The tech sector is booming. If
you've used a smartphone or logged on to a computer at least once in the last
few years, you've probably noticed this.
As a result, coding skills are in
high demand, with programming jobs paying significantly more than the average position.
Even beyond the tech world, an understanding of at least one programming
language makes an impressive addition to any resumé.
See also: The
8 Hottest Tech Jobs of 2014
The in-vogue languages vary by employment sector. Financial and
enterprise systems need to perform complicated functions and remain highly
organized, requiring languages like Java and C#. Media- and design-related
webpages and software will require dynamic, versatile and functional languages
with minimal code, such as Ruby, PHP, JavaScript and Objective-C.
With some help from Lynda.com,
we've compiled a list of 10 of the most sought-after programming languages to
get you up to speed.
1.
Java
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What it is: Java is a class-based, object-oriented programming
language developed by Sun Microsystems in the 1990s. It's one of the most
in-demand programming languages, a standard for enterprise software, web-based
content, games and mobile apps, as well as the Android
operating system. Java is designed to work across multiple software platforms,
meaning a program written on Mac OS X, for example, could also run on Windows.
Where to learn it: Udemy, Lynda.com, Oracle.com, LearnJavaOnline.org.
2.
C Language
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What it is: A general-purpose, imperative programming language
developed in the early '70s, C is the oldest and most widely used language,
providing the building blocks for other popular languages, such as C#, Java,
JavaScript and Python. C is mostly used for implementing operating systems and
embedded applications.
Because it provides the foundation
for many other languages, it is advisable to learn C (and C++) before moving on
to others.
Where to learn it: Learn-C, Introduction To Programming,
Lynda.com, CProgramming.com,
Learn C The Hard Way.
3.
C++
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What it is: C++ is an intermediate-level language with
object-oriented programming features, originally designed to enhance the C
language. C++ powers major software like Firefox,
Winamp
and Adobe programs. It's used to develop systems software, application
software, high-performance server and client applications and video games.
Where to learn it: Udemy, Lynda.com, CPlusPlus.com, LearnCpp.com, CProgramming.com
4.
C#
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commons
What it is: Pronounced "C-sharp," C# is a multi-paradigm
language developed by Microsoft as part of its .NET initiative.
Combining principles from C and C++, C# is a general-purpose language used to
develop software for Microsoft and Windows
platforms.
Where to learn it: Udemy, Lynda.com, Microsoft Virtual Academy, TutorialsPoint.com.
5.
Objective-C
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What it is: Objective-C is a general-purpose, object-oriented
programming language used by the Apple operating system. It powers Apple's OS X
and iOS,
as well as its APIs, and can be used to create iPhone
apps, which has generated a huge demand for this once-outmoded programming
language.
Where to learn it: Udemy, Lynda.com, Mac Developer Library, Cocoa Dev Central, Mobile Tuts+.
6.
PHP
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What it is: PHP (Hypertext Processor) is a free, server-side scripting
language designed for dynamic websites and app development. It can be directly
embedded into an HTML source document rather than an external
file, which has made it a popular programming language for web developers. PHP
powers more than 200 million websites, including Wordpress,
Digg
and Facebook.
Where to learn it: Udemy, Codecademy, Lynda.com, Treehouse, Zend Developer Zone, PHP.net.
7.
Python
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What it is: Python is a high-level, server-side scripting
language for websites and mobile apps. It's considered a fairly easy language
for beginners due to its readability and compact syntax, meaning developers can
use fewer lines of code to express a concept than they would in other
languages. It powers the web apps for Instagram,
Pinterest
and Rdio
through its associated web framework, Django, and is used by Google,
Yahoo!
and NASA.
Where to learn it: Udemy, Codecademy, Lynda.com, LearnPython.org,
Python.org.
8.
Ruby
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What it is: A dynamic, object-oriented scripting language for
developing websites and mobile apps, Ruby
was designed to be simple and easy to write. It powers the Ruby
on Rails (or Rails) framework, which is used on Scribd,
GitHub,
Groupon
and Shopify.
Like Python, Ruby is considered a fairly user-friendly language for beginners.
Where to learn it: Codecademy, Code School, TryRuby.org, RubyMonk.
9.
JavaScript
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What it is: JavaScript is a client and server-side scripting language
developed by Netscape that derives much of its syntax from C.
It can be used across multiple web browsers and is considered essential for
developing interactive or animated web functions. It is also used in game
development and writing desktop applications. JavaScript interpreters are
embedded in Google's Chrome extensions, Apple's Safari
extensions, Adobe Acrobat and Reader, and Adobe's Creative Suite.
Where to learn it: Codecademy, Lynda.com, Code School, Treehouse, Learn-JS.org.
See also: Is
JavaScript the Future of Programming?
10.
SQL
What it is: Structured Query Language (SQL) is a special-purpose
language for managing data in relational database management systems. It is
most commonly used for its "Query" function, which searches
informational databases. SQL was standardized by the American National
Standards Institute (ANSI) and the International Organization for
Standardization (ISO) in the 1980s.
Where to learn it: Lynda.com, SQLCourse.com, TutorialsPoint.com, SQLZoo.net.