languages
Master programming languages for backend development. Learn language selection, fundamentals, and ecosystem for JavaScript, Python, Go, Java, C#, PHP, Ruby, and Rust.
What this skill does
# Programming Languages Skill
**Bonded to:** `programming-fundamentals-agent`
---
## Quick Start
```bash
# Invoke languages skill
"Help me choose a programming language for my backend project"
"Set up Python development environment"
"Compare Go vs Rust for microservices"
```
---
## Instructions
1. **Assess Requirements**: Evaluate project needs (performance, scalability, team expertise)
2. **Compare Languages**: Use decision matrix below
3. **Select Language**: Choose based on requirements and constraints
4. **Set Up Environment**: Configure IDE, package manager, linters
5. **Master Ecosystem**: Learn frameworks, testing tools, deployment
---
## Language Comparison Matrix
| Language | Best For | Performance | Learning | Ecosystem |
|----------|----------|-------------|----------|-----------|
| JavaScript/Node.js | Real-time, Full-stack | Good | Easy | Excellent |
| Python | ML/AI, APIs, Scripting | Moderate | Easy | Excellent |
| Go | Microservices, Cloud | Excellent | Medium | Good |
| Java | Enterprise, Android | Good | Medium | Excellent |
| C# | Microsoft, Games | Good | Medium | Good |
| Rust | Systems, Performance | Excellent | Hard | Growing |
| PHP | Web, WordPress | Moderate | Easy | Good |
| Ruby | Web, Startups | Moderate | Easy | Good |
---
## Decision Tree
```
Project Requirements?
│
├─→ ML/AI/Data Science → Python
│
├─→ High Performance Required?
│ ├─→ Systems level → Rust
│ └─→ Cloud/Microservices → Go
│
├─→ Enterprise/Large Team → Java or C#
│
├─→ Rapid Prototyping → Python or Ruby
│
└─→ Full-stack/Real-time → JavaScript/Node.js
```
---
## Examples
### Example 1: Language Selection
```
Input: "I need to build a high-performance microservices API"
Output: Recommend Go or Rust
- Go: Simpler, faster development, excellent concurrency
- Rust: Maximum performance, memory safety, steeper learning curve
```
### Example 2: Environment Setup
```
Input: "Set up Python development environment"
Output:
1. Install Python 3.12+ via pyenv
2. Create virtual environment: python -m venv .venv
3. Install dependencies: pip install -r requirements.txt
4. Configure IDE (VS Code + Python extension)
5. Set up linting: ruff, mypy
```
### Example 3: Package Management
```
Input: "Configure dependency management for Node.js"
Output:
1. Initialize: npm init -y
2. Add dependencies: npm install express
3. Lock versions: package-lock.json
4. Configure .npmrc for registry
```
---
## Troubleshooting
### Common Issues
| Issue | Cause | Solution |
|-------|-------|----------|
| `command not found` | Not in PATH | Add to shell profile |
| Version mismatch | Wrong version active | Use version manager (nvm, pyenv) |
| Package conflicts | Incompatible versions | Use lockfile, check compatibility |
| Build errors | Missing system deps | Install required libraries |
### Debug Commands
```bash
# Check versions
node -v && npm -v
python --version && pip --version
go version
rustc --version && cargo --version
# Check PATH
echo $PATH | tr ':' '\n' | grep -E 'node|python|go|rust'
```
---
## Test Template
```python
# tests/test_language_selection.py
import pytest
class TestLanguageSelection:
def test_recommends_go_for_microservices(self):
requirements = {"type": "microservices", "performance": "high"}
result = select_language(requirements)
assert result["language"] in ["go", "rust"]
assert result["confidence"] > 0.8
def test_recommends_python_for_ml(self):
requirements = {"type": "ml", "team_expertise": ["python"]}
result = select_language(requirements)
assert result["language"] == "python"
```
---
## References
See `references/` directory for:
- `LANGUAGE_GUIDE.md` - Detailed language comparison
- `language-comparison.yaml` - Structured data
---
## Resources
- [Node.js Documentation](https://nodejs.org/docs/)
- [Python Documentation](https://docs.python.org/3/)
- [Go Documentation](https://golang.org/doc/)
- [Rust Book](https://doc.rust-lang.org/book/)
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