5 Best Video Games in 2021

While we continue to remain locked up in our homes for a consecutive second year, many people especially gamers have found a way out of this situation. With most of the people and not just professionals turning to video games for recreation, video games have become a substitute for social engagements. Many games gained popularity in the previous year and yet many retain a popular spot among the masses. Having a look at some of the best and most popular video games of 2021, we have:

#Resident Evil Village

Release date: 7^th May 2021

Publisher: Capcom

Platforms: Microsoft Windows, PS4, PS5, Stadia, Xbox 1, Xbox series X and S

Resident Evil Village being a more action-centered game is a sequel of Resident Evil: Biohazard with Ethan Winter as the protagonist and the same storyline as the predecessor. However, the protagonist is now more skilled and equipped and so are the enemies. The game brings in a lot of fresh elements while managing to feature some similarities from the past installments. Talking of similarities, the inventory management mechanics of the game is similar to that of Resident Evil 4 while the game is 6-player online multiplayer just like Resident Evil 3. New additions include typewriters which replace the tape recorders and can be found and used by the players to save the game process. Also a village map and a diary of player’s progress can be accessed from the menu.  

#Hitman 3

Release date: 20^th January 2021

Publisher: IO Interactive

Platforms: Microsoft Windows, PS4, PS5, Stadia, Xbox 1, Xbox series X and S, Nintendo Switch

Hitman 3 being the last installment in the World of Assassination trilogy did so well that by the end of April’21 IO Interactive is said to have sold it 300% more than the former parts. The storyline concludes the plot of genetically modified Agent 47. It is a third person game. The makers claim it to be a more mature and darker version than the previous installments of the series. The game features new locations including Dubai, Berlin, Romania, Mendoza and Dartmoor. New features in the gameplay such as persistent shortcuts and each stage involving several locked doors which once unlocked remain the same in the entire game are certainly the features which take the game to another level.

#Returnal

Release date: 30^th April 2021

Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment

Platforms: PS5

Returnal is a third person game of psychological horror genre. The game stands out not just in terms of visuals but is also highly praised for its combat and technical achievements. Set in a futuristic sci-fi backdrop, the protagonist Selene is stranded on an alien planet trying to combat extraterrestrial entities. It is a shooter video game featuring the protagonist trapped in time loop. The game has made just the correct use of PS5’s DualSense controller for supporting 3-D spatial audio and real time ray tracing effects to enhance the gaming experience. The game comes in with a wide variety of visual effects all running at 4K resolution. Reduced loading time, varied enemies and feature objects are other add ones. Moreover, the game did well enough to be credited as the 15^th most selling game in Japan and number 2 according to sales by the month of May 2021 in the U.K.

#Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart

Release date: 11^th June 2021

Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment

Platform: PS5

Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart is another popular entry by Sony Interactive Entertainment in the gaming world. Sixteenth in its series, the game takes you to a multidimensional trip. While the gameplay share similarities with the previous part such as real-time concept, travels to areas and planets via inter-dimensional portals, enhanced mobility, brand new weapons and features like dashing and wall running are some new entries. The game is so designed to welcome new players and intrigue the old users for more.

#Monster Hunter Rise

Release date: 26^th March 2021

Publisher: Capcom

Platform: Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch

Sixth in the list of Monster Hunter series, Monster Hunter Rise is a role play based game. To enhance the versatility of the game and gameplay this game is designed in a much different way than the former installments. The game uses the same map approach as in Monster Hunter World but is more focused on versatile movements and new tools. New elements such as Palamute creatures and Wirebug which replaces the Cluth Claw has different and modified interactions. The game also introduces a new survival mode called Rampage where players defend the base and attack the enemies.

Read More

Programming Languages

Programming languages are formal computer level languages with pre set machine codes for input to receive output. They are basically used to implement algorithms and structured programs which run in computers. In general, they are set of instructions for the computer for virtual interaction with the entire setup. Programming languages help us translate machine level language to the one which can be easily understood and written by humans. These languages not just enable various functions on computer but also help in developing various applications, software, scripts, instruction sets etc which are of further use. Each programming language has its unique set of keywords, syntax, sequences etc to manage instructions.

A wide variety of programming languages exist nowadays such as C, C++, Java, Python, Cobol etc. People looking forward to learn skills in software development or programming pursue these languages. However, among all the languages C is a programming language which is universal and persists in trend always.

Introduction to C

C is one of the most widely used programming languages and finds extensive use in the making of many other languages. C is a compiled and procedural language which came into existence in the year 1972. It is closely related to computers which makes it a hardware dependent language. It bridges the gap between low level machine language and high level language and thus regarded as a middle level language also. Initially, C was developed to rewrite UNIX operating system codes but gradually gained popularity due to its flexibility, less run time and efficiency in mapping machine instructions.

Moreover, C language is standardized by the American National Standard Institution as ASCI C and by International Organization of Standardization as ISO C.

Uses of C

1.    1. C is widely used in system programming and operating systems and applications.

2.     2. It is used in website programming due to its efficiency as an interpreted language. This is possible because of its speed, stability and universal acceptance.

3.    3. The influence of C programming language can be found everywhere in almost all languages available these days.

4.    4. It also has great influence, direct and indirect, on the compilers and interpreters of many programming languages.

5.    5. C is preferred in some of the most popular databases. For example Oracle, MySQL etc are coded in C language.

6.    6. C language is also commonly used in embedded systems. Embedded systems are microprocessor based hardware with software designed to perform specific functions such as remote controls, sensors, child locks etc.

Advantages of C

1.    C is faster than other programming languages

A program written in C runs in a time lesser than in other programming languages. This is because C is designed to functions as a low level compiler. Its closeness to assembly level languages is also a reason of programs running faster in C than in other languages which are meant for the same task.

2.    C forms basis of other languages

C is often regarded as the mother of programming languages. It greatly influences new programming languages today. Direct or indirect impressions of C language can be seen in other languages too. Programming languages such as C++, Java, Python, JavaScript and other such languages are borrowed from C.

3.    C is flexible

With minor changes in its source codes C is capable of being used for over a variety of operating systems and other platforms.

4.    C is mother of languages

C language lays foundation for other many languages. Some languages can’t be learned without prior knowledge of C. For example Python

5.    Relation with hardware

Many features of C language allow one to access system hardware directly. Writing code in C can be beneficial in providing hands on experience of hardware functioning of computers.

6.    Good for beginners

For those willing to learn their first programming language C is a great option. It is easy to write having simple set of keywords making it convenient for beginners.

7.    Helps with basics

Since C languages uses simple codes it gives the user direct access to computer’s basic elements. It helps user gain knowledge of basics of computer hardware as well as software basics.

8.    C is a structured language

C is a structured language which means that the codes are written in small fragments or blocks. Each block or fragment consists of certain codes which are not connected to any of the previous or forthcoming blocks directly or indirectly. This reduces the certainty of errors while coding.

9.    Enhances ability to write codes

The coding style in C is a little bit expanded as compared to other programming languages. This motivates one to write clean codes avoiding errors while coding more efficiently.

Why is C so popular?

C is popular because it is easy to learn, efficient and flexible. It is more commonly beneficial to strengthen one’s fundamentals. Being close to machines, C language gives better understanding of machine architecture. C is also of great use in the gaming industry and in the field of graphic designing. The many better programming languages we use today are built using C. It is generally considered cross-platform and runs a wide variety of programs exactly the same as any other platforms available these days.

Conclusion

Despite being one of the oldest languages, C continues to find a place in today’s world. With a huge range of programming languages available today, C is definitely a good start for beginners and a good tool to polish one’s old programming skills at the same time. The objects, products, and gadgets we use in our daily life and sources of entertainment like gaming and animation extensive use of C language can be seen making it universal for always.  

 

 

Read More

6 Trending Social Media Apps in 2021

 

With advancements in the field of technology each and every day, we encounter abundance of new social media platforms comprising mainly of content applications. The internet has experienced growth in monthly active user involvement in many of the predominant apps like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok etc in the past times which persist to rule the internet while evolving and adapting to new global working. However, many new companies are also emerging and making their way through the market competing against other social media apps.

Here, we take a look at top 6 trending social media apps of 2021.

1.      YouTube

With a wide user base, this video streaming app continues to be one of the most trending applications of all times. YouTube has not only been among the choicest apps for entertainment among users but has also experienced a pounce in user involvement ever since COVID-19 breakdown and persists to find a reputed market position by having a monthly active user count of over 2 billion. The dominance of YouTube in the market can be easily estimated by its popularity among users of all age groups. A platform to original video content of various genres, YouTube is also extremely famous for brand endorsements.

2.      TikTok

The short-video mobile app, TikTok came to prominence in no time and was also recognized as the world’s most downloaded app in the year 2020 replacing Facebook Messenger in the top spot. It is also the youngest app to go through such an incredible growth which also led it to overtake Musically, another short music video sharing app. The app enables users to have a hands-on experience in creating fun videos experimenting with music, special effects and editing. It continues to experience immense user involvement in the Asian continent and seems to extend its stretch in the west with teenagers as primary audience.

3.      LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a platform in professional networking category. The app has witnessed quality user participation since last year and is already expanding exposure towards professionals seeking jobs, new opportunities and the employers from around the globe. Available in various languages, LinkedIn is the ideal social media app for industry trends and related insights. It becomes a popular B2B website due to its global network of professionals, eminent institutions and organizations and potential job seekers. Apart from the conventional functionality, LinkedIn provides virtual classroom to both employees and employers to come together, interact and operate professionally.

4.      Instagram

Instagram is amongst the few social networking apps which never fail to create sensation. Be it IG Store, IGTV for long videos or the fresh released Reels, Instagram has been a prominent platform for social networks, influencers and product based marketing. Possessing similar functionality as Facebook, Instagram is a popular choice among masses. Photo filters, image editors, location tags, Instagram stories, shoppable IG stores, live video feature and its ability to share feeds on Facebook and Twitter are some of the contributing factors to its immense popularity among the youth. Such quality features intrigue users to come for more expanding and elevating its user base across continents. It has also proven to be a promising contributor in the field of digital marketing for big and small scale businesses. Its appealing approach towards the audience makes it a trending app even in 2021.

5.      Twitter

A very well known public microblogging app is Twitter. The app allows users to publish and share their ideas and opinions publicly through the medium of tweets which are short text messages with a predefined word limit. The application lays emphasis on providing real time information, news, updates and other whereabouts happening in the world. Twitter supports features such as retweet i.e. sharing a pre-existing tweet, fleet i.e. tweet which disappears within 24 hours, hashtags, live stream videos, private and group chats and navigation through trending and viral content from across the globe throughout Twitter. In addition to this, in the recent times Twitter came to be known for a different cause. It is becoming a medium for highlighting and resolving costumer complaints and many different issues. All that a user needs to do is address their problem to respective authorities via tweets and tags which are later served and settled by them.

6.      WhatsApp

The popular mobile messaging app, WhatsApp retains its top position among all the messaging apps outshining Facebook Messenger, Telegram and Snapchat. Despite its controversial privacy policy, it continues to be one of the most trending apps of 2021. With an approximate scale of over 2 billion monthly active users, the app seems to be the obvious choice amongst users of all age groups. Primarily designed for communication amongst friends, family and peers, WhatsApp has been advancing and updating its components exhibiting features like voice call, video call, group video call, broadcast messages, group chats, WhatsApp status, GIFs, stickers, voicenotes, desktop version, chat back-up and location sharing are some of the major features. WhatsApp also advanced in the field of business by introducing WhatsApp Business in 2017 for professional purposes. It is a two-way messaging app mainly operational between companies and customers. Made with small scale business in mind, it features basic details of companies along with company address, website link, feature images etc. and account settings include profile, stats, messaging tools, quick responses and greeting messages.

 

In conclusion to this, we might find many apps gaining huge admiration in no time. Popularity of social media applications is the reflection of engaging content and widespread network. Each and every year many new apps enter the social media market while old ones brush up and enhance their existing features and both compete to replace each other.

Read More

The Larger Picture

The media exaggerating controversial government legislations is a reflection of the deep rooted issues in government which oppress the society. While we ignore the true cause of the torment, government continues to exploit the citizenry and misuse its powers. With the time passing by government only seems to belittle individual liberties, rights and freedom causing basic needs like safety, decent infrastructure, well-structured roads etc to become a challenge. Though slow but steady is the pace of curtailment. Henceforth, there isn’t much done for the welfare of citizens but narrowing basic liberties by the so called ‘public servants’.

However, we do have a Constitution to limit the powers of government, place checks and balances on the same and to ensure equality to every individual regardless of race, religion, culture, age, profession etc. The Constitution was meant to restraint the government and not just protect the private citizens. Contrary to this, today government has become the domain of private masters and the ones to praise the government are none other than the private Indians themselves. National figures of over last 21 years reveal a good increase in the Union Government income at 14.44% p.a. while increase in average per capita income of an individual only at 7.2% p.a. (which is half of the former).

Rather than the traditional wealth distribution methods, quotas and subsidies, a better way in the forward direction would be to educate, empower and inform citizens about their rights for our great nation.

Read More