Python is one of the world’s most popular and dynamic programming languages, favored by a huge amount of IT professionals throughout the world. From its open source origins, it has now grown to be a leading player in the industry – testament to the hordes of people who devoted their time and knowledge to the creation of this language.

Why is Python so popular?

One of the primary reasons for the popularity of Python is that it is one of the clearest and most readable languages available, providing concise and easy to interpret syntax for all those who need it. Its use is further enhanced by the fact that it is able to integrate easily with a number of other programming tools, including .NET and CORBA. It also has variations that, amongst other, allow it to work well with Java libraries. However, the single most popular reason for the popularity of Python is simple - it is one of the easiest and most accessible languages for those new to the field to learn. This means that people are turned on to Python from an early point in their programming career and keep gaining knowledge as they progress. This means that there are a number of people highly competent in Python and therefore able to use it to a great standard, further popularizing its use. With additional features and ever increasing user friendliness, this popularity is only likely to increase in the future.

As can be seen, Python is a great way for budding programmers to dip their toe in the water, providing a solid knowledge for any more complex projects worked on in the future. It also, however, has a number of features pertinent to the more experienced programmer – making it the perfect solution for almost everyone!

PHP is one of the most commonly used scripting languages used for the creation of dynamic web pages, being embedded in to HTML text to create more functional and easier to understand web pages. Its popularity is such that it is already installed on in excess of 20 million different sites, as well as a massive 1 million different servers. This popularity is due to two main factors: firstly, it is incredibly intuitive to use and therefore preferred by many, and secondly it is free to use – an important aspect when trying to popularize a specific language.

What are the uses of PHP?

PHP has many significant uses, all of which are exploited by knowledgeable and experienced programmers to their full capability. In general, PHP adds a different functional aspect to a website in ways that HTML can’t achieve, but some more specific uses include:

• Collecting user data, meaning that the user can interact easily with the created script. This allows the user to do many things that are now often taken for granted in websites, such as adding comments to a forum or adding details to an address book.
• Creating graphics in conjunction with GC Library. Although the graphics created are only simple, they can be highly effective when there is the need for a quick and easy solution. PHP can also edit already existing graphics. Everyday uses include the creation of captcha boxes and creating new and unique avatars.
• Performing calculations seamlessly and easily, include complex mathematical equations to finding out what day falls on what date.
• Interaction with different MySQL databases. This is probably the most vital function, as it creates a huge amount of different possibilities. Complex tasks such as login pages and search features can be created this way.

JavaScript is a dynamic scripting language that has been around for over fifteen years, having first been designed by Brendan Eich in 1995. As well as its use for the creation of creating dynamic websites and user interfaces, it can also be used outside of the world of the internet, with its other uses also encompassing desktop widgets and PDF documents. It is this flexibility that has caused JavaScript to become one of the most widely used scripting languages in the world today.

The advantages of JavaScript

There are a multitude of advantages that those familiar with JavaScript can enjoy, which will lead to an increase in their programming skill and consequently work that is of a much higher standard.

The genius of JavaScript is that, once written, it is incredibly simple to implement, requiring only a basic amount of knowledge. With the easy task of putting the code in to the HTML and then ensuring the browser is aware that it is JavaScript, the whole process is complete! Whilst on the subject of browsers, JavaScript can automatically tell what browser is being used and make adjustments accordingly – commonly known as defensive scripting.

Finally – and most critically – JavaScript can allow the user to create extremely responsive interfaces that enhance the general browsing experience, as well as functionally being very dynamic. JavaScript is not limited to these benefits, however, as there are a number of smaller but just as significant features that can be used by programmers for a variety of different reasons. Whilst JavaScript was, until recently, laughed at by more serious programmers, it is now coming in to its own and proving itself to be a great tool.