Lee 1

One and Done: The Importance of a

Universal Programming Language in
Computer Science Involvement
Iain Lee
Independent Research
26 February 2019

Advisor:
Ms. Julia Bakhru
 Lee 2

Introduction

In the US, there will be one million more computer science based jobs than there are

students by 2020 (Partovi par. 5). Computer science is crucial in the improvement of many jobs

and openings. Computer programmers write the code that allows all computer applications to

run. These applications impact our lives by allowing technology to function properly around us.

Computer Programmers do this by using different programming languages to communicate to a

computer to tell it what to do. Currently, there are many different high-level programming

languages that programmers use, some of the most popular are Java, C, C++, and python.

However, programming languages have an unnoticed negative effect that hurts both the economy

and society. Because multiple programming languages deter new computer scientists, a universal

programming language will be effective in increasing involvement in computer science, which

will increase the number of graduates majoring in computer science, this is beneficial to society.

The purpose of this paper is to inform the reader about the importance of computer science,

clarify why the existence of multiple programming languages deters new computer scientists,

explain why the lack of computer scientists is harmful, suggest ways that a universal

programming language can be effectively implemented. Finally, this paper will outline the

impacts a universal programming language can have on the economy and society.

Computer Science has contributed greatly to the development of products and services

that improves the quality of life of society as a whole. “Over the past few decades, computer

science research, either in industry or academia, has led to groundbreaking technology

innovations such as the internet, which continues to change our lives” (“Computer Science
 Lee 3

Research is Lacking in These Key Areas” par. 2). Computer Science created these technologies

which promoted the creation of new hardware, new applications, and personal data protection

systems. The implementations of a computer have changed drastically based on the hardware

that is created, examples of this include “solid state drives (SSDs) changed the way we design

storage systems, which were previously tailored for the mechanical hard drive (HDD). Recently,

quantum computing promises lightning-speed calculations as opposed to classic

electronics-based computers” (“Computer Science Research is Lacking in These Key Areas” par.

3). In the future, the newly developed hardware may change the way that computers are

implemented and used. This will impact the way that computer science will be used to shape the

future. New applications have also impacted the way that computers run and are implemented.

Artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency are good examples of how applications and certain

programs have the ability to change the way that computer science functions. The development

of artificial intelligence allowed computer scientists to create self-driving cars that may shape the

way everyone lives. The development of cryptocurrency led Computer Scientists to create

“Blockchain technology, which enables the robust exchange of cryptocurrencies and digital

assets without the need for a central authority” ​(“Computer Science Research is Lacking in

These Key Areas” par. 4). Personal data protection systems are one of the ways that Computer

Science helps create new technologies that benefit everyone. Breaches in the security of

personal data have led computer scientists to develop protection systems that make sure that

clients have privacy. All of these improvements were made with new technology that enables

Computer Scientists to help society and the economy.

 Lee 4

Despite these improvements that Computer Science was able to make in recent years,

there are still many things that need to be accomplished. Some serious yet underdeveloped areas

that the Computer Science field needs to research are using artificial intelligence to improve the

healthcare system, global security challenges, and transportation (“Computer Science Research is

Lacking in These Key Areas” par. 6). Computer Science is crucial to the development of new

technologies that benefit society. This is why more Computer Scientists are needed in order to

speed up the process. However, there are many things that stop the involvement of students in

Computer Science. The existence of multiple programming languages makes it hard for many to

become Computer Scientists as it adds to the lack of Computer Science education in the US.

Computer Science education in the US is already lacking, this means that in order to be

successful in Computer Science, one needs to be extraordinary. The existence of multiple

programming languages means that there is an extra deterrent in the US for computer science.

A programming language is defined as “a vocabulary and set of grammatical rules for

instructing a computer or computing device to perform specific tasks” (Beal par. 1). The two

different types of programming languages are low-level programming languages and high-level

programming languages. Low-level programming languages consist of mainly machine

language, which makes it hard to program in and difficult to learn. Machine language consists of

binary which makes the type foreign to many programmers. High-level programming languages

consist of English and languages that humans can understand, this makes it easier to program in,

as commands are easier to memorize. Programming languages are created for different

purposes, which is why “Each language, from C Language to Python, has its own distinct
 Lee 5

features, though many times there are commonalities between programming languages” (“What

are Computer Programming Languages?” par.1). Programming languages are important because

it allows for effective programs that develop applications, software, and games. “Programming

languages provide a programmer with a proper environment to do programming” (Master

Software Solutions par. 5). Computer programs are a crucial step in the development of good

technology as technology is reliant of Computer Programmers who write the code necessary for

all technology to function (“What do Computer Programmers do?” par. 3). From the

applications that exist on phones, to satellites in the sky, computer programmers are necessary

for all technology to function.

Technology is becoming more prominent in businesses, as companies are turning to

technology in order to make their business more efficient (Behan par. 2). An example of this is

that many businesses are using technology to complete tasks faster, which were previously done

by humans. An example of this is when companies use automated services instead of humans to

do certain tasks. “With the automated processes that technology can provide, productivity

reaches a higher level. This is due to the minimal resources consumed in processing business

activities, allowing room for better products produced and faster services delivered to more

clients and customers” (“The Role of Technology in Business” par. 5). This is beneficial to

businesses because it is more cost efficient, and allows for a more reliable way of doing things.

This is because “technology gave a new and better approach on how to go about with business. It

provided a faster, more convenient, and more efficient way of performing business transactions”

(“The Role of Technology in Business” par. 3). The prominence of computers has risen in the
 Lee 6

workforce as nearly all jobs deal with computers or some type of electronic way of storing data

or information. Every single service or computer needs maintenance and innovation, which is

the job of computer programmers to help function. Businesses are constantly upgrading the

technology that they have in order to keep up with their competition. Without computer

programmers, they won’t have the ability to advance their business (Behan par. 4). “Technology

in business made it possible to have a wider reach in the global market. The basic example is the

Internet, which is now a common marketing tool to attract more consumers in availing products

and services offered by various businesses.” (“The Role of Technology in Business” par. 3).

Given the fact that businesses are reliant on the technology that programmers make possible, the

availability of programmers is crucial to the success of businesses. However, the supply of

programmers is dwindling which could be problematic due to increasing demand. Currently,

there are five hundred thousand computing jobs, yet only 40,000 graduates to fill them (Saujani

par. 3). This deficit can be explained by the fact that few students take computer science as a

major because it is seen as a difficult major (Wang par. 7).

One of the main reasons that many students don’t major in Computer Science is the fact

that it is perceived to be hard. In 2018, the Computer Science degree was ranked as the second

hardest degree (Dimon par. 10). This perceived difficulty can be attributed to the fact that in

order to be a successful programmer, multiple programming languages need to be mastered.

Each employer will use a certain programming language, and most of them require their workers

to master multiple programming languages. This can impact willingness to major in Computer

Science because it gives an impression that the work of a lifetime can be disregarded if the
 Lee 7

employer uses a different programming language. Key skills to be a successful programmer are

fluency in C++, Java, HTML, ADA, BASIC and Python (“What do Computer Programmers

do?” par. 4). Mastering a programming language takes dedication and will be very hard to do,

the fact that multiple has to be mastered is off-putting to a lot of students. “Employers often

prefer candidates who specialize in multiple programming languages” (“What do Computer

Programmers do?” par. 4). This increases the reason for not taking Computer Science because it

boosts the perceived difficulty of the major.

A universal programming language is a programming language that has all the functions

and abilities of every programming language. A universal programming language would be able

to replace the function of all other programming languages. A universal programming language

eliminates the need for multiple programming languages which gets rid of the perceived

difficulty, ultimately making majoring in computer science more attractive (Baille par. 8).

Decreasing the fear of the difficulty will make students more willing to take computer science

which will increase the number of students that major in computer science (Baille par. 5-10).

A lack of Computer Scientists can have a detrimental impact on both the economy and

society. This is why more computer science graduates are better for society and the economy.

There are currently over 500,000 open computing jobs, in every sector, from manufacturing to

banking, from agriculture to healthcare, but only 50,000 computer science graduates a year

(Bednarz par. 6). By having a lack of computer scientists, every field in negatively impacted

because companies don’t have enough workers to get things done. ​In 2020, there is projected to
 Lee 8

be 1,000,000 more computer jobs than there are computer science graduates, this is a 500

billion-dollar opportunity that is being missed out on (Partovi par. 5-6). Surely, missing out on a

five hundred-billion-dollar opportunity wouldn’t be beneficial to either the economy or

individuals. If more people decided to major in Computer Science, more of the five hundred

billion dollar opportunity would be taken, which would benefit the economy and the individual.

When individuals have more to spend, it allows more money to be put back into the economy

which benefits companies and small businesses. Along with missing out on a large opportunity,

the lack of Computer Scientists hurts the economy because it is by definition, a worker shortage.

Any type of worker shortage will negatively impact the economy, as businesses rely on them to

make money. An example of worker shortages harming the economy is the skilled labor

shortage in midwest which caused the economy to slow (Miller par. 1-7). This shows that when

companies don’t have enough workers to do the tasks that they have to do, they become

unproductive. This is seen in the Computer Science industry, as many people don’t take

Computer Science which contributes to the fact that there is a massive worker shortage in the

computer science field. When businesses don’t have enough workers to do the tasks that they

must complete they risk going out of business. Lower amounts of qualified workers make

staying in business difficult (Schmitt par. 3-5). This is especially true for small businesses,

which are the engines that run America. They make up ​99.9 percent of the 5.83 million

companies​ in the country and employ nearly half of all workers (​Schindelheim​ par. 1). Because

of the shortage of Computer Science graduates, the businesses that run America could be

jeopardized. This is clearly bad for the United States because if small businesses aren’t

successful in America, many of the innovations and products won’t be able to be made. Small
 Lee 9

businesses state that finding skilled workers is the biggest challenge to continue to thrive and

expand (Schindelheim par. 7). The existence of a universal programming language is crucial to

the success of small businesses because it increases the number of students graduating with a

degree in Computer Science, which will reduce the worker shortage.

Discussion and Conclusion

The need for technology is growing rapidly in both the lives of individuals and the needs

of businesses. Computer Programmers write the code that allows all technology to function.

However, because there is a lack of students that major in computer science, a worker shortage is

created which impacts both businesses and consumers. The lack of computer scientists is caused

by a perceived difficulty which stems from the fact that in order to become a successful

programmer, multiple programming languages need to be mastered. A universal programming

language can help decrease the four hundred sixty thousand demand deficit in computer science,

both helping the economy and the programmers.

 Lee 10

Works Cited

Beal, Vangie. "Programming Language." ​Webopedia​, 8 Feb. 2017,

www.webopedia.com/TERM/P/programming_language.html. Accessed 21 Jan. 2019.

Behan, Timothy. "The Increasing Use of Technology in Business." ​Penn State University,​ 31

Oct. 2015,

sites.psu.edu/timbehan/2015/10/31/the-increasing-use-of-technology-in-business/.

Accessed 21 Jan. 2019.

“Computer Science Research is Lacking in These Key Areas.” ​Forbes, 7​ June 2018,

https://www.forbes.com/sites/quora/2018/06/07/computer-science-research-is-lacking-in-

these-key-areas/#7e4c7b637dc8. Accessed 17 March 2019.

Dimon, Melissa. "The Hardest Degree in 2018." ​University Magazine,​ 11 June 2018,

universitymagazine.ca/the-hardest-degree-in-2018/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2018.

Partovi, Hadi, and Ali Partovi. "What 90% of Schools Don't Teach." ​Huffington Post,​ 6 Dec.

2017,

www.huffingtonpost.com/hadi-and-ali-partovi/teach-coding-schools_b_2759066.html.

Accessed 21 Jan. 2019.

Master Software Solutions. Why the need for programming languages? ​Master Software

Solutions,​ 18 Aug. 2016,

www.mastersoftwaresolutions.com/why-need-of-programing-language/. Accessed 21

Jan. 2019.

Miller, Ann Arbor. "Economist: Skilled worker shortage hurts Midwestern economy."

MPRNews,​ 3 Dec. 2018,

 Lee 11

www.mprnews.org/story/2018/12/03/economist-skilled-worker-shortage-hurts-midwester

n-economy. Accessed 21 Jan. 2019.

Saujani, Reshma. "The Gender Gap in Computer Science Is Hurting U.S. Business." ​The

Washington Post​, 2016,

www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/the-gender-gap-in-computer-science-is-hurting-us-bu

sinesses/2016/12/27/fa4f6680-c247-11e6-9578-0054287507db_story.html?noredirect=on

&utm_term=.4d1312d808bf. Accessed 25 Oct. 2018.

Schindelheim, Ramona. "Small businesses say worker shortage is biggest challenge." ​Working

Nation,​ 15 Aug. 2018, workingnation.com/small-businesses-worker-shortage/. Accessed

21 Jan. 2019.

Schmitt, Doug. "Skilled Worker Shortage Hurts Economy, Spurs Trade School Education."

Enviro Education​, 2012,

enviroeducation.com/resources/skilled-worker-shortage-hurts-economy-spurs-trade-scho

ol-education. Accessed 21 Jan. 2019.

“The Role of Technology in Business.” ​Americas SBDC, 2018,

https://www.oksbdc.org/the-role-of-technology-in-business/. Accessed 17 March 2019.

Wang, Dan. "Why do so few people major in computer science?" ​Dan Wang​, 29 May 2017,

danwang.co/why-so-few-computer-science-majors/. Accessed 7 Dec. 2018.

"What are Computer Programming Languages?" ​ComputerScience,​ 2019,

www.computerscience.org/resources/computer-programming-languages/. Accessed 21

Jan. 2019.
 Lee 12

"What Do Computer Programmers Do?" ​ComputerScience.org​, 2018,

www.computerscience.org/careers/computer-programmer/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2018.