Programming is more than just a skill. It represents a shared passion. But when it comes to choosing a favorite or most effective programming language, which one do UPA students believe comes out on top?
Programming is the process of writing instructions for computers to execute. There are a vast number of programming languages that exist, each with different purposes. They can range from front-end web development to the backbones of an operating system. Given all the information, is there a best or most popular language? Math and computer science teacher Nicole Sebek doesn’t think so.
“I don’t think there is a best language, it is more what language is required for your purpose,” Sebek said. “Generally I need different languages based on what hardware [I] would like to control.”
Many everyday use items have code inside them. A few examples include smart refrigerators, cars and even traffic lights. According to the Monterail website, each language has its own upsides and downsides, such as what speed it can run. For example, languages like C++ and Java run concurrently, meaning that they can run multiple tasks at once. Another factor is how easy it is to understand, as some languages may have complicated syntax, which is the arrangements of words in a coding language.
“Python is a 3/10 in terms of optimization,” sophomore Pranav Nigam said.
Nigam believes python is fairlyeasy to learn, since it has more readable syntax but has problems with its speed. Thus, it is one of the main reasons why it is more commonly used as a first step toward other languages like C++, which can run faster with a similar syntax. C++ and JavaScript are some of the more commonly used languages for a job in the tech field.
“[My favorite programming language is] JavaScript because it’s very easy to use, and very versatile.,” junior Zayn Damji said. “It has many supported libraries, allowing you to do whatever you want with it. JavaScript also allows you to code the backend and frontend in the same language, unifying the codebases.”
However, some students’ favorite pr
ogramming languages aren’t necessarily what they believe is the best one, like in Damji’s case.
“[C++ is the best because it] is used everywhere and is the basis for applications, operating systems, etc.” Damji said. “It also allows you to understand the system and program more deliberately with a focus on optimization.”
Damji uses C++ weekly in his VEX robotics team. VEX is a robotics platform designed to teach STEM and C++ is used to give the robots instructions. Other places that C++ can be used include the creation of databases, generative AI and web browsers.
The choice of a favorite programming language often boils down to personal preferences, project requirements and individual experiences. From operating systems to traffic lights, programming and code have moved into our lives. Programming is about finding the right tools for the job, and the many languages that exist make it easier. Overall, there is not one best language, it is just a matter of personal preference.
