A programming language is, like any language, a mode of communication between different parties.
We could therefore define the programming language or the computer language or the web development language as being: "a mode of communication between a man and a computer resource, and in which the man transmits instructions for execution by the IT resource ”.
For example, creating your website requires the use of a programming language. There’s thousands of programming languages, the choice is yours!
The goal of this article is to help you understand the usefulness and uniqueness of each of them in order to help you make an informed choice.
There is more than one programming language
Web programming is the set of computer processes allowing the creation of web applications. These applications are made up of web pages whose operation is ordered by a programming language between the user and the machine.
Your web pages can be static or dynamic. When the content of the page does not change despite the interaction of your users, the page is called static. But when the content changes according to the user's interaction, it is said to be dynamic.
Thus, you have a good number of computer languages available for you and which are essential for the creation of these pages, no matter what web project you have.
In case you didn't know yet, there are over a thousand computer languages. Among these languages, you will often hear or must have heard of:
- HTML
- Javascript
- PHP
- Python (YouTube)
- Java
- Ruby
- MySQL
These are different languages, each with their own specificities.
HTML language
HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) is the basis of all website development and is more of a markup language than a web programming language. The program uses tags to edit web pages. They allow you to include files such as images, style sheets (CSS) or JavaScript files.
The particularity of this language is the creation of links between two internet pages. They’re called hyperlinks.
It is generally easy to master HTML code. However, to create a professional website, you should do business with professionals or web agencies because you shouldn’t rely on HTML skills alone. For example, the use of CSS-like style languages is necessary to give your site aesthetics and make it attractive. This is without taking into account SEO natural referencing and many other aspects.
Javascript
JavaScript is a slightly more interactive programming language. It’s used in case you need animation, to have something movable on your web page. It’s a language that brings dynamism to your HTML code. It’s often used for its special effects and the rendering it gives.
Compared to HTML, Javascript is more difficult to learn. However, any agency you entrust your web project to will use it, as most web pages are coded in JavaScript.
PHP
PHP (Hypertext Preprocessor) is also called the language of databases. It’s a complex language, but widely used to create any type of website. PHP is said to be a server language because it uses the server that hosts your website to function. This language is offered by all hosts at a lower cost. It has a very active community around the world, which encourages the use of predefined scripts. It’s mainly used to make your web page dynamic.
The PHP language is difficult to learn since it’s all about a server. At 8P Design, we use it for any complex website project. In case of a static site, PHP is not necessary.
Python language
Python is the most widely used programming language in the world. Indeed, it is said to be complete, because it can do anything. Everything that PHP does can be done with Python. In addition, it allows communication between your website and software. Python is also a dynamic language with an active community.
In addition, it should be noted that YouTube works with Python.
Java language
Java is an open source programming language. Its use in any type of project makes it versatile. Java is object-oriented, that means it’s determined according to its scope. The availability of a large number of libraries and web framework allows the realization of complex projects.
There are few specialists in this language given it’s difficult to learn.
Ruby
Le Ruby est un langage qui permet l’automatisation des tâches de surface. Bien qu’il soit un langage évolué, il offre peu de possibilités en termes de développement web.
En optant pour ce langage, il est difficile de mettre en place des serveurs, des chats en temps réel ou des jeux vidéo.
MySQL
MySQL is a relational database management programming language. In other words, it allows you to manage a collection of data structures for ease of use and retrieval. For example, if you have a restaurant, it’s necessary for you to manage two types of information: the identity of the customer and his order.
So, in case you need a database administration system for your website, MySQL just happens to be the ideal programming language. This language is much more difficult to manage, that’s why we recommend seeking a web agency or professionals to help you.
In summary,
You now know the different programming languages that can be involved in the implementation of your web project. The languages mentioned above are classified in terms of level of difficulty: from the easiest to learn to the most difficult. The more complex your web project, the higher level language you need.
For simple projects, like creating a showcase site, consider using HTML and CSS for formatting. For complex projects, such as the creation of online stores, database management systems or dynamic sites, consider the use of languages such as PHP, Python, and MySQL.
However, it’s preferable to entrust your project to a specialized agency for a study. This study will allow the project to be analyzed in order to determine the appropriate languages. In addition, experts are at your disposal for the execution of your project. All of this saves you time and results in a result that you are satisfied with.