What makes different programming languages “better” than others? Or more powerful? Why have different languages developed over time? Are they all based on the same thing?
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Depends largely on what you want to do. Programming languages are kinda like tools in a Swiss Army knife. Some languages are more suited to clipping nails, while others might be better at uncorking wine.
But, at their core, all programming languages do is help automate boring or mundane tasks with things called loops. Just fancy ways of executing one piece of code over and over with slightly different inputs each time. Mind numbingly boring for you and me to sit and type out, but super easy for computers.
And then there’s a lot of cultural influence behind the inventors and the emerging ecosystems of these (contemporary) languages that ends up defining a lot about how a programming language should look, feel and behave. Its “mouthfeel,” as it were.
As you can imagine, people are highly opinionated on how looping over stuff should be done. Some like the very strict and very formal programming languages that enforce rules upon how you write code, while others prefer a more pragmatic, liberal approach that offers a great deal of freedom on how things are allowed to be done. Some folks don’t even believe loops should even be things and think automating tasks should be done with things called functions that call themselves over and over instead of using loops.
Arguments are soundly made for all approaches, Insults are flung, wars ensue, and feelings are hurt – which is why we have so many different programming languages today.
Nevertheless, they all largely stem from the great grandaddy of them all, C.
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