Choose a Programming Language
An independent web developer--or anyone else with technical project needs--can become frustrated or confused by the wide variety of options in programming languages. He or she may become intimidated by the host of dynamic and static coding languages they have to choose from when they have to source an IT project with a specific language. Every project has its own specific needs for computer programming languages, but some experts have developed comprehensive steps for narrowing down the options for a specific computer coding project. Here are some of the most common steps that you can use to choose a programming language.
Steps
- Figure out what works for the team. In many cases, individual coders or managers are part of a greater team of people working on a project. Make sure you have the backing of various staff members to make the best decisions.
- Find out what works in context. Look at how it will fit into the greater context of a larger project or into continuing department operations.
- Examine your computer programming language choices within the greater software architecture of your business. Some computer programming languages are more compatible than others. Look at your operating systems and existing programs and applications in order to pick a language that works for you.
- Evaluate your needs for the interface of a project. Some computer programming languages are superior when it comes to crafting a visual interface, a GUI (graphical user interface) or other end-user presentation.
- Consider ease of learning and use for computer programming languages.
- Evaluate the availability of tools for each of your potential computer programming languages. Figure out what tools and resources are available to support your coding and implementation.
- Look at cross-platform ability. Some computer programming languages work better across different platforms than others. This can also be a significant part of your decision.
- Determine the ease of server-side and client-side scripting. Figure out how to use them on various "sides" of a project.
- Consider issues of general access and security for the computer programming languages that you choose. Some languages may relate differently to overall security concerns or issues of access by development staff, client staff or others.
- Ask managers and top level staff about security or other issues. If you are only responsible for certain technical coding issues, you may need to search beyond your pay grade to make sure that your choices resonate well through the entire operation that your IT projects will represent.
