Glossary of Computer Languages
Mark-up, Compiler, Interpreted, Java, C, C+, Delphi, PHP, Perl, VBScript and more.
The advantages, disadvantages, and requirements of various computer languages and environments when programming.
Computer programming languages can be broken down into several categories - mark-up languages such as HTML allow plain text to be interpreted in special ways, depending on the exact requirements of the programming language.
Interpreted programming languages are similar in that they are designed to be processed by an application (such as Word or Internet Explorer), which takes plain text, easy to understand, instructions, and translates them into actions inside the target application.
The last category of computer programming languages need to be treated by a special application called a compiler, to produce a native executable. Compiled languages result in applications that can be run in the operating system (Windows, Linux, MacOS, PalmOS, etc.) rather than needing an interpreter.
There is a special category of programming language containing languages such as Java, in which the compiler creates a special file, known as byte code, which needs an additional application (Virtual Machine) to execute the code. This combines the flexibility of an interpreted language (write once, run anywhere that is supported by the application) with the speed of a compiled language.
Best Computer Programming Languages
Choosing the best computer programming language will depend entirely on the aim - learning, creating a desktop application for sale, creating a web application, etc. - and the experience of the programmer.
To begin programming, a good learning language is the family derived from the BASIC programming language. BASIC has an easy to understand syntax, perfect for beginners, but lacks some of the subtlety and power of more advanced languages.
Tools can be found for free on the Internet, and are discussed in our tools article here.
More advanced programmers, wanting to tap into the power of the operating system, will likely choose a visual language. Visual languages give a powerful front end for building the interface, with a programming language rich enough to allow complex applications to be built. The tools usually come at a price.
A step up from the visual class of languages are the pure compiled languages, such as C/C++, Delphi and so on. Coupled with the correct environment (available for free in the case of C/C++) these can be used to build command line or GUI applications, often of extreme complexity.
Beyond the desktop, programming languages such as PHP and JavaScript are loosely based around a C style syntax - if the programmer knows C, they will quickly pick up either. PHP is a server side web language, and JavaScript is a client side language. Both are interpreted, and VBScript extends a Visual Basic influenced client side scripting language to those experienced in VB, while ASP covers the server side requirements.
Web server-side languages might be free (PHP/Perl are, while ASP is not) but they will need hosting, which usually comes at a price. However, this price can be very cheap for a Linux based host, but will usually be more expensive for a Windows host capable of providing an ASP playground.
Related Links
Wikipedia List of Computer Programming Languages.
Source Forge home of plenty of learning resources.
Introduction to C Programming - an introductory course for this programming language.
