Top Programming Languages Used by Hackers to Do Hacking

Hacker is a person who uses computers in order to get unauthorized access to data. Hacking is not a crime unless and until you do it for illegal activities. Stealing data and hacking into networks are not the only things that hacker does. So, we have mentioned some programming languages below which are learned by hackers for different purposes.

A hacker should know multiple programming languages. Different applications and website which you use are programmed in a specific computer language. Ever wondered what was the first priority for hackers to carry various attacks, they first learn and understand it's language and then make use of it's vulnerabilities. So, hackers learn programming languages before proceeding further to perform the task.

There are lots of computer languages but few are required for hacking purpose because in most cases it depends upon target. There are basically three sections ― Web Hacking and Pentesting, Exploit Writing & Reverse Engineering and each of it requires different coding.

Programming languages for Web Hacking and Pentesting:

When the hacker has the intention to hack websites and applications, he/she learns the web coding like HTML, CSS, and Javascript as the majority of websites are built by using these languages. It allows a hacker to get a firm hold on the coding of the website or application.

If you're interested in web hacking and pentesting, then you must learn below mentioned languages at-least basic and intermediate level.

1. HTML

Always began with basic basic and HTML is important and most basic markup language. It is a markup language used widely for describing web pages.

HTML stands for Hypertext Markup Language. By learning HTML, a hacker is able to understand web actions, response, structure and logic etc.

2. Javascript

JavaScript is the most used as client-side programming. You should learn it on high priority mode. Understanding JavaScript code logic can help you find web-apps flaw.

It is the programming language of HTML and the Web. It is used widely in websites for a preferable interface and quick response. By learning Javascript, a hacker can understand the client-side mechanism which is necessary for finding client-side flaws.

3. PHP

PHP is most popular dynamic programming language, unlike JavaScript It is a server-side scripting language used in web development and is also used as a general-purpose programming language.

It manages web apps and database. It almost controls everything on site and server and strongly recommended to every beginner in Hacking and Penetration testing.

4. SQL

SQL is database programming language. Each and every data is stored in database so you should know about database programming and vulnerability as it is the most sensitive part of Web.

SQL stands for Structured Query Language is a special-purpose programming language used for managing data held in a relational database management system [RDBMS]. It is behind for managing sensitive information like user credentials, bank details, user details etc.

To steal the sensitive details, hackers eyes to attack SQL of a website.

5. Perl

Perl is worth learning for practical reasons; it's very widely used for active web pages and system administration, so that even if you never write Perl you should learn to read it.

Programming Languages for writing Exploits:

Exploit writing is advance part of Hacking, It requires higher level of programming language. Every professional hacker must know Exploit Writing, It can be done in any programming language like C, C++, Ruby, Python etc.

1. C/C++

The mother of all programming language, C is most used in software creation for Linux, Windows etc. However it is also used for Exploit writing and development.

Although C++ is more powerful language than C and is used in a lot of programs, like games.

2. Python

It is widely used for general purpose and high-level programming language. Hacker should know Python Socket Programming as it is responsible for creating exploits and tools. Its design philosophy stresses code readability.

3. Ruby

It is a dynamic, reflective, object-oriented and general purpose programming language. It is used for various purposes but it is generally used for Web Applications as Ruby on Rails framework.

Ruby is very useful in exploit writing. It is used for meterpreter scripting and do you know Metasploit Framework itself programmed in Ruby.

4. Perl

It is a family of high-level, general-purpose, dynamic programming language. It is used for exploit writing. With Perl, a hacker is able to find many exploits if written in PERL.

However, it is very complicated language and it was earlier called as duct tape of Internet.

5. Java

Java was originally released with the slogan "write once, run anywhere," which was intended to underscore its cross-platform capabilities.

You can make tools using Java and it can also be used to create backdoor exploits as well as exploits that can kill a computer.

6. LISP

Lisp is the second-oldest high-level programming language in widespread use today. LISP is absolutely wide open and flexible, makes it hacker's favorite.

You can define your own syntax, and often do. You can create any sort of programming paradigm you like and include it in your programs.

Programming languages for Reverse Engineering:

Reverse engineering, also called back engineering, is the processes of extracting knowledge or design information from anything man-made and reproducing it or reproducing anything based on the extracted information.

Reverse engineering is also beneficial in crime prevention, where suspected malware is reverse engineered to understand what it does, and how to detect and remove it, and to allow computers and devices to work together.

Reverse engineering can also be used to "crack" software and media to remove their copy protection.

1. Assembly Language

Assembly is low level programming language but very complicated. One can instruct a machine hardware or software using Assembly language. Reverse Engineers uses Assembly language, and if you want to learn Reverse Eng, you must need to learn Assembly language.

Now where should you learn these programming languages ? It's easy checkout our next post top websites to learn to code for free.

Finally one more thing, programming languages for hacking also depends upon what program you want to hack, for example; if a web-app in coded in ASP.NET then you can't hack it using PHP knowledge, although you can understand logic but it will be harder, so always make sure what you wanna hack and in which programming the app is coded.

So tell us which programming languages do you know and which one are you going to learn soon ? We'd love to hear from you in the comments!

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