The Scoop Summer 2020 | Page 43

If you’re trying to make it into the tech industry or you simply want another skill to learn and add to your toolbox, then programming is something you might want to consider. But if you think you need to be some sort of math genius in order to learn how to program, you are wrong my friend! If children at the age of 7 are making their own apps, then you can too. But not all programming languages were created equal, some were designed to be used for certain applications while others can be used to create almost anything. Here are some simple languages to get you started:

HTML

This stands for Hypertext Markup Language. It is used mainly to create websites and applications on web browsers such as Google or Firefox. Although it’s very restricted regarding what you can use it on, it is very useful for many programmers since it’s probably the easiest and most comfortable language software engineers and developers use.

Python

Probably one of the most versatile programming languages in the market. Its simple syntax and readability makes the language a very beginner friendly language for people to begin programming. In addition, the program can be used to create almost any type of application. From video games to data analysis, the python is the jack of all trades of the programming languages. Python is one of the many languages that many tech companies expect you to know since it’s very convenient, interactive, and portable across many platforms.

JavaScript

The most used programming language in 2019. JavaScript is a very lightweight language and plays a major role in front-end development, which is converting data into a graphical interface. Major social media platforms believe that it creates a smooth and easy way to create interactive web pages. JavaScript is a great language to add to your arsenal of languages because it is compatible and very flexible with a lot of major web browsers.

PHP

Stands for Hypertext Preprocessor. It is a scripting language which runs on a server, and it is used to create web pages that are written in HTML. In addition to its simplicity regarding its syntax, it's easy to set up, making it a very beginner friendly program for beginners. PHP is used all around the world mainly to create dynamic web page content as well as images on websites.

Java

“Write once, run anywhere.” Unlike other programming languages, Java is compatible with any computer known to mankind. This is one of the reasons why many tech companies also require you to know this language in addition to its somewhat simplicity. Not as easy as Python, but it is an easy object oriented, high level programming language to learn, unlike C++, yet offers the versatility of Python, which can be used to create any software application.

Bonus: C++

Not the easiest to learn or convenient, but it sure is fast. Has similar syntax as that to Java, with a few exceptions, but it is the most difficult to learn among the other languages previously mentioned. C++ is difficult due to the fact that it’s more technical and it’s not very versatile. Although it’s one of the fastest language computing wise, C++ can give new programmers a hard time given that it makes the programmer worry about too many different things whereas other languages try to push the developer towards solving a specific problem. In addition, C++ is only used to program database software and, probably the most popular use of the language, video games, but it’s not limited to these options since C++ can be used to code other types of software as well.

Programming and coding can be somewhat scary to people who are beginners at coding and have no prior knowledge. However, we have technology that can give us the tools we need to solve our problem and answer our questions. If you’re curious about coding, there are many services that can help you learn, including online coding boot camps, such as Codecademy, as well as apprenticeship programs, like Dev/Mission in San Francisco. Even our most common applications like Google can help us learn how to code without even leaving our house, and there are a lot of teachers on YouTube that can help you as well.