10 Best Programming Languages to Learn Hacking

Hacking involves breaking the protocols of any system on a network and while this can be done by a plethora of applications available for free, being a hacker requires you to understand the languages that the software that you have in focus is written in and they are usually written in a range of common languages.

Today, we bring you a list of programming languages that you should know if you want to build a career as a hacker.

1. HTML

HTML stands for Hyper Text Markup Language and while it is listed first in this list, it is not a programming language. It is used to markup text in a way the browser will know how to display information and so since every website is built using HTML, it is an essential language for all hackers and practically the first one you should learn.

2. JavaScript

JavaScript is the most used client-side programming language and being the ideal language for building web applications, security experts prefer using it to build both front-end and back-end components.

Understanding JavaScript is essential for manipulating any type of web application because there are barely any online projects that don’t use JS or its libraries.

Here is why you should learn Javascript now

3. PHP

PHP stands for Hypertext Processor and it has been the most popular server-side programming language used for websites especially since the advent of WordPress which powers over 70% of the Internet’s websites.

Understanding how PHP works automatically puts you in a place where you are comfortable enough to learn how to take advantage of security leaks on the server-side.

4. SQL

SQL stands for Structured Queried Language and it is the language used to interact databases in order to add, retrieve, or edit data.

Ever heard of SQL injection? All websites make use of a database and a lot of them are relational databases which use SQL or a customized version of it so it is important to get yourself acquainted with it.

5. C/C++

C is a low-level programming language upon which modern Operating Systems are built and it has an edge over other languages because of how its ability to easily manipulate system resources and hardware. C++ is a high-level language developed as an extension of C with extra features that simplify programming.

Learning C/C++ equip you with the skills that enable you to reverse engineer enterprise software and its features e.g. static typing and polymorphism speed up the process of writing hacking applications and metamorphic PC viruses.

6. Python

Python is a dynamic scripting language that is used for several purposes including writing automation scripts. It is cited as one of the easiest programming languages to learn and is used by many experts to test the integrity of systems.

Ever heard about Python Socket Programming? If Python can be used for checking the security integrity of systems it can also be used to exploit them. It has a massive community and tons of libraries which make prototyping, automation scripting, etc. a lot easier.

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7. Java

Java is a high-level object-oriented programming language that was developed to fix the shortcomings in C++. It is the language that powers many legacy apps including modern servers e.g. Spring MVC and Apache Tomcat. It also powers over 3 billion devices due to the Java code in Android devices which makes Java a perfect tool in the hands of experienced engineers.

Java applications are cross-platform and as an experienced writer, you can learn to reverse engineer any of the billions of applications in the market.

8. Ruby

Ruby is a web-focused programming language that is similar to Python when it comes to syntax and its use for writing automation programs. It is used to build many web applications and it offers its users blazing fast speeds.

Learning Ruby is an ideal language to learn because many penetration testing experts employ the language to accomplish several tasks including building applications. E.g. the extremely popular penetration testing framework, Metasploit, is written in Ruby.

9. Assembly

Assembly is a complicated low-level programming language that is closer to any OS than C. It is challenging to learn, and even more so to code in but it is capable of many things in the hands of an experienced hacker. Think viruses and malware – Assembly programmers are among the world’s deadliest hackers.

10. Bash

Bash is the last on this list because it is not a programming language but it is the default command shell in almost all Unix and Unix-like systems. Understanding Bash gives you the ability to complete tasks on virtually any major server and it will come in handy when you have to navigate your way to run programs from the terminal, especially remotely.

Hacking is a skill that everybody wouldn’t mind having but it is a lot more technical than you might think because it requires a lot of practice and creativity. Other programming languages you can look up are Perl and Lisp – powerful programming languages for writing payload and backdoor apps. You will be respected if you’ve got their usage at your fingertips.