How Many Computer Programming Languages Are There?

How Many Computer Programming Languages Are There?

Introduction

Several programming languages have become helpful in the world today. The more you know about these programming languages, the more you become knowledgeable and find them helpful. How Many Computer Programming Languages Are There?

Answer Paragraph

Since the invention of the computer by Charles Babbage, programming languages are a vital aspect of the internet age. Just like we have several human languages, there are hundreds of programming languages for a digital computer. These languages have distinct features and perform different functions. Besides, they allow the computer to work efficiently and process tons of information. Thanks to these languages, development has occurred in several industries such as finance, sports, information technology, agriculture, entertainment, media, health, and many more. In this article, you will learn about different programming languages in the world.

What is a Computer Programming Language?

The computer does not understand human languages as much as English, French, or Arabic. Instead, they require another language to understand and accomplish a given task. Hence, the need for computer programming languages occurs. Computer Programming languages are a series of detailed instructions you input for the computer. These instructions are in a form called binary that allows the computer to complete a given task, such as loading a web page, analyzing contents, calculating figures, and more. 

How many Computer Programming Languages are there?

Several programming languages exist in the world. However, disputes create over the actual figures. While some sources prove that there are hundreds of programming languages, others prove that there are thousands of these languages. Hence, we cannot come up with the actual figure. All we know is that there are a limitless number of programming languages. For instance, the TIOBE Programming Index states that there are at least 100 programming languages. Meanwhile, the Language List, an organization that compiled a list of 2,500 programming languages. It has been tracking computer languages since 1991.

Categories of Programming Languages

According to Britannica, there are categories of programming languages. Each class consists of different programming languages. They include:

  1. Machine Language

Machine language comprises numeric codes which the computers use to execute instructions. It consists of binary digits converted from a number base (usually hexadecimal – base 16) for varying modifications. They are challenging to write and typically vary among different computers. Regardless of its complexity, machine languages are still helpful and perform complex operations.

  1. Assembly Languages

An Assembly language is a low-level language design to communicate with computer hardware. Unlike machine language that utilizes binary and hexadecimal digits, assembly languages use mnemonic codes to execute instructions. For this language to work efficiently, instructions are in a well-detailed format. 

  1. Algorithmic Languages

Algorithmic languages are high-level languages that execute instructions through the use of computations or other related algorithms.  Just like a natural language, an algorithmic language utilizes the basic symbols in the alphabet in the form of grammatical elements. Programming languages under this category include FORTRAN (Formula Translation), ALGOL (Algorithmic Language), and the C programming language. 

  1. Business-Oriented Language

As its name implies, business-oriented languages are programming languages exclusively designed for business purposes. Created in the late 1950s, Business Oriented language intended to perform administrative, economic, and financial tasks. Propagated by the U.S Department of Defense, the programming language became standardized and adopted by several businesses in the 20th century. Thanks to its deployment on mainframe computers, it is still utilized for performing large-scale transactions to date. However, due to the decline of experienced programmers, some of the programs are rewritten through current programming languages and repackaged in new software. Examples include COBOL (Common Business Oriented Language) and SQL (Structured Query Language).

  1. Education-Oriented Languages

Also known as an educational programming language, this language design as learning instruments and programs that do not complete many tasks. However, just like the way kids are taught topics at an elementary stage, these languages allow learners to grasp programming languages at an early stage. An example is BASIC (Beginner’s All-Purpose Symbolic Instruction Code), which can teach beginners due to its simple data structure and notation. Other examples include PASCAL, LOGO, and Hypertalk.

  1. Object-Oriented Languages

Object-oriented languages are programming paradigms that revolve around an “object” concept. The object consists of two principal structures – a data structure (its properties) and code (methods). In this language, everything is unique as two variables can never be the same. Thus, unlike other programming languages that can be complex to write, object-oriented languages make it easy to develop, debug, and reuse a particular software. Examples of this language include C++, Python, C#, Ada, Java, and Visual Basic.

  1. Declarative Languages

Declarative languages are programming paradigms that express a computational logic without describing its process (control workflow). In other words, it focuses on what needs to be accomplished without stating the methods on how can achieve it. Here, it focuses on solving a problem and concentrates on finding its solutions. It divides into three categories – constraint, logic, and constraint logic programming. Examples of this language include Prolog, ML, Lisp, SQL, Haskell, and more.

  1. Scripting Languages

Scripting languages or scripts are programming languages that execute instructions within a runtime environment. Unlike other programming languages, scripting languages create room for interpretation of codes rather than the usual compilation. It is helpful for complex systems as it incorporates new functions into applications. With scripting languages, programmers can access and modify the scripts to suit their needs. It is an open-source program, easy to learn, easy to use, and solves any relatively small programming issue.

  1. Document Formatting Language

Document Formatting Language is another popular computer programming language. It organizes printed texts and graphics in a suitable format. This programming language has different classes. Some of which are:

  • Text formatting language that performs the same function of a word processing program
  • Page description languages are interpreted and understood by various printing devices.
  • Markup languages that specify and organize the content of a word processor, such as text, style, and layout. Examples include HTML (HyperText Markup Language), XML (eXtensible Markup Language), SGML (Standard Generalized Markup Language) and BBC (Bulletin Board Code).

Examples of document formatting languages include TeX, PostScript, Web Scripting, and more.

Top Six Computer Programming Languages

  1. Python

Python is an object-oriented programming language that is flexible and robust due to its semantics and integration with other programming languages. Developed in the 1980s in the Netherlands, it is an open-source language, free, simple to learn, easy to read, and suitable for Rapid Application Develop (RAD). Although it cannot develop mobile applications, several industries highly utilize it, including information technology, artificial intelligence, engineering, data science, and other professional services. Besides, it is renowned for developing unique websites such as Google, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, NASA, Dropbox, and more. As a result, it is a high-demand skill in the global market today. According to Payscale, a Python Developer earns an average salary of $73,395 per year.

  1. Java

Java is a high-level programming language that is suitable for web-based development. Developed in 1990, it is a universal language operating on different operating systems and platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and more. Thanks, its Write Once, Run Anywhere (WORA) structure enables it to become portable on different platforms and devices. With Java, hundreds of websites and applications have developed across the globe. For instance, they used the language to create popular websites like Twitter, Amazon, YouTube, Google, etc. Besides, it is an integral part of Android applications. Although Java is a complex language to learn, it remains a high-demand skill that fetches sustainable income. According to Payscale, a Java Developer earns an average annual salary of $76,019.

  1. JavaScript

JavaScript is another renowned programming language. Many complete fantastic developed in 1; the language is helpful for website and mobile application development. It is easy to learn, consists of multiple frameworks, and has a standard library, JQuery, to which users can always refer to. When combined with Node.js, it extends its functionalities. Some of them include producing web content, developing games, and enhancing interaction with other applications that run on a browser. It is beneficial to many factors, including healthcare, engineering, design, information technology, finance, and more. Notable websites that incorporated this language into its system include WordPress, LinkedIn, Yahoo, Khan Academy, and more. According to PayScale, a JavaScript developer earns an average salary of $84,000 per year.

  1. Ruby

Developed in 1995, Ruby is another interesting programming language a programmer can add to his bucket list. Structured as an object-oriented language, Ruby is an open-source, easy-to-learn, and flexible valuable language for web development. On Ruby, there is an integrated web app framework also known as Ruby on Rails. The language is ideal for industries such as robotics, networking,  design, simulations, and more. In addition, it utilizes by popular organizations such as GitHub, Scribd, Motorola, and more. According to PayScale, a Ruby developer earns an average annual salary of $80,600.

  1. C and C++

C is one of the oldest programming languages to have ever existed. It is old such that Java, JavaScript, and C#  stemmed from the language. Today, C++ is an enhanced version of C. While learning about this language, you may intend to learn about C first to make you more knowledgeable. However, you can skip the language if you want to do so. 

Developed in 1983, C++ has a robust, standardized library that users can utilize. Besides, the language is prominent in creating computer programs and software packages such as games, operating systems, office applications, and more. In addition, it employs various engineering, quality control, information technology, and other professional services. Notable companies that utilize this language include Google, Adobe, Mozilla Firefox, Amazon, and more. According to PayScale, a C++ developer earns an average salary of $68,064 per year.

  1. Swift

Developed in 2014 by Apple for Mac and Linux operating systems, Swift is another prominent programming language. It is an open-source language modeled after another programming language, Objective C. Based on its structure, it developed iOS packages such as the iPad, iPhone, Apple Watch, and more. It has a clean syntax, is faster than others, and requires no prior knowledge before learning the programming language. Hence, you can learn it with ease. A prominent organization utilizing this language includes Apple, Slack, Getty Images, Dow Jones, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is a Computer Programming Language?

A computer programming language is a series of instructions issued to execute and complete a given task. Since the computer cannot understand human languages such as English, Spanish, or Turkish, the need to craft a language the computer can understand arises. Hence, the instructions in these languages are written, compiled, or interpreted to complete given tasks such as loading a web page, performing mathematical functions, and more.

  1. How many Programming Languages Exist?

Programming languages are similar in numbers when compared to human languages. Some sources claim that there are about 100 programming languages. Others claim there are at least 2,500 languages. As a result, the actual figures remain unknown. All we know is that there are countless programming languages.

  1. How Many Programming Languages Can I Know?

There are numerous programming languages. Hence, it is arguably impossible to know everything. As a beginner, you can select the one you want to learn. Then, create time to study the language and improve your skills. As you become more experienced in the field, you can learn other languages to make you a better programmer.

  1. How Can I Learn A Programming Language?

Can learn fantastic programming languages from anywhere you reside. With a laptop and good access to the Internet, you can register for an online class. Sites such as Coursera, Udemy, EdX, and more offer lessons that can improve your skill. If you do not intend to participate in a virtual class, you can run a quick search on google for physical classes in your surroundings. By getting engaged with a physical class, you build your social network, participate in hackathons, attend coding events, practice your skills, and get more experience.

Conclusion

There are several programming languages enlisted in the world. The amazing thing is that more are coming. As a beginner, you cannot learn everything. All you need is to settle for a few and become its master.

How Many Computer Programming Languages Are There?

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