Programming Languages and Technology

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         Programming languages are at the heart of most technology related courses. The concepts of programming are linked to cyber security, networking computers, and most concepts related to computer science. Joseph Marie Jacquard invented the Jacquard Loom in 1804 and was the first machine to use programmable punch cards to change the patterns of weaving without changing the mechanics of the machine (Vahid & Lysecky 1.2). Jacquard’s invention inspired computer programming for centuries after his invention and helped inspire coding for computer devices, like the IBM digital compiler.

            Ada Lovelace is also a key historical figure in programming languages and is often considered the first computer programmer. Ada took work from Charles Babbage (influenced by Jacquard) and was able to calculate new ways to use programming, beyond just mathematical calculations (Vahid & Lysecky 1.2). Computer programming languages developed over the decades and in the 1940’s and 1950’s were large machines that were not for personal use. By the early 2000’s, however, computers were widely available and now almost everyone has access to a computer in the form of laptops, desktop computers, smartphones, or even computers in TVs and other electronics.

            As computer hardware advanced and more individuals starting using computers, programming languages advanced as well. Understanding how hardware functions may not be necessary for a computer programmer, but as Suranga points out, “understanding the memory hierarchy helps programmers to write efficient and optimized code for engineering problems” (2021). Programmers need to be with familiar with hardware to make sure that their programs are running as efficiently as possible on a computer. Programmers also need to be aware of how the size of computers have changed drastically over just several decades. Moore made a prediction in 1965 that Integrated Circuits (ICs) would double in capacity around every two years.

That prediction has held true and in 1960 ICs were only capable of holding a few transistors. Today’s ICs can hold billions of transistors, which is why machines have gotten smaller and faster over time (Vahid & Lysecky 2.6). Programming languages have been able to advance as hardware has advanced, making programs faster and more efficient, as well. RAM has increased giving computers more processing speed, along with hard drive space and cache, giving programmers the capability of writing highly advanced programs in high languages like Python, Java, and C++.

            Programming has come a long way from the time of “0’s” and “1’s”. Programmers can now used advanced languages to write efficient codes. Python is a very popular language at the moment due to the accessibility for all individuals to use the programming platform for no cost and the availability of information available to users on the internet. Python is very useful for maintaining databases and writing codes to sort, list, and run queries of information for various programs. SQL is also a very useful language for pulling information from a database and allowing users to input, delete, or add attributes of information to the database with relative ease. Businesses find these tools invaluable for internal programming and business efficiency.

            Web development and application software is also a very useful tool for programmers. With the use of HTML, Java, Python, or other programming languages, high end websites can be developed. Knowing these languages allows a programmer to easily code for various software applications and also work for a variety of businesses with little to no learning curve. Programmers can even develop applications across the network and work on projects across the globe.

            While someone working in Network Security doesn’t necessarily need to know programming languages, knowing the language can help find weaknesses in software or web applications. “Coders analyze malware programs to determine how they work and find ways to stop them from functioning” and knowing the language can be invaluable when stopping viruses or malware (Webb 2022). The internet is a vast and wide web of connections and hackers are always looking for weaknesses in the network to either hack personal information from businesses or individuals or use personal information to do harm to others. Just knowing the basics of ping or traceroute can be a useful tool in finding the route the packets of information have taken and could even help to determine where the weakness in the network occurred.

            Programming languages are at the heart of the tech world. The concepts have been developing for centuries and new developments are constantly making programming languages faster, more efficient, and more useful in everyday life. Globally, computers are available to billions of people. Many people care a computer in their pocket every day. Programming is an ever-advancing career with endless possibilities in the future.

Suranga, S. (October 18, 2021). 5 Computer Hardware Concepts That Every Programmer                        Should Know. Level Up Coding. Retrieved from       https://levelup.gitconnected.com/ 5-                         computer-hardware-concepts-that-every-   programmer-should-know-32711c759dc0

Vahid, F., & Lysecky, S. (2019). Computing Technology for All. ZyBooks.

Webb, H. (November 16, 2022). The Connection Between Coding and Cybersecurity. Cyber                            Degrees. Retrieved from https://www.cyberdegrees.org/resources/coding-and-cybersecutity/


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