09.10.2024
There are many languages in the world of programming, each with its own strengths and areas of application. Among the most important are Java, Python, C++, SQL and JavaScript. In this post, you will find out how and where you can learn these languages, which programming language is right for which purpose, and the hurdles that might be in store for you when learning them.
In his role as solution architecture owner, Michael is responsible for architecture and for technological aspects within the solution team’s area of influence. He supports the developers in the teams who develop solutions based on the preferred architecture model. Michael is currently working with modern approaches such as event-driven architecture and functional programming. He also fills the role of lead developer, using technologies such as Java, Spring Boot, TypeScript, Angular and Kafka to develop software solutions.
Java is one of the most widely taught programming languages at universities and is offered in many online courses on platforms like Coursera, edX and Udacity. There are also numerous books and tutorials online if you’re looking to teach yourself. Courses such as “Java Programming and Software Engineering Fundamentals” on Coursera or “Learn Java” on Codecademy are particularly recommended.
Depending on your intensity of study, it can take between three and six months until you can write basic programs. The learning curve for Java is relatively steep, as it has strict rules and syntax specifications. This strictness also makes Java a very robust and error-resistant language.
| Java code | Output |
|---|---|
| Java code public class HelloWorld { System.out.println("Hello, World!"); } } |
Output Hello, World! |
Java is often used for software development in large enterprises – for example, for programs that connect different workflows and processes within a company. Thanks to the extensive Java ecosystem, which offers a large number of finished collections of code and tools, Java lends itself to particularly efficient and versatile use. Java is also ideal for applications that take care of important tasks in the background and that need to be stable and easily expandable to cope with growing requirements. And Java is used to develop Android apps for mobile devices.
Python is particularly suitable for beginners and is frequently taught in schools and universities. Platforms like Codecademy, Coursera and Udacity offer good courses. There are also numerous online tutorials and books. Recommended courses include for example “Python for Everybody” on Coursera and “Automate the Boring Stuff with Python”, available as a book and online course.
With Python, you can start writing programs after just one or two months. The language is known for its simplicity and readability, making the learning process much easier. Many beginners manage to create simple scripts within just a few weeks – for example, a small program to manage a shopping list or to automate recurring tasks like moving files regularly to different folders – allowing them to achieve practical results quickly and develop a basic understanding of programming.
| Python code | Output |
|---|---|
| Python code print("Hello, World!") |
Output Hello, World! |
Python is used in web development, data analysis, artificial intelligence and scientific research. Thanks to powerful libraries such as Pandas (for data manipulation and analysis), NumPy (for numerical calculations) and TensorFlow (for the development of neural networks and other machine learning models), Python is widely used in data science and machine learning in particular. For instance, TensorFlow enables the creation and training of complex models for image recognition or language processing.
C++ is a more complex language that is often taught on IT degree courses. Online courses on platforms such as Udemy and edX are good resources, as are books. Some useful examples are “Beginning C++ Programming” on Udemy and the book “C++ Primer”.
It can take six months or more to get a good grasp of C++. This programming language offers many functions, making it powerful – but also complex, so the learning curve is steep. An example of this are its pointers, which are used in C++ to point to memory addresses. They are a central concept that makes it possible to work directly with computer memory. This can be a little confusing to begin with. And understanding how memory is managed in the computer also requires lots of practice and patience.
| C++ code | Output |
|---|---|
| C++ code #include int main() { |
Output Hello, World! |
C++ is often used for challenging tasks that demand high performance. A good example is game development: the game engine Unreal Engine uses C++ for video game programming to ensure a fast and responsive gaming experience. Another example is system programming: operating systems such as Windows are written partly in C++ in order to communicate efficiently with the computer’s hardware. Real-time applications, as used in the automotive industry to control vehicle functions, also often rely on C++ to ensure fast response times and high reliability.
SQL is less complex than other programming languages and is often taught on database courses at universities. Platforms like Codecademy (“Learn SQL”) and Coursera (“Introduction to Databases”) offer good introductions.
You can learn SQL in just a few weeks. Because it’s a declarative language, the focus is on what you want to achieve rather than how to go about doing it. This means that you simply specify what data you need, and the language takes care of the details of how to retrieve that data. Understanding the basic concepts and commands is therefore relatively easy, making SQL particularly user-friendly for beginners.
| SQL code | Output |
|---|---|
| SQL code SELECT * FROM users WHERE age > 18; |
Output Id; name; age 1; Alice; 25 2; Tim; 22 3; Carol; 35 |
SQL is used to manage and query databases in almost all areas of software development. It is the standard language for relational databases, which are a structured way of storing data. In relational databases, information is organized in tables, similar to a spreadsheet program. Each table consists of rows and columns, with each row representing a data record and each column containing a specific type of information. SQL is used by almost all enterprises that work with data to organize, store and retrieve their data efficiently.
JavaScript is the language of the web and is offered on many online courses on platforms like freeCodeCamp, Codecademy and Udemy. Many web development workshops and boot camps also teach JavaScript. “The Complete JavaScript Course” on Udemy and the book “JavaScript: The Good Parts” are particularly recommended.
You will be able to create your first interactive websites after about two to three months. JavaScript is relatively easy to get into and offers a quick sense of achievement, making it a popular language for beginners.
| JavaScript code | Output |
|---|---|
| JavaScript code console.log("Hello, World!"); |
Output Hello, World! |
JavaScript is used mainly in web development to design the user interface (front end), and sometimes also for server-side applications (back end). Frameworks are finished collections of code and tools that help developers work more quickly and easily. They offer ready-made functions and structures that are frequently reused, so you don’t have to write everything from scratch. Examples of these frameworks are React, Angular and Vue.js for designing websites and Node.js, which makes it possible to also use JavaScript on servers. These frameworks make JavaScript an important component of modern web technologies.
| Programming language | Level of difficulty | Popularity | Frequency in practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Programming language Java |
Level of difficulty Medium |
Popularity High |
Frequency in practice Very high |
| Programming language Python |
Level of difficulty Low |
Popularity Very high |
Frequency in practice High |
| Programming language C++ |
Level of difficulty High |
Popularity Medium |
Frequency in practice Medium |
| Programming language SQL |
Level of difficulty Low |
Popularity Medium |
Frequency in practice Very high |
| Programming language JavaScript |
Level of difficulty Low |
Popularity Very high |
Frequency in practice Very high |
Python, Java and JavaScript are the languages particularly in demand nowadays. Python is used in many emerging fields such as data science and AI, Java remains dominant in enterprise software and Android development, and JavaScript is indispensable for web development. Skills in these languages will open up the best opportunities on the job market for you. In addition, SQL skills are essential for almost any job related to databases, while C++ is particularly in demand for game development and system programs.
| Name | Specific areas of application at PostFinance |
|---|---|
| Name Java |
Specific areas of application at PostFinance Development of backend applications that take care of data processing in the background and Android apps used on smartphones. |
| Name JavaScript/ TypeScript |
Specific areas of application at PostFinance In frontend services (user interface) such as e-finance, postfinance.ch, e-payment and other online applications, both external and internal. |
| Name C++ |
Specific areas of application at PostFinance C++ is often used for the development of backend applications (background processing), especially for ongoing development of existing services, while Java is used for new development. |
| Name Python |
Specific areas of application at PostFinance
|
| Name Kotlin |
Specific areas of application at PostFinance Development of Android apps for mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. |
| Name Swift |
Specific areas of application at PostFinance Development of iOS apps for mobile devices such as iPhones and iPads. |
| Name PL/SQL |
Specific areas of application at PostFinance Procedural Language/Structured Query Language Security-related and performance-intensive processes are executed directly in the database, such as in e-banking. |
| Name Go |
Specific areas of application at PostFinance
|
Getting into the IT industry can be very rewarding – this is a sector that is growing continuously and that offers a wide range of career opportunities. For IT beginners, there are various positions available that are particularly well suited to gaining valuable experience and developing the necessary skills. Here are the best entry-level opportunities for developers:
Description |
Junior developers work under the guidance of experienced developers, supporting them with the creation and maintenance of software applications. |
|---|---|
Skills required |
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Benefits |
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Description |
IT entry programmes or trainee programmes offer graduates the opportunity to gain practical experience in the IT industry and get to know various business units. These programmes combine practical assignments with training opportunities and mentoring, with a view to promoting your personal and professional development. |
|---|---|
What you have to offer (required in most programmes) |
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Benefits |
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Yes, excellent on-the-job training is possible as a software developer. Given the fast-paced nature of the technology sector, developers are well advised to undergo continuous further training, both on and off the job. Many companies actively support ongoing education by offering training courses, workshops and access to online courses. Developers also benefit from experienced colleagues in pair programming sessions or code reviews, where they can get direct feedback and learn best practices. This combination of practical experience and support encourages the continuous development of skills and helps you further your career.
PostFinance is also a company where learning is an integral part of the work and a relevant success factor for the transformation. Employees are continuously developing their skills – whether through discussion with colleagues, by experimenting or by completing learning and development programmes.
Yes, it is usually possible to learn new programming languages relatively easily, especially if you already have experience with other languages. Most concepts are transferable, and there are many resources available to support the learning process, such as online courses and tutorials. With regard to changing jobs, it is often helpful to familiarize yourself with new technologies, as many companies value versatile developers who are willing to adapt to new challenges.
With these tips and a clear learning path, you can be confident of success in your efforts to learn a new programming language. Good luck on your journey to becoming a programmer!
