How Programming Languages Are Like Superheroes

by Darryl K. Taft

Yes, both Godzilla and Python are derived from reptiles, but that’s not where the comparison to the radioactive behemoth ends with Python. The Python language is one of the most widely used due to its readability and compact syntax, ensuring that even beginners can figure out how to use it. In fact, Python is now the introductory language of choice for leading U.S. universities, incinerating the competition when it comes to other languages. And it stands the test of time after all these years—just like Godzilla.

As the first purely object-oriented programming language, Java was developed on the principle of “write once, run anywhere.” It can adapt to multiple platforms, just like Transformers can adapt to conceal their identities as machines in the real world. You can’t be a programmer and not know Java, as it’s used to develop enterprise-level applications and video games. Plus, every programmer worth his or her salt knows Optimus Prime. Autobots, roll out!

Just as Hercules is a legend for using his strength to help others, C is a legend for helping create other languages. One of the oldest and most widely used languages, C provides the building blocks for many other popular languages, such as C#, Java and Python. The language is mostly used for implementing operating systems and embedded applications. Its strength, like Hercules’ strength, lies in its dependability and support for other systems.

A relative baby of the language world (developed in 1995), Ruby is only now growing in popularity. Used by a younger generation of programmers, Ruby is simple and readable. It’s used mainly for developing Web-based applications—where all the teenagers hang out these days. The founder of the language, Yukihiro “Matz” Matsumoto, said, “I hope to see Ruby help every programmer in the world to be productive, and to enjoy programming, and to be happy. That is the primary purpose of Ruby language.” The Ninja Turtles might say the same about pizza!

Just like many of the stars of “The Expendables” film series (Sylvester Stallone, et al.) are considered the grandfathers of today’s action heroes, COBOL is the grandfather of programming languages. An oldie but a goodie, it’s been around the block. Because COBOL is a legacy language, it’s a part of many of the applications we use today. It’s demonstrated its reliability over the years and won’t be going away anytime soon. The aging fan base keeps it alive.

Since Perl was developed in 1987, it has undergone many changes and revisions—currently resting at version 5. Its roadmap has been similar to the Spider-Man franchise, which originally premiered on TV back in 1977 and has since been remade into two successful franchises. Used for graphics, system admin and other applications, Perl has been nicknamed “the Swiss Army chainsaw of scripting languages” and has built a powerful following in the programming field. As Peter Parker would say, however, “With great power comes great responsibility.”

A special-purpose language designed for managing data in a relational database management system, SQL has been enhanced with many added features over its lifetime. Just like Steve Rogers, SQL was initially a frail language based on relational algebra and calculus, but it has become one of the most widely used database languages in the world, encompassing capabilities such as data insert, scheme creation and data access control. Through genetic enhancements and advanced technology, Steve Rogers was similarly transformed into Captain America, a superhero with lightning-quick reflexes and a near-indestructible shield. You could say that SQL is the First Avenger of the database management world.

The First Guardians of the Galaxy have had a long and sordid past, always overshadowed by the more successful Thor and the other Avengers—similar to JavaScript, which has a tendency to be overshadowed by the more-famous Java. The Guardians control space-time to protect the galaxy, while JavaScript gives developers the power to control the browser as one of the fundamental technologies of the Web. If you’re looking to code professionally, you need to become the Star-Lord of the JavaScript Galaxy.