Creating a new product: "Don't use that language"

Questions I am sometimes asked by other developers or people who have previously worked in IT: "which programming language do I use?" or "which tools do I use?"

While languages such as C# and Swift seem to be the current fashion these days - languages that are considered "outdated" are still popular and in use - including Delphi, Visual Basic 6 (yes, there are still applications out there written in Visual Basic 6!), COBOL and so many others.

Most of these languages and tools are still maintained, and have modern development tools - some of them where even doing things before tools such as C# made them cool and fashionable!

Even the ones that are no longer maintained or have modern tools available - e.g. Visual Basic 6 - still work well on modern versions of Windows, and do the job really well.

There is sometimes a snobbery towards older languages, or ones that are no longer as popular - "don't use Delphi, nobody uses that any more", etc.

(Often hear similar comments about developing desktop software over cloud applications.)

Ignore them. Use the best tools for the job.

If that is Delphi, Visual Basic or even QuickBASIC, then go ahead and use them!

Plus, learning one or two of these languages have another advantage - there are many people that can develop using C# - however developers for Delphi, Visual Basic, COBOL, etc. are a little more difficult to find, so more opportunities and sometimes a higher salary for you when jobs for these languages come along.

Many applications - both new products and "legacy" applications are still developed, released and maintained. There is likely to be a demand for languages that everyone says are "dead" for many years or even decades to come.

Sometimes see companies and individuals try to rewrite things using something they perceive as more modern - however this usually ends up with more problems then just maintaining the existing product - imagine all those years of bug fixes, working code, etc. that is being scrapped.

Search job websites for more "obscure" languages and you'll find many opportunities.

Search online forums and communities, and you'll find that they are still active with questions being asked and answered.

Look at the websites of manufacturers of those development tools and languages - new versions are still being released, often with new additions to allow modern applications - e.g. more support for the web or mobile apps.

Search the web for applications created using a particular language, and you'll find there are many well-known and modern products (some of which you currently or previously used).

(Side note: if you are learning C# or Swift, I'm not suggesting that you stop learning them in favour of any of the languages used here - however learning a lesser known language does have its advantages as I've illustrated here.)

Those programming languages that people say are "dead", "no longer used" or "unsuitable for modern development" are still very much alive, in active use and most definitely suitable for modern development!

Next time someone says a development tool or language is dead, unfashionable or not modern, ignore them.

Whether you are creating a new software product using a modern programming language, or something that is deemed less fashionable, my book has plenty of hints and tips to help you plan, create and release your new product - available on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08C8R9R9W