Detailed Overview of Huawei's Programming Languages and Development Environment

As a global technology leader, Huawei's programming languages and development environments revolve around its core product lines: HarmonyOS, cloud services, AI, and hardware devices. This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of Huawei's mainstream languages, tools, application scenarios, and the latest developments (as of 2025), based on official documentation and reliable sources.

1. Mainstream Programming Languages

Huawei supports a wide range of languages depending on the product domain. Here are the key ones:

• ArkTS (Ark TypeScript)
  The primary application development language for the HarmonyOS ecosystem. It is an enhanced version of TypeScript specifically designed for multi-device native development, featuring declarative UI, state management, and seamless cross-device deployment.
  Features: Concise syntax, AI-assisted coding, real-time preview, component-based development, strong type safety, and high performance.
  Use Cases: Native HarmonyOS apps for phones, tablets, wearables, smart screens, etc. Ideal for UI interaction, data binding, and animations.

• Cangjie Programming Language
  Huawei's self-developed language officially launched in 2024, targeting full-scenario intelligent devices. It aims to replace or complement traditional languages like Java and Go.
  Features:

  • Native intelligence (built-in AI Agent DSL, supports natural-language-like programming)
  • Extremely high performance (faster than Java, Go, and Swift)
  • Strong security (built-in memory safety and privacy protection)
  • Born for full-scenario (supports HarmonyOS, cloud, and edge computing)
    Use Cases: HarmonyOS native apps, service-layer development, AI-driven features (e.g., smart home systems, intelligent algorithms). Cangjie is already integrated into Huawei's CodeArts IDE with zero setup required.

• C / C++ and Assembly
  Used for low-level system development, such as the HarmonyOS kernel (based on OpenHarmony) and hardware drivers.
  Features: Maximum performance and fine-grained control, essential for real-time and embedded systems.
  Use Cases: HarmonyOS kernel, 5G base stations, router firmware, and HiSilicon SoCs (Kirin, Ascend series).

• Java and Kotlin
  Primarily used for Android-compatible apps and cloud services. Many legacy EMUI and early HarmonyOS apps still use Java; Kotlin is the modern replacement.
  Features: Mature ecosystem, excellent cross-platform support.

• Other Languages

  • Python: Dominant in AI and data science (MindSpore framework, ModelArts).
  • JavaScript / TypeScript: Web and serverless development on Huawei Cloud.
  • Go / Rust: Increasingly used for high-concurrency services and security-critical systems.

Huawei emphasizes multi-language compatibility: C/C++ at the kernel level, ArkTS/Cangjie at the application layer, and Python/Java in cloud/AI scenarios.

2. Programming Environments & Development Tools

Huawei provides complete, integrated toolchains covering the entire development lifecycle.

• DevEco Studio
  The official IDE for HarmonyOS application development, supporting ArkTS, Cangjie, Java, etc.
  Key Features: AI-powered code completion, real-time device preview, debugging, performance profiling, multi-device simulators, one-click build & deployment.
  Download: https://developer.huawei.com/consumer/cn/deveco-studio/
  Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
  Advantages: Bundled HarmonyOS SDK, dramatically simplifies cross-device development.

• CodeArts IDE (Huawei Cloud)
  Cloud-native IDE with Cangjie pre-installed and ready to use out of the box. Perfect for teams and server-side development.
  Features: Git hosting, CI/CD pipelines, collaborative editing, AI assistance.

• Other Major Tools

  • Huawei Cloud Developer Toolkit: For cloud-native development (Java, Python, Node.js, etc.).
  • MindSpore Studio: Dedicated AI development environment based on Python.
  • HarmonyOS SDK & DevEco Device Tool: For hardware integration and on-device testing.

3. Application Scenarios & Learning Recommendations

Scenario	Recommended Languages	Key Learning Resources
HarmonyOS Native Apps	ArkTS → Cangjie (future)	Huawei Developer Alliance courses & certifications
System / Kernel	C / C++	OpenHarmony contribution guide
Cloud Services	Java, Python, Go, Node.js	Huawei Cloud Academy
AI & Machine Learning	Python (MindSpore)	MindSpore official tutorials
Full-scenario & Future	Cangjie	CodeArts IDE + official Cangjie documentation