The applications of virtual reality (Virtual Reality or VR) are increasing every day. Maybe you and I still think that virtual reality is only for computer games and its main use is in the entertainment industry. But it is not like that at all. Virtual reality is used in healthcare, the military and space industries, the tourism industry, the automotive industry, etc. For example, space agencies use virtual reality and applications developed with virtual reality to train astronauts.
The widespread and growing applications of virtual reality in various industries have a very important consequence in the labor market: the demand in the labor market for programmers who can develop virtual reality applications and programs will increase. But the point is that not all programming languages are suitable for virtual reality development. There are some programming languages, such as Python, that are used in the field of artificial intelligence as well as virtual reality.
Now that the programmer has more than one choice to enter the virtual reality world, which language should he learn to become a virtual reality developer? To answer that question, we must first see which languages are the best virtual reality programming languages (VR Programming Languages). Both questions are answered in this article.
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Introducing 6 of the best virtual reality programming languages
Before I introduce the best programming languages for developing virtual reality, it is better to define virtual reality very briefly. Virtual reality is defined as: a simulated experience. In simple terms, with VR technology, any environment (whether real or imaginary) can be completely simulated and put a person in a situation where he imagines that he is in that virtual environment and interacts with that environment and everything in it.
Virtual reality technology consists of two parts: software and hardware. The software part is the 3D simulated environment. And the hardware is the headset that a person must put on his eyes to see the virtual reality and be in that simulated environment. Augmented Reality and Mixed Reality are two different technologies based on simulating reality.
A virtual reality developer is someone who builds the software part. The point here is that in software development, attention should be paid to its relationship with hardware. Virtual reality is created by joining those two parts together. For this reason, the programming language used for the development of the software should be chosen according to that point.
1. Python
Python is a high-level and advanced language. You might be a little surprised that Python is being introduced as the first language for VR programming. But Python is truly a universal language. Of course, primarily, Python is used in the fields of artificial intelligence, machine learning, data mining and analysis. In addition to those areas, programmers also use Python for site development.
Python has libraries and frameworks that allow VR developers to use it to develop VR software. Vizard’s powerful software development platform is built with Python. Prestigious universities, research and space institutions (including NASA) use this platform to develop their virtual reality programs.
2. #C
C# is the first choice for virtual reality developers who want to create computer games. There is an important reason for this popularity: the Unity game engine is written in C# and C++ languages. Therefore, the developer can easily develop his VR game with C#. The Unity platform provides developers with many tools to create virtual reality experiences. In addition to full compatibility with Unity, C# has a powerful library called Stereokit for developing virtual reality applications.
3. ++C
Just like C#, C++ is very popular among VR game developers. Because the Unreal 3D game engine is written in C++. The Unreal framework also provides developers with powerful tools to create virtual reality experiences. In addition, some virtual reality headsets, such as the Oculus Rift S, are only compatible with the C++ language, and VR games (or software) should only be written in that language.
4. Java
Java is usually the choice of those who want to create virtual reality applications for the Android operating system and Android headsets. Because the Java programming language is usually used to develop Android applications. If the virtual reality developer wants the games as well as the apps he creates to be compatible with Google Cardboard, he needs to get the help of the Java language.
5. Swift
If Java is the language for developing Android applications, Swift is the programming language for iOS applications. Swift was created by Apple and introduced as the official language for developing applications for various Apple devices. The language is easy to learn and even a beginner developer can build VR apps, which are compatible with iOS, iPadOS, macOS, TVOS & watchOS.
6. JavaScript
The design and development of web applications has grown significantly in recent years. One of the programming languages that has contributed to the development of web apps is JavaScript. JavaScript has powerful libraries and frameworks for building virtual reality experiences. Therefore, if a programmer wants to develop virtual reality web apps, JavaScript and its frameworks should be his first choice.
Three.js is a 3D JavaScript library that developers can use to create VR experiences for site users. A-FRAME is a JavaScript framework for WebVR development, and with that framework, virtual reality and augmented reality experiences can be created for the user.