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Here is a brief overview of each language you will encounter throughout your courses here at RIT. NOTE: The list of IGM courses for each language is not exhaustive; if you notice a course using a language isn't mentioned, feel free to add it. If you notice a programming language used in an IGM course that isn't listed, feel free to add it as well.
Java and Processing - Java is a general-purpose programming language. It is popular for general software applications, but not commonly used to create games and interactive media (two well known games made in Java are Minecraft and RuneScape). It can be used to create apps for Android. Processing is a language built right on top of Java. You can write Java code in Processing, as well as use Processing's graphics libraries to create visual and interactive programs. Processing makes it really simple to create applications quickly and is the language used in New Media Interactive Design and Algorithmic Problem Solving I and II.
C# - A language whose syntax (structure) is based largely off Java. Like Java, C# is high-level and object-oriented. C# has several features that make it, arguably, a more elegant and clean language. The XNA framework uses C# which lets you make games and visual applications for Microsoft products. C# can also be used with the Unity game engine (as an alternative to JavaScript). It is used in Game Development and Algorithmic Problem Solving I and II, as well as the IGM classes that use Unity.
C++ - C++ is the game industry's de facto standard language, an extension of C (see below). For aspiring game programmers, the more experience you get with it, the better. C++ is fairly low level meaning that you are more easily able to directly manipulate memory. While this can create much more efficient programs, it also makes debugging much more frustrating, since your code can, for example, try to access memory that doesn't exist. Graphics in C++ are accomplished with the DirectX API or OpenGL. C++ is used in Data Structures and Algorithms for Games and Simulations I and II, as well as several upper-level courses.
C - Given that C++ is based off of C and most C programs are also valid C++, several C features are taught in the classes teaching C++. However, C does not have classes or language support for many object-oriented features. Java and C# are called C-like because they derive their basic syntax from C. While not expected, it can't hurt to at least research the language a little. Another language based off C is Objective-C, which supports object-oriented programming and is used by Apple to develop iOS apps.
HTML - Just kidding! HTML is actually a markup language, meaning it is just a way to mark up text so web browsers know how to display it. It is taught in Website Design and Implementation.
JavaScript - JavaScript is a way to, essentially, make web pages programmable. The code exists on the client's computer and is often used in conjunction with PHP. A JavaScript library called jQuery is often used for web programming, and was created by RIT alum John Resig. It is introduced in Website Design and Implementation.
PHP - PHP is another web programming language used alongside JavaScript, usually. PHP code exists on the server is primarily responsible for data manipulation and dynamic web pages. It is introduced in Website Design and Implementation.
ActionScript 3 - ActionScript was used in many IGM courses prior to the semester switch, but now isn't being used in as many courses. AS3 is the language that powers Adobe Flash. It is easy and fast to hook up graphics with your code and create interactive environments or behaviors. However, there are quite a few quirks with AS3 that are not present in other languages that might take getting used to; AS3 is weakly-typed, for example.