Over the years I have managed to gain experience in many programming languages, and the question I get asked most often (and ask myself) is which language is the best?

Unfortunately there is no simple answer to that question, ok well I could say Java if I was to base my answer on my current mood , but the truth is that we use programming languages to perform some function (hehe) and every language/framework/platform has pros and cons in it’s ability to perform that function.

The Internet blurred this question even more. With the web now a common platform for applications and every language having some kind of web framework or capability, which one should you use? As more and more VM’s or frameworks appear that can run apps written in many languages does it really matter what language you use or is it more a question of platform?. The world of software development is constantly changing and we are seeing a focus on design patterns and good practice that applies to all languages. This can only be a good thing!.

So how do you choose? These days I make an effort to learn every new language or variation, something that becomes easy to do as you understand basic programming principles. It only takes an hour or two of your time to pick up on a languages key features, then can you make an educated decision using a myriad of factors like Hardware and Operating System you will be using, upcoming language features and community support and most importantly, a good dose of grey matter.

If you are looking for the “right” language for your next idea i’d suggest you choose something you enjoy, after all that’s what it is all about right? You’ll find you are much more productive doing something you enjoy…

On that note I’ll return to my Groovy book, or should I read the Lua book instead?