Choosing the best programming language to learn for web development can be tough, especially for beginners. There are so many options out there, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. While all languages might seem similar at first glance, if you are a beginner, you may be confused when you see the syntax, each one has its own strengths and weaknesses.
Popular languages like Python, PHP,Java, and JavaScript are commonly used for web development, but not every language suits all tasks. Additionally, not all languages are equally easy to use.
In this blog, we’ll explore which programming languages are most in demand for web development and delve into the two main parts of web development: front end and back end. Whether you’re aiming to become a front end or back end developer, we’ll help you choose the best language for your goals. Let’s dive in!
Must-have Skills for Web development
Earlier, we mentioned that you can learn any popular language for web development. However, there are some specific technologies and programming languages you must know to become a developer. HTML, CSS, and JavaScript are the backbone of web development. HTML defines the structure or layout of a website, CSS determines its color, style, and appearance, while JavaScript adds interactivity.
JavaScript allows you to add event listeners to elements like buttons, images, or the entire page. When a user performs an action like clicking a button, the event listener triggers a JavaScript function. This function contains the code that defines what happens when the event is triggered. For example, it might change button text, swap images, show/hide content, or create any interactive feature you can imagine.
These three—HTML, CSS, and JavaScript—are essential for anyone aspiring to be a web developer. HTML and CSS are essential components of web development, while JavaScript is a programming language. So mastering it is crucial. On the backend, you have the option to choose other programming languages, but for frontend development, JavaScript is a must.
Best Programming Language and technologies for Front-end
HTML, CSS, and JavaScript are the best programming languages for Front end development. HTML and CSS are essential for organizing and styling web pages, while JavaScript adds interactive features. Although JavaScript is common, languages like C++, Rust, or Python can replace it, especially for demanding tasks, although they may be harder to learn.
New frameworks like PyScript allow Python code to run in web browsers. While this works by converting Python into a format browsers understand, it’s not widely recommended. JavaScript remains the top choice for web development due to its tailored design for manipulating websites, ensuring they perform well and are secure.
Modern browsers understand and process HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, enabling interactivity.
However, using vanilla JavaScript for development can be time-consuming and complex, requiring lots of code. This is where JavaScript frameworks and libraries come in. Many options are available, with React being popular for its ability to build various types of websites. Angular and Vue are also popular choices, each with its pros and cons. If you need help choosing the right framework for your project, feel free to let us know in the comment, and we’ll be glad to provide more insights in a separate blog post.
Best Programming Language for Backend
Choosing the best language for backend development depends on several factors, such as your project’s needs, your team’s skills, and your personal preferences. For front end development, JavaScript is undoubtedly the go-to choice. If you’re comfortable with JavaScript, you can also use it for backend development using frameworks like Node.js and Express.js. This allows you to become a full stack developer using just one language, eliminating the need to learn another.
Python is another excellent option for backend development because of its clear and concise syntax, making it relatively easy to pick up. Python offers a wide range of libraries and frameworks like Django and Flask, which can streamline the development process. Additionally, languages like Java, PHP, Ruby, C#, and Go are widely used for backend development, each offering its own set of advantages.
JavaScript stands out for its ability to build scalable and real-time web applications due to its asynchronous nature and event-driven architecture. Python is ideal for rapid development and scalability in web applications. Java is well-suited for large-scale enterprise applications. PHP, a veteran language, is great for simpler web applications. Ruby is known for its clean syntax and developer-friendly approach. C# is powerful, especially for complex applications, and comes with a rich ecosystem.
Choosing the right Programming Language for your needs
If you’re just starting out and aiming to become a front-end developer, JavaScript is the recommended programming language. For backend development, you have several options. If you’re already familiar with a programming language, you can continue using that for the backend. Otherwise, you can start learning backend development with languages like Python, JavaScript, or PHP.
JavaScript has been in high demand in recent years. A survey conducted by Devjobsscanner from January 2022 to May 2023 identified approximately 915,000 job offers, constituting roughly 29% of job postings explicitly requiring JavaScript. This illustrates the significant demand for JavaScript skills in the job market.
However, it’s essential to consider your specific needs and preferences when choosing a programming language. Factors such as project scope, performance requirements, scalability, existing infrastructure, team expertise, and long-term maintenance should all be taken into account to determine the most suitable language for your project.
JavaScript is primarily used for client-side scripting in web development, but it’s also increasingly popular for backend development. Runtimes like Node.js facilitate efficient server-side programming, offering event-driven, non-blocking I/O operations, which are ideal for developing scalable and real-time web applications.
For tasks requiring scientific computing, data analysis, artificial intelligence, and automation, Python is often the preferred choice. If you’re building dynamic web pages and web applications that integrate with SQL databases, PHP is a suitable option. Java, on the other hand, is well-suited for large-scale enterprise applications such as enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, customer relationship management (CRM) platforms, e-commerce websites, content management systems (CMS), financial systems, and online banking portals.
Additional tips for selecting the best programming language to learn for web development
All programming languages share similar core concepts, just with different names. For instance, in JavaScript, we have arrays, functions, and if-else statements, while in Python, we have lists (quire similar to arrays), def (for defining functions), and if-elif (for conditional statements). These differences are mainly in naming and syntax, which isn’t something you need to memorize. Instead, refer to the documentation whenever you’re unsure.
Once you start practicing, you’ll naturally remember the syntax. Learning one programming language makes it easier to understand others because the logic remains consistent across languages. The initial challenge lies in grasping the first language, whether it’s Java, C, Python, or JavaScript. Python, in particular, is often preferred for beginners due to its readable and straightforward syntax. Its code structure uses English-like keywords, making it easier to comprehend and write.
For aspiring web developers, learning JavaScript is essential. While Python is great for backend development, JavaScript is crucial for frontend work. However, you can also use JavaScript for backend tasks. So, even if you prefer Python, knowing JavaScript opens up more opportunities in web development.
Read more: Are web development Bootcamps worth it?
