decline until the creation of “Ruby on Rails.” This easy-to-use framework made Ruby the choice of web developers who wanted to create websites extremely quickly and easily. With Ruby on Rails, you don’t need to know how to use the full programming language; you simply need to know the shortcuts. For this reason, Ruby is a great place to start for first-time software developers. Ruby on Rails is like a set of training wheels for Ruby and allows you to start developing real websites in no time. Unlike most programming languages, Ruby on Rails is a full-stack language, meaning that you can build both the front end and back end of a web application entirely in Ruby.

#5: C Programming

C is the grandfather of most modern programming languages today. It was created back in 1972 and forms the basis of just about all operating systems in use. Windows, Mac, Linux, and even Android are all based on C. As a result, knowing how to code in C is extremely important if you’re trying to get the most of the hardware you’re developing software for. “C Programming” also includes higher-level languages like C++ and C#, which include many useful additions and updates to the language. If you’ve already learned C, transitioning to these modern versions will be much easier.

#4: Java

Java is an extremely versatile programming language that can be used to develop software for all kinds of platforms. The JVM (Java Virtual Machine) enables Java developers to create multi-platform software with just one set of code. Android, the most world’s popular mobile OS, is written in Java, making this programming language extremely valuable for mobile developers. Java is also commonly used in web applications.

#3: Swift

Five years ago, Apple made the decision to unify all of their software under one programming language called “Swift.” This allows software developers to build programs for macOS, iOS, tvOS, and watchOS with the same language. While initially a proprietary language, Swift is now open source and is free to anyone who wants to use it. With the invention of Swift, software developers for iPhone or Apple Watch can easily transfer to building programs on Mac or iPad, and vice-versa.

#2: Python

Python is a general-purpose programming language that is used in just about every field imaginable, including Data Science and Cyber Security. With an abundance of powerful frameworks, Python developers can make games, web apps, AI, and more. No matter what field you plan on going into, Python is a valuable skill to have. Python is also very easy to learn in comparison to other programming languages, making a great starting point for the new software developer. That’s why Python has earned the #2 spot of the best programming languages for Software Development.

#1: JavaScript

You could easily ask, “What can I do with JavaScript?” However, the better question would probably be, “What can’t you do with it?” This powerful, general-purpose programming language is a staple for web developers, as it forms the front end and back end of webpages. But, JavaScript can also be used to develop games, mobile apps, and desktop applications. With a huge community, tons of tools to use, and lots of job opportunities, JavaScript is undoubtedly one of the best programming languages for Software Development.

Conclusion

When beginning your career in Software Development, the sheer number of programming languages out there can seem overwhelming. Fortunately, you only need to know a few popular languages, such as JavaScript, Java, and Ruby, to get started as a software developer. The versatility of these programming languages will allow you to develop software for multiple platforms in both the back and front end. Additionally, knowledge of these languages will give you the foundation you need to grow in your career.

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