question: Identify key programming languages that have emerged in each decade from the 1950s to the 2020s. Provide a brief description for each language, focusing on its historical significance or innovative features. Limit your response to 150 words and ensure it is contained within 5 sentences.
answer: In the 1950s, Fortran emerged, pioneering high-level programming for scientific computing. The 1960s saw the rise of COBOL, crucial for business data processing and still influential today. The 1970s introduced C, which laid the foundation for modern operating systems and influenced many subsequent languages. The 1980s brought C++, extending C with object-oriented programming and enhancing software engineering practices. In the 1990s, Java became significant for its "write once, run anywhere" capability, revolutionizing web and mobile application development. Python emerged in the 2000s, known for its simplicity and readability, fostering rapid development and widespread use in data science. The 2010s highlighted Swift, designed by Apple for iOS and macOS, emphasizing safety and performance.