NOTE: This page originated as, and has been adapted from, text provided by ChatGPT 4 by OpenAI in response to the following prompt:
”Please continue your text [for begining programmers] suggesting languages for more advanced programmers and tasks. ”
The response was considered accurate and suitable for use as is, and then further adapted for relevant topics on this site, with added links to reference materials. Only a few of these languages are used in projects on this site … but a good programmer (and craftsman) needs awareness of tools not in their toolbox and their use.
– dgkallgren.
**For the Advanced Explorer: Beyond the Basics**
As you grow more comfortable with the fundamentals of programming, you may feel the urge to delve deeper and tackle more complex projects. The world of coding is vast, and some languages are tailored for specific tasks and industries. Here’s a guide to help you navigate your next steps:
1. **Java:** Universally recognized, Java is an object-oriented language that powers everything from enterprise applications to Android apps. Its “write once, run anywhere” mantra has solidified its position as a versatile and robust language. Java programs rely on a Java Runtime Environment (JRE) tailored for the computer operating system on which it runs. Java programs are portable across different computer types and operating systems because the JRE acts as interpreter between the statements in the Java program and the computer-specific operating system instructions.
2. **C++:** A direct descendant of the C language, C++ boasts performance and efficiency. It’s commonly used in game development, high-performance applications, and systems programming.
3. *C#:** Developed by Microsoft, C# is integral to the .NET framework. It’s particularly favored for developing Windows applications.
4. **Swift:** If iOS app development piques your interest, then Swift, Apple’s official programming language, is your go-to. It’s powerful yet user-friendly, offering a seamless experience for creating apps for Apple devices.
5. **SQL:** Not exactly a programming language in the traditional sense, SQL (Structured Query Language) is indispensable for anyone working with databases. It allows you to retrieve, update, and manipulate data efficiently.
6. **Rust:** Celebrated for its memory safety features, Rust is a systems programming language that aims to offer performance akin to C++ but with better safety guarantees.
7. **Go (or Golang):** Developed by Google, Go is becoming increasingly popular for its simplicity and efficiency in building scalable and high-performing systems.
8. **R:** For data science enthusiasts and statisticians, R provides a rich environment for statistical computing and graphics.
9. **Kotlin:** A modern alternative to Java, Kotlin is expressive, concise, and interoperable with Java. It’s notably used for Android app development.
10. **MATLAB:** Engineers and scientists often turn to MATLAB for numerical computing, simulations, digital signal processing, and algorithm development. MATLAB has no-fee versions available online, but its most powerful versions come with a substantial fee. There are a number of no-fee packages as alternatives with comparable power … but MATLAB is the industry standard. Beginners looking to advance their skills for jobs can learn one of the alternatives and feel confident they have a skill for industry use.
Repeating an earlier comment for beginners, it’s more valuable to deeply understand and master a few that it is to learn many. Each language offers its own set of tools and paradigms, so choose based on your interests and the problems you’re passionate about solving.
Too much or too hard? Don’t be discouraged. Experts routinely return to the basics to hone and polish their skills … it’s the key to becoming an expert. Explore, make mistakes, correct them, learn from them, move on.