What is a programming language?
Imagine you have a friend who only understands a specific language, and you want them to do something for you. You need to communicate in that language for them to understand and complete your request. Similarly, the set of languages that the computers can understand are called programming languages. If we want the computer to do something for us, we must communicate using a programming language.
How do programming languages work?
Programming languages consist of words, symbols, and rules that humans can write to tell a computer what to do. After passing through some steps, these instructions are translated into a sequence of steps that the computer hardware can perform. This translation is done by two special programs:
Compiler
Interpreter
Let’s observe the difference between these two:
Compiler vs. Interpretor
Compiler | Interpretor | |
Translation process | Translates entire program at once | Translates and executes code line-by-line |
Execution speed | Generally faster after compilation | Generally slower due to line-by-line execution |
Error detection | Detects errors only after entire program is compiled | Detects errors at each line during execution |
Output | Produces an executable file | No executable file, directly executes the code |
Types of programming languages
There are many programming languages, each designed for different purposes. Some are more suitable for web development, others for data analysis, and some for creating video games. Popular programming languages include :
Python: Because of its vibrant ecosystem—which includes various libraries and frameworks and an active developer community—Python is one of the most popular languages around. It is especially popular with the data science and machine learning communities and also finds use for scripting and task automation.
Java: Initially popular for developing enterprise software, in recent years, Java has added mobile app development and big data application programming to the list of domains that rely on Java’s dynamic ecosystem.
C++: The fastest kid on the block, C++ is the language of choice when programming operating systems, IoT devices, and hardware (such as routers and embedded systems) where performance is critical.
JavaScript: It is the language of the web. JavaScript is used for creating engaging frontends and single page applications (SPAs). In recent years Javascript has also gained popularity for back-end programming, making it a complete package for web development.
Think of these languages as different tools in a toolbox—each has its strengths and is used for specific jobs.
Learning a programming language
Learning a programming language is similar to learning a new skill or language. It requires practice, patience, and an understanding of the rules. Many online and offline resources are available to help beginners learn how to code, and Educative.io is a platform that encapsulates such resources. Learning a programming language opens up a world of possibilities, enabling individuals to turn their ideas into reality through the creation of software and applications. The “Learn from Scratch” series on our platform has language-specific courses perfect for getting you into the world of programming.
Conclusion
In simple terms, a programming language is a way for humans to communicate with computers. It serves as a bridge, allowing us to give instructions to machines and create the technology that shapes our digital world. Whether you’re interested in building websites, developing apps, or exploring artificial intelligence, understanding programming languages is a key step in unlocking the potential of computer technology.
