Top 5 Programming Languages to Learn for App Development

This guest post was provided by John Coyle for Drexel University Online. Drexel Online has been offering high quality technology degrees in multiple disciplines since 1996.

When it comes to which programming language works best for app development, one must take certain factors into consideration. Overall, the best programming language is determined by the platform on which the app is being developed. It is best to focus on the range and function of applications, overall methodology, and how easy it is to master the language. For most of the application platforms out there today, there are five programming languages that stand out among the rest when it comes to app development.

1. JavaScript

JavaScript is the overall basic language of the internet. It is a scripting language that allows code to be written in various unique ways. Its universal properties make it a very accessible programming language for app developers to use in all areas. One of the primary benefits of JavaScript is how functional it can be across multiple devices. JavaScript is used in applications for web pages, widgets, and specific website browsers. Compared to other programming languages, JavaScript is relatively simple and great for beginner app developers.

2. Java

Not to be confused with JavaScript, Java is the basic and recommended language for developing applications on the Android operating system. It is a language that categorizes objects and data together based on similar functions and properties. One of the biggest advantages of using Java is that there is no requirement to use Microsoft’s .NET framework. In a sense, if a developer creates a mobile app, it would work even without the typical framework. This programming language is set up similarly to other programming languages, allowing an easy transition for more advanced developers. Although both JavaScript and Java sound similar, the two programming languages function very differently. The only similarity is the structure.

3. Objective-C

When it comes to developing applications for the Apple operating system, Objective-C is the default programming language to learn. Much like Java, Objective-C is an object-oriented language. Basically, this means that it is a programming language that is organized around objects and data rather than actions and logic. One of the features of Objective-C is the use of categories that allow the addition of new functions and programs provided by Apple. Objective-C is also well-known for its clearer codes and descriptive arrangements.

4. C#

C# is the recommended and default language used for Windows phones. It is an object-oriented language, much like Objective-C and Java. This language was developed as an offshoot of the classical C-type languages, which makes it a relatively simple language to understand if developers have a background in basic programming language. Although it is based on C and C++, there are unique features that C# offers. Microsoft operations depend on this programming language and it is thus used around the world.

5. PHP

The last of the five important app development programming languages is PHP. This programming language was created exclusively for developing web based applications. PHP isn’t a device specific programming language. It runs solely on the server. It’s ideal for creating interfaces for mobile applications. The overall purpose of the PHP programming code is to simplify the codes and functions that other languages provide.

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Turn Any Outlet In Your Home Into A High Speed Networking Port

A very cheap alternative to networking computers together in your home, without running network cable, is to use networking adapters that are engineered to use the electric grid in your house. Typically you connect one of the adapters to your modem/router via ethernet cable, then plug the adapter into a wall plug. Then you place another adapter, plugged into a electric outlet, that is subsequently connected to the device .(i.e. Smart TV, Gaming Consoles, Home Surveillance Device, etc.) that you desire to connect to. After the adapters are setup, you simply sync the adapters by pushing a button on the adapters. Once they are synced and the lights on the adapter show a connection, then you are networked.

To give an example of such an adapter, I took a look at the Rosewill RPLC-201PKIT 200Mbps Powerline AV Pass-Through Adapter.  What I like about this adapter is that even though it uses an electrical outlet, it gives you a pass-through outlet back so that you can still use the outlet. One thing about these adapters; do not plug them into a surge protector. This will cause the adapter to either not work or may seriously degrade your network bandwidth connection.

 

Standards: IEEE 1901 and HomePlug AV compliantCo-existence with HomePlug 1.0 NodesIEEE802.3, IEEE802.3u
Encryption: 128-bit AES Encryption
Ports: 10/100Mbps Ethernet port
LEDs: Power, Ethernet, Data
Powerline Speeds: Up to 200Mbps
Connection Type: RJ45
Connection Speeds: 10/100M
Kit Type: Double

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Securely Send Money To Friends and Family In Gmail

One of the goals of my blog has been to alert you to new technologies and today I found out (a new technology) where Gmail will soon provide you with an option to securely send money (by email) to friends and family. You will have to be 18 years or older to use this feature and will need a Google Wallet account.

If you have a Gmail account, one way to determine if this feature has been activated on your account is to look for the $ icon in your attachment options. This can be found at the bottom of the Gmail compose window (when you go to send an email).

To see how this works, I encourage you to watch the video below:

Some things you need to know:

It’s free to send money from your Google Wallet Balance or directly from your bank account. You can also pay with your credit and debit cards for a low fee of 2.9% per transaction (minimum $0.30). Receiving money is always free.

If you don’t have Gmail, you can still send money by clicking the “send money” button in Google Wallet. You can also send and receive money on your phone, and manage your payment methods at wallet.google.com.

When you use Google Wallet, your financial information is safely encrypted and stored on secure servers, and all transactions are monitored 24/7 to prevent fraudulent activity. In addition, Google Wallet Purchase Protection covers 100% of eligible unauthorized transactions, and our customer service team will help resolve any questions you might have.

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Wallpaper of the Week (#122) – Dandelion

If you are into maintaining a groomed lawn, then you know that the dandelion can be a real nuisance, but did you ever look at a dandelion up close that is about to go to seed? It is actually beautiful…

To Get This Wallpaper – [ CLICK HERE ]

Windows 7 (and 8) Users: If you are using Windows 7 (or 8), did you know you can create a desktop background slideshow to show off your pictures and wallpaper images?  To learn how to use this feature [CLICK HERE].

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Help Protect Your Kids On The Internet With DNS Angel

Keeping our kids from being exposed to the bad sites on the internet, such as pornography, is a real challenge. There are numerous software options that a parent can install to protect their kids, but knowing what I know about software, computers and parenting; the software option often falls through the cracks. Besides, most people today are app oriented and only want to install something that has a very quick (minimal) learning curve. This is why today apps are so popular on our smartphones and tablets.

To help you through this dilemma of protecting your kids on the internet and at the same time keeping it simple, I found a software option, called DNS Angel, that is an app in a sense. You simply download it and run it (no install – portable app).

When you open DNS Angel you will see buttons, as illustrated above, where you can select Norton Connect Safe 1, Norton Connect Safe 2, Open DNS Family and MetaCert DNS.

If you click on any of these buttons, it will change the DNS settings on your computer. Do not worry if concerned. You can click on the Default DNS button to return your computer to its’ default DNS settings. Each of these Domain Name Systems (DNS) are services that specialize in blocking  —  known adult websites (porn sites),  malicious sites, phishing sites, and malware sites.

I cannot really attest as to which one of these DNS services are better at protecting your kids (and your computer) from bad sites, but from what testing I did perform, I was quite impressed.

In the end, I found DNS Angel to be an easy install, one click software application, that changes the DNS settings on your computer to a DNS service that specializes in blocking bad content that will (at least) give you some peace of mind (and is better than nothing).

For matter of educating the visitor’s to the blog, DNS is this:

Domain Name System (or Service or Server), an Internet service that translates domain names into IP addresses. Because domain names are alphabetic, they’re easier to remember. The Internet however, is really based on IP addresses. Every time you use a domain name, therefore, a DNS service must translate the name into the corresponding IP address. For example, the domain name http://www.example.com might translate to198.105.232.4. [Source: Webopedia]

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Easter Egg – Launch Atari Breakout From Google’s Image Search

When you hear the term “Easter Egg” in IT (information technology), it is referred to as a hidden feature or option in the software coding or program that cannot easily be revealed or found. For example, I can remember years ago if you entered a specific formula into a Microsoft Excel ‘97 spreadsheet a 3D flight simulation would load. There are actual sites devoted to these easter eggs (i.e. The Easter Egg Archive).

An easter egg of sorts that has become popular this past week is the 1970’s Atari Breakout Game that can be launched from the Google Image Search box.

To make this happen visit Google’s Image Search [ HERE ] . In the search box, type Atari Breakout and click on the Search Button. Wait a few secs and the game will load. You can use your mouse or the arrow keys on the keyboard to control the paddle. When you rack up your best score, you can share it on your Google+ page  from right  inside the game. You will also find a pause, play and sound button.

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Make Your Own Ringtones For Your iPhone (or Any Mobile Phone)

I recently had a friend who was looking for a method to create a personalized ringtone for their iPhone. What I found, that is quite easy to use, is an online application called Online Audio Cutter.

Online Audio Cutter is specifically geared toward cutting out sound segments from just about any audio or video format that you throw at it (see supported formats). The best part is that there is nothing to install. Simply visit the site, click on the Open File button (to select a file from your computer), select the interval you want to cut by moving the blue sliders, choose a format you wish to save a file in (the default format is MP3), click the Cut button, then click Download to save your computer.

During this process you will find that there is even a fade-in and fade-out function that will start your clipped file from silence and gradually make it louder; AND, also during this process when selecting the desired format, you will see an option specifically for the iPhone ringtone format.

Below you will find links on creating a ringtone (for your iPhone), transferring the file to your iPhone and even instructions on how to change the iPhone ringtone

• How to create a ringtone for your iPhone?
• How to transfer a ringtone to your iPhone?
• How to change iPhone ringtone?

In closing, one thing to point out here is that Online Audio Cutter can also be used to create ringtones for any mobile phone (not just the iPhone).

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