JavaScript is the most popular web programming language, used by 94.5% of websites for client-side scripting. It's a must-know for any web developer.
JavaScript's versatility allows it to be used for both front-end and back-end development, making it a valuable skill to have.
Python is a close second, used by 42.4% of websites for server-side scripting, and is a favorite among developers for its simplicity and ease of use.
Ruby on Rails is another popular framework that uses Python, making it a go-to choice for many web developers.
Popular Programming Languages
Popular programming languages are used in web development to create dynamic web pages. JavaScript, Python, and C# are the most common coding languages used by developers.
Developers choose between front-end and back-end development, and the language they use depends on their career goals and interests. C#, Java, JavaScript, Python, Ruby on Rails, and PHP are all good choices for web development.
Here are some popular programming languages used in web development:
- Front-end languages: JavaScript, HTML, and CSS
- Back-end languages: Python, Java, and PHP
These languages are widely used and have a large community of developers who create resources and tools to help with learning and troubleshooting.
JavaScript
JavaScript is a popular programming language that's unlikely to become obsolete in the foreseeable future. It's used to power most websites today, including internet giants like Facebook and Google.
JavaScript is relatively easy to learn and can be used to build dynamic front-end elements such as animated graphics, clickable buttons, and interactive maps. It's also used for back-end support using frameworks like Node.js and Express.
JavaScript is a scripting language that runs directly from its source code, without needing to be translated into machine code. This makes it a great first step into learning programming.
Here are some of the key features of JavaScript:
- Creates interactive web page elements like clickable buttons, images that can zoom in and out, and on-page audio and video
- Used to create server-side applications using the runtime environment Node.js
- Has a massive user community and plenty of documentation, making it satisfying to use and relatively quick to learn
JavaScript is a must-have for front-end development and consumer-facing websites, and is becoming increasingly important in back-end development. It's also the leading language in test automation frameworks, being the backbone of frameworks like Protractor and Nightwatch.JS.
One of the benefits of JavaScript is that it's already built into browsers, making it easy to get started with. However, this also means that it's interpreted differently across browsers, requiring extra cross-browser testing.
Ruby
Ruby is an object-oriented programming language designed for usability, making it popular among web developers. It's similar to Python in that it's easy to read, even for those with no prior programming experience.
Ruby categorizes code into simple building blocks called classes, making it easier to understand and work with. This feature is also present in other languages, but Ruby's approach is particularly intuitive.
Ruby has a feature called "garbage collection" that manages and cleans memory, reducing the risk of errors and improving overall performance. This is one of the reasons why Ruby is a great choice for web development.
Ruby is the basis for the popular Ruby on Rails framework for web applications, which is known for its ease of use and quick development time. Ruby on Rails is a full-stack framework that allows developers to build and launch minimum viable products (MVPs) quickly.
Ruby has a massive user community and plenty of tutorials, making it easy to learn and get started with. Dedicated libraries and tools also make coding faster and more efficient.
Here are some of the key features of Ruby:
- Categorizes code into simple building blocks called classes.
- Uses "garbage collection" to manage and clean memory.
- Encapsulates instructions in blocks, so it's easier to call on them.
Ruby is used in many industries, including e-commerce, education, government, and social media, thanks to its flexibility and scalability. However, it can have challenges with scalability across a large system and performance on larger websites.
PHP
PHP is a well-established server-side scripting language that's capable of handling enormous projects, including entire content management systems like WordPress.
It's one of the easiest scripting languages to learn and is supported on virtually every operating system, including Windows, macOS, and Linux.
The first release of PHP occurred in 1995, and the language has been growing in popularity lately due to its simplicity and scalability.
PHP is primarily used for web development (both back-end and front-end) but also powers online advertising, game development, database management systems, and hosting services.
It's an older system, so PHP's popularity may be on the decline as newer, faster languages take its place, but its ubiquity on the internet, abundance of resources, ease of use, and promising job prospects make it a valuable language to learn.
Learning PHP lets you create web pages that have customized user interfaces, making each user's experience unique.
PHP is why your WordPress site looks different than your colleague's, and why you and other WordPress users have different dashboards.
GoLang
GoLang is a statically typed programming language created by Google in 2007. It's extremely efficient and can execute multiple processes at the same time.
GoLang offers powerful memory safety and management features, making it highly capable of building scalable and secure web applications. Its simplicity can make it less flexible in certain capacities.
GoLang is still evolving, and developers are still working out its capabilities and possibilities. This means fewer resources are available for support compared to more established languages.
TypeScript
TypeScript is a strongly typed language that makes code more secure, maintainable, and deployable.
It takes all the standard functions of JavaScript and adds a typing feature, allowing programmers to assign names and limit them to specific purposes in their code.
TypeScript makes it easier to spot common coding errors and warns you before you get a runtime error.
You can use all of JavaScript's available languages and APIs, but see more detail about your code and reduce errors.
TypeScript has a steeper learning curve than JavaScript, but once you learn it, it can save you significant troubleshooting time.
The 2020 State of JS report named TypeScript the "uncontested leader" among JavaScript types, with 93% of users who've tried it willing to use it again.
Programming Languages
Programming languages are the backbone of web development, and choosing the right one can be overwhelming. There are several languages to choose from, including JavaScript, Python, and C#.
Developers use different programming languages depending on their career goals and interests. For instance, Python and Ruby work well for back-end development, while JavaScript suits the front end. JavaScript is a stellar language for front-end development, but you still need to know HTML and CSS to make it shine.
Some programming languages are easier to learn than others. High-level languages like Python and Ruby are relatively easy to learn, while low-level languages like C# require more effort. Full-stack developers may use multiple programming languages to work on both the front and back end simultaneously.
Here are some of the most common coding languages used in web development:
- C#
- Java
- JavaScript
- Python
- Ruby on Rails
- PHP
These languages are all good choices for web development, and learning one or two can get you started with minimal cost and effort. Coding bootcamps offer intensive courses in different programming languages that can help you learn quickly and efficiently.
Choosing a Development Language
Choosing a development language can be overwhelming, especially for beginners. With so many languages out there, it's hard to know where to start.
The right language for you depends on your career goals and interests. If you're interested in front-end development, JavaScript is a great choice. It's relatively easy to learn and is a popular language among developers.
If you're interested in back-end development, Python and Ruby are good options. They're also relatively easy to learn and are widely used in the industry.
Most developers start by learning front-end languages like JavaScript. But to be a successful developer, you'll need to know multiple languages. A full-stack developer can code on both the front and back end, requiring broader language expertise.
Here are some popular programming languages to consider:
Ultimately, the best language for you will depend on your goals and interests. It's essential to assess your interests and goals to determine which languages would be the most valuable to learn.
Career in Development
A career in development offers many opportunities, and the right programming language can make all the difference. Python and Ruby work well for back-end development, while JavaScript suits the front end. All three languages are relatively easy to learn.
Web developers are primarily responsible for using programming languages to design and maintain how websites and applications look, feel, and function. They may work for companies that are dedicated exclusively to web development or for businesses across industries.
Here are some web development roles that different programming languages can support:
Considering your interests and goals is crucial when choosing a programming language to learn. Assess your career aspirations and determine which languages would be the most valuable to learn.
PHP Career Paths
PHP is a versatile programming language that can support a variety of web development roles.
One of the most notable career paths PHP supports is back-end development, where it's used to manage server-side databases and logistical features.
Full-stack developers can also use PHP to work on both the front and back end simultaneously, making it a valuable skill to have.
PHP can also be used for desktop application development, opening up opportunities in this area.
Some examples of career paths that PHP supports include:
- Back-end and full-stack web development
- Desktop application development
- Computer programming
Python Career Paths
Python is a versatile programming language that can support a wide range of career paths.
Being versed in Python can support the following web development roles: Back-end and full-stack web developmentSoftware engineeringData science and analysisMachine learning engineering
Python is an ideal language for beginners to learn, with a simple syntax that reads like English and is easy to understand.
It's also worth noting that Python is in high demand among employers, having been used to build popular platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and Spotify.
Development Tools and Frameworks
Developing a web application can be a daunting task, especially for beginners. Python's simplicity and ease of use make it a popular choice for web development.
Python's framework, Django, is a high-level framework that allows developers to build robust and scalable web applications quickly. It provides an architecture, templates, and APIs to make development faster and more efficient.
For JavaScript development, React is a popular framework that allows developers to build reusable UI components and manage the state of complex applications. It's widely used in the industry and has a large community of developers who contribute to its ecosystem.
Node.js, a JavaScript runtime environment, is often used with React to build fast and scalable server-side applications. Its event-driven, non-blocking I/O model makes it ideal for real-time web applications.
Developers can use Visual Studio Code, a lightweight and versatile code editor, to write, debug, and test their code. Its features, such as code completion and debugging, make it an essential tool for any developer.
Ruby on Rails
Ruby on Rails is a highly popular and complex language created by David Heinemeier Hansson in 2004.
It's considered object-oriented and has features like concurrency and metaprogramming, making it a powerful tool for building web applications.
Many industries use Ruby, including e-commerce, education, government, and social media, which is a testament to its versatility and effectiveness.
This open-source framework allows people to build powerful web applications with minimal effort, making it a favorite among developers.
Flask
Flask is a Python framework that makes web application programming easier, similar to Django.
It's a microframework, which means it focuses on simplicity and ease of use.
Flask is easier to learn and launch than Django, making it a great choice for beginners or small projects.
However, it's still powerful enough to handle larger apps, giving you flexibility and room to grow.
Flask's simplicity also means it's a great tool for prototyping and testing ideas quickly.
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 suitability for the task. However, C++ may be preferred for specific web applications that require low-level memory management.
Should I learn JavaScript or Python?
For beginners and web development, JavaScript is a must-learn, while Python is ideal for data science, AI, and backend development. Consider your goals and choose the language that best aligns with them.
What are the three languages all web developers must learn?
To succeed in web development, you need to master HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, the three essential languages that form the foundation of front-end web development. Learning these languages is a crucial step towards building a successful career in web development.
Do web developers use coding?
Yes, web developers use coding languages to build websites and web applications. They rely on languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Python to bring their digital creations to life.
What is web development languages?
Web development languages include HTML for structure, CSS for styling, and JavaScript for interactivity, along with backend languages like PHP, Python, and Ruby. These languages work together to bring your website to life and provide a seamless user experience
Sources
- https://www.computerscience.org/bootcamps/guides/programming-languages-web-development/
- https://survey.stackoverflow.co/2024/technology
- https://sopa.tulane.edu/blog/most-popular-programming-languages-career-web-development
- https://www.mooc.org/blog/best-programming-languages-for-web-development
- https://smartbear.com/blog/best-programming-language-to-learn-first/
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