If you're new to web development, you're probably wondering which programming language to learn first. JavaScript is a popular choice, as it's used by most websites for client-side scripting and is also the basis for popular frameworks like React and Angular.
JavaScript is a versatile language that's widely supported by web browsers, making it a great choice for web development. It's also used for server-side programming with technologies like Node.js.
With JavaScript, you can create dynamic and interactive web pages, which is a key feature of modern web development. You can also use JavaScript to build web applications with complex logic and user interfaces.
JavaScript is a must-know language for any web developer, and its popularity shows no signs of slowing down.
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Web Development Languages
Web development languages can be overwhelming, but it's not as daunting as it seems. There are many programming languages to choose from, but some are more popular than others.
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A group of web developers and tech professionals recommend starting with a language that's in-demand, such as Node js or Python. These languages are versatile and can be used for a variety of projects.
Here are some of the most popular web development languages:
- Node js
- Python
- React js
- Golang
- Ruby on Rails
- Vue js
- Angular js
- Mendix
Top Programming Languages
Learning to code can be intimidating, especially when you're not sure where to start. There are so many programming languages out there that it's hard to know which one to choose.
According to a group of web developers and tech professionals, beginners should start with a language that will empower them to build their own ideas. They recommend learning a language that will give you the skills to create something from scratch.
If you're looking for a language to learn, consider starting with Node js or Python. These languages are popular choices for web development and are often used by beginners.
Here are some of the top programming languages to consider:
- Node js
- Python
- React js
- Golang
- Ruby on Rails
- Vue js
- Angular js
- Mendix
If you're interested in learning more about these languages, consider checking out online classes like the Skillcrush Front End Developer and Web Developer Blueprint courses. These courses are designed to be completed in 3 months by spending just an hour a day on the materials.
HTML
HTML is a fundamental language for web development, and it's great to start learning it as a hobby or a career. HTML (HyperText Markup Language) was developed in 1993 and is still widely used today.
HTML is the standard language used to create basic web pages, and it's essential for web development. Web developers use HTML to create apps and websites, and it's also used in game development, video and image embedding, and Internet navigation.
Web developer Charlotte O'Hara recommends learning HTML and CSS together, as they complement each other and give you a foundation in website structure and design. Mazdak Mohammadi, a self-employed web developer, learned HTML as a hobby and now enjoys maximum flexibility and freedom in his career.
To get started with HTML, you can practice building a basic website until you feel comfortable. You can create so much value with HTML skills alone, and charge for it. HTML is also a vital skill to add to your tech toolkit, even if you're not interested in becoming a web developer.
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Here are some key facts about HTML:
- HTML is the most popular language on the Internet.
- Web developers use HTML to create apps and websites.
- Other uses of HTML include game development, video and image embedding, and Internet navigation.
- Google, Facebook, and YouTube all use HTML.
- Front-end developers, web developers, and mobile developers use HTML.
Learning HTML can open up new career opportunities and give you a greater appreciation of the development process. As Ulysis Cababan, an SEO Specialist, learned HTML to communicate better with web developers at his job, and it motivated him to keep learning more programming languages like PHP.
Server-Side Languages
Server-Side Languages are a crucial part of web development, and several languages are popularly used for this purpose.
Node js is one of the most widely used server-side languages, known for its fast and scalable architecture.
Python is another popular choice, especially for developers who want to build robust and efficient server-side applications.
Here are some of the most popular server-side languages:
- Node js
- Python
- Golang
- Ruby on Rails
Laravel
Laravel is a popular choice among web developers due to its free and open-source nature.
It follows the model-view-controller (MVC) design pattern, which makes it easy to understand and follow.
One of its key features is a fast routing engine that simplifies the web development process.
Laravel also offers multiple ways of accessing relational databases, making it a versatile tool for developers.
Its modular packaging system, complete with a dependency manager, streamlines the development process.
Here are some additional features of Laravel:
- Fast routing engine
- Multiple ways of accessing relational databases
- Modular packaging system with a dependency manager
- Multiple backends for cache and session storage
- Event broadcasting in real time
Flask
Flask is a lightweight micro framework built for and written in Python, enabling easier development of web applications. Its notable features include URL routing, flexibility, and accessibility.
Flask has a very low learning curve, making it accessible to both newbie and seasoned web developers alike. This allows developers to quickly get up to speed and start building web applications.
The framework is built to be flexible, allowing developers to use it in a variety of projects. Its lightweight nature also makes it a great choice for smaller projects or prototyping.
Some of the world's top businesses and websites use Python and Django together, but Flask is a great alternative for smaller projects or those that require a more lightweight approach.
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Frontend Frameworks
Frontend frameworks are a crucial part of web development, and several top AngularJs frameworks have thorough documentation with feature descriptions.
Around 98.8% of websites are made using JavaScript, a client-side programming language that's the primary choice for web development.
JavaScript is also flexible and simple, making it easy to write and debug.
Broaden your view: Javascript Web Programming
HTML/CSS
HTML/CSS is the foundation for creating web pages and websites. It's the most basic building block of web development, and HTML is the standard language used to create basic web pages.
HTML is easy to learn and use, with a clear syntax, and it's widely supported with a large and active community. It's essential for creating and defining the structure and layout of web pages.
CSS is used to add style to the documents created with HTML, including layout, color, fonts, and more. It's good for prototyping and development speed, and it integrates well with other web technologies like JavaScript and PHP.
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Here are some key advantages and disadvantages of HTML/CSS:
Learning HTML and CSS is a great starting point for web development, and it can also be a valuable skill for anyone interested in technology. Web developers like Charlotte O'Hara and Mazdak Mohammadi recommend starting with HTML and CSS, and practicing until you feel comfortable building a basic website.
JavaScript
JavaScript is a versatile language that's used by 98.8% of websites, making it the primary choice for web development.
JavaScript is a client-side programming language that's used for front-end and back-end development, and it's one of the best and most popular coding languages for web development.
JavaScript is used by top companies like Netflix, PayPal, and LinkedIn, and it's a favorite among front-end developers, software engineers, and web developers.
One of the reasons JavaScript is so popular is that it's easy to learn and use, even for beginners. James McCarthy, CEO and Lead Developer at Boldtask, says JavaScript is his "best coding language to learn" starting out.
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JavaScript is also great for creating interactive elements, like pop-up ads, slideshows, and search field autocompletes, that change without refreshing the page.
Here are some of the key advantages of using JavaScript:
JavaScript is used by many top companies, including Facebook, which uses Angular JavaScript, and Google, which uses React JavaScript framework.
Vue
Vue is an open-source JavaScript framework that's considered highly approachable, making it a great choice for developers of all levels.
It's often referred to as the "progressive" framework because of its ability to adapt to different use cases.
Vue is used to create user interfaces and single-page applications, and its rich ecosystem allows it to scale between being a framework and a library.
Developers can extend HTML using HTML attributes or directives, which is a big plus for those who want to create custom interfaces.
On a similar theme: Go Programming Web Framework
Choosing a Language
It's intimidating to learn new skills, but knowing where to begin is even harder. To clear things up, a group of web developers and tech professionals recommend starting with a language that will empower you to build your own ideas.
You can probably find a problem or part of a site you don’t like pretty easily. But if you’re brand new to coding, the solution is a mystery. Here are some jumping off points if you’re confused about where to begin.
The best programming language to learn first is a matter of debate, but some popular options include Node js, Python, React js, Golang, Ruby on Rails, Vue js, Angular js, and Mendix. These languages are all used in web development and are worth considering.
A group of web developers and tech professionals recommend beginners start with one of these languages. They are all used in web development and are worth considering.
For another approach, see: Nextjs Aws
Specific Languages
Java is a top choice for web development, especially for its ability to handle multiple users and threads simultaneously, resulting in faster response times for websites. It's also scalable vertically and horizontally with minimal code changes.
Some of the most popular languages for web development include Node js, Python, React js, Golang, Ruby on Rails, Vue js, Angular js, and Mendix. Java, in particular, has a wide range of applications, including desktop, mobile, and web development.
For your interest: Socket.io Nextjs
Here are some key languages for web development, along with their advantages and disadvantages:
TypeScript
TypeScript is a superset of JavaScript, created to address some of the limitations of the parent language.
Developed and maintained by Microsoft, TypeScript is free and open-source, making it a great choice for developers.
It can be used for both front-end and back-end development, allowing developers to create large-scale JavaScript applications.
TypeScript is also backwards compatible with existing JavaScript applications or programs, so developers can easily apply existing JavaScript code and libraries.
Using TypeScript, developers can provide static information within their JavaScript codes, making them less error-prone and easier to read and understand.
TypeScript will run anywhere that JavaScript is capable of running, giving developers the flexibility they need to work on a wide range of projects.
Its static typing feature helps prevent errors and makes debugging easier, making it a great choice for frontend development for browsing apps.
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Java #5
Java is a top choice for web development due to its ability to handle multiple users and threads simultaneously, resulting in faster response times for websites. This is thanks to Java's support for multi-threading.
Java is also scalable both vertically and horizontally with minimal code changes, making it a great option for large-scale web applications. This scalability also means developers can improve website performance and responsiveness times.
One of the main reasons Java is so widely used is its platform-independent nature, allowing for easy deployment on multiple operating systems. This means developers can write code once and run it on any platform without modification.
Java has a large and established community, providing extensive libraries and support for developers. This community also means there are many resources available for learning and troubleshooting.
Here are some of the key advantages and disadvantages of using Java for web development:
Java's strong security features make it a popular choice for enterprise applications, and its ability to handle complex web applications with high performance makes it a top choice for web development.
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C#
C# is a general-purpose, object-oriented coding language that many people find easier to learn than C++. It's popular among developers for its speed and efficiency.
C# is used in web development, game development, and app development, making it a versatile tool in the tech industry.
If you're interested in learning C#, consider pursuing a Bachelor's in computer science degree program or enrolling in a C# bootcamp. Software engineers and video game designers also use C# in their work.
Here are some notable companies that use C#:
- Accenture
- Intuit
- Microsoft
PHP
PHP is a versatile scripting language that's perfect for delivering dynamic websites and web applications. Many popular websites like Wikipedia and Facebook use PHP.
PHP is widely supported and has a large and active community. This means you can easily find resources and help when you need it.
PHP is also relatively easy to learn and use, with a clear syntax that makes it a great second step up from HTML/CSS. Experienced developers tap into this resource too.
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PHP is supported by a large number of third-party extensions, such as .NET, Apache, and MySQL, making it possible to use PHP as a bridge between websites and other services.
Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of using PHP:
PHP can output images, PDF files, text, and even animations, all generated on the fly, making it a powerful tool for web development.
Python
Python is one of the easiest programming languages to learn, making it a great choice for beginners. It's also one of the most popular languages on the planet, used by massive services like Spotify, Netflix, Intel, YouTube, NASA, and Instagram.
Its dynamic typing capabilities allow developers to create complex websites with constantly changing content, far easier than with static typing languages. This makes Python a favorite among developers who need to build large and complex websites quickly.
One of Python's main strengths is in data science and analysis, where it's used to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) into websites. This allows businesses to better understand customer behavior and build systems that learn to monitor and understand customer conversations related to a product.
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Python's ease of use, large community, and extensive libraries make it a great choice for prototyping and development speed. Its wide range of applications, including scientific computing, data analysis, and web development, make it a versatile language.
Here are some of Python's key advantages and disadvantages:
Python's popularity has grown by 456% since 2018, making it the fastest-growing web programming language. Its ability to simplify complicated structures and speed up development time has made it a favorite among developers and engineers.
#6 Ruby
Ruby is an excellent programming language for web development, with a high-level syntax that makes it easy to use and similar to English.
Its versatility and intuitive nature make it a great choice for numerous web products, from websites to web apps and more.
Ruby is a general-purpose language, used in both front-end and back-end web development, and is often compared to the syntax of programming languages like C++, Perl, and Python.
One of the biggest advantages of Ruby is its dynamic and expressive nature, making it well-suited for prototyping and rapid development.
However, it does have some disadvantages, such as slower performance compared to other languages, limited support for concurrency and parallelism, and inconsistent error handling and debugging support.
Here are some of the key advantages and disadvantages of Ruby:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Python or C++ better for web development?
For web development, Python is generally a better choice than C++ due to its ease of use and versatility. However, if you're working with microcontrollers or low-level system programming, C++ might be a more suitable option.
Is Python or Java better for web development?
For web development, Python is a popular choice, especially for back-end development, while Java is often preferred for web development due to its widespread use in the field. Consider your goals and the specific needs of your project to decide between these two languages.
Which language is the future of web development?
For web development in 2024, JavaScript is a top choice due to its versatility in building user-friendly and dynamic applications. As a front-end and back-end language, JavaScript is poised to remain a leading technology in web development.
Should I learn JavaScript or Python?
For beginners and web development, learn JavaScript for interactive web pages and front-end development. For data science, AI, and backend development, start with Python for its simplicity and wide range of applications.
Sources
- https://www.bairesdev.com/blog/best-programming-languages-web-development/
- https://skillcrush.com/blog/where-to-start-learning-code/
- https://softwareengineering.stackexchange.com/questions/35890/best-programming-language-for-web-development
- https://www.computerscience.org/resources/computer-programming-languages/
- https://www.appventurez.com/blog/best-programming-language-for-web-development
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