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Programming that Powers the Internet

If you are reading this article on the Internet, you’re making an indirect use of the technology components we are going to discuss here. Clearly, the importance of the Web-based technologies required for creating and publishing content on the Internet does not need an explanation. However, it raises few obvious questions, such as what programming languages are required to build a Web page or a Web application. This article briefly discusses the programming and markup languages required to create and publish a Web page.

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Markup Language for the Internet

HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) is the language that is required for authoring and publishing a Web page. In other words, whatever you see on a Web browser is written in the HTML language. If you want to write your own Web pages from scratch, learning HTML coding is an essential step.

Programming Languages for Web Development

Whereas HTML enables you to write static Web pages, you also need to learn a Web-enabled programming language to be able to build a dynamic website or a Web application. For instance, few of the most popular programming languages for the Web are, Java, PHP, CGI-Perl, Ruby, ASP, ASP.NET etc. Among all these languages, PHP has earned an enormous popularity for relatively rapid development of dynamic websites, mainly due to its simplicity.

In addition to the programming languages, you also need components like database, various tools and utilities, version control software etc. to complete your programming task. Also, you should have an FTP client in order to transfer your developed website onto a Web server for hosting your website.

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Tips for Learning a Computer Language

Learning a computer language can be a daunting task. Whether you hope to pursue a career in programming or just enjoy tinkering with your home PC, knowing computer languages can be useful.

As a beginner, remember to be patient and start small. Do not try to tackle overwhelming projects and complicated languages initially. This is not your best approach. For example, it is better to acquire knowledge about a simpler computer language rather than heading straight for C and C++. Both of these languages require previous experience with other languages to really understand them. Start with something like Python, Perl or Java. These are simpler to learn and meet a broader range of programming purposes.

Start yourself off by writing a program with a dozen to two dozen lines. This may seem small, but will allow you to truly figure out if you understand the concepts. Programming can be abstract and too many factors at play too fast will only be confusing.

It may be helpful to get a tutorial or a resource book to build a firm basic foundation of a computer language. To really become an expert in programming, reading resources will not be sufficient. Consider taking a class or finding someone with similar interest. Having a personal mentor really is the most effective way to learn in this case. It will allow you to get answers to needed questions and see first-hand how the programming process works. You also can get good advice on how to practice your newly-acquired skills.

Remember that learning one computer language is helpful. The more languages you know though, the more various types of programming you will be able to do. Different types of programs require different types of languages. For example, C++ is a powerful language for programming games, but HTML and Java Script are sufficient for creating a simple informational website.

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