Coding languages are like cars; they may have different specifications and specialized interests, but the basic principles and components are always the same. So it can be reasonably argued that the most intimidating factor for newbie coders, is a programming languages’ syntax. Or in other words, how complicated it looks, feels and is to implement.
Yeah….That looks easy @sarcasm
And we’re here to solve that very problem, so buckle up and get ready to be amazed by Geek Magazine’s top five easiest coding languages. Gone are the days when scary binary code, complicated C and C++ syntax, long and pointless Java scripts, were the bread and butter of the computing world. Just like everything else technological, programming languages have become relatively simple, fun, accessible and easy to work with.
While the big guns such as C++ and Java are still required for the creation of games and software application, simpler and more intuitive programs have been steadily growing in fame (and features) for the past ten years. Beginners are no longer required to do such menial coding tasks as memory allocation (e.g., how much memory to spare for a certain task), variable definition (defining a storage location’s type) and so and so forth.
These days, it’s a simple as giving a computer the order, and then just sitting back while the magic happens.
1. Python
Python does look a bit too number heavy and all, but it’s just an illusion. The theme of python is; sense and simplicity, combined with power and versatility. An inherent flaw with “simple” coding languages (and consequently the reason why complicated ones are still so popular) is that they lack versatility.
Their like Eco-cars, where’s as C++ and Java are like Ferrari. But Python is here to change the game, despite the simple learning curve (even if it doesn’t look that way), there’s a lot of power under the hood, and tons of versatility to use that power on. So, if you want to make a serious program, game or application, with simple to use and easy language, Python is the top contender. And it’s also multi-platform, which is awesome.
2. Ruby
Developed in the 1990s by Yukihiro “Matz” Matsumoto-san in Japan, Ruby is mash up of Perl, Eiffel, Lisp, and SmallTalk (these are all outdated but also easy coding languages). Despite its colorful genetic make up, Ruby is pretty simple, not only because of the syntax (Python is still easier in that regard), but more because of its organizational structure.
Other programming languages out there, easy or otherwise, have some pretty obscure or very nerdy terminology, but not Ruby. All prospective Ruby programmers will fall in love with the idea of gems (which are easy to add packages), and the insistence upon a human interface, a human system and a human friendly syntax. I dare not say so, but it looks like Ruby was designed to be used by actual…humans. Ruby is also cross platform.
3. HTML 5
A lot of people will argue that HTML is not a true programming language. I would like to argue in turn, that they are dead wrong. With the birth of HTML 5, this internet-based programming language has very much taken over the work of Javascript, Flash and even CSS to a certain extent. So it is sort of like two and half programming languages in one.
Although the uses of HTML 5 are exclusively online, their robustness, ease of use, lack of clutter and lovely functionality make this the number one language to learn for web designers. HTML 5 is a language that just gives and keep on giving, and is even easier than Python (that’s a very huge accomplishment and compliment). HTML 5 will work in any browser, so the issue of platform limitations does not even arise.
4. Visual Basic
Visual Basic is a staple part of any beginner’s programing course, and for good reason. With an easy (if slightly longer than Ruby’s) syntax and a very, very heavy emphasis on creating code within an actual window (hence the “Visual” part of the name), this language is a great teacher of basic programming principles and also makes making programs easy, fun and pretty quick.
But, and this is a big but, it’s designed to work on Windows only. As I said before, the easier a language is, the more features it loses. In this case, compatibility is but a dream.
5. AppleScript
AppleScript is so, so easy, I’m even afraid to call it a proper programming language. There is virtually no other language that uses basic, almost conversational level English, as its native syntax.
The entire language revolves around “Telling” a certain “Program [Mail, Safari, iTunes]” to “Do” a certain task. If all you’re looking for is the easiest programming language, this is the Holy Grail, unfortunately, if you’re looking for versatility and features, it’s the exact opposite of that (the Holy Chamber Pot)?
Even within its native Mac OS X operating system; AppleScript can only be used to basically automate tasks, create custom functions within predefined applications and other such minor tweaks. It is like being given the tools to fix a car, not the tools to create one.
So what do you think of Geek Magazine’s top five easiest programming languages? Sound off in the comments!
Mohseen Lala
Mohseen is the native Yeti of Geek Insider, specializing in consoles, Apple tutorials, reviews and anything that's fun, geeky and worth writing about.
