During the initial phase of the Internet, web development started as a buzz in the tech domain. This buzz slowly and gradually turned into a necessity for companies.
As the world shifts to the Internet and Artificial Intelligence (AI) mechanisms, the responsibilities of developers in making a dynamic and attractive website have increased. The burden of these developers was reduced with the emergence of programming languages used in web development.
Before proceeding to the trending programming languages, let us understand the basics of web development and programming language. Further, a list of 9 best programming languages used in web development is mentioned, along with their pros and cons.
Then we have discussed the parameters that can help developers choose the best programming language for developing websites or web applications. Finally, some frequently asked questions have been discussed.
Web Development
As the phrase suggests, web development can be understood as developing a website. The development includes creating, maintaining, and modifying the website according to the requirements of the client side.
Web development includes various tools and frameworks a developer needs to know to build dynamic, interactive, and appealing websites or web applications.
There could be front-end and back-end web development. Front-end web development refers to the “face” of the website, which is where the user directly interacts. It includes the designing part, such as drop-down buttons, call-to-action buttons, menus, images, videos, and animation.
On the other hand, back-end web development refers to the technical part or “behind-the-website” part, which consists of servers, databases, and applications. It acts as the supporting system for the front end of the website.
Programming Language
The principal foundation of web development is the programming language. A programming language can be understood as a way of communication between the technology and interface.
It includes a set of instructions known as codes for the machines to understand and carry out specific actions. It has its own structure, syntax, and rules by which codes can be executed without errors.
There are two types of programming languages, namely, higher-level languages and lower-level languages. Higher-level languages act as coders and interpreters for the machine, while lower-level languages are difficult to code but easy to interpret for the machine.
Due to the widespread use of technologies, various programming languages are readily used in web development, either at the front or back end.
Best Programming Languages Used in Web Development
Having discussed these basics, here we present the list of programming languages used in web development.
1) C#
C# (C-sharp), developed by Microsoft for Windows and the .NET framework, is one of the best programming languages used in web development. It is a general-purpose, high-level, and object-oriented programming language.
In fact, Windows Presentation Foundation uses C# as the only language to develop websites and applications.
Its high scalability and interoperability make it an excellent choice for developing quality web applications. The integration of C# with different frameworks makes it versatile.
For instance, C# and Unity (a game development tool) can be used to build gaming applications for Windows.
It uses the Xamarin framework to develop mobile applications for various platforms, including Android, Windows, and iOS. It uses back-end applications to develop Internet of Things (IoT) solutions.
Further, C# offers excellent security, which is an essential factor in developing business applications.
Among the significant features of C# is its built-in garbage collector, which helps with memory management and thereby enhances the performance of web applications. It has type safety, which ensures that the behavior of variables undertaken doesn’t change throughout the project.
It supports static typing, which helps handle errors during compiling. Also, its updated version has dynamic typing, through which dynamic objects can be created and checked at the compile time.
Pros:
- It has an extensive library, which helps the developer complete the project quickly without compromising performance.
- It provides faster compilation, debugging, and execution.
- It offers cross-platform support through which applications can be developed for iOS, Android, and Linux.
- A large community of developers supports the C# as the most used language for back-end web development.
Cons:
- C# focuses mainly on Microsoft platforms such as Windows.
- It is relatively less flexible than other programming languages available.
- It is not suitable for developing multi-thread applications.
- There could be an additional overhead during the runtime.
2) HTML
HTML, or Hypertext Markup Language, is the oldest programming language used for developing websites and web applications. Though its features have changed with the modern requirements, it is still popular among other programming languages used in web development.
In fact, it is the second most used programming language by developers, as per the survey conducted by Stack Overflow in 2020.
HTML cannot be defined as a “whole” programming language, but it is a standard language since it builds the foundation of any and every website.
Since it plays a significant role in creating layouts and developing templates for prototypes, it is considered a front-end programming language. The visual appearance of a web page is a result of the coding done through HTML.
Among its most significant features is Search Engine Optimization (SEO), which helps search the content from the accumulated information available on WWW. Further, the “localStorage” and “sessionStorage” facilities can store the data from the client side.
Its semantic structure comprises tags under which each element of the interface is defined. These elements help align the structure of the web page with the formatting of content such as text, images, videos, etc.
In a nutshell, HTML is responsible for whatever the user sees on the website or web application.
Pros:
- It has clear syntax embedded in its library that makes the language easy to learn.
- It is widely supported by the active community of developers.
- It is suitable for developing prototypes quickly.
- It defines the layout and structure of web pages and applications.
- It can create dynamic and interactive websites and applications by integrating with other programming languages such as JavaScript, Java, and PHP.
Cons:
- It has limited interactivity, so it needs the assistance of other additional programming languages.
- Being a traditional language, it has relatively limited functionality to meet modern requirements.
- It isn’t easy to make and maintain complex websites developed using HTML.
- While making large websites, HTML may create verbose code that may interact negatively with the website.
3) JavaScript
JavaScript is the most used programming language in web development, as it can be used for both front-end and back-end development. It was listed at the top among the web programming languages in the Developer Survey conducted by Stack Overflow in 2020.
It can be understood from the fact that the front-end of famous websites, including Facebook, LinkedIn, and Amazon, have been coded in JavaScript.
Though JavaScript came into existence as a complement to Java language, it has become a commonly used web development language.
JavaScript has its own libraries and frameworks through which the developers can easily create dynamic and interactive web pages and elements. These elements include call-to-action buttons, self-embedded audio and video, and animated graphics.
HTML might be good at making static web pages, but JavaScript makes those pages flashy, modern, and highly functional. Further, it streamlines the development process by connecting data models.
All these combined lead JavaScript to serve at both ends (client as well as server).
Among its most significant features is that JavaScript is a high-level, lightweight, scripting, and full-stack programming language. It is adapted by all web browsers and can help validate the input from the users, specifically in case of information in the form.
Its predefined date and time functions, shorthand, arrow function, template literal, etc., make it highly useful for building websites and applications. JavaScript can also help develop games, web servers, presentations, smartwatch apps, and quadcopter software.
Pros:
- Being versatile, JavaScript allows the developing of a wide range of dynamic websites and web applications.
- The execution speed on the client side is fast, which helps improve user experience.
- Supported by HTML/CSS, JavaScript is considered the best for seamlessly developing websites and apps.
- The user interface elements are highly interactive and provide an appealing feel to the users.
Cons:
- It may have compatibility issues with web browsers, leading to inconsistent support.
- The compatibility issues may worsen with a lack of standardization over different platforms.
- The cross-implementation of websites and apps developed by JavaScript may cause security vulnerabilities.
- While developing large and complex applications, JavaScript can be less performant than other programming languages used in web development.
- Its debugging can be more difficult due to weak typing of codes.
4) Java
Sun Microsystems initially created Java to enhance the capabilities of the C++ language. As an open-source and object-oriented programming language, it is widely utilized by major corporations such as Google, Oracle, and IBM.
Despite being commonly used in web development, this programming language has applications in data science, game development, 3D printing, and Android app development. Java can manage vast amounts of data, making it suitable for large-scale projects.
Java is a platform-independent language that adheres to the principle of “Write Once, Run Anywhere.” The foundation of this is built on various concepts like inheritance, abstraction, class objects, and encapsulation.
One of the key aspects of Java is its focus on encrypted login mechanisms, security policies, digital signatures, cryptography, ciphers, access controls, and robust authentication.
With its multi-threading feature, Java is capable of managing multiple threads and users at the same time. Moreover, it includes a garbage collector and Java Virtual Machine for efficient memory allocation and cleaning.
It enables scalability with minimal modifications to the code, thereby standing among the best programming languages used in web development.
The security of the system is supported by several elements, such as a security manager, virtual machine, bytecode verifier, and class loader. It offers a wide range of libraries, APIs, frameworks, and IDEs.
Java offers a variety of popular web frameworks, such as Hibernate, Play, Spring, and WebLogic, along with well-known testing frameworks like JUnit, Selenium, and TestUnit.
Pros:
- Java enables simple deployment of projects on various operating systems such as iOS, Windows, and Android.
- It provides secure code and robust type-checking to enhance error handling.
- Supports portability, memory management, and architecture neutrality.
- The syntax is user-friendly and comes with a quick debugger.
Cons:
- Learning Java can be quite time-consuming, especially for those new to programming.
- It tends to have a slower performance compared to some lower-level languages.
- More memory space is required, leading to memory management problems.
- Its flexibility is limited compared to other dynamic-typing programming languages.
5) PHP
PHP stands for PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor. It is an interpreted, open-source scripting language used for creating dynamic websites and applications. This programming language is highly regarded in web development, especially for back-end operations.
In addition to a wide range of resources, PHP provides well-known web frameworks such as Symfony, Laravel, and Yii2 Framework. Several popular websites developed using PHP frameworks are Wikipedia, WordPress, Facebook, and Etsy. PHP can work with and coordinate a variety of databases such as MySQL, .NET, ODBC, and Apache.
PHP is commonly utilized in enterprise business applications due to its robust security and quick processing capabilities. Being a scripting language, it generates scripts on the server by utilizing HTML tags to tailor user responses for every request.
In addition to creating HTML outputs, PHP can produce PDF files, images, and animations. PHP lacks a compiler, yet it has an error-handling feature that identifies errors while debugging.
Like Java, PHP is a platform-independent programming language that can interact with local server support.
Pros:
- There is outstanding support from the developer community worldwide.
- It works seamlessly with all operating systems, including iOS and Windows.
- Its syntax is straightforward, making it easy for developers to grasp.
- Integrates with HTML for smooth web development.
- Execution and development speed enable developers to create prototypes quickly.
- The dynamic typing feature enables developers to develop adaptable and flexible code.
Cons:
- PHP may be susceptible to security issues such as cross-site scripting and SQL injection.
- It has limited performance when compared to other programming languages used in web development.
- The debugger support is inconsistent and can lead to problems with error handling.
- It may lead to issues with compatibility because of the lack of standardization across platforms.
- Its ability to scale may diminish when dealing with extensive and complex websites and web applications.
6) Python
Python is a versatile programming language commonly used in web and software development. This language is sophisticated and designed for object-oriented programming, making it user-friendly.
Being an easy-to-use language, it is often suggested for beginners over C++ and Java.
Python shares similarities with JavaScript but has a smaller community compared to JavaScript. Due to its flexibility, Python is utilized in many websites and applications like Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, Intel, and Instagram.
In addition, Python facilitates natural language processing (NLP) to develop a graphical user interface (GUI).
Dynamic typing capabilities are a key feature, allowing for the development of complex websites requiring frequent updates. The language offers features like destructors and type hinting, typically seen in statically typed languages.
In addition to OOP, Python also embraces structured and functional programming. The libraries contain pre-written code that improves the scalability and performance of the final project.
It easily integrates with other programming languages like Java, C#, and C. Also, the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning contributes to the development of dynamic websites, desktop applications, and automation test scripts.
Python plays a crucial role in data science through data analysis and manipulation. It offers a variety of popular web frameworks such as Web2py, Django, and Flask.
Pros:
- Python boasts a simple and clear syntax that prioritizes readability.
- Offers scalability and code maintainability.
- Known for its fast development speed and execution time, making it ideal for prototyping.
- Widely used in DevOps, scientific computing, and video game development.
Cons:
- The dynamic typing may lead to runtime errors and complicate debugging.
- Its performance is lower than that of other programming languages.
- It is not very efficient for handling large datasets or complex tasks.
- It is not suitable for developing mobile applications despite its versatility.
7) Ruby
Like JavaScript, Ruby is a scripting and high-level language that is considered among the programming languages used in web development.
It is an open-source, object-oriented (OOP), user-friendly, flexible, and versatile language that is usually used for back-end development. Its syntax is similar to Python and Perl, which makes it easy for the developers to adapt to the language.
Being an OOP language, it provides single inheritance, naming conventions for variables, singleton methods, and missing methods.
Among its prominent features is a garbage collector that helps the developer manage memory allocation. It has centralized package management that holds an extensive set of libraries.
Since Ruby supports all the graphical user interface tools, it can work well on all platforms, including iOS, Windows, and Linux. The web frameworks of Ruby include Ruby on Rails and Sinatra, which provide pre-built templates that assist in developing a standardized structure for websites and applications.
Thus, Ruby finds its application in mobile app development, including Android and iOS apps.
Pros:
- It has expressive and dynamic syntax, which helps in rapid development.
- Due to the in-built extensive library support, developers widely use it globally.
- Since Ruby is an evolving language, it provides good maintainability and readability.
- Its dynamic duck typing with adaptable code feature makes the final website and application more flexible.
Cons:
- Ruby is a slow performer compared to Go and C++, specifically in the case of large and complex projects.
- Its support towards parallelism and concurrency is confined.
- Though it is a dynamic language, it can sometimes be less secure from the statically typed language.
- Ruby lacks debugging and error-handling support.
8) Rust
Though a systems programming language, Rust is also evolving as a programming language used in back-end web development. Some developers consider it an alternative to C/C++ since it provides a comfortable design, reliability, and good performance.
It does not have a garbage collector, which enhances its execution speed. As a modern language, Rust is readily used to develop game engines, browser components, file systems, and operating systems.
Among the crucial features of Rust are its powerful compiler and strong static typing for error handling. Its significant documentation and extensive ecosystem of libraries consist of productive tooling and multi-editor support, which helps in type inspections and auto-completion.
It offers cross-platform support and is compatible with all devices and operating systems. Further, it provides thread-safety and memory-safety by which bugs can be eliminated during compiling.
Some Rust web frameworks used for back-end development include Actix-web, Rocket, and Warp.
Pros:
- Rust provides strong safety as it is backed by generics.
- It can easily integrate with different languages, including C, making it cost-effective.
- Its debugging and testing speed is fast, which can predict the execution time of the final website or web application.
- It provides zero-cost abstractions owing to its low-level control.
Cons:
- Since Rust has a limited ecosystem, it isn’t easy to find documentation of code online or connect with a developer who knows how to code in this language.
- Its syntax is complex, which makes it difficult for developers to learn Rust.
- Its compiler is relatively slower than other programming languages used in web development.
9) Swift
Developed by Apple, Swift is an open-source, full-stack, and high-level programming language used to improve user experience in the Apple ecosystem. Though it has managed to place itself among the programming languages used in web development, it is mainly confined to developing iOS applications.
Some developers consider Swift a new and younger version of Apple’s Objective-C.
Swift has a concise coding style with easy-to-learn streamlined syntax. These codes help in easy maintenance and high performance of developed websites and web applications. Its interactive debugging leads to reducing runtime crashes.
Further, it has a built-in error-handling feature, which provides strong safety and enhanced stability. Among its unique features is Swift Playgrounds, which offers developers interactive learning and experimentation for testing codes through accessibility, UI, and localization testing.
Its animation control is backed by advanced technologies that can help create multiple sequences of animation tracks. Various elements such as HStack and VStack can help design different appealing layouts consistently.
Pros:
- Because of its high scalability and performance, it is preferred for developing complex websites and web applications.
- The developer can reuse existing libraries and frameworks since Swift is the younger version of Objective-C.
- The precise syntax of Swift helps developers to read and maintain the code in the long run.
- The error-handling capacity backed with strong type-checking provides security to the developed website and web application.
Cons:
- As Swift is developed by Apple, its usage is mainly confined to the Apple ecosystem.
- It has frequent updates, and the developers thus should be prepared to adapt to the changes required quickly.
- It is relatively less flexible and expressive than other programming languages used in web development.
- Owing to its strong security, it has only a few third-party libraries to assist the developer.
Choosing The Best Among The Programming Languages Used in Web Development
Though various programming languages are available to develop websites and web applications, each language has limitations. Thus, it is essential to realize the tips on which the developer can choose the best language for their project.
1) Type of application
There are various types of applications that a developer needs to develop, such as mobile applications, desktop applications, web applications, or business applications. Each of these has different size, complexity, and functionality.
For instance, Java is best suited for Android mobile applications or medium-sized layered apps. C++ can be used for developing embedded firmware, while C# and PHP are well-suited for simple web apps.
While building large and complex websites or applications, the developer may use different programming languages for different components of the project. Thus, it is essential to research the best programming language for the type of website or web application that needs to be developed.
2) Type of platform
The second most important thing to consider is the type of platform for which an application must be built. Each platform may not support every programming language, causing the developer to face a glitch.
JavaScript has been considered effective for web applications since web browsers, which are used freely, comprise JavaScript codes. Similarly, Java is the best choice for developing apps for Android platforms, while Objective-C is best for iOS platforms.
At the same time, for cross-platform apps, the developer can opt for dynamic programming languages like C++, Java, and Python.
3) Scalability and Performance
Among the other important factors are scalability and performance, which can attract more users to the app. A developer must ensure the developed website or application can hold cumulative data without hampering its performance.
The choice of poor programming language can make page loading or image processing difficult. At the same time, the right programming language can reduce troubleshooting while optimizing the website and app to be developed. It enhances the code quality, thereby providing a clean interface.
The developers primarily consider Java Spring and Ruby on Rails to be the best programming languages to improve the scalability and performance of the website and web applications.
4) Security
In the era of increasing cybercrimes, security has become a matter of great concern for developers who work with web applications. With the right programming language, user data and website/app data can be protected.
For instance, healthcare and financial applications need high security, strict laws, and compliance. Any security breach may leak the user’s personal and confidential data, which can, in turn, destroy the success of the website or web application.
5) Maintainability
For any company to succeed, it is vital to have a long-term maintainability of the website and web application. As every programming language used in web development comes with its own library stack, the developers should pick a language that is set to evolve in the future.
Since every app needs to be updated from time to time, the maintenance cost may spike if any outdated language is used.
For instance, developers should opt for Python if any web app has to be developed across different platforms. Python is a flexible programming language and is compatible with almost all platforms.
6) Development and Execution speed
The development and execution speed are the two underrated factors that clients and even developers consider in web development. In the back-to-back emergence of effective apps, developers face a strict timeline for completing the project.
Similarly, at the client end, data processing speed may be preferred over data storage. Thus, the developers should opt for a suitable programming language that is time-effective and doesn’t compromise the scalability and performance of the project.
Key Takeaways
Web development is continuously evolving, and so are the programming languages. Knowing the programming languages used in web development has become important in this era.
The pros and cons of each language should also be known so that the developer can wisely choose the optimal language for the website and web application to be developed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What are the top programming languages used in web development?
Among the various programming languages, JavaScript, HTML/CSS, Java, Python, PHP, Ruby, React, and Swift are considered the best for web development.
- Which is the primary programming language that is needed in web development?
Though one needs to learn HTML/CSS or JavaScript to develop a website or web application, knowing any other additional language is necessary. This additional language depends on whether the coder wants to go for front-end or back-end development.
- What is the frequently used back-end programming language?
Java, PHP, and Python are frequently used back-end programming languages. Their syntaxes are easy to use and can be found in their own libraries. Their flexibility and scalability can also help the coder perform modifications quickly.
- What is the frequently used front-end programming language?
JavaScript has always been in demand among the front-end programming languages used in web development. Having said that, many coders usually prefer the combination of HTML-CSS-JavaScript to make their websites more dynamic and attractive.
- Which programming languages are gaining popularity?
The demand for Python and TypeScript is rising due to their readability, scalability, and maintainability. At the same time, HTML/CSS and JavaScript will continuously rule the market since they are the basics for developing websites and applications.