Beginning Programming With Android — C, C++, PHP, Python, Java and JavaScript
I have come across a lot of people who express their desires to learn programming. Some said they'll love to develop games. There are also some who said they are fascinated at the way Hollywood actors/actress hack. However, when I ask them, what's stopping from learning it, I'm given a wide range of answers. One of the most common response I get, is “I don't have a computer”.
It is very true that computers are used for programming, but little do they know that there is so much of programming that can be done with a simple Android phone. Android has a lot of software that make programming possible on it. Users have access to apps that make programming in the following languages possible: C, C++, PHP, Python, Lua, Java and JavaScript.
C Programming Language
C programming language is a very popular language in the programming world. This language is one of the best programming languages out there. It is close to the native language of your machines, and as a result, programs written in it are fast.
C is also a very lucrative programming language. It is furthermore powerful and used for a wide range of things. It wouldn't be an exaggeration if I state that C can be used for any programming task. It can be used for game development, artificial intelligence development, development of server, and so on. C is a very cool language. C can also be used to develop a website like SteemIt.
When a C program is written, it is compiled to the native language of a machine, using a special type of software called compiler. (See this article on compiler: https://steemit.com/technology/@inputoutput/compilers-and-compiled-languages). After a C program has been compiled, the result of the compilation can then be executed by a machine (computer, Android smart phone, etc).
C programming can be carried out on Android, using an app known as 'Mobile C'. The app is an integrated one, containing a text editor and a compiler. Text editors are softwares/apps used to write computer program.
In Mobile C, all you need to do is to write your program and tap 'Run'. 'Mobile C' is absolutely free, and it will remain free forever because it is an open source software. The app is available on Google Play Store. Programs written in C are saved using the extension '.c'. Example, 'hello.c'. Hello world in C:
C++ Programming Language
C++ programming language is an improved version of C. The language solves some problems of C, and also introduces new features like the object-oriented programming paradigm.
C++ is supported by 'Mobile C'. However, while programs written in C are saved with '.c' extension, C++ programs are saved with '.cpp' extension. An example is 'hello.cpp'. C++ is pronounced as C plus plus. Hello world in C++:
PHP Programming Language
PHP is an interpreted programming language, unlike C which is compiled. Programs written in it are interpreted by an interpreter, that's why we call it an interpreted language. Kindly read this SteemIt article on interpreter: https://steemit.com/technology/@inputoutput/interpreters-and-interpreted-languages.
PHP is also a very popular language, and it is easy to learn. This language is chiefly used to develop websites and web applications because those are the things it is best for. Companies like Facebook use this language, and it is one of the languages Mark Zuckerberg programs in. Furthermore, the popular WordPress content management system is written in PHP.
The PHP interpreter is often bounded with web server since web servers are one of the primary softwares on the world wide web. There are lot of PHP-integrated web servers for Android. Some are paid apps, while we also have the free ones. One of the best among these apps, is 'Server for PHP'. 'Server for PHP' is great and absolutely free.
Unlike 'Mobile C' which has an in-built text editor, the 'Server for PHP' app has no in-built text editor. However, there are lots of text editors available for the Android platform, but the best I've seen is an app known as “Quoda”. “Quoda” and “Server for PHP” are both available on Google Play Store. Programs written in PHP are saved using the extension '.php'. Hello world in PHP:
Python Programming Language
Python is a language easy to fall in love with. We have a lot of programmers who are fanatics of this language. Python is a very simple, easy to use, easy to understand, lovely and very efficient language. This language is loved and used by many great programmers. Just like PHP, Python is an interpreted language. Python is a great tool for hackers as it is well optimized for the job. The language is furthermore used to develop websites and web applications.
Starting programming in Python, on the Android operating system, is as simple as downloading a Python interpreter known as 'QPython 3'. The interpreter is available on Google Play Store, and it has support for Python 3.
However, 'Mobile C' can be also be used for Python programming, but it doesn't have much flexibility as 'QPython 3'. QPython is an open source software. It is free and will always remain free. Python programs are saved in the following extension, '.py'. Hello world in Python:
Lua Programming Language
Lua is another programming language. This language is not as popular as any of the programming languages discussed in this article. I wouldn't discuss this language because it isn't the best choice for any programming beginner. Not only that, it is not as powerful as any of the programming languages discussed in this article. Lua is chiefly used by advanced C and C++ programmers.
Java Programming Language
Java is not just a programming language, it is a leading programming language. It is one of the most popular, lucrative and power programming languages in the world. The language is also a mature language, and ideal for people who want to be great software developers. Late last year, 2017, Oracle released a new version of the Java, Java 9.
Unlike any of the above discussed languages, Java is both a compiled and interpreted language. The way Java works is quite different from the way most other programming language.
Ordinarily, a program written by a human is compiled, then execute by a physical machine (computer, smart phones, etc), or the program is executed directly by a virtual machine (a software that acts like a physical machine, and executes programs).
In Java, when a program is written, it is first compiled. Rather than the compiled program being executed by a physical machine, as in the case of C and C++, it is executed by an interpreter, better known as Java Virtual Machine (JVM).
Java is used to develop softwares for business organization, Android applications and web applications. Java is also an ideal programming language for artificial intelligence.
To program in Java, on the Android platform, all you have to do is download 'Java N-IDE' from Google Play Store. 'Java N-IDE' is an integration of text editor, Java compiler and JVM. 'Java N-IDE' is easy to use, free and safe. The app goes further to support Android development. In other words, if you have mastered your Java, you can go ahead to develop Android apps, right on your phone! Java programs are saved using the '.java' file extension. Example, 'hello.java'. Hello world in Java:
JavaScript Programming Language
JavaScript is also a popular language, but it is a domain-specific language. By domain-specific, I mean it is a language used primarily in web development. JavaScript is not used to develop desktop application. When it is used in Android application development, it is used in conjunction with Java. JavaScript is not related to Java, neither are they developed by the same organization.
JavaScript is an interpreted language, and it is also simple to learn. JavaScript interpreter are often embedded in browsers, although there are stand-alone JavaScript interpreters. When using JavaScript for real tasks, you'll likely be using it for webpage-related tasks.
When using JavaScript for a web related task, the programs are embedded in HTML files. At times, they are saved in a separate file, using the extension '.js'. However, for beginners, it is advisable to work with a stand-alone JavaScript interpreter. Programs written in the language, for stand-alone interpreters, are saved using the same file extension, '.js'.
'Mobile C' also has the ability to function as a JavaScript interpreter. Hello world in JavaScript:
My Volume 1 Articles
Beginning Programming With Android — C, C++, PHP, Python, Java and JavaScript
https://steemit.com/technology/@inputoutput/beginning-programming-with-android-c-c-php-python-java-and-javascriptCompilers and Compiled Languages
https://steemit.com/technology/@inputoutput/compilers-and-compiled-languagesInterpreters and Interpreted Languages
https://steemit.com/technology/@inputoutput/interpreters-and-interpreted-languages