Why Are There So Many Programming Languages?

What is A Programming language?

If you’ve ever tried coding or heard people talk about it, you might wonder: why are there so many programming languages? Just like we have English, Spanish, Japanese, and hundreds of other human languages, the world of computers has its own set of languages— from 700 to more than 100 000 (depending how you count). Each programming language is a way to “talk” to computers and tell them what to do. But not all languages are the same. Some are better for building websites, others for making video games, and some are used to control robots or analyse data.

So, why do we need so many? It’s because different tasks need different tools. Imagine trying to paint a wall with a toothbrush—it’s possible, but not ideal. In the same way, some programming languages are designed to be fast and powerful (like C++), while others are made to be easy to read and write (like Python). New languages are also created when developers want to fix problems in older ones or try out new ideas. It’s a bit like how slang or new words pop up in human languages over time.

Different types of Programming languages

Programming languages come in many types, each designed for different kinds of tasks.

Low-Level Languages are the closest to how computers work. They were the first languages computer scientists used to code with. Assembly language is one of the most common low-level languages. It uses short words (like MOV or ADD) to represent instructions and mostly used to program hardware.
High-Level Languages are easier for humans to read and write. They are written using English words and are meant to be compiled to create the executable files that a computer can read. Each programming language has been created for a specific need. For example, Fortran is perfect for scientific and engineering applications and is often chosen to program High-Performance Computers (the world’s fastest computers). Java is a “write once, run everywhere” program, the compiled code runs on any device thanks to a Java Virtual Machine (a sort of virtual computer installed on your computer). This makes it perfect for software and apps and inspired JavaScript and Python for example.
Domain-Specific Languages (DSLs) are made for specific tasks. For example, SQL manages databases, Matlab is used to do math, HTML/CSS design websites.
Visual Programming Languages like Scratch or Blockly are great for beginners. Instead of typing code, you drag and drop blocks. Plus, you can probably use it in your mother tongue since it’s translated in more than 70 languages.

Which programming language should I learn first?

Here are a few beginner-friendly options and what they’re good for:

Do I want to build websites? → Start with JavaScript.
Do I want to make games or automate stuff? → Try Python.
Am I totally new and want something fun? → Begin with Scratch.
Do I want to build mobile apps? → Go with Java.

In the end, having many programming languages isn’t a problem—it’s a strength. It gives us choices and lets us pick the best tool for the job. It also shows how creative and diverse the world of coding really is. Whether you’re building an app, designing a game, or exploring artificial intelligence, there’s a language out there that fits your needs. And just like learning a new human language can open doors to new cultures and ideas, learning different programming languages can help you become a better, more flexible coder.

Article written by Régine POUSSIN