Trends in Computer Science Programming: It’s All In the Script

Speed is king in today’s programming environment. And that means powerful, object-oriented programming languages may be losing some of their longtime dominance, says Dr. Eric Sabbah, chair of the computer science program at Capitol Technology University.

“Scripting is more on the rise – Python, for instance,” Sabbah says. “Object-oriented programming is still a big thing but the momentum is really with scripting now. It’s easier to learn and quicker to write.”

Choosing the right approach depends on the scale and complexity of the task, he notes. For many relatively simple tasks, scripting makes the most sense.  For more complex situations, it’s best to turn to a language like Java or C++.

According to Sabbah, a similar trend towards speed and ease of use is being seen in the database programming arena. Although the longtime standard, SQL, still reigns supreme, simpler alternatives such as JSON are gaining more traction.

“In general, we’re seeing a tendency to sacrifice the super-efficient, well-tested enterprise solutions in favor of a ‘let’s do this quickly’ type of approach,” Sabbah says.  “While the more robust solutions are actually quicker and more efficient once you have them in place, they require more effort upfront.”

“When you’re driven by production deadlines, there’s a tendency to want to go for the solution that can be implemented most swiftly – even if it’s less efficient in the long run.”

The take-home for aspiring computer scientists: opportunities exist for different kinds of programming expertise. Scripting is easiest to learn and may be the quickest way to get a foothold in the industry – but broader expertise is valued too.

Capitol, Sabbah says, reflects the increased diversity of the field in its programs. For those seeking to build a deeper theoretical background, a bachelor’s degree in computer science is still the best fit. But the university also offers programs in software engineering and web development, which equip students with the in-demand coding skills they need in today’s deadline-oriented, fast-paced business environment.

“There are many paths available in computer science,” Sabbah says. “Our programs reflect the variety that characterizes the field today.”