Month: July 2020

In a world where technology advances at lightning speed, there are always new developments and novel ways of working to discuss. If you have an interest in programming languages, or you’re preparing to launch a project, which requires expert skills in this area, you might be wondering how to go about choosing the right language. With the range of options increasing year on year, there’s a lot to be said for taking the time to compare different languages before you make a decision. What works for one project might not necessarily be a perfect fit for another. This is why research is so valuable. In this guide, we’ll explore key factors that may influence the decision-making process, taking a closer look at a couple of the most commonly used languages and their applications and capabilities. 

Analyzing the project in detail

Before you start thinking about programming languages and trying to evaluate the pros and cons of each contender, it’s crucial to analyze your project in detail. Learning programming languages is very different from utilizing them on a specific job or task. When you’re in the planning stage, and you’re exploring different programming languages, try and avoid thinking about which languages you want to learn or master. Instead, focus solely on the project in hand and make it your mission to identify the language that ticks the most boxes. Ensure you understand the ins and outs of the individual project and what is required in terms of development and writing. If you have clear objectives, and you have in-depth knowledge of the inner workings, this will help you narrow down your options. 

Taking calculated risks

In many cases, developers and individuals who have an interest in employing programming languages make decisions based on industry standards and routine ways of working. Corporate IT departments, for example, may automatically gravitate towards high-profile languages like Java and C++ purely because this is the done thing and people are most familiar with these options. The trouble is that there are limitations, and not even the most popular and commonly used languages are ideally suited to every project. Taking calculated risks can help teams to develop their skills and discover new capabilities and superior ways of working by exploring different options and making changes that counteract shortfalls and address potential weaknesses. Stumbling across issues during the development stage can prompt evaluation, which may lead you in the direction of trying new languages. One key point to consider is the resources required to make changes at a late stage. If you get far down the line and then decide to embrace new programming languages, there’s a risk of delaying the project and increasing costs. It’s best to analyze and plan in advance to prevent disruption and produce better results from the outset. 

How are programming languages used?If you took a moment to do a quick Google search, you would find that there are myriad programming languages in use at the moment. The sheer number of names can cause confusion, particularly if you’re not au fait with all of the options, and you’re relatively new to programming. One of the most important questions to ask is ‘how are programming languages used?’ Different languages have different applications, and you might find that the nature of your project helps you to create a more realistic and useful shortlist. While Java and Javascript, C, C++ and Python are versatile languages that are used for web applications, mobile apps, operating systems, big data and data visualization, there are other languages that may fit the bill better if your project falls outside of these categories. Go, or Golang, is one example. A relative newcomer, Go is attracting plaudits from all over the world, and it is becoming an increasingly popular choice across several sectors. Google’s Go is making waves, but what is Golang used for? Go is suited to distributed systems, but it’s also an excellent option for individuals and companies running e-commerce sites and ventures and those offering on-demand services. Since its publication in 2009, several well-known brands have adopted Go, including Netflix, Dropbox, Uber, Apple, Facebook, Google and the BBC.

Catering for clients and recognizing individual requirements and preferences

If you’re taking on a job for a client, rather than working on your own individual project, you’ll need to bear the requirements and preferences of the customer in mind. While some clients may be happy to give you free rein and make decisions based on your research and your experience and expertise, others may express a preference in terms of the language they want to use. Some companies will want to stick to the same programming languages. If you are asked to use a specific language, you can either accept the brief and follow the instructions, or present a case for employing an alternative if you feel that there is a better option for the project in question. If you choose to take this route, make sure you’re able to back up your claims, explain your reasoning and highlight the benefits of switching to a different language for this particular job. You may find that the client is receptive to your ideas, and they may even start using a different language on a more frequent basis in the future. 

Weighing up the pros and cons

You understand the demands and the objectives of the project and you know how different programming languages are used. The next step is to weigh up the pros and cons before you make a final decision. There will be scenarios when it seems like different languages complement the project in different ways, and this can make narrowing down the options a challenge. One common comparison is Python versus Go. Both Python and Go are growing, and they offer a raft of benefits and advantages for businesses and individuals. Python is a popular choice for startups because the syntax is relatively simple and it is versatile. The majority of developers also have experience and knowledge of Python, which is advantageous when it comes to outsourcing and recruiting. Go is newer than Python, but it is growing exponentially, and it is particularly popular in the realms of e-commerce. Go is also one of the easiest languages to learn due to its similarity to existing C languages. Before you decide which language to choose, consider the advantages and disadvantages in the context of your project. General articles and lists of bullet points can be useful and enlightening, but you need to tailor your research to the task you’re taking on to ensure that the benefits are relevant and that any risks are mitigated. 

Evaluating constraints

When considering which programming language to use for a project, it’s essential to ask questions about potential constraints. Are there any conditions in place that could impact your decision, for example, budget, time or access to resources? If the task has to be completed very quickly, it may not be viable to switch programming languages if a team is used to working with a small selection of languages. If there is a limited budget, spending time training and learning and making changes to the status quo could push the figures up too far. There may be cases where it’s possible to negotiate or to push the boundaries slightly, but you might also find that some factors are non-negotiable, and this will probably affect the decisions you make. 

Viewing projects as the sum of their parts

If you’re a developer working on a project, it’s natural to focus on your individual job, but it’s hugely beneficial to consider the project as a sum of its parts. To make the right choices, you need to understand and recognize how all the individual elements come together to produce the desired outcome. In effect, you need to figure out how every cog turns so that you can ensure you make the right decision when you select a programming language. Take a moment to look at the bigger picture, think about the individual aspects and how they move together and then make your choice. Cooperation between different teams and departments is critical. 

Considering short-term and long-term goals individuals and teams often work with businesses and organizations on an ongoing or frequent basis. If you find yourself in a position where you have repeat jobs, it’s useful to work with your employer to identify both short-term and long-term objectives. While selecting one language might produce the desired results now, embracing alternatives may contribute to better results in the future. Standing still in this arena can be dangerous, as developments occur constantly. Businesses that are stuck in the metaphorical dark ages may find that they fall behind.

The spectrum of programming languages is broadening all the time. While this is beneficial, it can also cause confusion when it comes to choosing a language for a specific project. When making this decision, it’s wise to bear several factors in mind, to make sure you have a profound understanding of the project and to work cooperatively and cohesively to produce the best outcomes now and in the future.

The world of tech and the internet can be a complex, confusing one for those who don’t already know it. It is a place with its own special language – several, in fact – shortcuts, technical terminology, and a host of different ways to accomplish tasks. To many people, especially individuals who didn’t grow up on the internet, figuring out how to use it in your work and personal lives can feel overwhelming. It doesn’t help that many message boards and help centers can be full of less-than-helpful opinions, particularly for newbies in the crowd. However, at the same time, the internet has already become essential to our day-to-day life. Can anyone imagine a world without it? As our economy becomes more global, more people work from home, and businesses try to capitalize on new technology, the internet will only become more ubiquitous. Whether you are self-employed, working for another business, or you simply want to communicate with the world, it’s time to put aside your fears and get on board with the basics. 

Wifi and Mobile Data

Alright, so this might seem like a very obvious one to start off with – but if we’re covering the basics, we might as well do it properly. With more and more people working on their phones, you might be surprised how many do not realize they have their mobile data switched on. Some internet consumers might be confused by what mobile data is, and even more of us may struggle to explain the differences between the two.

Ultimately, wifi and mobile data provide the same service: access to the internet. People buy wifi from a broadband provider, whereas mobile data is offered by mobile phone companies as part of their packages. Apart from that, the main difference is that Wifi will only work within the range of a local router, whereas mobile data will function anywhere with a network signal (so, for example, anywhere within range of a ‘Virgin’ signal tower), making it much more flexible. So, if you leave your house and your internet is still working, chances are you’ll have switched to your mobile data connection!

Cloud Hosting

Simply put, cloud hosting is one of the best ways to share files with friends and colleagues. Gone is the time when you had to wait days for an email attachment to download; cloud hosting makes this process quicker and simpler if you know the basics. Cloud hosting can be done through several platforms, the most popular being Dropbox and Google Drive, although there are others. They all have pros and cons, but they all work in a similar way, so if you only need a basic service, you don’t need to worry too much about which one you choose. Essentially, you can upload a file from your computer to a special online folder, at which point that file becomes saved in the ‘cloud’ – so it isn’t tied to your computer hardware. If your computer dies, your file will survive. You can then share a link that will allow people to see or edit the file as you see fit. That document will then be available for you and your friends or colleagues to view and edit together in real-time, saving the need for long email chains and lengthy download times. 

Website Design 

In the early days of the internet, website design was one of the jobs reserved for an elite number of software designers and technophiles. Now, it can be done by almost anyone who is willing to put in a bit of time to figure out the basics. You do not need to be able to code in order to build a website. This has been made possible through website builder companies such as Wix and Squarespace. First, you need to purchase a domain name. This will form the main part of your URL, and will usually be your company name or similar. You can do this through Squarespace, or if you’d rather you can use an alternative site such as GoDaddy, and import the information into Squarespace so you can build the website around it. After this, it is simply a matter of design. Both Wix and Squarespace offer free templates for different purposes. All you need to do is choose one, then copy and paste your own content into the correct fields. Sounds relatively easy, doesn’t it? Of course, as with everything internet-related, building a website is an iceberg that can get more complicated the deeper you dive – however, it’s perfectly possible to get started and build something simple without dipping a toe too far beneath the surface.

Text Files

What do text files have to do with the internet, you might be asking. Well, if you’re using any connection to send files to other people, there are a couple of problems you might run into. The most likely issue will be one of file types. Everyone will be working with slightly different systems and software versions, so a file that opens on your computer may not open on someone else’s, and vice versa. This is particularly problematic when attempting to send documents between Windows and Apple computers, as often their inbuilt software will be incompatible. Rather than panic, when this happens all you need to do is look up file conversion software that can turn any problem file into something you can read. PDFs are a great example as they are compatible with most devices. If you want to get even more impressively tech-savvy, have a look at pdf generation c# for more advanced ways of creating and converting PDFs from code itself. 

Security

Internet security can feel baffling, but it’s one of the most important areas to be aware of and try to understand. Simply by connecting to the internet, you will be putting yourself at risk of attack in a number of ways, from hacking, virus infection, password-stealing, and even identity theft. Again, this might make you wary of connecting at all – but you shouldn’t let the risks scare you away. By following a few simple rules, you should be able to protect yourself and your data as much as possible. Firstly, use different, random passwords for different sites – and if you keep a record to remember them, do this offline using a pencil and paper, to avoid them being stolen by hackers. Make sure to invest in anti-virus software for all your devices, and follow their instructions to keep yourself as safe as possible. When you are making purchases from the internet, keep an eye out for an ‘s’ appearing after the http part of the URL (e.g. https). This tells you that the page you are on is encrypted, so people won’t be able to steal your bank details as you type them in. Never enter your details on a page without that little ‘s’! Finally, keep a cynical eye out for scams, and never open an email if you’re not sure who it’s from – always delete anything suspicious unread, as it’s possible for malicious software to get into your computer simply from opening the email. If you follow these simple steps, you’ll be protecting yourself from the majority of threats.

Finding Information

The internet is a treasure trove of information if you know where to look. The most important lesson to learn here is that Google is not your own avenue of exploration! There are many different search engines, including Bing, AOL, Yahoo, Ask, and more. Often, different sites will rank higher in different search engines, so it’s worth trying a few if you want to spread your net wide for information. At the same time, be aware that many businesses are now investing highly in SEO (that’s Search Engine Optimization) to make their website place higher in search results, thus resulting in more website traffic. If you’re looking for specific information, it’s worth visiting a range of sources to ensure the answers you are getting are consistent and accurate.

Trusting the Internet

It isn’t an exaggeration to say you can do almost anything on the internet. The beauty of it is that it can function as an open-source form of community, communication, and information-spreading, alongside a resource for businesses, commerce, and government. However, to be truly tech-savvy, you will need to keep your eyes open and figure out who and what you can trust. Remember that people are behind every website you visit, and it’s important to remember that people don’t always tell the truth. Trust your gut, and look for signs that the information you’re receiving is accurate. These signs include professional layouts, good spelling and grammar, verified sources, and reviews or feedback found on external websites. By double-checking and seeking corroboration, you will be going a long way towards avoiding scams and ensuring you are accessing professional sources. 

Conclusion

Technology is improving by the day, and the internet has become a vital part of our working and personal lives. It is not without its risks, but by learning some basic tools to utilize and navigate, you will be able to keep yourself safe and access a number of incredibly valuable resources.