According to one online programming fanatic, there are 2500 computer programming languages in use today, by someone, somewhere. This article will stick to the languages that are in widespread use today which, by themselves, number perhaps a score or more and are difficult to separate and categorize anyway.
As with many terms in the computer industry, the definition of what constitutes a programming language is subject to debate. One definition holds that a programming language (like other languages) is a set of formal specifications that define syntax, vocabulary and meaning. An interesting crossover to the language arts: here are the criteria contained in that definition:
Data types Data structures Instruction and control flow Design philosophy Compilation and interpretation
Without getting into detail on what those components mean, they do provide some idea of what constitutes a language. It’s a construction design tool with its own proprietary building materials. Some languages are designed and function best with certain categories of software. Here is a list of commonly used programming languages:
- Java
- C
- C++
- Perl
- PHP
- Visual Basic
- SQL
- Python
- Shell
- COBOL
- dBase
Java and PHP are languages that are principally used for internet applications, although Java was designed by Sun Computers with the hope of a much further reach.
Visual Basic is a language developed to be accessible to all programmers for building applications that run on Microsoft platforms. It has been immensely popular because of its ease of use. Visual Basic.net is also on the market today, applying the techniques developed in Visual Basic to an HTML environment. The drag-and-drop feature is an example of a Visual Basic innovation. The program can be used to create an attractive graphical user interface (GUI) with ease. GUI is the appearance of the screen you see when the program is open, and how the buttons and controls on that screen function.
C was developed in Bell Labs in the early seventies as an all purpose computer language. Its successor, C++, differs from C in that it is an object-oriented programming language, providing a fundamentally different set of tools. C++ has been so commonly used that one version of it has gained semi-official status as a programming standard under the acronym ANSI (American National Standards Institute).
Both Java and dBase are used to create database programs. SQL is another Microsoft-based language that is used for database programs and for data transmission protocols. Increasingly, database programs are becoming the realm of business software producers such as Oracle and Siebel, producing sophisticated database programs that require installation and training from the company’s sales staff.
Did you enjoy this article? Read more like it by
subscribing to our RSS feed today!
Click on a program or degree below to request information from the school of your choice.
There are no obligations and it's completely free!
|
Our flexible academic programs in today’s most sought-after career fields make it possible for you to earn a competitive MBA or your master's, bachelor's, or associate's degree on your schedule, without interrupting your personal or professional life.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Westwood College isn’t your typical institution of higher learning. With our career-focused education, students can earn a bachelor’s degree in just three years and some associate degrees in as little as 20 months.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At South University, we'll help you make the most of your potential - starting with a quality education that's backed by more than 100 years of dedication to excellence and personalized attention.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At ITT Tech we are committed to helping men and women develop the skills and knowledge to pursue many opportunities in fields involving technology, criminal justice, and business.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Serious about becoming a professional in the creative arts? We're here to help you get the education you need. You can earn a degree or diploma while attending class anytime - day or night - to fit your busy schedule. Choose from our broad range of academic programs to find one that inspires you.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tags: computer science, computers, programming
This entry was posted
on Thursday, December 11th, 2008 at 4:21 pm and is filed under Computers and Technology.
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
Subscribe to our RSS feed to read more articles on distance learning, online degrees, and career information.
Available in PDF
