IoT programming languages used to be unique to embedded systems, but now this software uses more common languages that web developers already know and use. So how do you choose which language to use for your IoT project?

First, embedded systems have a certain set of limitations to consider: low processing power and smaller amounts of RAM and storage. The most commonly used operating systems for these embedded computers are Linux or UNIX-like OSs like Ubuntu Core or Android. While you may have to decide based on your chosen hardware platform, you also can opt for a language your developer is already familiar with or decide based on factors like its compatibility with your IoT ecosystem, the size and memory of the code, efficiency requirements or speed of development.

IoT programming languages range from general-purpose languages like C++ and Java to embedded-specific choices like Google’s Go language or Parasail. Each offers a few advantages and disadvantages. Your development team needs to be able to advise you which is best for your IoT devices and system. This short overview walks you through the selection methodology:

1. C & C++: The C programming language has its roots in embedded systems—it even got its start for programming telephone switches. It’s pretty ubiquitous, and many programmers know it. C++ is the object-oriented version of C and is popular for both the Linux OS and Arduino embedded IoT software systems. Both languages have an advantage because they were designed to be written specifically for the hardware they’re running on, so you can accomplish the fine-tuned coding ideal for embedded systems.
2. Java: Java has an advantage over C and C++ in that the code is less hardware-specific, making it more portable. It requires libraries to run on different hardware, but once you’ve invested in that code base, you’re all set. It’s a “write once, run anywhere” language.
3. Node.js and JavaScript: JavaScript is a great option for IoT. Node.js can run a complete IoT system, running on both an embedded smart device and the server-side software that’s powering it. It’s an interpreted language, making it a better match for more robust embedded systems like Raspberry Pi. DeviceJS is a JavaScript-based development platform for programming sensors and controlling devices.
4. Python: Python has become one of the “go-to” languages in Web development, and its use has spread to the embedded control and IoT world—specifically the Raspberry Pi processor. Python is an interpreted language, which makes it flexible, easy to read and quick to write. Also, it is a powerhouse for data-heavy applications!
5. Languages designed for I/O programming include Go from Google, Rust from Mozilla, Forth, and Parasail—a language designed specifically for embedded programming.
6. B#: Unlike most of the languages mentioned so far, B# hasn’t been retrofitted for embedded systems, it was designed for them. It’s small and fast, and can run on smaller hardware platforms thanks to its 24k memory size.