WEB MAPPING AND PROGRAMING LANGUAGE BY FRANCIS ODERO

Programming is utilized for a variety of purposes. Whether it's automating geoprocessing operations or designing an algorithm for a variety of jobs, programming helps solve problems. It assists us in tackling activities that require a higher level of operations, such as when the challenges we're dealing with necessitate a certain manipulation that isn't available.This is one of the reasons why many GIS software packages include API access for tailoring the program to your exact requirements.
What will the outcome be? We'll begin by looking at the most commonly utilized programming languages in the industry. Then we'll look at each one independently to discover where and why it's most useful.


Python

Python has quickly become one of the most popular programming languages in the field. What do you mean by that? It is simple to learn, given to excellent documentation and simple syntax, as well as a wide range of free tutorials available online. Furthermore, tools like Numpy and Pandas provide excellent support for data analysis and processing.Python is used in ArcGIS, QGIS, GRASS GIS, gvSIG, and many other open source programs, making it worthwhile to learn. Simultaneously, a slew of new libraries have emerged in recent years, including Shapely, Fiona & Rasterio, Folium, and a slew of others.


JavaScript

JavaScript is a popular web programming language. Because it is present in almost every browser, website, or web application, it is a viable option for developing web mapping apps. Consider this: the most popular applications in recent years have emerged as a result of this language's features.ArcGIS Web APIs, MapBox, CARTO, Google Maps API, OpenLayers, Leaflet, and so on are just a few examples.


R

Statistical computing, graphics, data science, and geospatial analysis all use this language.It's gaining popularity in the geospatial domain thanks to the initiative (link is confusing, considering how you're attempting to connect it to your post, try explaining it to the audience) of R developers. ESRI just announced that R will be supported in their ArcGIS suite. This can be interpreted as a strong indication that things are only going to get better for the R geospatial community.You can also get R in QGIS, so you won't have to worry about running your scripts elsewhere. As a result, there are strong indications that R will play a significant role in the future.


SQL

It's one of the GIS languages with a long history that's being used in a variety of applications. If you want to learn more, take a look at OpenStreetMap's database overview.SQL is vital in GIS because you will be working with geospatial databases and it can assist you in database manipulation.ArcGIS, PostGIS, CARTO, QGIS, MapInfo, and a variety of other GIS tools are notable examples.


Java

Java is utilized as an alternative to C/C++ or C# for developing the application's backbone, particularly for desktop applications. Even for map servers, though, Java has proven to be a very useful language. GeoServer, one of the most popular web map servers, is written in Java, as you may or may not know.GeoServer, GeoTools, ArcGIS Runtime SDK, gvSIG, OpenJump, uDig, WhiteBox (GAT), Java Topology Suite, and others are notable examples. Last but not least, Android apps are almost always written in Java, so you'll need to be familiar with it if you want to pursue that path.

C/C++

One of the most well-known programming languages, and particularly effective for desktop applications. C++ has a long history of supporting and continuing to support successful applications, whether for Windows or Linux. Because the examples supplied don't always rely entirely on one or the other, I included both C and C++.ArcGIS, QGIS, SAGA GIS, GRASS GIS, MapServer, ILWIS, Mapnik, GDAL, Orfeo Toolbox, and so on are only a few examples. Even while it is still a popular language among developers, it is not a language that you would use on a regular basis as a GIS user.


C#

Microsoft’s baby. It is a well-known software development framework that is often used in conjunction with.NET. As with most of the topics discussed in this post, you may not have heard of it unless you are a coder. It is widely used by proprietary software vendors, particularly ESRI.ArcGIS (ArcObjects), ArcGIS Runtime SDK.NET, NetTopologySuite, and MapWindow are some notable examples.


The simplest way to find out what languages are being used in a situation is to visit the Open Source Geospatial Foundation on a regular basis (OSGeo). Following that, ESRI provides details on the software they use. Just keep an eye on their blogs, webinars, open source initiatives, and conference presentations; the same goes for other businesses. Following famous GIS websites and specialized periodicals is also something I recommend. If you're interested, there are numerous approaches you can take.

Keep in mind that software is usually constructed utilizing numerous technologies, but as you can see in the case of QGIS, a few of them had the most influence.There are many languages we didn't list since they don't come close to the ones stated above, but there are a few that are worth mentioning: Ruby (RGeo library), PHP (GeoPHP).Quick rundown of the numerous programming languages that are linked to the various technologies discussed :

1. GIS Scripting and applications (Python, R)
2. Data processing, analysis, and modeling (Python, R)
3. Web Mapping (JavaScript, Python)
4. Geospatial databases (SQL)
5. MapServers (Java, C# .NET, C++)
6. GIS heavy-weight development (Java, C/C++, C#)
7. Mobile development (Android, iOS, JavaScript)
8. Geospatial libraries (JavaScript, Python, Java, R, C/C++)