How many times did you use your smartphone in a day?
“What a silly question, I don’t count. I’m always on my phone.”
Don’t worry, I’m not judging you as there are many others like you. People spend most of their time on their smartphones, sometimes reading emails and doing other work (fun) things while the rest of the time is dedicated to endless scrolling on social media sites and skipping those youtube ads.
Though, what’s important is that smartphones have become the necessity of today’s world. This leads to open-up new opportunities for business owners. If they can reach their potential customers on their phone (a place where they spent most of their time), they can easily sell their product or service.
Luckily there are mobile apps that help businesses to reach their potential customers with the help of modern technology. Businesses know the benefit of offering their service or product through mobile apps. These mobile applications are leading the digital marketing, providing a new and efficient way of doing business. They also help in brand awareness, increasing revenue and attracting new customers. However, if you are just starting out you need the right tools (that you can figure out easily) and the best programming languages for your project.
There are a number of mobile app development companies in India, that offer their premium app development service to help startups and businesses to start and grow.
But whether you hire an app developer or partner with a mobile development company, you need to know about all the different programming languages. Don’t worry here is a collective list of 15 best programming languages of 2020 for mobile app development that both businesses and developers can check to see the market trend.
1. Python
Released in 1991, Python is the most taught programing language in schools and colleges. The reason is simple, real-life applications of python are more than any other programing language. From web development to mobile app development and creating desktop GUIs, python is the solution for various app development needs. Mobile computing and database access layers might still need some work but it can handle that too. Python works on simple philosophies that allow building beautiful apps rather than just writing messy codes.
Key features of using python
- Interpreter can process the code at runtime
- Easy to learn
- Scalable opportunities
- Best to build GUI applications
- Supports multiple systems and platforms
- Extensive support library
- OOPs driven(Object-Oriented Programming)
2. Java
Developers love Java, that’s why it has become the most used and best programming language in the world. When it comes to mobile app development, Java turns out to be even more beneficial. Android OS is written in Java, which makes it easier for mobile developers to offer more functionality to android apps. One can develop android apps, server apps, web apps, big data solutions, mobile/computer games, etc.
Key features of using Java
- It’s an object-oriented programing language
- Easy integration of APIs for database connection, utilities, networking, etc.
- Open-source language
- Extensive open-source libraries
- Always ready-to-help community
Also Read: Software Development Trend To Keep An Eye On This 2020
3. PHP
Designed by Zend Technologies, PHP is a server-side programming language. Initially, it was used to design and develop websites, however in today’s world, apart from server coding, PHP can be also used for command-line scripting and developing mobile apps as well. Learning PHP or choosing it as your mobile app development language will put you in control apart from a mobile app you can easily develop responsive websites and web apps using PHP.
Key features of using PHP
- It’s a function and object-oriented programing language
- Easy accessibility to tools for testing and deploying
- Open-source
- Easy to learn
- A large community of developers helping each other
- Server compatible
However, the lack of bug testing tools makes it a poor choice when it comes to error handling. But people love to use it for developing web applications, cms and e-com applications.
4. Swift
Specifically designed to write code for iOS and OS X, Swift is the fastest growing programing language in the world. It is fast, easy to master, and developers working in Linux can also use the benefits of this new mobile app development language. However, Apple is not stable with providing regular updates and considering it as a new language, there aren’t many communities to look for help.
Key features
- Similar to the natural English language
- High-level programing language, as it makes it easy to add features.
- Automatic memory management
- Short code-lines, means smaller code
- Open source, so that anyone can use it
- Simplified version of objective C
- Google is considering to make Swift its first-class programming language
5. C#
C# also known as C Sharp, is a programming language loved by the enterprises. Developed by Microsoft, C# can be used for more than just for mobile app development. There is a dip in the trend of C#, however, the possibilities that allow you to develop web apps, computer programs, Android and iOS apps, computer games and graphics compilation makes it a better bet. It’s an object and component-oriented language.
Key features
- Simple language
- Scalable possibilities
- Easy integration with Windows
- Access to .NET framework
6. Objective-C
It is an object-oriented language made for the purpose of general programming. Derived from the traditional C language, Objective-C is primarily used for the mobile app development language of iOS apps. However, Swift here, which is considered a better tool for iOS development. But that doesn’t mean investing in Objective-C is a wrong move. Because Objective-C isn’t going anywhere, Swift might be the new and better coding language but it still uses Objective-C as the base framework.
Key features
- Simple to use and easy to learn
- Developers can use C++ and C to write codes in Objective-C
- Dynamic typing for better development
- Supports run-time dynamics
- Perfect to build an app for Apple ecosystem
Also Read: Do You Know About These 5 Best Productivity Tools For Developers
7. C++
Advanced version of C, C++ is also an object-oriented programing language with low memory manipulation. For those who are familiar with C, might have already used C++. But if not, the transition from C to C++ is quite easy. The powerful environment of C++ allows developers to build cross-platform mobile apps. From web to mobile app development C++ can help you get an optimum performing android and iOS apps. C++ is a powerful programing language, apart from mobile apps, it can be also used for developing, operating systems, enterprise solutions, games, web applications and much more.
Key features
- Huge function library
- Efficient and powerful
- Portable
- Supports faster development
However, it lacks run-time dynamics and kinda hard for a beginner to learn and program their first code.
8. JavaScript
A high-level interpreted language JavaScript is a language for web browsers but that is by no-mean the limitations of this programing language. Writing code for a new mobile app is also possible and the best part is its cross-platform functionality. By writing a code you can deploy into multiple platforms such as iOS, Android and Web.
Key features
- Fast and efficient
- Easiest to learn
- Can be used for dynamic page creation
- Client-side programming
9. HTML5
HTML5 or HyperText Markup Language version 5 is not traditionally a programing language for mobile app development. However one can still use this language to create dynamic and smooth performing mobile apps. Just to show how things will look when you use HTML5 as your programing language, Google docs and drive are entirely created on HTML5. Though, in order to develop a mobile app, you will have to use other languages such as JavaScript or integrate API to serve better functionality.
Key features
- Simple to learn
- Support web and mobile
- Responsive design support
- Drag and drop feature
- Beautiful design
10. Ruby
Supporting multiple industries, Ruby is an object-oriented language for general purposes. Developing apps in Ruby is fairly simple and fast, it is possible to develop an app using Ruby in 10 minutes. But to make this possible you’ll require a powerful framework.
Key features
- Object-oriented language
- Supports dynamic typing
- Simple to learn
- Community to help
11. Perl
Including features from other languages such as C, sed, AWK and many more, Perl becomes the high-level language that supports dynamic functionality. From automation to bioinformatics, mobile apps to computer games there are several things that a developer can do with this programming language.
Key features
- CPAN (comprehensive Perl archive network)
- Fast and responsive
- Reliable and easy write clean codes
Also Read: 5 Reasons Why Outsourcing Mobile App Development Is The Better Option
12. Rust
More than 64% of developers like to use Rust for their projects. It is faster, it is safer and last but not least, the powerful management tool makes it better than Ruby and Python. Somewhat similar to C and C++, Rust is still a new language and its full potential is still needed to be explored. Developed by Mozilla, rust has got a bright future and lack of competition means this is the right time to learn or develop an app that runs on Rust.
Key features
- Blazingly fast
- Safer than most languages
- Supports multiple industry
- Cargo (a powerful and efficient build system and package manager)
13. Boo Programing Language
Developed in 2003, Boo is a fairly new programing language and doesn’t have a huge user base. It is considered as an all-rounder and benefits mobile app development. Though it is not as powerful as Python or Java. It focuses mainly on the extensibility of the language and compiler.
Key features
- Supports Microsoft .NET and Mono framework
- True closure
- Currying
- First-class functions
- Free programing language
14. Kotlin
A simple alternative to Java, especially when it comes to Android mobile app development. Kotlin is also known as the secondary official Java language. The only difference between Kotlin and Java is that Kotlin drops-down all the unneeded features like null pointer exceptions, that are present in Java.
Key features
- Easy to write clean codes
- Fewer bugs
- Supports various IDE’s
- Optimum for creating Android apps
- High-level security
15. BuildFire.JS
With the ready-made plugins that cover 70% of the common business needs, developers can leverage BuildFire.Js programing language to cut-short the development process. As they only have to build the functions that are the unique demands of their clients business. BuildFire.JS helps to improve the productivity of the developers by allowing them to write less complex codes and those ready-made plugins.
Key features
- Easy to integrate with other frameworks
- Reduce development time
- Huge plugin library
- No need to develop app from scratch
Also Read: Difference Between Native App VS Web Apss VS Hybrid App
In conclusion
Most of the consumers nowadays look for the service or product they need on their smartphones. It has already been proved to be a huge marketplace for businesses to reach and sell their service to potential customers. Investment in mobile apps will help your business to reach new customers and increase profit. You need to know about all the options that you have in-line.
Here at Apporio Infolabs, we help entrepreneurs and enterprises to start, innovate or grow their business through mobile app development technology.
So, if you are looking for a mobile app development company we are the right place for you. Or if you are just trying to find the best programming languages for mobile developers, I hope this article has helped you.
