What are the common programming languages?

For Android

Java

Java is a popular and versatile multi-platform programming language used to build web and mobile apps, and much more. It has a clear syntax or structure that makes it easy to read and learn. It’s also supported by a robust ecosystem of frameworks and libraries that help to expedite development. 

Java applications can run on various devices and operating systems without needing to be recompiled, or changed into a different programming language. It’s widely used for its versatility and minimal implementation dependencies, allowing Java code to be written once and run on multiple platforms.

Use cases: Web development, game development, server-side development, data analysis, cloud networks, big data, IoT, machine learning, automation.

Kotlin

Kotlin is a concise and expressive cross-platform programming language that’s the preferred language for Android app development. Designed to use the same code as Java, Kotlin is a practical choice for projects that want to use existing Java libraries and frameworks while gradually adopting Kotlin as the primary language. 

Kotlin is an alternative to Java because it’s more modern, functional, and enjoys robust support from the developer community. With the help of APIs, it allows access to user interface (UI) kits that help expedite development and improve the functionality of Android-based apps.

Use cases: Android app development, server-side programming.

C++

C++ is a high-performance programming language that was created as an extension of the C programming language. It lets developers directly manipulate memory, leading to high performance and versatility. The ability to control system resources makes it a popular choice for resource-constrained environments.

Use cases: Game development, system-level programming, performance-critical applications.

For iOS

Swift

Swift is a high-level programming language created by Apple for developing iOS and macOS applications. Designed as a successor to the Objective-C programming language, it combines features of various programming languages to provide a safe, efficient way to develop software across Apple platforms. 

Swift works seamlessly with existing Objective-C codebases and offers a modern, expressive syntax and features set. It’s easy to read and write and serves as the primary language for Apple platforms.

Use cases: iOS and MacOS app development.

Objective C

Objective C is a general-purpose programming language that was the primary language used to develop iOS and MacOS software before the introduction of Swift. An extension of the C programming language, it can be used with C and C++ code. 

Though Apple still supports Objective C, and it’s useful for maintaining legacy projects, there are no updates planned. Swift is a newer language with more useful features for modern app development.

Use cases: iOS and MacOS app development.

Java

Java is a popular and versatile multi-platform programming language used to build web and mobile apps, and more. It has a clear syntax or structure that makes it easy to read and learn. It’s also supported by a robust ecosystem of frameworks and libraries that help to expedite development. 

Java applications can run on various devices and operating systems without needing to be recompiled, or changed into a different programming language. It’s widely used for its versatility and minimal implementation dependencies, allowing Java code to be written once and run on multiple platforms.

Use cases: Web development, game development, server-side development, data analysis, cloud networks, big data, IoT, machine learning, automation.

JavaScript

JavaScript is an essential programming language used to create dynamic and interactive user interfaces for apps and websites. A pillar of web development, Javascript works with other languages like CSS and HTML to create the user-facing elements of most apps and websites. These elements include animations, pop-ups, videos, social media embeds, drop-down menus, and other components. 

Unique for its ability to run on a browser instead of a server, Javascript allows websites and apps to make updates without refreshing pages. It enables the dynamic, interactive, and user experience of modern websites and mobile applications.

Use cases: Web development, user interfaces, server-side development (with Node.js).

React

React is a widely-used JavaScript library that simplifies the development of complex user interfaces (UIs). Designed by Facebook, it’s used to build dynamic and interactive UI experiences from modular and reusable components. This component-based architecture allows for efficient rendering by reducing the need to re-render UI elements, allowing for optimized UI performance. React is popular among developers for its simplicity, reusability, performance, community support, and is free and open-source.

Use cases: UI development for web applications, mobile applications (with React Native SDK), and desktop applications.

React Native

React Native is a user interface (UI) framework that allows developers to build Apple and iOS mobile applications using the JavaScript and React programming languages. It allows for cross-platform app development using a single codebase, saving time and resources while enabling a consistent user experience across platforms. 

Developers can use their knowledge of JavaScript and React in combination with the pre-built UI components of React Native to create robust apps for many use cases. These components ensure a native look and feel for the app, whether it's used on iOS or Android platforms.

Use cases: Android and iOS app development.

Flutter

Flutter is an open-source user interface (UI) development kit created by Google for building cross-platform applications for Android, iOS, web, and desktop from a single codebase. It allows developers to quickly create apps for different operating systems while ensuring visual consistency and native platform performance. 

Also known as a software development kit (SDK), Flutter consists of prewritten code, ready-to-use widgets, libraries, and documentation that help developers to efficiently build visually appealing, high-performance cross-platform apps. It uses the cross-platform programming language Dart.

Use cases: Android and iOS app development.

Unity

Unity is a cross-platform development platform that allows developers to prototype and create 2D and 3D video games for iOS and Android and other platforms. Also called a gaming engine, Unity uses the programming language C# to define the functionality of game objects and implement game logic. 

It also provides a video editor that helps to design characters, objects, and environments. It’s popular for its user-friendly interface, robust feature set, and ability to deploy projects on various platforms, including iOS, Android, PCs, consoles, web browsers, augmented reality, and virtual reality platforms

Use cases: 2D and 3D game development, virtual reality app development, augmented reality app development.

Unreal

Unreal is a game development platform (or engine) used to create game experiences and other interactive experiences across desktop and mobile devices. Known for real-time rendering capabilities, Unreal allows users to create visually realistic graphics. 

It uses the C++ programming language to define the functionality of game objects and implement game logic. C++ is a difficult language for developers to learn, which adds to the technical overhead and resources needed to use the platform.

Use cases: Cross-platform game development, architectural visualizations, simulations, virtual reality.