Key Points

• Excellent network security engineers need to be proficient in multiple programming languages ??in order to effectively identify vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks. The most effective languages ??include C, C, assembly language, Python, Bash, and SQL.
• Python is the most recommended language for beginners in cybersecurity because it is widely used, widely used in the security field, and has many security-related libraries and tools available.
• C and C are basic languages ??that can help you understand how computers work and build specific security tools; assembly language is good at writing exploit programs and reverse engineering tools.
• SQL is a powerful tool for manipulating data in databases, and can be used to attack web and mobile applications; Bash can be used to write cross-platform tools and automation tasks.

The workflow of an ethical hacker or a "white hat hacker" is to identify vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks, and then use this information to enhance security. With the continuous development of new technologies, methods of using them are emerging; and since technology is everywhere in daily life (think the Internet of Things), it is not surprising that ethical hackers have become a popular way to make a living. Now.

To stay ahead, ethical hackers need to be able to adapt quickly and learn new programming languages. But which programming languages ??are best for ethical hackers? In this article, we will explore the three most commonly used programming languages ??for ethical hackers. We will also provide some resources to help you get started with each language.

1. What is a programming language?
2. Why do hackers need programming skills?
3. The top programming language commonly used by hackers
   • C and C
   • Assembly Language
   • Python
   • Bash
   • SQL
   • Summary table
4. The best entry-level programming language
5. FAQ
   • Is C more suitable for hackers than Python?
   • Does hackers use Python?
   • Does hackers use JavaScript?
   • Does ethical hackers need to have a deep understanding of C?
   • What skills do you need to become an excellent moral hacker?
   • How can moral hackers make a living?
   • How much does moral hacker earn?
6. Conclusion

What is a programming language?

Programming language is a set of instructions that computers can understand and execute. There are many different programming languages, each with its own syntax and semantics. Some programming languages ??are designed for specific tasks (for example, SQL is used for databases), while others are more general (for example, C or Python).

The three most common programming language types are:

• Machine code. This is native code that the computer can understand and execute. It is usually specific to some type of processor or hardware architecture.
• Assembly code. This is a low-level code that is specific to some type of processor or hardware architecture. It is often written in the form of mnemonics, which makes it easier for humans to read and write.
• High-level language. These languages ??are more abstract than machine code or assembly code and are not bound to any specific hardware architecture. This makes them easier to port and easier to write and read.

Why do hackers need programming skills?

Programming skills are crucial for ethical hackers because they allow hackers to automate tasks, create their own tools to test system vulnerabilities, and understand how the system works. Without these skills, hackers will be limited to using the tools they have available.

In addition, programming languages ??provide ethical hackers with a common language that can communicate with each other. By learning several common languages, ethical hackers can quickly share information and ideas with each other, which helps them stay ahead of the curve.

So, if you are interested in becoming an ethical hacker, or if you are already an ethical hacker and want to stay ahead of the pack, learning several programming languages ??is a good place to start.

The top programming language commonly used by hackers

The language that suits you best will depend on your level of experience, the type of hack you are interested in, and the operating system you are using.

That is, some languages ??are more popular among moral hackers than others. Here are five of the most popular hacker programming languages, and a brief description of each.

C and C

C and C are the two most popular programming languages ??in ethical hackers. They are all powerful languages ??that can be used to create a wide variety of hacking tools.

C (ISO standard, Wikipedia) is a low-level language, which means it is closer to machine code than high-level languages ??such as Python. This makes C an ideal choice for writing system-level software such as operating systems and network drivers. It is also relatively easy to learn if you have a background in other programming languages.

C (official website, Wikipedia) is an extension of the C programming language. It is designed to provide object-oriented programming capabilities such as classes and inheritance. C is a complex language, but it can be used to write very efficient code.

Therefore, C and C are two basic languages ??that every hacker should learn. They will give you a good understanding of how your computer works and lay a solid foundation for you to build more specific intrusion tools.

Assembly Language

Assembly Language (Wikipedia) is a low-level programming language used to write code for a specific type of processor. Assembly code is converted into machine code and can be run on any computer with a compatible processor.

Different processors have their own assembly language, which makes it difficult to write code that can run on multiple processors.

Assembly language is difficult to learn, but it is very powerful. It is often used to write exploit programs, reverse engineering tools, and low-level system software.

If you are interested in learning assembly language, we recommend that you check out Randall Hyde's book "The Art of Assembly Language Programming", which is considered one of the best resources to learn this complex language.

Python

Python (official website, Wikipedia, SitePoint) is a high-level programming language that is widely used in the hacking community. It is easy to learn and has a wide range of libraries for tasks such as network analysis, network crawling, and database operations.

Python is also ideal for writing tools that require automation. For example, you could write a script to automatically log in to the website and fill out the form.

Unlike C or assembly language, Python is also portable, meaning you can write code on one platform and then run it on another without recompiling it. This makes Python an ideal choice for writing cross-platform tools.

In short, Python is a versatile language that can be used for a variety of tasks, making it ideal for just getting started with ethical hacking.

Worth reading is the Python Apprentice co-authored by Austin Bingham and Robert Smallshire.

Bash

Bash (official website, Wikipedia) is a Unix shell, a program that provides interfaces to run other programs. Bash is often used as a command line interpreter (CLI), which means it can be used to execute commands entered by the user.

Similar to Windows' PowerShell, Bash can be used to start programs (such as shell commands) and to execute other Bash scripts.

It also has a built-in programming language—with features like loops and conditional statements—that can be used to script. These scripts can automate tasks, such as setting up a development environment or deploying web applications.

Because Bash is available on all Unix-based systems such as Linux and macOS, it is ideal for writing cross-platform tools. It is also easy to learn and is a basic part of many ethical hacking toolkits.

Please check out Ian Miell's book "In-depth Learning Bash" to understand the core principles and advanced shell scripting. You can also check out the Linux Bible, 10th Edition by Christopher Negus to further explore Unix-based systems.

SQL

SQL or Structured Query Language (ISO Standard, Wikipedia) is a database query language used to manipulate data stored in a database. SQL can be used to add, delete, and update data in a database. It can also be used to query data from a database, which is very useful for tasks such as data analysis.

While it may not be the first language you think of when you think of hacking, SQL can be used to attack web and mobile applications. For example, an attacker could use SQL injection to insert malicious code into a database, and then when the application retrieves data from the database, the code will be executed by the application.

SQL can also be used for ethical hacking tasks such as database security testing and performance testing. For example, ethical hackers can use SQL to generate a large number of database queries to test their performance under load.

So, SQL is a powerful tool every ethical hacker should learn, and it is not as difficult to learn as some other languages ??on this list.

A good place to start learning SQL is Rudy Limeback's Easy Learning SQL.

Summary table

The best entry-level programming language

If you've read this, you've probably guessed that the best programming language for starting to learn ethical hacking is Python.

• It is a versatile scripting language.
• It is widely used in security communities.
• It is easy to learn.
• It has a wide range of libraries and tools for security purposes.

If you are new to ethical hackers, we recommend you start with Python. It is the most popular language in ethical hacking and it will lay a good foundation for you to build your own skills on it.

After a moment, when you improve your hacking technology, you may learn C and C to get closer to the underlying layer and understand how the system works. You might even learn assembly language to really grasp what’s going on at the bottom.

Of course, as you progress in your ethical hacking career, you will want to learn different languages ??based on the specific task you want to accomplish.

Please check out books such as "Beginners in Hacking" and "Hacking War" as introductory books on this topic.

FAQ

Okay, it's time to give your comments and quickly answer some FAQs!

Is C more suitable for hackers than Python?

C is not necessarily more suitable for hackers than Python. However, while Python is often considered more user-friendly and easier to learn, C will give you more control over memory management and low-level operations.

At the end of the day, if you want to work in a hacking job, you may need to learn both languages.

Does hackers use Python?

Yes, many hackers use Python. Among the languages ??we review here, Python is definitely the most versatile because it can be used for tasks ranging from web development to data analysis.

Does hackers use JavaScript?

This is a good question! Yes, hackers do use JavaScript. While it is not as widely used as Python or C, it can still be a useful tool for ethical hackers, especially when it comes to web application security.

Does ethical hackers need to have a deep understanding of C?

No, ethical hackers do not need to have an in-depth understanding of C language. However, a basic understanding of C will be very useful, especially in exploit development and reverse engineering.

In addition, many of the tools and frameworks for ethical hacking are written in C, so understanding the language will make it easier for you to understand how they work and adjust to your needs. After all, you want to be a hacker, right?

What skills do you need to become an excellent moral hacker?

In addition to being proficient in one or more programming languages, ethical hackers also need to have an in-depth understanding of computer systems and networks. They also need to be able to think like attackers, which means being creative and resourceful.

Lastly, ethical hacking does not need to be a single-person event. It is important to be able to work well with others because many times you need to work with others to discover and exploit vulnerabilities and help protect the system.

How can moral hackers make a living?

Ethical hackers can make a living in many ways. Some serve as consultants, helping companies protect their systems. Others work as part of a company or organizational security team. Others work independently, providing services to anyone who needs their services.

Some ethical hackers make a living by participating in vulnerability bounty programs organized by companies such as HackerOne. These are plans companies operate to improve their security and they are willing to pay for discovering vulnerabilities in their systems.

How much does moral hacker earn?

This question is difficult to answer because it depends on many factors such as experience, skills, location and whether you work independently or for the company.

In other words, moral hackers can earn quite a good income. Some people earn more than six figures per year. A good place to start researching salary is Glassdoor.

Conclusion

Ethical hacking can be a fun and beneficial way to make a living. It is also a great way to learn new programming languages ??and hone your skills.

But please note: what you might think is a "moral" hacker may not actually be legal. Always get permission before hacking your system, whether those systems belong to you or others. And even if you do have permission to check your local jurisdiction and make sure you are on the right side of the law. (Hint: Even DDoS attacks for testing purposes can be illegal.) The language that suits you best will depend on your level of experience, the type of hack you are interested in, and the operating system you are using. That said, Python may be a good starting point for beginners, while C and assembly language are the natural next steps.

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