Writing code can seem like a daunting task, even when programming in languages which are considered easier to use because they rely on English words to provide computing instructions. Daunting can become downright incomprehensible when it comes to languages where the commands are provided to the computer’s processor using symbols that the processor can understand directly. Nevertheless, programming is what allows our electronic devices to perfom useful functions and a basic understanding can go a long way.

When it comes to web content, think of programming languages as power tools: each serves a specific purpose and which one to use will depend on the work to be done. But, speed and security are often considerations. Where the code is to reside will also influence which language to use: code is built in the web page and is run almost instantly by the browser. As a result, it is faster to execute, but less secure. Mostly, this type of coding combines three languages: to create the structure of the page, to control the appearance of the page’s elements and which allows for interaction with the page’s elements.

By contrast, code is saved on a remote computer and is only perfomed when the user sends an instruction to the remote computer where it is processed prior to being sent back to be displayed in the user’s browser. Since an extra step is needed, this type of code can be a bit slower, although it provides added security. Many different languages can be used when coding this way, but a frequent combination involves to provide instructions, and to store, retrieve and send data back.

Since content is increasingly accessed using smartphones, new programming languages have emerged for these devices, namely for iOS devices and for Android devices. Although not languages in themselves, general building systems also exist that allow for the development of apps and web content to be used on different devices. These are called cross-platform frameworks and include .