Programming Language: understand the importance of this concept for your business

By 2025, Brazil will face an estimated deficit of 530 thousand technology professionals, as indicated by a study conducted by Google for Startups. Faced with this concerning projection, understanding the functioning and importance of programming languages and their application in software not only enables you to enhance your productivity but also positions your business advantageously in a competitive market.

Over the years, programming languages have evolved significantly in their capacity and flexibility to handle complex tasks, driven by constant innovation and the demands of new information and communication technologies.

It’s important to note that all machines and devices rely on programming languages to perform their functions. If you want to learn more, continue reading to explore what programming languages are, their evolution, trends, and factors to consider when choosing a programming language.

What is a Programming Language?

A programming language is the means by which programmers communicate with computers, using codes and specific instructions for machines to perform certain tasks. It’s like the language that computers understand. Imagine programming languages as an alphabet, where each letter represents a specific command that the computer must execute. These commands are organized logically and structured, following specific syntax for the computer to interpret them correctly.

There are various programming languages available, each with its own characteristics and purposes. Some are more suitable for website development, others for game creation, and so on.

There are both older and established languages, like C and Java, as well as newer and specialized ones, like R and Swift. The diversity of options reflects the constant evolution and adaptation of information technologies. However, each language has its own advantages and disadvantages in software development. Choosing the right language will depend on the type of project the programmer wants to develop.

Evolution of Programming Languages

Programming languages have undergone evolution over the decades, where each new language emerged as a crucial piece for the progress of computing, transforming into tools capable of creating various types of software and applications. Let’s look at the evolution of languages:

Machine Languages (Assembly)

It all began with these languages that had a direct relationship with hardware architecture and were extremely complex to use. Assembly languages were developed to make programming more user-friendly, but still very close to machine code.

High-Level Languages

With the advancement of computing and the increasing complexity of systems, new languages were developed to deal with specific demands, thus high-level programming languages such as Fortran, COBOL, and Lisp emerged. They offered more powerful abstractions, allowing programmers to write code in a more expressive and efficient manner.

Procedural and Object-Oriented

Procedural programming languages, like C and Pascal, initially emerged with a focus on executing procedures or routines, using a structured programming approach. Later, object-oriented languages were developed based on concepts of encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism, aiming for more efficient code reuse and organization.

Scripting and Interpretation Languages

Scripting languages, such as Perl, Python, and Ruby, are programming languages interpreted at runtime rather than being compiled before execution. They are often used for task automation, web development, text processing, among other applications. These languages are known for their ease of learning, clear and expressive syntax, and a wide range of available libraries, making them popular for a variety of programming projects. Each of these languages has its origins in different development contexts and communities but shares the characteristic of being versatile for various purposes.

Functional Languages

Functional languages, like Lisp, Haskell, and Erlang, have their origins in functional programming, a programming paradigm that treats computation as the evaluation of mathematical functions. They prioritize data immutability, pure functions, and recursion. These languages have been widely used in areas such as natural language processing, distributed systems, and concurrent computing due to their properties that facilitate writing robust, secure, and high-performance code.

Static and Dynamic Typing Languages

Programming languages can be classified into static typing and dynamic typing. In static typing, variable types are checked at compile time, ensuring greater security and error detection before program execution. Examples of statically typed languages include C, C++, Java, and C#. These languages revolutionized the way software was developed, enabling the creation of more robust and scalable applications.

On the other hand, in dynamic typing, variable types are checked at runtime, allowing greater flexibility for the programmer but may result in errors during program execution. Examples of dynamically typed languages are Python, JavaScript, and Ruby. The choice between static and dynamic typing usually depends on the project’s needs and the programmer’s preferences.

Languages for Web and Application Development

With the rise of the web and mobile applications, common web languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript have become very popular, while for mobile app development, languages like Java, Kotlin (for Android), and Swift (for iOS) are used and also on the rise. Each language has its own characteristics and is chosen according to the purpose and requirements of the project.

Domain-Specific Languages (DSLs)

As systems become more complex, specialized languages for specific domains, such as SQL for databases and LaTeX for typography, have become popular.

Continuous Evolution and New Languages

The evolution of programming languages continues to this day, with new languages emerging to meet specific needs, such as Go, Rust, and Swift. Furthermore, established languages continue to evolve, adding features and improvements to keep up with developers’ demands and emerging technological trends.

Moreover, the evolution of programming languages is not limited to just new features and syntaxes. It’s also important to consider the evolution of development tools, such as IDEs and frameworks, that facilitate the work of programmers and enable the creation of increasingly complex and sophisticated software.

Main Types of Languages and Their Characteristics

For the eleventh consecutive year, JavaScript stands out as the most widely used programming language, according to a 2023 survey by Stack Overflow. This study encompassed over 90 thousand developers worldwide and addressed a variety of topics related to technology, communities, the most popular frameworks, and the most used programming languages.

Additionally, the survey revealed that Python has surpassed SQL, becoming the third most used language. However, Python occupies the first position among those who are not professional developers or are beginning to learn coding.

Let’s explore the top five programming languages from the graph, discussing their characteristics and usability.

JavaScript

It is a high-level, dynamic, prototype-based programming language, known to be an interpreted, object-oriented language with dynamic typing. Its use primarily lies in frontend development as it is the fundamental language for developing dynamic and interactive web pages. It can be used to manipulate HTML content, style pages with CSS, and add dynamic behaviors through the DOM (Document Object Model). In backend development with the advent of platforms like Node.js, JavaScript is also used to create servers and server-side applications. It can handle asynchronous and scalable I/O tasks, making it suitable for real-time applications and RESTful APIs.

HTML/CSS

HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) is a markup language used to structure and organize the content of a web page. CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) is a style language used to style the appearance of this content. HTML and CSS are the basic languages for web development and are widely used on all internet sites. While HTML is used to define the structure and content of a web page, including titles, paragraphs, images, links, and other elements, CSS is used to control the appearance and layout of these elements, including colors, fonts, margins, positioning, and animations.

Python

Considered a high-level, interpreted, multiparadigm language with easy readability. It is known for its simple and expressive syntax. Python has gained significant popularity in recent years due to its versatility and ease of use, becoming one of the most popular languages. In web development, it is used in frameworks like Django and Flask to build robust and scalable web applications. Another area of extensive use is Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning due to its vast selection of specialized libraries such as NumPy, pandas, TensorFlow, and scikit-learn. Python is also a popular choice for task automation, scripts, and processes due to its clean syntax and its ability to interact easily with operating systems and APIs.

SQL

SQL (Structured Query Language) is a query language used to manage and manipulate data in relational databases. It is the most used language for interacting with databases, becoming an essential skill for many IT professionals. It is also used for querying, inserting, updating, and deleting data in relational databases such as MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, and SQL Server. In addition to being used in database administration, it is possible to create and manage database structures such as tables, indexes, views, and stored procedures and analyze data for reporting, analysis, and business decision-making.

TypeScript

It is a programming language developed by Microsoft that is a typed extension of JavaScript. It adds optional static types to JavaScript, improving error detection capability and facilitating the maintenance of large projects. TypeScript has gained popularity as an alternative to pure JavaScript in large-scale projects due to its static typing and advanced development tools. It can be used in frontend development in frontend frameworks and libraries such as Angular, React, and Vue.js to improve the security and maintainability of JavaScript code. In backend development, it can also be used with Node.js, offering the same benefits of static typing in server-side applications.

Trends and Innovations in Programming Languages

Rust leads as the most admired language, with over 80% of developers who use it expressing the desire to continue using it next year. Following closely is Elixir with a rate of 73%, and in third place is Zig with 71%, showing a high level of satisfaction and preference among users of these languages. These data are also from Stack Overflow. When analyzing the graph highlighting the most used languages, mentioned in this article a few paragraphs above, we have JavaScript at the top, followed by HTML/CSS, and in third place, Python. However, when it comes to the most admired languages, i.e., those that developers not only used but also wish to continue using, Python stands out with a 65% admiration rate, followed by HTML/CSS with a 61% rate, and JavaScript with a 57% admiration rate. These numbers highlight the importance of considering not only the current popularity of languages but also the level of satisfaction and desire for continued use among developers. But you might be curious to understand why Rust, Elixir, and Zig are the most admired languages, so we’ve provided a brief summary of each.

Rust

It is a language with a unique combination of safety, performance, and ease of use. Its emphasis on memory safety through a robust and rigorous type system, along with the elimination of concurrency errors, makes it especially attractive for the development of critical and high-performance systems. Its modern and expressive syntax, along with a growing ecosystem of libraries and development tools, provides a rewarding programming experience, making it easy to create clean, efficient, and reliable code. These combined attributes make Rust a popular choice for a variety of applications, from low-level systems to server and web applications.

Elixir

One of the main reasons for its admiration is its robustness and scalability. Elixir is built on the Erlang platform, which is known for its resilience and ability to handle highly distributed and concurrent systems. This allows it to be used to build highly reliable and fault-tolerant systems, ideal for real-time applications such as messaging systems, IoT, and online games. It is also a functional language, which means it promotes an immutable and function-oriented programming style, making it easy to create clean, modular, and easily testable code. Its expressive and concise syntax also makes it attractive to developers looking to increase productivity and reduce development time. The ecosystem of libraries and frameworks, along with an active and supportive community, contributes to the popularity and ongoing success of this language.

Zig

It is a programming language that has been receiving increasing attention from developers due to its focus on security, reliability, and performance. Zig was designed with the goal of providing a robust set of tools for high-quality software development, with a strong focus on error prevention and code clarity. Its clean and expressive syntax, combined with a powerful and accurate type system, makes it easy to write secure and understandable code. Furthermore, Zig offers fine control over memory allocation and resource management, allowing developers to write efficient and optimized code for a wide range of platforms and devices. Another important aspect is its active and responsive community, which contributes to the continuous development of the language, as well as providing support and valuable resources for developers learning and using Zig in their projects.

Exploring trends and innovations and expanding the discussion beyond programming languages, one data point caught our attention: the 2023 edition of Stack Overflow introduces a new field, Artificial Intelligence, in its survey. This field raises the question of whether AI is truly making a tangible impact on how developers operate or if it is all just hype. The data reveals that 70% of all respondents are currently using or plan to use AI tools in their development processes throughout 2023. Those who are learning to program demonstrate an even greater likelihood of adopting these tools compared to professional developers (82% versus 70%). Additionally, 77% of all respondents express a favorable or very favorable view of AI tools for development. It is notable that professional developers tend to be more indifferent compared to those who are in the learning process (17% versus 15%). Those who already use AI tools report a range of benefits, with code writing enhancement being highlighted, followed by debugging and support, code documentation, and learning about an existing codebase. These insights highlight the increasingly significant role of AI in software development and its positive influence on developers’ efficiency and work quality.

Another point that also stands out is the growing interest in Robotic Process Automation (RPA). According to the 1st Robotic Process Automation (RPA) Survey in Latin America, there is expected to be a 66% increase in demand for this type of solution by companies. This data reflects companies’ growing need to automate repetitive and manual processes, aiming to increase operational efficiency, reduce costs, and free up resources for more strategic activities. In this context, the relationship between RPA and programming languages becomes essential. Although RPA platforms offer visual and intuitive development environments for creating automations, often the use of programming languages is required for advanced tasks or more complex integrations. Languages like Python, JavaScript, and Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) are commonly used to develop scripts and macros that complement the automations created in RPA tools. Additionally, the ability to integrate APIs and external systems, as well as manipulate data efficiently, makes these languages suitable for automating a wide range of business processes, from simple tasks to complex and interconnected workflows.

The Best Type of Programming Language for Each Business

Choosing the best programming language for a business depends on a variety of factors, including the specific project needs, business objectives, development team expertise, and existing infrastructure. Here are some general guidelines to help choose the most suitable type of programming language for different types of businesses:

Web Development and Online Applications

Best Languages: JavaScript (with Node.js for backend), Python, Ruby, PHP.

These languages are widely used in web development due to their ability to build dynamic and interactive user interfaces, process server-side requests, and interact with databases.

Mobile Applications

Best Languages: Swift (for iOS), Kotlin (for Android), JavaScript (for hybrid app development with frameworks like React Native or Ionic).

Swift and Kotlin are the recommended native languages for iOS and Android app development, respectively. However, for cross-platform approaches, JavaScript is a popular choice due to its ability to run on multiple platforms.

Data Analysis and Artificial Intelligence

Best Languages: Python, R, Julia.

Python is often chosen for its rich selection of libraries and frameworks for data analysis, machine learning, and natural language processing. R is popular among statisticians and data analysts, while Julia is known for its speed and performance in scientific computing.

Business Process Automation

Best Languages: Python, PowerShell, Visual Basic for Applications (VBA).

Python is versatile and widely used in automation due to its simplicity, extensive standard library, and ability to easily integrate with other tools and systems. PowerShell is commonly used in Windows environments for administrative task automation. VBA is widely used in automating Microsoft Office and other Microsoft applications.

Game Development

Best Languages: C++, C#, UnityScript (for Unity), JavaScript (for web-based game development).

C++ is widely used for game development due to its performance and low-level hardware control. C# is commonly used with the Unity engine for cross-platform game development. JavaScript is used for web-based game development.

Embedded Systems and IoT Development

Best Languages: C, C++, Python.

C and C++ are commonly used for embedded systems due to their efficiency and hardware control. Python is also used in embedded systems, especially for rapid prototyping and automation script development.

These guidelines do not take into account the specificities of each project, and the ideal choices may vary depending on specific factors of each company, such as performance requirements, scale, available resources, and development team preferences. Before deciding which programming language to use, it’s worth thoroughly assessing the project’s needs and goals.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Programming Language

When choosing a programming language for a project, it’s important to consider a variety of factors to ensure that the choice is most suitable for meeting the specific needs of the project and development team. Here are some important factors to consider:

When choosing a programming language, it’s crucial to consider various aspects. Firstly, the project’s objective should guide the decision, ensuring that the language is suitable for the purpose of the software being developed. So ask yourself: What is the purpose of the software being developed?

Ease of learning and the presence of an active community for technical support are essential factors. It’s also worth asking: What is the learning curve of the language?

The language’s performance, ecosystem of available tools, security offered, and scalability are also key points to be evaluated. Therefore, reflect on: Does the language have an active community and available technical support?

Two other fundamental aspects are security and scalability, so consider the questions: Does the language offer features to develop secure software? Is the language suitable for projects that need to scale?

For a business leader, some additional questions that could be considered when choosing a programming language are:

1. How will the choice of language affect the development time and software quality?
2. Do team members have experience with the chosen language?
3. Is the chosen language compatible with existing technologies in the company?
4. What are the costs involved in adopting and maintaining the chosen language?
5. How will the choice of language impact the recruitment of new developers?

These questions will help ensure that the choice of programming language is aligned with the project and development team’s objectives.

In the world of technology, programming languages function as the language that brings our digital projects to life. Just as learning a new language enables us to communicate with people around the world, mastering a programming language connects us to a vast community of developers and paves the way for creating innovative solutions.