I was looking down the list of best programming languages for game development according to StackOverflow. It is very popular website, so I wasn’t surprised. But the question is should game developers read it?
There are couple of ways to look at it. If you can’t do something in your favorite language, then you might be persuaded. It also could be an indication that StackOverflow users are good at C++ and Rust, but not Java or Kotlin. They like to use these languages too…
C++:
C is probably the oldest commonly used programming language and is the root of other programming languages such as C#, Java, and JavaScript. C++ is an enhanced version of C. Many developers today skip learning C on its own, while others think learning C first provides a valuable foundation for C++ development. Both languages are widely used in computer science and programming.
C and C++ developers can make use of compilers for a wide variety of platforms, making applications developed in these languages largely transportable. Both C and C++ are considered high-performance languages. As such, they are widely used in developing applications where performance is a critical issue, such as client/server applications, commercial products like Firefox and Adobe, and video games. C and C++ developers earn an average of $76,500 each year.
Released in 1985, C++ is one of the best programming languages available. C++ is a highly optimized code that allows for greater memory management, a necessary attribute of high-poly, and high-definition video games. C++ programming allows for stylized gameplay, and is a popular language for triple-A (AAA) titles, as well as indie games. C++ language runs with most game engines, making it one of the most common selections for game programmers.
It should not come as surprising seeing C++ as the best programming language for games in almost every guide you read. The pioneer of modern game programming languages, C++, adds Object-Oriented Programming(OOP) onto its predecessor C. The ability to control very low-level system components has contributed to a very fast running time for C++ programs, a much-needed element in game programming.
C#: Pronounced “C sharp,” this popular programming language was released by Microsoft in 2000. C# is a relatively easy programming language to learn, and is often used by smaller game studios. C# is another one of the main codes seen in popular game engines.
Developed by Microsoft, C# rose to fame in the 2000s for supporting the concepts of object-oriented programming. It is one of the most powerful programming languages for the .NET framework. Anders Hejlsberg, the creator of C#, says the language is more like C++ than Java.
It is best suited for applications on Windows, Android, and iOS, as it takes the help of the integrated development environment product, Microsoft Visual C++. C# is used on the back end of several popular websites like Bing, Dell, Visual Studio, and MarketWatch. C# developers earn around $68,500 per year.
One of the best video game programming languages, a thorough knowledge of C# is elemental to every game programmer. It’s often the first preference of many developers to learn C# over other game programming languages due to the high level of convenience. The Microsoft-borne language supports the infamous Unity3D, one of the best game engines currently used in the industry.
Java: Inspired by C++, Java game programming is nearly universally compatible, making it incredibly versatile, and one of the most popular languages used today. One reason for Java’s popularity amongst programmers is that its model can be consistently upgraded, which allows it to compete against newer technologies. Java influenced JavaScript, which is the most widely used scripting language for web-based and browser gaming. Java is often paired with HTML5 for enhanced interactivity.
Java takes a prominent role in the industry and is one of the best programming languages for games and good reasons. It uses the same OOP principle utilized by C++ but offers a broader range of systems to play for. Java codes typically run on the Java Virtual Machine(JVM) and translate into generic bytecodes that can be executed on any system.
Lua: Lua is a simpler, multi-platform language, but highly compatible with more complex languages. It is considered lightweight and easy to learn, and is useful for different types of gaming, as well as web applications and image processing.
A lightweight and multi-platform scripting language, Lua is continuing to gain momentum in the game industry. It has risen as one of the best programming languages for games thanks to its simple language structure and syntax.
Python: Like C++ and Java, Python offers object-oriented programming (OOP), but with simpler syntax and execution. Python allows you to build prototypes faster, which can help make the game development process smoother.
One of the most straightforward yet most versatile programming languages you can get your hands on today is Python. However, do not misinterpret its seemingly easy syntax and semantics inappropriate as a game programming language. Python offers full-fledged OOP(Object Oriented Programming) techniques to developers, just like C++ and Java.
Objective-C: This programming language is often used to code games for smartphone operating systems like Android or iOS. It is not heavy duty like the more modernized languages used in advanced game engines, but Objective-C gives mobile game developers enough room to make small but comprehensive games.
This is the best programming language for games on the iOS platform. Objective C blends the syntax of Smalltalk and C and offers convenient solutions for building iOS games. It also comes with the ability to program in an Object-Oriented approach, much required for faster rendering time.
ActionScript: Inspired by JavaScript, ActionScript is the popular game language behind many early flash-based games for older model smartphones. It is an event-based game language, which means its responses are triggered by user action or messages from another system. ActionScript allows for quick development and auto garbage collection, or a way to reclaim memory.
JavaScript
JavaScript is definitely the best video game programming language for games for building interactive online games. The ability to integrate JavaScript codes easily with conventional web technologies like HTML and CSS also contributes rapidly to an increasing number of cross-platform mobile games.
Although it was not meant for developing large-scale games, JavaScript is turning the convention as days pass. It’s one of the most-used languages of the web and integrates pretty easily with any web application. As we continue to progress more and more towards a web-based industry, online games are becoming familiar every day.
Kotlin
Kotlin is a general-purpose programming language originally developed and unveiled as Project Kotlin by JetBrains in 2011. The first version was officially released in 2016. It is interoperable with Java and supports functional programming languages.
Kotlin is used extensively for Android apps, web application, desktop application, and server-side application development. Kotlin was built to be better than Java, and people who use this language are convinced. Most of the Google applications are based on Kotlin. Some companies using Kotlin as their programming language include Coursera, Pinterest, PostMates among many others.
Kotlin developers earn an average of $136,000 a year, with the potential to earn up to $171,500.
Swift
A few years ago, Swift made the top 10 in the monthly TIOBE Index ranking of popular programming languages. Apple developed Swift in 2014 for Linux and Mac applications.
An open-source programming language that is easy to learn, Swift supports almost everything from the programming language Objective-C. Swift requires fewer coding skills compared with other programming languages, and it can be used with IBM Swift Sandbox and IBM Bluemix. Swift is used in popular iOS apps like WordPress, Mozilla Firefox, SoundCloud, and even in the game Flappy Bird. Professionals who develop iOS applications take home average annual salaries of around $96,000.
Go
Go was developed by Google in 2007 for APIs and web applications. Go has recently become one of the fastest-growing programming languages due to its simplicity, as well as its ability to handle multicore and networked systems and massive codebases.
Go, also known as Golang, was created to meet the needs of programmers working on large projects. It has gained popularity among many large IT companies thanks to its simple and modern structure and syntax familiarity. Companies using Go as their programming language include Google, Uber, Twitch, Dropbox, among many others. Go is also gaining in popularity among data scientists because of its agility and performance.
Go developers can earn an average annual salary of $92,000, and up to $134,000.
PHP
PHP is an open-source programming language created in 1990. Many web developers will find it essential to learn PHP, as this language is used to build more than 80% of websites on the Internet, including those like Facebook and Yahoo.
Programmers mainly use PHP mainly to write server-side scripts. But developers can also use this language to write command-line scripts, and programmers with high-level PHP coding skills can also use it to develop desktop applications.
PHP is considered a relatively easy language to learn for beginning developers. PHP professionals have a number of dedicated online communities, making it easy to get support and answers to questions.
On average, PHP programmers earn average annual salaries of about $81,500.
Conclusion
Best programming language for games for beginners is the way to go if you are looking forward to create one or more games. This article has provided outlineof the best programming language for creating games.