how to tell what language code is written in

What language is the code written in? Easy ways to identify it

Many times when we look at a code file or find some scripts online, the first question is, "How to tell what language the code is written in?" Identifying the appropriate language makes it easier to understand, troubleshoot, or extend it.

Some key ways to identify the code language:

1. Look at the file extension

Programming files often have extensions at the end of their names, such as .py (Python), .js (JavaScript), .java (Java), .cpp (C++), .html (HTML). This can give you a quick idea.

2. Note the Syntax and Keywords

Each language has a different syntax. For example, if you see the word def, it's mostly used in Python. function and var are keywords in JavaScript, while public static void main is found in Java.

3. Comments and Indentation Style

Each language has a different way of writing comments, such as // (C++, Java, JavaScript), # (Python), /* ... */ (multi-line comment). Indentation is essential in Python, which makes it different from other languages.

4. Use online tools

If you're still unsure, you can enter your code into tools like Carbon or Code Beautify language detector to determine its language.

Tip: Focus on reading code snippets

If you're a beginner, read short examples of different languages. You'll gradually learn the patterns, keywords, and structures of each language. This will make any future "how to tell what language code is written in" questions easier.