Chapter 1: The Landscape of Programming Languages

In the vast world of programming, there are reportedly around 700 different languages available, as per Google. This is quite a staggering number, especially since most developers only regularly use a handful of them. Here are my top picks for programming languages that are likely to remain crucial in the future:

1. JavaScript

   Often criticized, JavaScript is indispensable; without it, the internet as we know it would be fundamentally altered or rendered nearly non-functional.

2. C

   The foundation of operating systems, C is vital. Without it, systems like Windows, Linux, macOS, and even mobile platforms like iOS and Android would be unable to function, effectively turning them into mere hardware without purpose.

3. C++

   Known for its ability to maximize performance, C++ is unique among high-level languages. Without it, many tasks would revert to C, significantly hampering productivity.

4. Java

   If we were to forgo C++, Java would be the next critical language to retain. The absence of either would be detrimental, as both are essential in various applications.

5. SQL

   SQL is the backbone of database management. Without it, many applications, including websites and business software, would come to a standstill. The many variants of SQL are essential but differ significantly from one another.

6. Assembly Language

   Essential for writing startup routines that require specific low-level instructions, assembly language is crucial for computer operation. The absence of it would mean the end of computing as we know it.

7. GLSL

   As the OpenGL Shading Language, GLSL is pivotal for programming graphics cards. Despite being somewhat outdated, its standardization means that without it, we would lose the capability to develop video games and sophisticated graphical interfaces.

8. Python

   While it may face some criticism, Python's significance cannot be ignored. It remains a key player in many programming domains.

While we have covered eight critical languages, we should also acknowledge others, such as HTML, CSS, XML, and JSON. These are sometimes dismissed as mere file formats or protocols, but they play integral roles in web development.

The implications of a world devoid of languages such as C#, COBOL, FORTRAN, Haskell, VB, Lisp, Objective-C, Swift, Go, Rust, and Ruby would be profound, potentially halting the functionality of half of all applications and leaving a void that could take decades to fill.

Chapter 2: The Importance of Modern Programming Languages

In this video, we explore the top programming languages to learn in 2024 that can lead to high-paying job opportunities.

This video discusses the top five programming languages to learn in 2024, highlighting their relevance and potential for career growth.