Programming languages have made it possible for us to translate complex ideas onto the screen and transform user interface for the better. There’s no industry now that doesn’t largely rely on your ability to convert their vision into reality through code. But as the demand for coders grows and given the time it takes to become proficient in any programming language, it’s vital to spend your time learning the web development coding tools that open up the most career potential in Denver web development. These nine, you should definitely consider.
1. Swift
This general-purpose programming language was designed to give Apple developers something simpler and more cohesive to work with. If you already know Python or Ruby, you’ll see the similarities and find it easy to learn. Swift has replaced Objective-C for App Store products because it’s fast, secure, and easy to master.
Another clear reason to learn this language is that it has the advertising power of Apple behind it. They promote it heavily. All you have to do is let your customers know that you know it and program some top-notch applications with it. As of 2019 data, around 42% of the top 100 or so apps in the App Store were using Swift. If you only consider non-game apps, it’s as much as 57%, and that number is growing.
If you don’t have any programming experience, Swift is a great place to start because of the App Store’s popularity among startup and established companies alike. You can teach yourself in the Swift Playgrounds, experimenting with various elements and even complex code as your skills advance.
2. Python
So many will argue Python should have been number one. But we like to mix things up. By far, most will agree that Python is one of the best, if not the best programming language to learn, and has been for some time.
Why learn Python in 2020? Because it’s a very intuitive language, which makes it easy to learn and become proficient with. Despite its simplicity, it has enough power to program some pretty advanced, if not the most advanced, web applications.
Unlike Swift, which is singularly focused, Python is highly versatile. It can be used for:
- Web applications
- Machine learning
- Desktop applications
- GUI-based desktop applications
- Network servers
- Data science
And Python is a language with a huge stan-loyal following of people who like to help each other build with Python. You’ll have access to several open-source libraries and frameworks that can make almost any project that much easier and faster.
3. Go
Think Go is only a competitive board game? Think again. It’s a more recent development in system-level programming. With very focused vocabulary and super-simple scoping rules, it’s like the best of both worlds (functional programming and object-oriented styles) in one cohesive package.
It’s growing fast on GitHub and vying to dethrone Java and C++. A StackOverflow study found it’s one of the top five most loved programming languages. Python came in 3rd, Kotlin 2nd, TypeScript 4th, Swift 6th, and JavaScript 7th.
4. TypeScript
This superset of JavaScript offers users a more object-oriented language that enhances the existing abilities of Java. If you already learned Java coding tools, this is the icing on the cake to help you take web development to the next level.
It’s easy to write and keep codes, and TypeScript gives you a full description of each coding component used for web development for larger applications. This allows for a stricter syntax and less chance for errors. TypeScript really brings JS into the 2020s, renewing its viability as one of the top coding tools to learn in 2020.
5. Java
Java may be 24 years old, which is probably 124 in programming years, but it continues to show us that it can evolve and stay relevant as it ages. It maintains its position as a leader when it comes to developing server-side applications.
Java is also commonly used to develop Android apps on Android OS devices that continue to show they’re not just an iPhone alternative. They’re in many ways better.
This object-oriented programming language requires no specialized hardware infrastructure, so it’s super-manageable yet has a robust security level. Another plus with Java is that it’s nowhere near as hard to learn as C++, which was way down on StackOverflow’s list of loved programming languages, next to PHP.
6. JavaScript / NodeJS
We like JavaScript because compatibility is integral to its design so that it can work with many other web development, coding tools, and programming language. Anyone interested in Denver Web development should have this one under their belt.
It’s popular for server-side and client-side programming and can create animations, design buttons, and manage more advanced multi-media.
Thanks to regular updates and commitment to solving web development problems to remain relevant, it continues to dominate programming. Big names like Netflix, Uber, and Paypal used JavaScript to provide the ultimate UI and UX.
According to a Hackerrank study, Javascript (tied with just Java) is the number one language businesses want their web development employees to know.
7. Kotlin
Kotlin is a highly versatile programming language that includes type inference. It works inseparably with Java, and because Kotlin stays very in-tune with the needs of its community, it’s gained a loyal following. It integrates object-oriented and functional programming to produce dynamic end results.
Kotlin is most closely linked with Android, but brands like Coursera and Pinterest have moved to it due to its robust tooling support system and consistent community idea implementation.
Given Google’s connection to Kotlin through Android, as Kotlin’s capabilities expand and more sites use it, we can expect Google to promote it and potentially consider it in SERPs ranking factors. So Kotlin has strong potential to become a dominating coding tool going into the future.
As with most newer languages, it’s fairly easy to learn, open-source, and the fastest way to program Android apps. Its developer continues to intuitively remove any obstacles to it becoming a top programming language.
But it’s not exclusive to Android and can be used for web development, server-side development, and desktop development. So if you’re looking to futureproof your coding skills, Kotlin is a winner for Denver web development and beyond.
8. C++
C++ continues to be an in-demand among coding tools. It still dominates in low-level systems like pperating systems and file systems, so if you are a system-level programmer, you need this one in your toolkit. Despite its age, C++ continues to rule because it is so fast and so stable, making it perfect for competitive programming.
It’s often the best choice when programming across platforms because of its versatility. But C++ has some limits. It cannot handle some of the more advanced functions that new languages can, so it should not be the only language you learn.
C++ is a bit harder to learn because of its complex syntax. Think learning Latin vs. learning Spanish, or learning English if it’s not your native language. But that complexity is off-set by the fact that C++ has an enormous library you can work with to speed up complex programming.
9. PHP
The popular backend programming language is up against some fists-flying competition with Python and JavaScript. However, companies are still looking for those who are proficient with PHP, so the job prospects are huge.
PHP is considered very easy to learn, but it is a language that takes a little more time to use compared to some of its competitors. It has a large community of loyal fans who support each other in a PHP community. Additionally, a wide range of automation tools is available, making PHP a more time-efficient programming language than it would be otherwise.
Coding Tools for Web Development in 2020
Coding skills continue to be in demand in 2020 and will be well into the future. Learning one of more of these languages in 2020 can expand your capabilities and career opportunities now and for years to come.