There are more than 700 computer programs currently out there. Of course, not all of them are used often, with many having very specific tasks they help utilize. Most computer programmers are only proficient in a handful of these languages, often chosen based on the industry they choose to primarily work in.
A few best programming languages for kids are more commonly used than others. While it’d be impossible to go over all types of programming languages today, we can discuss a few of the most popular ones. Continue reading to learn what those are, as well as when it’s best to hire a professional programmer.
What Is a Computer Programming Language?
You may have a general idea of what programming languages are or what they do. But do you understand what they really are or how they work? If not, you’re far from alone.
A computer programming language is designed to connect coded human instructions to a machine or computer. People can use these languages to perform a variety of tasks. However, they’re usually explicitly used to control the functions of a machine or express algorithms.
Each programming language is unique in how it can be written and what tasks it can perform. For example, some languages are expressed using scripts or objects, while others use numbers or keywords. Still, others may use something else entirely.
It can take years to learn a computer programming language effectively. Due to this, many companies prefer to hire a computer programmer. Depending on the company, they may outsource projects or hire an in-house programmer.
Specific Types of Programming Languages
Most programming languages can be broken down into a few different categories. One way these can be broken down is via how closely the languages themselves relate to human language. These include:
High-level programming languages: provides a higher level of abstraction closer to human language, thus making them easier to learn
Low-level programming languages: have a lower level of abstraction further from human language, thus generally making them more challenging to use
Languages can also be broken down into different styles of programming, known as paradigms. These include:
- Object-oriented programming languages
- Functional programming languages
- Procedural programming languages
- Logical programming languages
- Database programming languages
Beyond these classifications are specific types of programming languages. These are what there are currently hundreds of. A few of the most common different types of programming languages in use today are discussed below.
C++ Language
C++ uses a structure that is object-oriented. This language is often used for large projects because it allows multiple users to work on individual sections at once. It’s also a highly efficient language since the C++ programming structure allows code to be reused numerous times.
Pascal Language
Pascal is primarily used as a teaching language since its input is very simple for beginners. Keywords are utilized instead of symbols or braces, so many fledgling programmers can understand it with little effort. However, there are a few industries or companies that use Pascal to actually write programs.
Fortran Language
Fortran is a language used for crunching numbers that many modern scientists still utilize. Fortran allows different variables to be input into the machine, up to the preset limits. While this programming language is inflexible (and thus not used in many applications), it’s useful for engineers who require a high level of accuracy in their obtained values.
Javascript
Javascript is a programming language designed to be useful on cross-platforms. It’s primarily used on the web and is object-based, like C++. Javascript is most useful in networking but has many other applications.
Perl Language
Perl is a UNIX file management system most popular among programmers for its CGI. CGI, or common gateway interface, essentially allows web servers to provide additional capabilities for web pages. Perl CGI is particularly useful for searching text.
PHP Language
PHP is used to design web pages or, specifically, develop rapid websites. It is also sometimes used as a scripting language. Many programmers enjoy the diversity of PHP, despite certain other languages often being a better choice (depending on the situation).
LISP Language
This language is primarily used in computer science research. LISP language works by storing all data in lists that are generally arrays. LISP isn’t typically used for project-based goals but instead for learning or research purposes.
When To Hire a Professional Programmer
In most situations, you should hire a professional programmer. However, determining whether you should hire a full-time in-house employee or outsource the work is a personal choice. Generally, you should make this decision based on how extensive and long-lasting your need for a programmer is.
If you don’t have a programmer already on staff, you’ll usually want to hire one. The same applies if a specific project requires fluency in a language your programmer isn’t fluent in. Learning new programming languages takes a lot of time and effort.
More Questions About Types of Programming Languages?
There are hundreds of different computer programming types. Most professional programmers are only fluent in a handful of these, chosen based on what is most used in their chosen industry. Therefore, it’s generally a good idea to hire a programmer already fluent in the desired language instead of attempting to learn a language yourself.
Do you have more questions about the types of programming languages?
Check out our other blogs. You’ll find articles on coding languages, web development, and related topics to help you learn more on the subject.
There are more than 700 computer programs currently out there. Of course, not all of them are used often, with many having very specific tasks they help utilize. Most computer programmers are only proficient in a handful of these languages, often chosen based on the industry they choose to primarily work in.
A few languages are more commonly used than others. While it’d be impossible to go over all types of programming languages today, we can discuss a few of the most popular ones. Continue reading to learn what those are, as well as when it’s best to hire a professional programmer.
What Is a Computer Programming Language?
You may have a general idea of what programming languages are or what they do. But do you understand what they really are or how they work? If not, you’re far from alone.
A computer programming language is designed to connect coded human instructions to a machine or computer. People can use these languages to perform a variety of tasks. However, they’re usually explicitly used to control the functions of a machine or express algorithms.
Each programming language is unique in how it can be written and what tasks it can perform. For example, some languages are expressed using scripts or objects, while others use numbers or keywords. Still, others may use something else entirely.
It can take years to learn a computer programming language effectively. Due to this, many companies prefer to hire a computer programmer. Depending on the company, they may outsource projects or hire an in-house programmer.
Specific Types of Programming Languages
Most programming languages can be broken down into a few different categories. One way these can be broken down is via how closely the languages themselves relate to human language. These include:
High-level programming languages: provides a higher level of abstraction closer to human language, thus making them easier to learn
Low-level programming languages: have a lower level of abstraction further from human language, thus generally making them more challenging to use
Languages can also be broken down into different styles of programming, known as paradigms. These include:
- Object-oriented programming languages
- Functional programming languages
- Procedural programming languages
- Logical programming languages
- Database programming languages
Beyond these classifications are specific types of programming languages. These are what there are currently hundreds of. A few of the most common different types of programming languages in use today are discussed below.
C++ Language
C++ uses a structure that is object-oriented. This language is often used for large projects because it allows multiple users to work on individual sections at once. It’s also a highly efficient language since the C++ programming structure allows code to be reused numerous times.
Pascal Language
Pascal is primarily used as a teaching language since its input is very simple for beginners. Keywords are utilized instead of symbols or braces, so many fledgling programmers can understand it with little effort. However, there are a few industries or companies that use Pascal to actually write programs.
Fortran Language
Fortran is a language used for crunching numbers that many modern scientists still utilize. Fortran allows different variables to be input into the machine, up to the preset limits. While this programming language is inflexible (and thus not used in many applications), it’s useful for engineers who require a high level of accuracy in their obtained values.
Javascript
Javascript is a programming language designed to be useful on cross-platforms. It’s primarily used on the web and is object-based, like C++. Javascript is most useful in networking but has many other applications.
Perl Language
Perl is a UNIX file management system most popular among programmers for its CGI. CGI, or common gateway interface, essentially allows web servers to provide additional capabilities for web pages. Perl CGI is particularly useful for searching text.
PHP Language
PHP is used to design web pages or, specifically, develop rapid websites. It is also sometimes used as a scripting language. Many programmers enjoy the diversity of PHP, despite certain other languages often being a better choice (depending on the situation).
LISP Language
This language is primarily used in computer science research. LISP language works by storing all data in lists that are generally arrays. LISP isn’t typically used for project-based goals but instead for learning or research purposes.
When To Hire a Professional Programmer
In most situations, you should hire a professional programmer. However, determining whether you should hire a full-time in-house employee or outsource the work is a personal choice. Generally, you should make this decision based on how extensive and long-lasting your need for a programmer is.
If you don’t have a programmer already on staff, you’ll usually want to hire one. The same applies if a specific project requires fluency in a language your programmer isn’t fluent in. Learning new programming languages takes a lot of time and effort.
More Questions About Types of Programming Languages?
There are hundreds of different computer programming types. Most professional programmers are only fluent in a handful of these, chosen based on what is most used in their chosen industry. Therefore, it’s generally a good idea to hire a programmer already fluent in the desired language instead of attempting to learn a language yourself.
Do you have more questions about the types of programming languages?
Check out our other blogs. You’ll find articles on coding languages, web development, and related topics to help you learn more on the subject.
