Python, the fastest growing and the most popular programming language

(c). 123rf.com

Python is the fastest-growing programming language, and by 2019 will significantly outstrip other languages in terms of active developers. With a 27% year-over year-growth rate, Python stands alone as a tag that is both large and growing rapidly; the next-largest tag that shows similar growth is R.

That's the prediction of programming Q&A hub Stack Overflow, based on the ballooning number of developers viewing questions about Python on its site. The extrapolation is based on a huge amount of data, Stack Overflow is the world's largest online community site for developers, with more than 50 millions amateur and professional devs visiting the site every month.

"The term 'fastest-growing' can be hard to define precisely, but we make the case that Python has a solid claim to being the fastest-growing major programming language," says Stack Overflow data scientist David Robinson in a blog post.

In the five years to June 2017, Python has gone from the least to the most popular of the top six programming languages, with a 2.5x increase in views of Python questions. Robinson says that these statistics relate to developers from "high-income" nations and are "generally representative of trends in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, and other such countries".

The popularity of Python is, in part, due to its flexibility, with the language used regularly by web and desktop developers, sysadmin/devops, and more recently by data scientists and machine-learning engineers.

"It seems like Python is used in every domain — system operations, web development, deployment, scientific modeling, etc etc. There is no other language that is so versatile," says Jacqueline Kazil, board director of the Python Software Foundation (PSF).

The rapid spread of Python also stems from its strong community, she says, as well as "the language itself, readability, conciseness, and the completeness of its standard library, which we call "batteries included".

Python won't just stay at the top, according to a predictive model put together by Stack Overflow's Robinson, but will decisively consolidate its lead over other languages over the next two years.

While interest in Java and JavaScript is forecast to remain static, views of Python-related questions will continue to climb, and by 2019 will account for about 15 percent of all views on Stack Overflow, the model predicts. (source: Techrepublic.com)

The exact difference between a coder, a programmer, a developer and a software engineer

Jack Dorsey is an American computer programmer, a co-founder and CEO of Twitter.

Maybe you have heard about these job titles in the past, but what exactly is the difference between them? Some people claim that it mostly depends on your education and on what you have achieved; in some way, this may be true, but some others claim that sometimes the company you are working for decides if you are a programmer, a developer or other, making it merely a job title. Let's take a closer look to this.

What is the exact difference between a coder, a programmer, a developer and a software engineer?

1. Coder

A Coder is a person in charge of writing the code that makes most of our apps run properly. Those who are coders have the ability to create software that can be used not only in apps but also in video games, social media platforms, and many others. Coders sometimes cannot do all the phases required in the making of a software, like designing or testing, they mostly take part only in the phase of writing the base code. In some cases, there are people who may get offended If you call them a coder.

2. Programmer

A Programmer is a bit more specialized person. They are able to create computer software in any primary computer language, like Java, Python, Lisp, etc. Programmers are said to go beyond coders, they may specialize themselves in one area or may even write instructions for a wide variety of systems.

They also understand quite well algorithms. Programmers can be similar to Developers but the ones who implements are not the same as the ones who can design or do a well class structure within the software. They can take care of many details.

3. Developer

A Developer can write and create a complete computer software out of nowhere taking care of the design and other features. They are key for the development of any software applications; they are also experts in at least one programming language. Some people consider them true professionals that can take care of all the generals. Developers can sometimes be more general when it comes to the development of a software, unlike Programmers.

4. Software Engineer

A Software Engineer is an individual that applies the principles and techniques of computer science or software engineering to everything regarding the development of a new independent software; from analyzing what the particular needs of the user are, going through the design, maintenance and testing, and even the final evaluation of the software. They are able to create software’s for any kind of system as operating systems software, network distribution, compilers and so on. They often have a college degree and can prove things theoretically.

Another way for understanding the differences between a Coder, a Programmer, a Developer and a Software Engineer is seeing them as a hierarchy or as stair, where the Coder can be found in the low section of the stair and the Software Engineer can be found at the top. Maybe to you all these job tittles may mean the same because you once knew a Developer that could do everything a Software Engineer can, but there are really some differences between them are worth knowing.

If some companies take special attention in the name of their employees or not, it is not such a big deal to worry about; what really matters is knowing what you can do and how well you can do it. (Vicky Singh Rao/technotification.com)

The top 15 highest paying programming languages and the salary you can expect

Computer programmer Emi Morikawa, 17, | YOSHIAKI MIURA/japantimes.co.jp

As the ever-expanding world of technology continues to grow in its reach, so too do the various jobs, skills, and programming languages. Since the dot-com bubble of the 1990s and early 2000s, we've seen a great proliferation of various programming languages, and that growth shows no signs of slowing.

Indeed, some lists suggest there are close to 300 different languages one can learn. It’s no secret that coding skills are highly sought after and often very well compensated in the workforce, but no one can learn every language, and some skills are more valuable than others.

As the tech industry continues to evolve and progress, it’s important to know how to choose a programming language to learn, what the best way to learn that language is, and how your choice might affect your employment future.

One key consideration, as with any job, is the salary you can expect after you’ve picked up your new skill. With that in mind, here are the fifteen highest paying programming languages for 2016:

1. Java
With the motto "Write once, run anywhere," Java has become a nearly ubiquitous concurrent language that can run on just about any platform imaginable, meaning developers who have mastered the language are always in high demand. Senior level Java developers can often expect salaries as high as $115,000.

2. Python
A highly versatile and very readable language, Python is used heavily by major players in the tech industry, such as Google and NASA, and senior-level Python developers can easily fetch a $100,000+ salary.

3. R
Otherwise known as GNU S, the R programming language is specialized for statistical computing and graphics development. Widely used by data miners and statisticians for data analysis, R can fetch some very high salaries exceeding $100,000, because the language is so specialized.

4. Objective-C
A modernized upgrade to its predecessor C, Objective-C is the main language used by Apple to develop its OS X and iOS platforms. It is used heavily by Apple for their APIs, Cocoa and Cocoa Touch. Because of Apple’s reliance on the language, Objective-C can fetch top-notch developers a salary that is close to six figures.

5. Swift
A relatively new language on the market as a streamlined companion to Objective-C, Swift has exploded in popularity recently as the main programming language for Cocoa and Cocoa Touch, Apple’s frameworks supporting iOS, OS X, watchOS, and tvOS. Demand and salaries are still on the rise for this young language, and Swift’s affiliation with Apple means a skillset that includes this language could easily earn six figures in the near future.

6. C#
Developed by Microsoft and part of the foundational family of C programming languages, C# (pronounced "see sharp") is known for its simplicity and wide general usage. C# developers can easily earn a solid $90,000+ in salary.

7. JavaScript
As one of the three main technologies for World Wide Web content production, it should be no surprise that JavaScript developers are among the most in-demand on the market. Whether it’s running a website on any browser without the need for plugins, implementing site-specific browsers or developing desktop widgets, there’s always work for a JavaScript developer. A senior JavaScript developer can typically expect a salary of at least $90,000.

8. Perl
Technically a family of related languages, Perl is generally known best as a popular CGI scripting language and is also used for graphics programming, system administration, and even some financial applications. Salaries vary based on the specific use, but Perl’s versatility means its programmers are always in high demand and can often expect a salary of no less than $80,000.

9. C++
Another member of the famous C family, C++ is best known for being an efficient and flexible language that is used to develop large systems such as desktop applications and server platforms. A very well-known and reliable language, C++ can often fetch its developers a salary of at least $80,000.

10. SQL
Short for Structured Query Language, SQL is a special-purpose language whose main function in development is managing the data in databases and data streams. It has grown widely in popularity recently and can demand salaries well into the $80,000 range.

11. Ruby on Rails
Also known simply as "Rails," Ruby on Rails has earned a very respectable reputation in recent years for its popular default structures for databases, web services and web pages. A Ruby on Rails job can consistently haul in a healthy salary of $75,000+.

12. C
Famous for the original "Hello, World!" program, C is one of the bedrock languages of modern computing and remains an incredibly useful language for efficiently mapping machine instructions for applications and operating systems. As it’s one of the most widely-known languages of all time, C developers are always in high demand, with salaries typically ranging anywhere from $60,000-$80,000.

13. PHP
Most often used specifically for server-side functions like web development, PHP has grown tremendously in popularity in recent years. Its web-facing features make it a highly-demanded skill, and PHP developers can easily claim salaries of over $75,000.

14. T-SQLShort for Transact-Structured Query Language, T-SQL is closely related to its predecessor, SQL, serving as the main line of communication with the SQL server for any application’s user interface. T-SQL is a very specific language that requires a certain skillset, so while it may not be in as high demand as some other language, specialists still get compensated well for mastery of the language and can pull in an average salary of over $70,000.

15. Ruby
Not to be confused with Ruby on Rails, Ruby is a sophisticated, modernized take on classic languages like C and PERL that emphasizes simplicity through natural syntax and easy-to-read code. Its broad appeal means even entry level developers can fetch salaries pushing $60,000, and senior level developers can earn salaries close to six figures.

It’s well documented that there is a shortage of top tech talent in the market, so no matter which of these highly lucrative languages you choose to tackle, you can’t go wrong. Start mastering one of these languages now and rest assured that your skillset will be in high demand. (malvastyle.com)

Here are the top 10 easiest programming languages for those looking to learn to program

(c). technotification.com

When it comes to breaking into a career as a developer or adding a new coding language to your skillset, certain languages are easier to pick up than others, according to a new report from WP Engine.

WP Engine surveyed 909 developers across the US. California, unsurprisingly, was home to the greatest percentage of programmers (14%), while states including Florida, New York, and Texas had a high volume of residential programmers. Nearly 70% of the programmers surveyed were men, and 30% were women.

Here are the top 10 easiest programming languages to learn, and the percentage of developers who designated them so, according to WP Engine.

1. HTML (13.3%)
HTML was designated both the easiest programming language to learn, and the one that programmers are the most comfortable with, WP Engine found. Created in 1990, this markup language is one of the primary tools for creating standard web pages and applications across any browser.

2. Python (9%)
Python is known for its high readability and simple syntax that is easy to learn, according to the report. "For new coders especially, the consistency and simplicity of Python both contribute to its ease of use and approachability," the report stated. Initially created in 1989, Python has been in use for almost 25 years since its first release in 1994.

3. Javascript (6.2%)
Javascript is an open source code that utilizes a combination of C, C++, and Java functions that are designed to allow programmers to pick the language that works best for them, the report stated. Javascript also took the top spot on the list of languages that programmers ranked as most creative.

4. PHP (4.9%)
PHP is an open source, general-purpose scripting language that is especially suited for web development, and can be embedded into HTML.

5. Java (4.6%)
Java is a general-purpose programming language that is specifically designed to have as few implementation dependencies as possible. Created in 1991, Java was also ranked as one of the most favored and most versatile languages to write in.

6. R (4.4%)
R is an open source programming language for statistical computing and graphics that is supported by the R Foundation for Statistical Computing.

7. Shell (4.4%)
A shell script is a computer program designed to be run by the Unix shell. It is typically used for file manipulation, program execution, and printing text.

8. Ruby (4.1%)
Ruby is a dynamic, open source programming language with a focus on simplicity. It also ranked high on the list of most creative programming languages.

9. Erlang (3.8%)
Erlang is a general-purpose, concurrent, functional programming language. It is used to develop concurrent and distributed systems.

10. Go (3.6%)
Go, Google's open source programming language, is helpful for developing web applications with minimal frameworks, web servers, or APIs, the report noted. It is also easy to deploy a Go app running on Google Cloud Platform. Go was also ranked one of the most intuitive programming languages. (source: Techrepublic/Alison DeNisco)