A Brief History of Programming Languages: Part II

A Brief History of Programming Languages: Part II

Nov 25, 2019
Chelsea Kaufman

You don’t need to be a coding history buff in order to build a lucrative programming career, but as anyone who takes pride in their craft will tell you: it’s only by learning from the past that we can truly understand the future.

Last month, we took a look at the earliest days of coding. In those times, computer programming was only just getting started and there were no Ruby vs JavaScript discussions or concerns about Ruby on Rails advantages and disadvantages.

Today, we’ll expand on that article and look at the more recent history of computer languages. We’ll also tell you where in San Diego you can quickly and reliably master JavaScript and some of the other programming languages. Keep reading to learn more.

When was C++ first created?

Bjarne Stroustrup initially developed the C++ extension of the famous C language in 1983. This is one of the pivotal moments in coding history as C++ has grown to become one of the most popular programming languages of all time. To this day, developers still use C++ in professional-level programs such as Adobe Photoshop and game engines.

What were the 1990s like for programming languages?

The 90s have seen the release and popularization of Windows 3x and Windows 9x series. The intuitive graphical interface of these operating systems and the increased availability of affordable computer hardware had a huge effect on popularizing computer architecture.

This, in turn, made coding more lucrative and attractive, resulting in the creation of many of the best coding languages that are still used by many software developers today.

These languages include:

  • Haskell (1990) is a mostly mathematical scripting programming language used by many industries to perform complex calculations, number-crunching, and records management.
  • Python (1991) was unique in how simple it was to read and how few command lines it required in order to get the job done. Today, Python frameworks are widely used in major web applications such as Instagram.
  • Visual Basic (1991) was created by Microsoft. Like Windows, it relied on a graphical interface that made it easy to combine premade chunks of code.
  • Java (1995) started as a hand-held device and cable box software, but soon evolved to become one of the most popular languages in the world. Today, three BILLION devices run Java. They include anything from phones to computers to parking meters.
  • PHP (1995) started as Rasmus Lerdorf’s own personal website management language. It has since grown to become the go-to language for blog and website development.
  • Ruby (1995) was designed by Yukihiro Matsumoto as a sort of a “Frankenstein monster” language. By merging together useful parts of other languages, Matsumoto created a superb all-purpose language that makes it extremely easy to build and run a program.
  • JavaScript (1995) was created in only 10 days by Brendan Eich. Today, JavaScript is a front-end development powerhouse that’s used by almost every major site out there.

What was coding like during the 2000s?

While the ‘00s haven’t given rise to as many first-rate coding languages as the ‘90s have, they’re still a crucial period in development history.

Coding languages created during the 2000s include:

  • C# (2000) combined the intuitiveness of Visual Basic with the computing power of C++. It has many similarities with Java and is used in Microsoft application development.
  • Groovy (2003) is a new programming language derived from Java. Its goal is to boost developer productivity by being more concise and fairly easy to learn.
  • Go (2009) was made by Google as a way to deal with issues that occur in big software systems. This computer programming language makes it easier for coders to read, write, and maintain these systems.

How do I become a coder in San Diego?

Whether you want to learn to code as a hobby or wish to become a full-time developer responsible for high-traffic websites such as the official San Diego Central Library site, learning coding is never a bad idea in this day and age.

That’s where LEARN academy comes in. Our intensive programmer bootcamp is famous throughout the San Diego area for its effectiveness in training web developers. In just four months, we can teach you everything you need to become a full-stack developer and learn app development, from explaining the important Ruby vs JavaScript distinctions to giving you the vital working experience you need to build a rock-solid resume.

Get in touch with us today and schedule your free tour of our premises.

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We have had students hold part-time jobs while attending the coding bootcamps at LEARN academy. They tell us that it’s not too bad if your work is on the weekend, but working more than one night per week is really tough. It is tough but possible.


What is the class schedule?

LEARN academy’s 4 month bootcamp is Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm.


What do you mean by "full-time"?

LEARN academy’s full-time course is Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. Students spend the first 12 weeks working in the online classroom and the final 4 weeks in their remote programming internship.


What is the background of the typical LEARN Student?

There isn’t really a typical student at LEARN academy. Most have not taken computer science classes in college, although some have. Some have not gone to college at all, but many have undergraduate degrees in something other than computer science. Past graduates have been in the entertainment industry, waitresses, massage therapists, in the military, and just about anything else you can think of.

Can I call you or drop by to talk?

Absolutely! We love chatting with potential partners and students. It is always best to make an appointment first so we can make sure someone is available to answer your questions. You can email us hello@learnacademyorg.


Is there any required prep work?

Students who are accepted and enrolled in the 4 month bootcamp are required to attend and participate in a workshop, called Jumpstart, offered by LEARN academy prior to the first day of the program. These workshops are free for students and included in the price of the tuition for the bootcamp. LEARN academy offers multiple workshops leading up to the start of class that students can sign up for.


I don't live in San Diego, can I still apply?

Yes! LEARN academy’s live-remote courses allow students to take our courses from just about anywhere in the United States. However, we are not able to support International students at this time.


How long should my application be?

One of the things we look for in an application is – did we get to know you? It’s almost impossible for us to get to know a candidate if each of the essay answers is only two sentences long. It doesn’t need to be a novel, but before you submit, check to make sure your personality is coming out in your writing.


How old do I have to be to attend LEARN academy?

Code school students must be 18 years old by the date of the first class as we are not legally able to accommodate minors.


What does the application process look like at LEARN academy?

Once you have submitted your application, the team at LEARN academy will review it and be in touch within a week of your submission date. If we feel it is a good fit we will ask you in for an interview. It is an informal interview. A chance for us to get to know you and for you to ask any questions you might have about the coding course. We know that it is vital to your success to find the course that is best for you and your learning needs. We use the interview to find out if we are the best fit for you! If at that point we both agree that it is a good fit we will invite you to secure a seat in the class of your choice.


How old do I have to be to attend LEARN academy?

Code school students must be 18 years old by the date of the first class as we are not legally able to accommodate minors.


What does the application process look like at LEARN academy?

Once you have submitted your application, the team at LEARN academy will review it and be in touch within a week of your submission date. If we feel it is a good fit we will ask you in for an interview. It is an informal interview. A chance for us to get to know you and for you to ask any questions you might have about the coding course. We know that it is vital to your success to find the course that is best for you and your learning needs. We use the interview to find out if we are the best fit for you! If at that point we both agree that it is a good fit we will invite you to secure a seat in the class of your choice.


Can I work while attending LEARN academy?

We have had students hold part-time jobs while attending the coding bootcamps at LEARN academy. They tell us that it’s not too bad if your work is on the weekend, but working more than one night per week is really tough. It is tough but possible.


What is the class schedule?

LEARN academy’s 4 month bootcamp is Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm.


What do you mean by "full-time"?

LEARN academy’s full-time course is Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. Students spend the first 12 weeks working in the online classroom and the final 4 weeks in their remote programming internship.


What is the background of the typical LEARN Student?

There isn’t really a typical student at LEARN academy. Most have not taken computer science classes in college, although some have. Some have not gone to college at all, but many have undergraduate degrees in something other than computer science. Past graduates have been in the entertainment industry, waitresses, massage therapists, in the military, and just about anything else you can think of.

Can I call you or drop by to talk?

Absolutely! We love chatting with potential partners and students. It is always best to make an appointment first so we can make sure someone is available to answer your questions. You can email us hello@learnacademyorg.


Is there any required prep work?

Students who are accepted and enrolled in the 4 month bootcamp are required to attend and participate in a workshop, called Jumpstart, offered by LEARN academy prior to the first day of the program. These workshops are free for students and included in the price of the tuition for the bootcamp. LEARN academy offers multiple workshops leading up to the start of class that students can sign up for.


I don't live in San Diego, can I still apply?

Yes! LEARN academy’s live-remote courses allow students to take our courses from just about anywhere in the United States. However, we are not able to support International students at this time.


How long should my application be?

One of the things we look for in an application is – did we get to know you? It’s almost impossible for us to get to know a candidate if each of the essay answers is only two sentences long. It doesn’t need to be a novel, but before you submit, check to make sure your personality is coming out in your writing.


How old do I have to be to attend LEARN academy?

Code school students must be 18 years old by the date of the first class as we are not legally able to accommodate minors.


What does the application process look like at LEARN academy?

Once you have submitted your application, the team at LEARN academy will review it and be in touch within a week of your submission date. If we feel it is a good fit we will ask you in for an interview. It is an informal interview. A chance for us to get to know you and for you to ask any questions you might have about the coding course. We know that it is vital to your success to find the course that is best for you and your learning needs. We use the interview to find out if we are the best fit for you! If at that point we both agree that it is a good fit we will invite you to secure a seat in the class of your choice.


Still have questions?