Coding Languages — and When to Use Them

The languages of code are constantly changing, and it can be challenging to stay up to date with the latest. As long as you know primary languages and the bones of coding languages commonly used, there’s no way to leave you in the past! There are a few core languages to get the hang of, and no matter what changes after that, it will be an easy adjustment. Let’s dive into understanding when to use technologies of web development:

Common languages to understand — The most popular languages commonly used today are JavaScript, SQL, HTML, Java, Python, and C#. Of course, there’s more to be familiar with, but these are great stepping stones. Now, I won't be explaining HTML because I feel that it's simple and easy to comprehend out of all the languages I've listed.

JavaScript — This is most commonly used to create interactive effects within web browsers. JavaScript is flexible with being able to update both CSS and HTML. It can do as much as “calculate, manipulate, and confirm data.” This language works with functions, arrays, strings, objects, objects, and arrays. These go hand in hand with the more “programmable” aspect of a web page. I've had a tough time getting used to coding with Javascript. The basics are easy, but you may need more practice once you start getting further into Javascript.

SQL — Structured Query Language is more programming heavy. SQL is designed for managing data kept in a relational database management system or stream processing in that same management system. This language is the definition that comes up when you look it up on google. This one can wait until after you've learned HTML, CSS, and Javascript.

Java — Java is not to be confused with JavaScript. They are both programming languages. Java is more so focused on the general purpose of it all. Java is alike, produces, and interpreted language while the browser unravels JavaScript.

Python — You might have heard of python before. It processes text, numbers, images, scientific data, and about anything else you might save on a computer. It’s converted to computer-readable code before the program at run time.

C# — C# (C Sharp) is the more object-orientated programming languages out there. This is from the concept of C++ — which, if you are not a complete newbie, you’ve heard of before. This language is heavy on “classes,” and you’ll get a deeper understanding of class here.

2. Coding sites that are useful to start with:

CodePen — This website is always described as a “playground for front-end developers.” When having a deep understanding of User-Interface, you can build, test, and discover new coding and languages. You can even see how those sample languages above are used and show your skills with CodePen.

CodeAcademy — If you’re new to every concept I’ve mentioned today, CodeAcademy teaches you to code — for free. The User-Interface is like CodePen; you can write and see live code as your going. I've used this while in school and even after. If I remember correctly, they also quiz you to get a good grasp of your learning.

W3schools — This website has a whole arsenal of coding concepts and languages. They show you sample code and have a ton of visual aids to see that code come to life right before your eyes.

Watching tutorial videos on some of these base concepts can give you a good understanding of the world behind the screen. Doing some of these practices can get you used to acceptable practices and great habits as a developer. Test your knowledge with some coding challenges, and let your creativity show what types of developer you are!