Most Popular Programming Languages for Ethical Hacking

Hacking is a term that interests everyone. Hacking is the process by which someone takes advantage of a network to access vital data. You can stop many cyberattacks when you employ hacking correctly. The ethical hackers who protect your networks are a prime illustration of the same. Programming is one of the numerous talents a hacker must learn, and it ranks at the top of the list. You will learn about the top 10 most effective programming languages for hackers in this course. 

Why is Programming Important for Hackers?

Before understanding the best programming languages for hacking, you must walk through the importance of programming in hacking. 

• Imperative to Know Coding:

Being a hacker requires you to be familiar with the programming languages used by the software you are concentrating on because hacking includes breaking protocols and manipulating a network. Your future options will be limited if you don't know how to code. So having an aptitude for programming is essential.

• Analyze Code:

Knowing programming will help you dissect and analyze a piece of code. You can also write your scripts and be able to modify the available scripts if the situation asks. At such times, having nil knowledge of programming knowledge will be a hindrance. Programs also help you automate multiple tasks, which would typically be time-consuming.

• Helps in Penetrating Target Fields:

Codes enable you to penetrate different fields you want to hack. It will help you identify the plan and strategy behind an attack. Programming allows you to comprehend the working of the target system or application before carrying out an exploit.  v

 Further Reading: Ethical Hacking Roadmap – A Beginners Guide

Best Programming Languages for Hacking

One thing you have to remember is when it comes to Programming Languages there is nothing as best

Suppose if a person is good at python then he may claim python is the best programming language, similarly, if another person is good at C++ then he may claim C++ is the best language

A programming language may be the best for a particular program and perform well for that program, but the same programming language may perform worse for other Projects, thus we can't merely rate programming based on its benefits. 

Let's consider programming language for hacking 

1. Python

Python is a high-level, general-purpose programming language that is frequently used in hacking to create harmful programs, carry out exploits, and carry out other activities. It is a preferred choice for hackers because ready-made libraries are readily available. You can choose a Python library, such as socket modules, OS modules, and many others, depending on your target system.

The best part about using Python for hacking is that you can use it to perform anything, from automating hacking tasks to checking corporate systems. As Python is a scripting language, hackers use it for quick prototyping, writing hack scripts, and building tools. You can also use your Python knowledge to customize existing hacking tools per your requirements.

Highlights Of This Hacking Programming Language

• Python’s interpreted nature enables it to run without needing to be compiled.
• An easy-to-understand language that is beneficial to new ethical hackers.
• It has a large community that uses 3rd-party plugins/libraries daily.
• One of the most effective programming languages for hacking access to web servers.
• It makes writing automation scripts quite simple.
• Python allows for quick reconnaissance of the target network and accelerates prototyping.

2. Java

Java is the best programming language for mobile development. It is a cross-platform programming language. Several backdoors can exploit the system made by java. So it is clear that java is a programming language that can be used for hacking.

Some programs will ask for permission when you install them on your Android device; tap yes without thinking twice. Some virus programs have the ability to take your private calls, messages, and contacts. Consequently, use caution when using programs on your mobile devices. This programming language ranks as the second best for hacking.

Highlights Of This Hacking Programming Language

• Just like C++, Hackers use Java to reverse paid engineer software.
• Professional penetration testers use it heavily to curate scalable servers for delivering payloads.
• For advanced ethical hackers, Java allows them to create state-of-the-art hacking applications.
• Contrary to C++, Java is a dynamic language. This means that you can run your hacking applications on any platform that supports Java once you’ve written them in Java.
• To write hacking programs for the Android system, you’ll need a better understanding of Java.

3. Ruby 

Ruby is a web-oriented programming language. Additionally, it has a lengthy history of developing web-exploiting programs. Ruby can create both short and lengthy scripts. The Metasploit penetration testing framework, one of the most well-known hacking tools, was created using Ruby programming. Ruby's syntax is mostly identical to Python's.

But both languages are excellent at automating common hacking programs but Ruby is much more web-oriented. For superior flexibility, this is the best language for hacking while writing exploits. This is the third best programming language for hacking.

Highlights Of This Hacking Programming Language

• If you want to master the art of writing effective exploits, you’ll need Ruby.
• This scripting language uses many syntactical components from Smalltalk and is a great choice for quickly building hacking programs.
• After compromising a network, experienced hackers frequently use Ruby to develop CGI applications.
• Many next-generation online applications are built with the rails platform, and ruby is the ideal option for breaking them.

4. C++ Programming

C++ is an object-oriented programming language. You can crack corporate software with the help of C++. C++ gives you access to system resources and analyses the machine. 

It gives you access to system resources and analyzes the machine. The hackers use this language to eliminate trial periods on the operating system and paid software. 

The programming language gives you access to low-level resources and aids in the examination of the software's machine code. The applicants who are undertaking reverse engineering and exploiting desktop software really benefit from knowing C++. Additionally, the C++ language allows you to disregard an excessive number of minor faults at the time of compilation. The fourth-best programming language for hackers is this one.

Highlights Of This Hacking Programming Language

• Hackers can create quick and efficient modern-day hacking applications because of C++’s object-oriented design.
• C++ is statically typed. You can avoid a lot of minor problems at compile time.
• This ability to access low-level system components ensures that hackers can readily reverse engineer enterprise software with this coding language.
• C++ programmers can exploit the high-level polymorphism feature to create metamorphic computer viruses. 

5. Bash

Although it is controversial whether Bash is an entirely fledged programming language, we can not overlook its hacking. Bash has a default command shell in the Linux operating system. I hope you know that Linux makes many servers, and this language is the default command shell for Linux and Unix distributions.

A hacker can combine Bash with other programming languages like Java to increase the functionality of his operations. One of the programming languages that is essential for hacking or to become an expert hacker is bash. In terms of hacking, this is the fifth best programming language.

Highlights Of This Hacking Programming Language

• Bash allows you to automate most of the hacking applications you’ll use to break into a network.
• If you want to create incredibly complicated scripts that require altering the filesystem and directory structure, then bash is the finest scripting language.
• A thorough mastery of this command shell is required to properly use hacking applications like NMAP, Armitage, and Metasploit.
• You can penetrate and control hard-to-break systems by building and understanding complicated shell scripts.

6. Perl

Even though Perl is not as popular as earlier, it plays an important role in hacking activities. This language is best to manipulate Linux text files.

Perl has a lot of frameworks and it is beneficial for mission-critical projects. It supports object-oriented, procedural, and functional programming.  We still have a lot of systems that use Perl.

Perl can be responsible to exploit web databases. It is an extensible programming language with the help of which you can easily break the storage of web databases. This is the sixth best programming language for hacking.

Highlights Of This Hacking Programming Language

• Perl is still the best available language for handling text files on Unix systems.
• Because of Perl’s extendable nature, hackers can use it to construct a wide range of hacking applications.
• Perl comes pre-installed on most operating systems, allowing Perl scripts to run on a variety of platforms.
• Perl is frequently connected with popular web databases; therefore, learning it might enable you easily break such storage.

7. C Programming 

It is the most popular and fastest programming language for hacking. C programming is a procedural programming language. It is also known as the mother of all programming languages. C is used to make computer frameworks. Hackers can use c programming to hack system hardware including the RAM.

When security professionals need to manipulate system resources and hardware, they use the C programming language. With the knowledge of the C language, you can get an idea of the operating system and its structure. This is the seventh-best programming language for hacking.

Highlights Of This Hacking Programming Language

• C is a low-level fast programming language.
• C is used to build most current systems, including Windows and Unix, thus knowing it is crucial if you want to fully comprehend these systems.
• After compromising a system, C is frequently used to get low-level access to memory and system processes.
• Experienced security professionals frequently use C to simulate a library highjacking attack.

8. SQL

SQL stands for Structured Query Language, which programmers use to work with relational databases. Many companies, from early-stage startups to corporate networks, use SQL to store user data. As an ethical hacker, you should know the ins and outs of SQL to defend it from potential attacks.

Hackers should have in-depth knowledge of SQL as it will help them understand the structure of an underlying database and then deploy hacking tools accordingly. Also, it helps hackers to perform SQL injection attacks. In an SQL injection attack, hackers access and modify confidential information in databases of web applications.

Highlights Of This Hacking Programming Language

• SQL is not a standard programming language and is used only for communicating with databases.
• Black hat hackers use this language to create SQL injection-based hacking applications.
• SQL is frequently used by hackers to conduct unauthorized queries to steal unhashed passwords.
• MySQL, MS SQL, and PostgreSQL are all popular SQL databases.

9. JavaScript

JavaScript is now the programming language of the Internet. The best part about JavaScript is that you can use it for both front-end and back-end development (with Node.js). Thus, having a comprehensive knowledge of JavaScript and the most widely used JS frameworks can help hackers and ethical hackers to excel in their job.

Most security researchers and hackers use JavaScript to write cross-site hacking scripts as they can use JS to manipulate both the front-end and back-end web applications. Apart from that, in-depth JavaScript knowledge enables hackers to efficiently discover vulnerabilities in websites and leverage them to get into the system.

Highlights Of This Hacking Programming Language

• It is the de-facto standard for creating cross-site scripting hacking programs.
• Because JavaScript can readily change the browser DOM, it’s a good choice for creating internet worms.
• It can be used to simulate attacks not only on the server but also on the client.
• Because JavaScript can create cross-platform desktop software, hackers may use it to launch buffer overflow and stack overflow attacks.

10. PHP

Hypertext Preprocessor or PHP is a server-side programming language widely used for web application development. It is portable and supports various platforms. A proper understanding of PHP language helps hackers to target websites and server architecture behind web apps. Hackers can use PHP to build web tools to manipulate servers and make them susceptible to other cyber attacks.

Additionally, PHP is the powerhouse of most content management systems like WordPress. Therefore, you can defend or attack websites using PHP-based content management systems with good PHP programming knowledge.

You can easily use PHP to create custom server hacking scripts to take any website down, or you can write scripts to protect your web server from standard web hacking

Highlights Of This Hacking Programming Language

• PHP is used extensively in server-side scripting, so knowledge of this hacking programming language is essential if you want to develop server hacking programs.
• Older PHP websites often contain deprecated scripts; manipulating them effectively can give you easy access to servers.
• A deeper understanding of this hacking coding language means you’ll be prepared to take down faulty websites as soon as you spot them.
• PHP is undoubtedly the best programming language for personal hacking websites.  

Which Programming Language Should I Learn First?

Python is the base language to learn first when taking the initial step toward ethical hacking. It’s considered the de facto language in ethical hacking. Python is also the finest programming language and provides lots of powerful and useful libraries for hacking.

For beginners, Python is the best option to start programming because it is easier to use compared to other languages. It is also open-source, which means it can be freely downloaded for use anytime and anywhere. 

Is it Possible to Choose the ‘Wrong’ Programming Language?

Yes, even though the perfect programming language can be used in ethical hacking, users should be careful to choose the best ones because each has limitations. Remember that ethical hackers are battling with skilled hackers in the field, so choosing the right language is critical to winning against malicious attacks. 

How to Learn Ethical Hacking

The following section contains a list of ways to learn ethical hacking. These can help the transition into a successful hackers and allow users to gain real-world experience in the field.

Get a Proper Education

A bachelor's degree in information security, computer science, or a similar discipline is typically required of ethical hackers. The principles of the programming languages used in ethical hacking as well as the fundamentals of operating systems, networking, and computer hardware will be covered in these fields of study. A master’s degree will provide deeper knowledge.

Enhance Your Skills in Operating Systems And Hardware

Learning how operating systems (OS) work and interact with hardware components will enable users to create security against malicious programs. Knowledge of Linux OS is helpful, as well, since most of the hacking tools work in Linux. Many free resources such as online communities and video tutorials teach a low-level programming language for hardware and operating systems.

Enroll at a Coding Bootcamp

One of the greatest ways to learn current programming languages for ethical hacking is through coding boot camps. They provide actual training using the most recent software tools, giving students practice in ethical hacking.

Join Ethical Hacking Training

Find a credible institution that offers certification for ethical hackers. These certifications provide experience with common hacking programs and techniques. Choose a certification that doesn’t require work experiences, such as GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN), Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP), or the CompTIA PenTest+.

How to Learn Ethical Hacking: Top Resources

• Hak5 . This is a YouTube Channel that teaches tech and programming skills for hacking. It is an excellent resource that covers hacking techniques, types of cyber attacks, Linux, penetration testing, and other tech topics about hacking.
• Edabit . Edabit is a website that offers programming tutorials and challenges including languages used in ethical hacking such as Python and JavaScript. It permits actual programming and offers in-depth knowledge of programming languages.
• Linux Journey . This website enables users to learn the Linux operating system, an essential tool in ethical hacking. Linux Journey provides a detailed discussion about Linux as well as exercises and quizzes to test knowledge along the way.
• HackerOne . This hacking community is a platform where fellow hackers can connect and collaborate worldwide. Users can find quick hacking tips and useful hacking information from this community. It’s also a great way to find an ethical hacking career since there are potential clients and companies in this hacker community as well.
• HackerSploit . This is another YouTube channel that covers helpful video tutorials on hacking. The channel also teaches web app pen testing, Windows exploitations, Raspberry Pi pen testing, and other exciting videos for ethical hacking purposes.

Ready to Break into Tech?

Now that you’ve learned the best programming languages to become a successful ethical hacker, you can start your cyber security career and become a professional ethical hacker. For beginners in this industry, there are plenty of resources to help you break into a career in ethical hacking. Be a part of the team that works on challenging, yet exciting roles.

Different Types Of Hacking

• web hacking and pentesting
• Hacking for Writing Exploits
• Hacking for Reverse Engineering

The above are some fields of hacking that hackers mostly want to hack.

Conclusion

In this article on the best programming languages for hacking, you see the top 5 programming languages and an additional set of programming languages to help you become a skilled and successful hacker. A strong understanding of programming languages helps cybersecurity professionals stay on top of cybercrimes. It is to be noted that one must use hacking in a law-abiding way only.  

In this blog, we have discussed the best programming language for hacking comprehensively and also talk about why programming is important for hacking. I hope now you know the answers to your questions regarding programming languages that are used in hacking.

FAQs

• What are the other programming languages that are used in Hacking?

Apart from the above languages, other programming languages are given below, which are used by hackers.

• Scheme
• Lisp
• Lua

• What skills should a hacker have?

A hacker should have-

• Knowledge of collecting information from the internet and search engines
• Basic commands of Linux-based operating systems.
• Problem-solving skills that will come with regular practice
• Programming skills
• Network Skill
• SQL skill

• Which is the best programming language for hacking?

Python is considered the best programming language because it is easy to learn and does not require advanced knowledge of coding. One can easily write scripts and control vulnerability.