Updated June 12, 2023
Introduction to Mobile App Programming Language
Choice of mobile app programming language is the first and most important step in mobile app development. It largely depends upon the OS you will work with, as different Operating Systems support other mobile app programming languages. For instance, C and Objective C would be used for iOS apps. HTML5 is ideal for both. Your choice of language would make or break the success of your app.
This article will guide you through the basic Mobile App Programming Language, which will help you create your apps!
The app development world is lucrative for those who wish to earn through it and those who believe their ideas to be pioneering. If you want to get into the app development world, all you need is a computer and a basic grasp of the mobile app programming languages that make up the apps. However, choosing a language can often be confusing, especially for individuals lacking programming knowledge.
Different Mobile App Programming Language
There are a large number of mobile app programming languages that Mobile developers use for app development. These eight languages are ideal to start with, whether you are new to Mobile App Programming Language or a pro interested in learning a new skill.
- Java
- C++
- Objective-C
- Swift
- HTML5
- C#
- Ruby
- Python
Follow this 5-step approach before choosing the language to be used: pitfalls.
- Study cross-platform app design.
- Evaluate the everyday challenges of developing the app.
- Decide your target audience.
- Decide the platform you are planning to use.
- Research well and consider all options before selecting a language.
1. Java
People often confuse Java, JavaScript, and Enterprise Java Beans as the same languages. In reality, however, these three are different software development systems, all having “Java” in their names. While JavaScript is a scripting language used in Web browser apps and helps enhance attributes of a Web page, Java Beans, on the other hand, is a reusable software component that can be manipulated visually in a builder tool.” When discussing the mobile app programming language, Java is referred to.
Java was developed by Sun Microsystems, which is now co-owned by Oracle. A significant number of developers are skilled in Java, which is one of the most commonly used mobile app programming languages.
Java is an object-oriented program development language that is platform-independent. That makes it extremely practical as one can use it across various operating systems. But most of all, it is used with Google’s Android mobile OS. It is most suitable in cases where Android is the main platform. Developers also use it for developing a codebase that can be shared across various platforms. However, Java cannot be used as an initial development language for iOS.
Java, being a compiled language, has the advantage of running both in a browser as well as on a device without a browser. Due to this flexibility, the coding can be easily re-used, and software updation also becomes easy. This makes it an excellent performer.
USPs:
- Object-Oriented
- Platform independent
Best Suited For:
- Android OS
2. C++
Bjarne Stroustrup, at Bell Labs, designed C++ 80s as an object-oriented language based on the C language in the early 80s.
C++ is an object-oriented mobile app programming language that is one of the oldest and most widely used languages worldwide. Developers use it to design apps on almost all platforms like Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac OS X oC++ is regularly used by over 11 million professional developers who are skilled in it.
It is the primary language propelling the mobile industry intodayC++, ideal for low-level programming, and is now used to create high-performance applications and games. MaC++ also powers significant web applications such as Adobe and MozillaIt supports the two most popular Operating Systems: Windows and Mac OS X. A Manyrogrammers are skilled in C++ Programming, making the language’s skills easily accessible. Hence, training resources for C++ are extensively available. It is interesting to note that Java and C# borrow their syntax from C++,
USPs:
- Object-oriented
- High-performance server
- Middleware
- An excellent choice for client-side development
Best Suited For:
- Android OS
- iOS
- Windows
3. Objective-C
Developers primarily write iOS apps using Objective-C programming language and Xcode, a development environment. It is the preferred app development language for writing software with native iOS platforms and Apple’s OS X, that is, for devices such as iPhones or iPad.
Objective-C is a superset of the C mobile app programming language and, thus, borrows its syntax, primitive types, and flow control statements. This applies that its object-oriented syntax is small, easily understood, and has a magnificent runtime. Developers use it for coding, designing the user interface for the app, running trials for the new application, and debugging.
USPs:
- Object-Oriented
Best Suited For mobile operating systems:
- iOS
- Apple’s OS X
4. Swift
The language used for writing code for Apple’s latest APIs, Cocoa and Cocoa Touch, is Swift. As per Apple, Swift is meant to be used in conjunction with Objective-C. But in the times to come, Apple anticipates many developers to take up Swift as a comprehensive mobile app programming language. An advantage of Swift over Objective-C is that it does away with the chances of various security issues. So, Swift is the choice currently when it comes to writing apps for iOS.
Swift would soon become available as an open-source, as announced by Apple at WWDC 2015 (Worldwide Developers’ Conference – a highlight of Apple’s yearly calendar). That will inevitably have more and more developers working with Swift. Also, the number of projects with Swift as the primary development language would increase due to this advancement.
USPs:
- Open-source
Best Suited For mobile operating systems:
- iOS
5. HTML5
We all know about HTML or HyperText Markup Language, initially written to design Web apps stored on the Web but meant to run on mobile browsers.
So, HTML5 has become the obvious choice for Web-based or browser-based apps for mobile devices. Mobile app developers prefer it because it has useful tools like Offline Web Storage, GeoLocation API, Canvas Drawing, and CSS3, to name just a few. It is easier to add different data types and streamline input factors in it. It is also possible to adjust the screen sizes, as needed, in HTML 5.
For those, who are already familiar with HTML, learning HTML 5 mobile framework would be much easier, take up very little time to master, and would also be cost-effective. Developers are looking for the best methods to develop game apps that are accessible to a maximum number of users with minimum cost, as the mobile game market is hot.
Downside:
HTML5 can also pose the below-mentioned challenges:
- Developers have to face the challenge of compressing media due to licensing issues.
- Also, apps built on HTML5 cannot be sold in conventional app markets such s Google Play Store or Apple iTunes, and hence it isn’t easy to monetize HTML 5 apps with the traditional approach.
- The language might need slight fine-tuning in the coming time, which could significantly impact the way browsers manage HTML5.
- Accessing Native APIs and creating App Store-ready applications could be a challenge that can be overcome by using PhoneGap or PhoneGap Build.
- Lending a native feel to the UI ( User Interface).
Best Suited For mobile operating systems:
6. C#
Just as Objective C is ‘The Language’ for app development on iOS, C#( C-Sharp) is the most sought-after mobile app programming language for Windows OS, which does not imply that you cannot design Android or iOS apps using C#. This is made possible by using cross-platform tools, such as Unity and Xamarin. InStatisticsuggest that 23% of Apple developers and 14% of Google Android developers use C#, while only 10% use it to develop Windows apps. Yet, it is the most well-suited app development language for Windows.
C# is an Object-Oriented, portable cross-language well-suited for all languages built on Microsoft Windows. It allows code extension to the developer. Developers can also code Windows platform-specific programs to operate with the code of other Mobile App Programming Languages. Its concepts are similar to Java and C++, but it uses only the valuable part of those leaving out confusing features that can lead to errors, causing bugs in code. C# programmers write managed code, meaning they code and implement programs in a controlled environment, leaving no room for irregularities or bugs. It is a concise language even with commands and supports effective and reusable components.
USPs:
- Object-oriented
- Portable
7. Ruby- Ruby on Rails
Ruby is an open-source mobile app programming language and a key provider of web apps. Software written in Ruby, predominantly in its Ruby on Rails web framework, is extremely popular and growing in demand. Developers prefer it because it is a dynamic language that is extremely easy to learn. If you know Ruby or are a Ruby developer, you are in high demand in the mobile app development market.
Its biggest plus is its emphasis on simplicity and efficiency. It has a sophisticated syntax that can be easily read and written.. As per the TIOBE index, Ruby is among the top 10 programming languages. As an open-source language, anyone can use, copy, alter, and distribute it for free. Talking about changing or editing, it allows users to alter, remove or restructure its parts. Hence, it is also known to be a very flexible language.
The programmer does not have any confines while coding. Although the programmer needs to configure files for setup, Rails provides a set of ready-to-use conventions that make it highly time-efficient. To code an iOS, Android, or OS X app in Ruby, programmers use RubyMotion, an innovative tool that helps develop cross-platform native apps for the above Oss quickly.
USPs:
- Object-oriented
- Open-source
- General-purpose programming language
Best Suited For mobile operating systems:
- Web Apps
8. Python
People frequently label Python as one of the easiest Mobile App Programming Languages around. Anybody can learn it, considering it has uncomplicated and straightforward syntax. It is also possible to run app programming Python anywhere as it is compatible with various application types, including Web development, scientific computing, education, and many more.
You can find a Python framework for your varied requirements, be it web app development data analysis. The past few years have seen a drastic popularity growth, making it the most favored Mobile App Programming Language taught in schools in the United States and creating a large talent pool.
Some examples of famous applications written in Python are Pinterest and Instagram, and WordStream. It is simple to use, flexible, and easily readable enabling open-source development. Its code is dynamically typed and carefully avoids unnecessary detail, making it less wordy.
Conclusion
Mobile App Programming Language is an ever-growing industry, and the construction of new languages and constant upgrading of prevailing languages leads to a healthy competitive environment. It is entirely the choice of the developer to decide the efficiency and functionality language that is ideal for the app or program he has to write.
Recommended Articles
This is a guide to Mobile App Programming Language. Here we discuss the introduction and different mobile app programming languages. You may also have a look at the following courses to learn Mobile App Programming Language.
