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Factors affecting the choice of programming languages

Learn: In this article we are going to study about the different factors which affect the choice of programming language. We understand the different aspects which are uses in choosing or comparing different programming languages. We understand the purpose of programming languages. By: Amit Shukla Last updated : April 11, 2023

Overview

For developing different types of applications different programming languages are available. To develop a software for a specific application, one needs to carefully choose a programming language so as to ensure that the program can be developed easily and efficiently in a specific period of time. There are certain factors that must be considered by a programmer while choosing a programming language for a software development.

Different factors which affect the choice of programming languages

The following are the different factors which affect the choice of programming languages:

1. Purpose

It specifies the objective of the programming language. It specifies the objective for which a program is being developed. If application want too developed is commercial applications, then some business oriented programming language such as COBOL is preferred. Similarly, if some scientific application is to be developed then it is best to use some scientific oriented language and we know that the best language which can use for scientific purpose is FORTRAN. The programs related to Artificial Intelligence (A.I) field can be developed efficiently in the LISP or prolog programming languages. Some objects oriented language should be preferred for developing web based applications. A middle level language such as C should be chosen for developing system programs.

2. Programmer Experience

Ifone and more than one programming language is present for developing the same program or same application, then a programmer should choose a language as per his comfort level. Generally, the programmer should go to the language in which he has more experience. For this, the programmer can also compromise with the power of programming language.

3. Ease of Development and Maintenance

Any programmer always develop program using the language in which he feels comfort. Generally, the object oriented languages are preferred over the procedural oriented language because the code developed in these languages can be reused and maintained with great ease.

4. Suitability

Suitability of a programming language can be check on the base of these two points:

1. The programming language will work on all platforms (different web browsers) that are required?
2. Programming language has the appropriate features (will allow multiple users to use at same time) that are required?

5. Performance and Efficiency

These are two important factors which need to be considered before choosing any programming language for software development. The language in which the programs can be developed and executed rapidly should always preferred. In addition, the languages, which require less amount of memory for the storage of programs, should be chosen.

6. Availability of IDE

The language with an IDE (Integrated Development Environment) of well supported development, debugging and compilation tools should be preferred. A powerful IDE helps in increasing the productivity of a programmer.

7. Error Checking and Diagnosis

These are two factors involve finding the errors and their cause in a program. A programmer must choose a programming language, which contains efficient error handling features. For example, Java provides an efficient error handling mechanism of try / catch block. The try / catch block. The try / catch block in Java programs can be used to handle the unexpected errors that may occur during the execution of a program. Error checking and diagnosis is very important for developing quality and error free programs. A programming language with efficient and robust error detection and correction mechanism eases the task of code development and testing.