The Evolution of Programming Languages: From FORTRAN to Python

By Henry V. Lyons, Jr. 9/20/23

Programming languages history, FORTRAN, COBOL, C, dBase, C++, Python, Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)

 

The history of programming languages is a fascinating journey of innovation and adaptation. From the early days of machine code to the modern era of high-level languages, each generation of programming languages has brought new capabilities and made it easier for developers to create software.

 

FORTRAN: The Pioneer of Scientific Computing

In 1954, IBM released FORTRAN (FORmula TRANslation), the first widely used high-level programming language. FORTRAN was designed for scientific and engineering calculations, and it quickly became the standard language for these fields. FORTRAN’s impact on technology was immense. It enabled scientists and engineers to solve complex problems that would have been impossible to tackle with machine code.

Since FORTRAN was specifically designed for scientific and engineering calculations it included features that made it well-suited for numerical analysis, making it easier for scientists and engineers to solve complex mathematical problems and perform simulations.

This programming language introduced a level of portability that was previously unheard of in the computing world. Programs written in FORTRAN could be easily transferred between different computer systems, which was a major breakthrough in an era when each computer had its unique machine language.

FORTRAN also established a set of standard libraries and conventions for scientific and mathematical programming, promoting consistency and collaboration among programmers in these fields.

Here are some simple examples of FORTRAN code to give you a sense of its syntax and usage:

 

  1. Hello, World! In FORTAN:

program HelloWorld

      ! This is a comment

      write(*,*) ‘Hello, World!’

end program HelloWorld

 

 

  1. Calculating the Sum of Two Numbers:

 

program SumNumbers

      integer :: num1, num2, sum

 

      ! Input

      num1 = 5

      num2 = 7

 

      ! Calculation

      sum = num1 + num2

 

      ! Output

      write(*,*) ‘The sum of’, num1, ‘and’, num2, ‘is’, sum

end program SumNumbers

 

 

COBOL: The Language of Business

In 1959, COBOL (COmmon Business-Oriented Language) was developed. It was specifically designed for business and data processing applications. COBOL allowed businesses to automate and streamline their operations by providing a language tailored to their needs. This focus on business applications was a significant departure from earlier programming languages, which were more general-purpose.

COBOL also emphasized human-readable code. Its syntax was designed to resemble natural language, making it accessible to business professionals who were not necessarily computer experts. This readability made it easier for non-programmers to understand and maintain COBOL programs. It also introduced a degree of portability, allowing programs to be moved between different computer systems, though not as seamlessly as FORTRAN. This portability was a valuable feature for businesses that might change their hardware or software environments.

COBOL contributed to the standardization of programming concepts in the business world. It established a set of conventions and best practices for business application development, making it easier for programmers to work together and share code.

 

Here are some simple examples of COBOL code to illustrate its syntax and usage:

  1. Hello, World! in COBOL:

 

       IDENTIFICATION DIVISION.

       PROGRAM-ID. HelloWorld.

       PROCEDURE DIVISION.

           DISPLAY ‘Hello, World!’.

           STOP RUN.

 

  1. Calculating the sum of two numbers:

 

  IDENTIFICATION DIVISION.

  PROGRAM-ID. SumNumbers.

  DATA DIVISION.

           WORKING-STORAGE SECTION.

           01 Num1 PIC 9(3).

           01 Num2 PIC 9(3).

           01 Sum  PIC 9(4).

  PROCEDURE DIVISION.

           MOVE 123 TO Num1.

           MOVE 456 TO Num2.

           ADD Num1 TO Num2 GIVING Sum.

           DISPLAY ‘The sum is: ‘, Sum.

           STOP RUN.

 

C: The Versatile Language

In 1972, Dennis Ritchie developed the C programming language. C was designed to be a versatile language that could be used for a wide variety of tasks. C quickly became popular among developers, and it is still widely used today. C’s impact on technology is undeniable. It has been used to develop operating systems, compilers, and countless other software applications.

C was designed to be highly portable, allowing programs written in C to be easily moved between different computer systems. This portability made it an excellent choice for developing software that needed to run on various platforms.

The language struck a balance between low-level and high-level programming. It provided low-level control over computer hardware, making it suitable for system programming tasks like developing operating systems and device drivers. Simultaneously, C offered high-level features for application development, allowing for versatile software creation.

C was also known for its efficiency in terms of both execution speed and memory usage. It allowed developers to write code that could take full advantage of a computer’s capabilities while using resources efficiently.

C served as the foundation for many other programming languages, including C++, C#, and Objective-C. This influence on language design continues to shape modern software development.

Here are some simple examples of C code to showcase its syntax and usage:

  1. Hello, World! in C:

 

#include <stdio.h>

 

int main() {

       printf(“Hello, World!\n”);

      return 0;

}

 

  1. Calculating the sum of two numbers:

 

#include <stdio.h>

 

int main() {

    int num1 = 5;

    int num2 = 7;

    int sum = num1 + num2;

   

    printf(“The sum of %d and %d is %d\n”, num1, num2, sum);

   

    return 0;

}

dBase: The database management language

In 1980, Ashton-Tate released the first commercial version of dBase with a focus on simplicity and ease of use. dBase I was primarily a file-based database system with limited capabilities. It was one of the earliest database management systems (DBMS) that introduced a simple way to create, manage, and query databases. It played a pivotal role in popularizing the use of databases for businesses and individuals.

dBase was known for its simplicity. It allowed non-programmers to create and manipulate databases easily through a user-friendly interface. This made it accessible to a wide range of users. It enabled rapid application development (RAD) by providing a framework for building database applications quickly. It was particularly valuable for small businesses and individuals who needed to create custom applications without extensive programming knowledge.

dBase was extensible through a programming language that allowed users to write scripts and automate tasks, further enhancing its functionality. It also played a significant role in shaping the evolution of database management systems, and many modern relational database systems were influenced by its concepts.

dBase II, released in 1981, improved upon the original version with enhanced functionality and better performance.

dBase III, introduced in 1983, became one of the most popular database systems of the time. It allowed users to create and manage databases with a structured query language (SQL) and was used for business and personal applications.

dBase III Plus, released in 1986, continued to refine and expand the capabilities of the software. It added features such as support for memo fields and improved indexing.

dBase IV, introduced in 1988, aimed to compete with emerging relational database systems but faced criticism for performance and stability issues.

The late 1980s and early 1990s saw the rise of competitors like Microsoft Access and Paradox, which offered more advanced features and graphical interfaces.

Ashton-Tate’s financial difficulties and acquisition by Borland in 1991 led to uncertainty and a decline in the dBase product line.

In the early 2000s, a community of dBase enthusiasts created open-source versions of the software, such as “dBASE CLASSIC” and “Xbase.”

 

Below is a simple example of dBase script code:

  1. Creating a Database Table:

CREATE TABLE Employee

(

   EmpID   I    4,

   FirstName C   20,

   LastName  C   20,

   Salary   N   10,2

)

 

 

C++: The Object-Oriented Language

In 1983, Bjarne Stroustrup developed the C++ programming language. C++ was based on the C language, but it added support for object-oriented programming (OOP). C++ introduced and popularized the concept of Object-Oriented Programming. This approach organizes code into reusable objects, improving code modularity and simplifying program development.

 C++ quickly became popular, and it is still one of the most widely used programming languages today. C++’s impact on technology has been profound. It has been used to develop a wide variety of software applications, including games, graphics applications, and scientific software. The language was designed to be a versatile language, allowing developers to write code for a wide range of applications. It combined the low-level capabilities of C with the high-level features of OOP, making it suitable for system programming, game development, and more.

The language also included the Standard Template Library, a powerful collection of templates and algorithms that simplified common programming tasks. This library enhanced code efficiency and productivity.

C++ had a profound influence on the development of subsequent programming languages, particularly in the realm of OOP. Languages like Java and C# adopted many of C++’s OOP features.

 

Here are some simple examples of C++ code to illustrate its syntax and usage:

  1. Hello, World! in C++:

#include <iostream>

int main() {

      std::cout << “Hello, World!” << std::endl;

      return 0;

}

Python: The Easy-to-Learn Language

In 1991, Guido van Rossum developed the Python programming language. Python was designed to be an easy-to-learn language that could be used for a wide variety of tasks. Python quickly became popular, and it is now one of the most popular programming languages in the world. Python’s impact on technology has been significant. It has been used to develop web applications, data science applications, and machine learning applications.

Python is an extremely versatile language that can be used for a wide range of applications. It excels in web development, data analysis, scientific computing, artificial intelligence, machine learning, automation, and more. Its versatility has made it a top choice for developers in various fields.

Python’s clean and readable syntax makes it an excellent language for both beginners and experienced programmers. Its code is easy to understand and maintain, which accelerates development and reduces the likelihood of errors. It comes with an extensive standard library that provides modules and packages for various tasks. This library simplifies development by offering pre-built tools for common programming challenges, reducing the need for developers to reinvent the wheel.

Another great thing about the language is that it is open source, meaning it is freely available, and developers worldwide contribute to its development. This open and collaborative environment has led to a rich ecosystem of third-party libraries and frameworks, enhancing Python’s capabilities. For instance, Python is compatible with various operating systems, allowing developers to write code that can run on different platforms with minimal modification. This cross-platform support increases its appeal for application development.

Python has become a dominant language in the fields of data science and machine learning. Libraries such as NumPy, Pandas, and TensorFlow have made it the language of choice for data analysis and AI. The language boasts a large and active community. This community support, along with abundant online resources and tutorials, ensures that developers have access to assistance and learning materials.

 

Here are some simple examples of Python code to showcase its syntax and usage:

  1. Hello, World! in Python:

            print(“Hello, World!”)

 

  1. Calculating the sum of two numbers:

num1 = 5

num2 = 7

sum = num1 + num2

print(“The sum of”, num1, “and”, num2, “is”, sum)

 

 

The Future of Programming Languages

The future of programming languages is likely to be characterized by continued innovation and adaptation. As new technologies emerge, new programming languages will be developed to meet the needs of those technologies. For example, the rise of artificial intelligence has led to the development of new programming languages that are designed to make it easier to develop machine learning applications.

The evolution of programming languages is a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of human beings. As technology continues to evolve, so will programming languages. The future of programming is sure to be filled with new and exciting developments.

 

Relevance in Today’s Coding Environment

The programming languages discussed in this article are all still relevant in today’s coding landscape. FORTRAN is still used in scientific and engineering applications. COBOL is used in legacy business applications. C is used for developing operating systems and other low-level software. C++ is used for developing a wide variety of software applications and Python is used for developing web apps, data science and machine learning applications.

In addition to these classic languages, there are many other programming languages that are popular today. Some of the most popular programming languages include Java, JavaScript, and Go. These languages are all designed to meet the needs of modern software development. The choice of programming language depends on the specific needs of the project.

 

The journey from FORTRAN to Python is a remarkable tale of innovation and adaptation in the world of programming languages. Each language played a pivotal role in shaping technology and simplifying the development of software. As we look to the future, we can anticipate the birth of new languages tailored to the evolving technological landscape. The evolution of programming languages is a testament to human ingenuity and a harbinger of exciting developments yet to come.

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