TGIF! This week we brushed up on some industry updates about programming languages. Is Python still the most in-demand language for developers? What’s the best language for data scientists?

Check back at the end of each week for our Friday finds. Here’s what we’re reading – August 31.

Top programming languages

There’s a lot of debate about the “top” or “best” programming languages. We teach our curriculum based on Python because it’s an ideal first programming language and a great foundation on which to build and and learn additional, more complex languages. But is simplicity best? Do you need the complication of COBOL or C++? What if you want to go into a specific field like AI and Machine Learning, or Data Science?

Cracking into Data Science

Can Julia replace Python and R for Data Science? and 5 Best Programming Languages For Data Science by Anchit Sharma for TechWorm.

The good news for Hackbrighters, and those who already know Python and R, in the industry: you don’t need to learn a whole new language. While newer languages like Julia have been developed with Data Science in mind, there’s a reason why languages like Python remain the at the top of the list. They’re clean, consistent, and have been tested and developed over many years. While Julia may eventually overtake Python in popularity for Data Science, it’s like a long way off, and you’ll have plenty of time to learn the language as it evolves.

Also, spoiler, want to know the #1 best programming language for Data Science? Yep, it’s still Python.

The newbies

Top 5 New Programming Languages With High Demand by Vicky Singh Rao for Technotification.

Now that we’ve established that foundational languages like Python, Java, and R aren’t going anywhere. What is on the horizon for programmers? We strongly believe in continuing to build your education – and one of the best ways to do that in the engineering field is to stay on top of the newest languages and their applications. Whether you’re learning Swift for iOS development or Julia for Data Science, this round up is a great refresher on what’s new on the scene.

What are you reading, watching, and listening to? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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