Programming languages: The key to the digital world

Whether websites, apps, or complex software solutions – nothing works without programming languages. They form the foundation of every digital application and are therefore the tool developers use to bring ideas to life. But what is behind terms such as Python, Java, or JavaScript? And which language is suitable for which area of application?

In this article, you will get a comprehensive overview of the most popular programming languages, their strengths, and typical use cases.

What is a programming language?

A programming language is a tool that allows you to tell a computer what to do. There are certain rules that determine how these “instructions” must be written. For example, if you want a program to store data, build a website, or calculate something, you need a programming language to do that.

Depending on the language, writing code is either easier or closer to the “language” of the computer – known as machine code. Modern programming languages such as Python or Java make programming particularly clear and understandable. They help you to quickly develop functioning software – from small scripts to large applications.

Why are there so many programming languages?

The wide variety of programming languages results from the different requirements and areas of application in software development. Each language was developed with specific goals and areas of application in mind:

1. Specialization in specific tasks: Some languages are optimized for specific applications, such as SQL for database queries or R for statistical analysis.
2. Different programming paradigms: There are different programming approaches, such as object-oriented, functional, or logical programming, each of which has given rise to its own languages.
3. Technological developments: Advances in computer technology have created new requirements that have necessitated the development of new languages in order to create more efficient or secure software.
4. User-friendliness and readability: Some languages have been developed to improve the readability and maintainability of code, which is particularly important in large software projects.

This diversity allows developers to choose the language best suited to their specific requirements, improving the efficiency and quality of software development.

This diversity allows developers to choose the language best suited to their specific requirements, which improves the efficiency and quality of software development.

An overview of the most important programming languages

Here you will find a selection of the best-known and most widely used programming languages, including typical areas of application:

Python – simple, versatile, and usable everywhere

Python is one of the most widely used languages in the world – and for good reason. It is easy to learn and particularly accessible thanks to its clear syntax. At the same time, it is extremely powerful and is used in a wide variety of areas:

• Data analysis and machine learning with libraries such as Pandas, NumPy, and scikit-learn
• Web development with frameworks such as Django and Flask
• Automation and scripting of recurring tasks
• Creation of APIs and backend services

This versatility makes Python the first choice for both beginners and professionals.

JavaScript – the engine of modern websites

No modern website works without JavaScript. Originally developed for interactivity in browsers, the language is now a true all-rounder in web development.

Typical areas of application:

• Dynamic front ends with React, Vue, or Angular
• Server-side applications with Node.js
• Mobile app development with React Native
• Progressive web apps (PWA) and single page applications (SPA)

Thanks to its flexibility, JavaScript is the basic technology for web developers worldwide.

Java – proven in large software projects

Java is particularly frequently used in complex enterprise applications. The language impresses with its platform independence (thanks to the JVM), stability, and strong security mechanisms.

Common areas of application:

• Enterprise software and ERP systems
• Android app development
• Backend systems and web services
• Big data & cloud infrastructures

Many large companies rely on Java because this language allows them to plan for the long term.

Kotlin – modern, secure, and the future of Android

Kotlin is a modern programming language that was introduced as an official alternative to Java for Android development. It offers a clearer syntax, reduces error susceptibility, and increases productivity.

Typical areas of application:

• Native Android app development
• Backend development with Ktor or Spring
• Multi-platform projects with Kotlin Multiplatform

Kotlin has become the first choice for many developers, especially for mobile projects.

Swift – the language for iOS and macOS

Swift was developed by Apple specifically for development in the Apple ecosystem. The language is fast, secure, and easy to read – ideal for anyone who wants to develop apps for iPhones, iPads, or Macs.

Possible applications:

• Development of iOS apps with Xcode
• Programs for macOS, watchOS, and tvOS
• Server-side applications with Swift on Linux

Thanks to modern features and good performance, Swift has become an integral part of the Apple world.

C# – ideal for Microsoft environments and games

C# is the main language of Microsoft’s .NET platform and is therefore perfectly suited for all applications in the Windows ecosystem. It combines modern language features with a clear structure.

Strengths of C#:

• Development of desktop applications with WPF or WinForms
• Web development with ASP.NET Core
• Game development with the Unity engine
• Integration into Microsoft services such as Azure

C# is one of the top languages, especially in the field of gaming and business applications.

PHP – the classic for web servers

Even though PHP is no longer quite as “hip” as other languages, it is still extremely widespread in practice – especially for classic websites and content management systems.

Typical uses:

• Development of websites with WordPress, Joomla, or TYPO3
• Form processing and user management
• Connection to MySQL databases
• Creation of server-side logic in web projects

Thanks to broad support in web hosting, PHP remains a solid choice for many projects.

C/C++ – when performance counts

The languages C and C++ are the basis of many technologies that are used every day – from operating systems to high-end games. They work closely with the hardware and allow maximum control over memory and processes.

Areas of application for C/C++:

• Development of operating systems and drivers
• Real-time systems (e.g., in medical technology or aviation)
• Performance-critical applications such as games or stock market software
• Embedded systems and IoT developments

These languages require more technical understanding, but offer maximum efficiency in return.

TypeScript – JavaScript with extras

TypeScript is a further development of JavaScript that makes large projects in particular easier to maintain. Static typing allows many errors to be avoided while writing the code.

Typical areas of application:

• Development of large web applications
• Use with frameworks such as Angular, React, and Vue
• Refactoring existing JavaScript projects

TypeScript provides a better overview of the code and increases productivity in development teams.

Ruby – get there faster with clear code

Ruby was developed to make developers happy. In conjunction with the Ruby on Rails framework, web applications can be implemented extremely efficiently – especially when time is of the essence.

Ruby is particularly suitable for:

• Startups and MVPs with tight deadlines
• Web applications with a clear structure
• Projects with a focus on developer-friendliness

Ruby is less suitable for huge systems, but excels with its clear syntax and high development speed.

Which programming language should you learn?

The decision on which programming language to start with depends entirely on your goals. There is no “best” language for everything – instead, it depends on what you want to develop and how deeply you want to delve into programming.

Here is an overview to help you choose:

For beginners: Python

If you are completely new to programming, Python is the best choice. The language is easy to understand, easy to read, and is used in many areas. You can use it to:

• create simple automations,
• analyze data,
• program websites,
• develop your first applications with artificial intelligence.

There is also a large community and many online courses to help you get started.

For web development: JavaScript (plus backend language)

If you want to build websites – from simple web pages to complex web applications – there is no way around JavaScript. It is the most important language for everything that happens in the browser.

For the backend (i.e., the part that runs on the server), you can also learn:

• PHP, if you want to work with WordPress, for example.
• Python, especially with the Django framework.
• Node.js, if you also want to use JavaScript on the server side.

For app development: Java, Kotlin, or Swift

If you want to develop mobile apps, you should choose the language depending on the target device:

• Java or Kotlin for Android apps. Kotlin is more modern and preferred by Google.
• Swift for iOS apps on iPhones and iPads.

There are also cross-platform tools such as React Native or Flutter that allow you to develop apps for Android and iOS at the same time.

For game development: C# or C++

If you plan to develop your own games, the choice of language depends heavily on the game engine:

• C# is the standard language for Unity, one of the world’s most popular game engines – ideal for beginners, but also powerful enough for professional projects.
• C++ is used in many high-end engines such as Unreal Engine and is particularly efficient, but more technically demanding.

For system-level development: C or C++

If you want to write programs that work very closely with the hardware – for example, for operating systems, drivers, or embedded systems – C or C++ is the right choice. These languages offer:

• direct memory access,
• maximum performance,
• full control over the program flow.

They are considered more complex, but also offer particularly deep insights into how computers work.

How long does it take to learn a programming language?

There is no general answer to this question, as the duration depends heavily on how intensively you study and what your goals are. Do you just want to learn the basics to automate small tasks or write simple scripts? Or are you planning to pursue a career in software development?

The duration varies depending on your goals:

• Learning the basics: With 1–2 hours of daily study, you can master the basics of a language such as Python or JavaScript in about 3 to 6 months.
• Professional use: To work as a junior developer, you should expect to spend 12 to 18 months learning, practicing regularly, and working on projects.
• Expert level: A deep understanding of a language and its ecosystems often requires several years of continuous practice and further training.

The speed at which you learn a programming language is influenced by several factors. Prior knowledge of mathematics or logical thinking, or even other programming languages, often makes it easier to get started. The learning method you choose also plays a role: While boot camps usually enable intensive learning in a short period of time, self-study offers more flexibility but also requires a lot of self-motivation.

The practical aspect is particularly important. Clear goals and a high level of self-motivation are crucial. Those who have a specific project in mind or set themselves a clear professional goal usually stick with it longer and make faster progress.

The more you try things out for yourself, solve problems, and work on real projects, the faster you will become confident in using the language.

Which programming languages are considered obsolete today?

Over the decades, many programming languages have emerged – but not all of them have stood the test of time. Some have been replaced by more modern alternatives, while others only played a role in certain niches. Here is a brief overview of languages that are hardly used today or have disappeared from active use altogether:

• ALGOL – once the basis of many modern languages, but now completely obsolete.
• COBOL – mainly used in finance and administration, now found almost exclusively in legacy systems.
• FORTRAN – formerly the standard for technical calculations, now replaced by more powerful alternatives.
• Pascal – long popular as a teaching language, now of no practical significance.
• BASIC / QBasic – simple language for beginners, no longer used today.
• LISP – once widely used in AI research, but replaced by languages such as Python.
• Ada – still used in safety-critical areas, but not very widespread.
• Smalltalk – influenced object-oriented programming, but hardly used today.
• Objective-C – former main language for iOS/macOS, largely replaced by Swift.
• Perl – was strong in web scripting, but has been overtaken by Python and Ruby.

Although many of these languages are no longer actively used, they have had a significant influence on the development of today’s programming world. Some of their concepts live on in modern languages, while others remain as historically interesting milestones.

A world full of possibilities

Choosing the right programming language is more than just a technical decision; it has a significant impact on how efficiently, sustainably, and successfully a project can be implemented. There is no such thing as the perfect language, only the right one for your individual goals. Whether you’re developing a web application, mobile app, automation, or data analysis, every language has its own advantages that need to be leveraged.

If you are developing yourself, it is worth understanding the basics of several languages so that you can respond flexibly to requirements. If, on the other hand, you are planning to implement or outsource a project, a solid basic understanding will help you to better assess the technical direction. In more complex cases, it makes sense to bring in experienced developers or specialized agencies, especially when it comes to long-term maintainability, scalability, or system security.

In the end, one thing matters above all else: The programming language should not be a hurdle, but a tool that brings you closer to your goals. Structured, solution-oriented, and with an eye to the future.