For the most part, the programming industry has remained somewhat static over the past decade. Java, C variants, and Python have all remained at the top of most programming lists, with PHP and ASP also rounding out the list for web development. Recently, however, many programmers have begun experimenting with more tailored programming languages, which are designed for more specific purposes and intended to extend these existing and well-known languages.
Crystal
Crystal is a language that almost serves as a consolidator. It has been designed to bring together the best features of numerous other languages, thereby intending to bring the “best of the best” into a single design. Some of the features of Crystal include static type-checking, which facilitates rapid design. Automatic memory management and native compilation also makes Crystal the programming language of choice for developers that need to develop fast.
Oden
Oden is essentially a re-development of the programming language Go, designed to improve upon the existing platform. The developer found some issues with the open source language that was initially developed by Google in 2007. The Go language is designed to be used for highly specific use cases, such as standalone command-line apps or very simple and small scripts. But beyond that, there are challenges creating more complex programs. Oden ideally makes it easier to develop desktop apps with the language. Oden is designed so that it can be used with Go, to make it easier for adopters.
Coconut
Python has long been the industry standard language for rapid prototyping, due to its low barrier to entry and ease of use. Nevertheless, the language itself has not changed for quite some time. The Coconut developer is designed to make functional programming easier to use on Python’s imperative programming base and to provide an alternative to traditional Python. Coconut itself should be fairly easy to get into for Python programmers, but it effectively works very differently because of its functional approach.
So what are the advantages to these new languages? For employees, these languages may not be all that sought after in the market right now; there are many more employers looking for Python programmers than Coconut programmers. But for developers and freelance programmers looking for an edge, any of these programming languages may be exactly the tool they need to create programs faster, more efficiently, and more solidly built. The common theme between Crystal, Coconut, and Oden is the ability to make things easier and better that can already be done in other languages. Because of this, certain projects may have an edge when developed in one over the other.
For many programmers, the more languages you know the better. If you’re currently looking for new challenges and new development options, don’t forget to consult the job listings at Software Specialists.