Best Open-Source Programming Languages

“Which open- source programming language do you use often?"

 

I am sure many coders come across the above question frequently. And surprisingly, it’ll be another coding enthusiast asking it. Yes, it’s because being good at coding and knowing which platform is best for coding are both equally important. 

 

Coding and creating programs has become a vital trend with tech giants like Facebook, Apple, Google, etc all relying on open-source in present times. So, it’s definitely important for you to know what are the best open-source programming languages that you can use to make your code run properly.

 

Let’s find out about what is an open source programming language and which languages are the best one.

 

“Everybody should learn to program a computer, because it teaches you how to think.” - Steve Jobs

 

Also Read | Application Programming Interface (API)

 

What is an Open-Source Programming Language?

 

There is no one who owns open-source programming languages per se. They are widely available and are generally maintained by a group. Also, they are frequently freely given under various open-source licences. This means that open-source languages are largely open, allowing anybody to alter them, and they are not usually proprietary. 

 

They can be exposed to the public to varying degrees, depending on the open-source protocol utilized. Some of the most prominent and widely used programming languages are open source.

 

Some programmers develop code libraries that may be utilised by other developers in addition to generating a large open-source project database of information that is freely available. 

 

This is particularly important when constructing an app since code libraries save a lot of time when writing an app's source code, preventing a project from starting from scratch.

 

Why should you use Open-Source Programming Languages?

 

• The open-source programming language's best characteristic is that it is not confined to any single ownership.

 

• Open source programming languages contain its source code or access to the source code in order to edit or customize it as needed. And such improvements, like the original programming language, may be spread.

 

• Every open source software licence distribution binds the community's rights to the person to whom it is delivered.

 

• It makes no attempt to be technology-specific or to presuppose any certain technology.

 

Also Read | Best Programming Languages for Machine Learning

 

Check out this video to understand deeply as to why you should use open-source languages.

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What are the best open-source programming languages?

 

1. C++ and C

2. Java

3. Javascript

4. PHP

5. Scala

6. R programming

7. Python

8. Kotlin

9. Swift

10.  Ruby

 

Let’s discuss these programming languages in detail.

 

1. C++ and C

 

You can get an idea from some of the coding biggies why C and C++ are one of the best open-source programming languages.

 

C and C++ programmers may utilize compilers for a broad range of platforms, making programmes written in these languages very portable. C and C++ are both considered great programming languages. 

 

As a result, they are commonly used in the development of applications where efficiency is crucial, such as client/server apps, products such as Firefox and Adobe, and gaming consoles.
 

2. Java

 

When working with Java, it is easier than ever to get to the core components. Java is well-known for its cross-platform portability, from mainframe data centres to smartphones. 

 

There are currently over 3 billion devices running Java-based applications. It's popular in online and application development, as well as large data. 

 

Netflix, Twitter, and Google are just a few examples of how widely corporations employ Java as an open-source programming language. Java enables users to develop database software, online applications, and mobile apps. 

 

Java programmers have a large online community that helps each other solve difficulties. Java is a more difficult language to master, yet experienced Java developers are in high demand.

 

3. Javascript

 

Javascript, originally known as LiveScript, was established in 1995. However, because Java was such a popular language at the time, it was marketed as Java's "younger brother." 

 

JavaScript grew into a fully separate language over time. It is one of the most current programming languages of open-source programming languages, and it has experienced rapid growth. 

 

Furthermore, it has the potential to be utilised in open-source projects as both a front-end and back-end programming language. Javascript is the most widely used programming language in the world, and it is in great demand among a wide range of enterprises.

 

4. PHP

 

Although PHP has lost its popularity as the de-facto programming language for web development, it has not lost its place as one of the most widely used open-source programming languages. It is used to create more than 80% of websites on the Internet, including Facebook and Yahoo. 

 

PHP may also be used by developers to produce command-line scripts, and it can also be used by programmers with advanced PHP coding abilities to create desktop programmes. This language's most intriguing feature is its dynamic capabilities, which merge well with database manipulation functions.

 

5. Scala

 

Scala is a contemporary programming language that is widely regarded as one of the top open-source computer languages. Scala can execute on both the JVM and the JavaScript runtime, resulting in a more sustainable option for developers, particularly in online development.

 

It takes a fresh approach that mixes functional and object-oriented programming. It is a statically typed language that helps to eliminate bugs throughout the development process. 

 

Expandable programming language (Scala) supports both functional and objective programming. This feature lowers system bugs throughout the design and development of the system.

 

6. R programming

 

R-coded applications may interact with a variety of databases and analyze both unstructured and structured data.

 

R has a moderate period of adjustment and is not as simple to learn as some of the other languages discussed in this article. R programming, like all other open-source programming languages, has an incredibly active developer community, which is always an advantage when acquiring new coding abilities.

 

7. Python

 

Python is widely regarded as one of the most sought-after programming languages for data science and AI applications, and it continues to be one of the most valuable contributors in the development community. This open-source programming language includes a number of useful third-party packages. 

 

Python is utilized by famous websites such as YouTube, Quora, Pinterest, and Instagram, as well as scientific and computational applications such as FreeCAD and Abacus. 

 

It is also used to create 2D images and 3D graphics software such as Blender, Inkscape, and Autodesk. It has also been employed in the development of popular video games such as Civilization IV, Vegas Trike, and Toontown.

 

8. Kotlin

 

Kotlin is another current programming language among the open-source programming languages that has grown in popularity since its creation. This is a contemporary programming language that is statically typed and operates on the Java Virtual Machine (JVM). It can also translate to JavaScript source code. 

 

The primary reason for Kotlin's popularity is its interoperability with the Android operating system. Kotlin is widely utilised in the creation of Android apps, online applications, desktop applications, and server-side applications. 

 

Kotlin was designed to be superior to Java, and those that use it are persuaded. The majority of Google's apps are written in Kotlin.

 

9. Swift

 

Swift is classified as a contemporary programming language among open-source programming languages. Despite the fact that it's very new to this era, this language is thriving these days. It is popular in the present iOS application development environment since it gives developers a lot of simplicity. 

 

Swift is an open-source programming language that is simple to learn and supports practically everything from the Objective-C programming language. It's used in programmes like WordPress, Mozilla Firefox, SoundCloud, and even the game Flappy Bird on iOS.

 

10. Ruby

 

Despite being developed in the 1990s, Ruby has gained popularity in recent decades. Ruby is an object-oriented, dynamic, interpreted language. Surprisingly, it has a lot in common with Python. Ruby on Rails powers the majority of online applications. 

 

Ruby developers praise it for being a simple language to learn and for the short amount of time it takes to master. These characteristics have resulted in a strong community of Ruby developers and increased interest in the language among new developers.

 

Also Read | Best Programming Languages for Machine Learning

 

 

Conclusion

 

“Whether you want to uncover the secrets of the universe, or you just want to pursue a career in the 21st century, basic computer programming is an essential skill to learn.” - Stephen Hawking

 

The above 10 open-source programming languages are best according to my research and understanding. But before you approach creating an application make sure that you are well versed with the language. It is integral to remember that research is a topmost priority whether one is coding for the first time or the 100th time. 

 

Following the creation of the first digital computers in the mid-twentieth century, application programs were created. Many in the computer software development sectors began to realise the possibilities for non-proprietary software and programming languages as they expanded and varied.  This ultimately resulted in the creation of the open-source movement's roots.