Best Backend Programming Languages
Choosing the best backend programming language, whether you're a start-up, a large company, or a learner, is difficult. Here, we list the top backend programming languages along with their advantages and disadvantages.
Backend development:
Server-side PHP apps make up about 79.2% of all web applications.
The most common programming language, on the other side, is JavaScript, according to the 2020 Developer Survey from Stack Overflow. In fact, 69.7% of skilled developers chose JavaScript, 41.6% chose Python, and 25.8% chose PHP.
Backend Programming Language Types
There are two main categories for backend programming languages. These sorts will be covered below!
- Object-Oriented Programming
This method of backend programming places more emphasis on object or data structures than on logic. The object is regarded as a data field in functional programming because of its unusual properties.
When programmers collaborate in teams on large-scale, intricate projects, object-oriented programming is the optimal strategy.
Despite its many advantages, OOP is criticised by professionals for its intricate scripting language.
- Functional Programming
It is a different kind of back-end programming that places more emphasis on declarations and outcomes than on the actual programming process.
FP has no side effects and supports parallel, immutable data. Therefore, FP is the solution if you want to increase productivity, modularity, and resolve scripting concerns in the most straightforward methods.
The well-known Facebook backend programming languages that you can use are SQL, R, Haskell, and F#. The difficulty of practising for novices, complex upkeep, and reuse are some of the biggest drawbacks of functional programming Languages.
Leading Ten Backend Languages
Developers today use a variety of backend programming languages for their applications. However, we are discussing the top 10 backend languages that are the most dependable and well-known here.
1. JavaScript
One of the most reliable backend programming languages is JavaScript. Programmers use this language for both server-side work and front-end work. This backend language was first introduced in 1995 and is typically abbreviated as "JS." Additionally, since JavaScript and Java are two very separate languages, you shouldn't combine them.
Rich interfaces, an abundance of information available online, and interoperability are just a few of the benefits that JavaScript offers. For the past eight years running, JS has maintained this top spot.
Features
Dynamic Data Type
Variable data types are not predefined in JavaScript. It suggests that you can reuse variables for any type of data type with ease. Any type of data can be kept in a variable, such as the text "ABC" in variable x. Any number or array can later be stored in the same variable. It improves coding abilities, conserves memory, and reduces the number of lines of code.
Lightweight
A simple programming language called JavaScript is primarily utilised for data handling on the browser side. This language is quick and lightweight because it is typically used for client-side execution.
Async processing
One of the most helpful aspects of the JavaScript language is async processing. JavaScript prevents one block of the script from stopping or allowing the other block of code to wait for the response before continuing. Others will work concurrently with the current request if it is being processed, rather than waiting for the outcome of the prior request. Running scripts simultaneously allows for significant time savings.
Divide Server Processing Load
On the client-side, JavaScript enables you to carry out fundamental operations. Therefore, the server won't have to process the fundamental functions that enhance server performance.
How may a JavaScript application be hosted?
A JavaScript application can be hosted in a variety of ways. You can install servers on cloud service providers like AWS or Digital Ocean, use PaaS platforms like Heroku, or use backend as a service company like Back4App.
BaaS solutions include pre-configured, scalable hosting, pre-built building blocks to accelerate backend development, and SDKs to simplify server-side and client-side integration. A controlled backend platform often makes it simpler to host JavaScript. Setup CRUD Operations is the second book that should be read.
JavaScript Capabilities
- JavaScript is not a good choice for creating networking applications.
- Although it was intended to be a lightweight programming language, its weak language architecture occasionally causes problems.
2. PHP
Another well-known server-side programming language is PHP, which made its debut in 1997. This HTML-based backend language is typically used for session monitoring, constructing e-commerce websites, managing databases, and creating dynamic contents.
The majority of web apps favour PHP as their server-side language. According to W3Techs, in 2017 80.1% of websites used PHP as their backend language. This usage will be around 79.2% in 2021. When organisations opt to use a PHP backend, it is also simple to locate a PHP developer.
Features
Simple & Common
One of the easiest backend programming languages is PHP. This programming is one of the most widely used, especially for web development, because to its simplicity.
Platform independence
PHP is a language that runs on all platforms
Loosely Typed
When using the PHP programming language, a variable's data type does not need to be specified before assigning a value.
Interpreted Language
PHP code is evaluated line by line, saving time on compilation.
Flexibility
PHP is a very adaptable language that works well with HTML, XML, and JavaScript. To construct an application, this language can be readily integrated and embedded with various scripting languages.
Multiple Web Frameworks
The MVC (Model View Controller) structure allows programmers to develop structured code. It aids in specifying the functions of a certain structure. Among the PHP frameworks are Laravel, CakePHP, and CodeIgnitor.
PHP Restrictions
- The script's flaw is easily exploited because PHP is open source.
- It is unfit for major projects due to insufficient upkeep.
- Another restriction of utilising the PHP language is the lack of specialised libraries and insufficient error handling.
3. Ruby
This scripting language was first presented by Yukihiro Matsumoto in 1995.
Using Ruby server-side languages has several advantages, including accessibility to many libraries and assistance from vibrant communities.
Features
Mixins: Mixins are a special feature of Ruby that allows classes and modules to coexist. A programming language with classes and modules is Ruby. Modules in Ruby only include methods and no instances. The fact that modules can be used in classes by programmers means that the modules' methods will be added to the class. Though simpler and more adaptable, it is comparable to inheritance.
Naming Conventions: Ruby specifies the naming practises for variables, classes, etc.
- A dollar symbol ($) must come before a global variable.
- @ Is the appropriate way to begin an instance variable.
- A double @ (@@) should be used to begin a class variable.
The programmers can develop and read effective code thanks to these naming convention standards. It is more beneficial when a team with several people is working on the same project because these naming standards make it simple to grasp the code.
Dynamic Data Types
Any type of data can be stored in a variable, which saves memory and cuts down on the number of lines of code needed to declare different sorts of variables for different types of data.
Ruby Limitations
- Ruby runs at a slower pace than other languages on average. When programmers utilise Ruby, complicated programmes may undoubtedly take some time to run.
- The programming language Ruby is brand-new. Because of this, the Ruby language community is small. You'll have to look far and wide to identify problems.
4. Python
Python is an interpretive high-level programming language. OOP, structured programming, and functional programming are all supported by one of the most popular programming languages.
Complex applications including web apps, machine learning, and data analytics employ this programming language.
Features
Easy to Learn & Code
Compared to languages like C++, C#, or Java, Python is a high-level programming language that is easier to learn and use. You can pick up the syntax and start coding in a matter of hours if you have a basic understanding of programming.
Object-Oriented Language
To develop organised code for your programme or applications, you can define classes and objects. It aids in both clean code and improved understanding of the code. By adopting OOP concepts, programmers may reuse classes and capabilities with ease.
Perform Independent Language
Python is a portable programming language that is independent of operating systems. The same Python code can be executed in Windows, Linux, Unix etc
Python Libraries
Python offers a variety of libraries with a variety of functionality. You won't need to write new code from scratch if you can find built-in libraries that offer the same functionality. For instance, Selenium is frequently used for web automation and scraping, and OpenCV is a Python library for computer visions.
Python Restrictions
- In comparison to other programming languages, Python is somewhat slower. Complex programmes may execute a code more slowly than usual.
- Python is available in several different versions, and code developed for one version may result in errors
5.Java
Another of the most popular backend programming languages that strictly adheres to the object-oriented programming paradigm is Java.
Most large enterprise-level apps are created using Java. It is one of the ancient languages and has many unusual characteristics.
Features
Object-Oriented Language
Java has a distinct emphasis on object-oriented methodologies. It implies that Java cannot be used without classes. OOP enables programmers to create well-structured, organised code. Using object-oriented programming, code becomes easier to understand and read.
Multi-Threaded
Java enables programmers to create code that can carry out several tasks at once.
Secure
To make authentication safer for applications that deal with sensitive data, public encryption keys are employed.
Java Restrictions
- Java's code is intricate, especially when a sizable application is created in it.
- Java needs a lot of memory, which could hinder an application's performance.
6.Rust
Another of the most well-known and potent programming languages, Rust was first introduced in 2010. By employing a borrow checker to verify the references in Rust, memory safety is ensured.
Features
Clear Error Messages
There are formatted error messages and suggestions for spelling mistakes.
Fast and High Performance
Compared to other programming languages like Python and Ruby, Rust is more effective and offers higher performance. You can create sophisticated programmes that can perform a variety of functions.
Rust Restrictions
- The computer language Rust lacks trash collection.
- The language Rust is not interpretable. For this reason, it requires a compiler to compile the entire code before it is executed. Before running the code, the compiler needs longer time than other languages.
7.Solidity
Another useful backend programming language for creating sophisticated programmes and apps is called Solidity. It is contract-based high-level programming. To address real-world applications, this server-side language is statically typed and allows inheritance.
You should select this outstanding back-end programming if you want to create blockchain or contract apps.
Features
Inheritance
Solidity allows you to implement inheritance to simulate real-world situations. Applications must implement inheritance in an organised manner to support real-world circumstances.
String and Hash Types
Solidity enables programmers to translate from strings to hashes and the other way around.
Solidity Restrictions
For variables, Solidity offers static data types. It implies that before storing the data, a variable for a certain data type must be declared. That variable cannot be used with any other data type.
8.Go
Another useful backend programming language created in 2008 was Go. It is a computer language with statically typed data. Additionally, Go is a compiled programming language that shares syntactic similarities with C. It offers practical features like garbage collection and structural typing, among others.
Features
Object-Oriented Programming
Go supports object-oriented programming, allowing you to use classes and inheritance to organise your code. To implementing the application programme, classes and objects can be created. Reusability minimises the amount of code.
Testing Support
The testing support feature can help programmers locate problems and resolve them. Unit testing is a feature built right into the Go programming language.
Go Limitations
- Go is still being developed because it is a relatively new programming language. This programming language does not yet address every aspect of programming paradigms.
- Users of the Go language are not provided with manual memory management. This means that the memory that could result in unnecessary trash collection cannot be manually managed or accessed.
- The Go programming language's imperfect error handling could be problematic for both programmers and app consumers.
9.Kotlin
Programming language Kotlin is well-known, notably for creating Android apps. The language that can communicate with Java is called Kotlin. It implies that this programming language can be used in already-built apps.
Features
Java Interoperability
The most popular programming language for Android apps is Java. You can utilise Kotlin within Java to extend the features of a project that is partially constructed in Java if you have mastered Kotlin.
Extension Functions
Kotlin enables programmers to extend classes without changing the original code. The classes make it simple for programmers to add their own functionality, which might aid them in creating apps.
Efficiency
Compared to other programming languages, this one has a comparatively high level of efficiency. Writing sophisticated scripts that can be executed quickly improves the dependability of app usage.
Kotlin Restrictions
- There are fewer developers available for Kotlin because it is a new programming language. Due to the limited developer community, it may be difficult to locate a new developer if your project was developed in Kotlin and you decide to switch developers.
- Kotlin problems are also difficult to resolve.
10.Node JS
One of the most well-known backend JavaScript environments is NodeJS. On the server side, JavaScript code is executed.
It enables programmers to create backend JavaScript code. Thankfully, it also has cross-platform features and is an open-source programming language.
W3Techs estimates that 1.3% of websites use NodeJS for server-side functionality. The leading organisations claiming to use NodeJS for their backend operations are LinkedIn, Uber, Netflix, NASA, and Netflix.
Features
Object-Oriented Programming
The object-oriented programming paradigm is supported by NodeJS, a backend JavaScript programming language. It implies that classes and inheritance can be used to implement applications. It enhances programme comprehension and code quality.
Efficiency
Particularly when used as a backend programming language, NodeJS is quite quick. To offer dependable app usage, you can design complicated programmes that operate faster. It's frequently employed for web applications.
Node JS Restrictions
Programming in many threads is not supported by NodeJS. Unfortunately, you have the option of running your jobs in many threads, which may be necessary depending on the application level. Additionally, because you use a single thread across the entire programme, it can have an impact on how well the application performs.