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A programming language is the way developers communicate with computers. With them, developers enable the computer to carry out various instructions under various conditions. The sequence of instructions that the computer is asked to carry out is in the form of code structured according to the syntax of a programming language.

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Candidates who want to take part in the information and technology sector need to have skills and expertise in programming languages. When it comes to programming languages, it can be difficult to figure out which area to focus on. Knowing the most frequently used programs as well as the sector you want to be in and finding the language that suits your skills will speed up the learning process and shed light on the direction you want to move forward in your career.

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High Level Programming Languages and Low Level Programming Languages 

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According to Wikipedia, there are more than 700 programming languages in the world. They are used for different purposes and bring different functions. However, the number of the most widely known and used programming languages worldwide is not that high. In order to specialize in a particular field, it is first necessary to master the basic features of programming languages.

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Programming languages are generally divided into high-level and low-level programming languages. This distinction is made by considering human-level comprehension and machine-level comprehension. For example, high-level programming languages can be easily understood and interpreted by humans. Low-level ones, on the other hand, are difficult to interpret by humans and machine-friendly.

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High-level programming languages are used to design user-friendly software programs and websites. Its main advantage is that it is easy to read, write and maintain. High-level programming languages include Python, Java, JavaScript, PHP, C#, C++, Objective C, Cobol, Perl, Pascal, LISP, FORTRAN and Swift.

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Low-level programming languages are machine dependent. The processor can run low-level programs without the need for a compiler or interpreter, so low-level programming languages are characterized by speed. The advantage is that they require less memory and less execution time to execute a program. Machine Language and Assembly Language are examples of low-level programming languages.

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Most Used Programming Languages Nowadays

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1. Java

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Java which is a general-use and object-oriented program, is one of the most widely used programming languages in the world. Java creates objects that encapsulate functions and data that can be used to provide structure to programs and applications. Java is relatively easy to use and learn, is very secure and can handle large amounts of data. These features make Java an ideal programming language for the online financial industry. Java is widely used in industries such as banking, billing, stock exchange and in the Android mobile operating system.

Another feature that makes Java popular is the versatility of the language. Java can run effectively on any operating system, regardless of the operating system on which the original code was written. This is why Java can be used to write applications not only for computers and cell phones, but also for many other products such as remote processors and sensors. This feature is known as "Write once, run everywhere". The disadvantage of this programming language is that it is not ideal for cloud-based applications, which are widely used in business.

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2. Python

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Python is a general-purpose programming language that empowers developers creating programs to use several different programming styles (functional, object-oriented, reflective, etc.). Python is among the most easily accepted programming languages because of its simple syntax, its large library of standards and tools, and its integration with other programming languages such as C, C++. Many popular digital tools and platforms such as YouTube, Google Search and iRobot machines are developed in Python.

One of the easier languages to learn and use, Python can be easily used by both beginners and experienced developers. It has a comprehensive library that supports common commands and tasks. Its interactive feature allows programmers to test code, thus reducing the time spent on testing. Python is used in many fields such as artificial intelligence, financial services and data science. Widely used sites like Instagram and Pinterest are also built on Python. The disadvantage of Python is that it is not suitable for developing mobile apps.

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3. JavaScript

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Used for web development, game development, mobile app development and web servers, JavaScript is one of the most widely used and sought-after programming languages in the world. JavaScript is used to manage the behavior of web pages. Dynamic web elements such as animated graphics, interactive maps, clickable buttons can be created with JavaScript. When JavaScript is used in combination with HTML and CSS, a high level of website control is achieved, providing a better user experience in terms of readability and navigation.

The fact that most web browsers use JavaScript and that it is easy to learn makes it the most widely used programming language worldwide. It requires almost no prior coding knowledge, making it easy for beginners to practice and learn. Because JavaScript is so ubiquitous, there is a wealth of content, communities and professional support tools available online. Various plugins also increase the functionality of JavaScript. The disadvantage of this programming language is that JavaScript can also be used to code malicious pop-up ads. Some internet browsers can disable the execution of JavaScript code.

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4. C++

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C++ is one of the most powerful programming languages and is used in a wide range of industries, including virtual reality, software and game development, robotics and computing. C++ is an extension of C that is used to program the systems that run the application, as opposed to the application itself. It is a programming language that works well on multi-device and multi-platform systems. The C++ programming language, which has expanded significantly over time, is a compiled language and can be used on many platforms. It is a widely used language behind a wide range of applications, from computer games to math simulations. The disadvantage of the C++ programming language is that it has complex syntax and many complex features for new users. The C++ programming language also has the disadvantage that it does not support run checking, a method of detecting errors while working on code.

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5. C#

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C# is a general-purpose programming language and is used in a wide variety of areas such as game development, virtual reality, desktop applications, web applications and mobile applications. C# belongs to the family of object-oriented programming languages and was released by Microsoft in 2002. As with other ones, a large community works with C# and offers support to new learners. This makes C# easier to learn than less documented languages. C# is ideal for creating mobile applications and games, which are becoming increasingly important today. The disadvantage of this programming language is that it is less flexible than languages like C++.

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6. PHP

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PHP is an open source programming language that was released in 1990. Many web developers find it necessary to learn PHP because more than 80% of websites on the internet, including Facebook and Yahoo, use PHP to build their websites. PHP is mostly used for writing server-side scripts. Considered a relatively easy programming language to learn for beginner developers, PHP has an online community that makes it easy to get support and questions answered. PHP is the code that runs content-oriented websites such as Wordpress, Wikipedia and Facebook. The downside of this programming language is that its use is becoming less common as Python and JavaScript gain popularity. PHP is also known for its security vulnerabilities.

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Would You Like to Become a Programmer of the Future with Riders?

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Riders offers a wide range of student-centered educational content to learn robotic coding and show your skills in online robotics competitions. On the Riders platform, where Blockly programming languages for middle school students and Python programming languages for high school students are taught, you can develop your skills starting from scratch, learn robotic coding and algorithm development at your own pace or supported by guided trainings, participate in national or international competitions after completing your robotic coding training, and make a strong start to your career with the "End of Training Certificate" you will earn at the end of the training program!

Sources:

https://codeinstitute.net/global/blog/what-is-a-programming-language/

https://www.javatpoint.com/programming-language