A computer programming language is a set of instructions that tells a computer how to behave. Countless computer programming languages have been created, thousands are in use, and new ones are written every day. Computer programming language courses that offer certification for programming in one of the more commonly used languages — HTML, Java, C++, Visual Basic, Perl, SQL, .NET, XML, FoxPro — are a definite career plus.

When sourcing computer programming language training, consider:

1. Enrolling in courses that offer certification in computer programming languages.
2. Learning early computer programming languages still in use, such as taking C++ courses.
3. Taking Java courses to master this web favorite.
4. Attending Perl courses for writing CGI scripts.
5. Signing up for SQL courses for better database management.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Learn computer programming languages to enhance your skills

Computer programming language courses that offer certification can give programmers an edge in the marketplace.

I recommend: Earn a certificate from eLearners.com, which offers online courses for a wide range of computer programming languages, including Java courses. Earn the appropriate certificates and degrees in computer programming languages at one of the educational organizations listed at Online Education.

Early computer programming languages still in use

Many of today's important computer programming languages, such as FORTRAN, LISP, COBOL, Perl and C++ are descendants of languages that were originally developed from the 1950s to the 1980s.

I recommend: Wintrac specializes in mainframe computer programming language training including COBOL, which is still one of the most widely used computer programming languages in the world. The C++ program is commonly used for programming in Windows and Macintosh environments. NetCom Information Technology offers many C++ courses. One Course Source sells C++ courses you can use for computer programming language training in your own company. Another source for C++ courses is TrainUp.com’s C/C++ training seminars.

Take Java courses to master this web favorite

Java courses are particularly popular due to Java's web programming ability, including Java applications called applets that are downloaded from a web server and run on the user's computer.

I recommend: Find Java courses in the list of Java schools at ComputerTrainingSchools.com. LearningPatterns offers training, mentoring and consulting in Java and can tailor Java courses for beginners or advanced programmers. Also, see Business.com’s Java training page for a listing of providers of Java courses.

Take Perl courses for writing CGI scripts

The current version of Perl, Perl 5, is one of the most popular ways to write CGI scripts, which are commonly used to allow web servers to interact dynamically with users. Perl courses that specialize in CGI scripting are widely available.

I recommend: Hands On Technology Transfer offers two Perl courses: Perl Programming and CGI Scripting and Perl Scripting. Check out Business.com’s Perl programming education and training directory for a list of vendors that offer Perl courses.

Take SQL courses for better database management

SQL courses can help you master this computer programming language that's designed to query data in relational database management systems, such as Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server and Sybase.

I recommend: Find SQL courses in your area at ComputerTrainingSchools.com. Hands On Technology Transfer offers SQL training in more than 75 cities nationwide. For more SQL training opportunities, refer to the directory at Business.com.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Computer programming language training companies often offer discounts for groups, making it more cost-effective than individual training.
• •  Keep your computer programming language skills - and those of your employees - up to date by investing in ongoing training as languages evolve into new versions.
• •  Java courses are among the most popular today, due to Java's impact on Internet programming.
• •  Mainframe computers are still in wide use today, making C++ courses highly desirable.