Programming languages for web development

Web development has evolved from being purely technical to a dynamic, fast-paced industry. This change has made understanding key programming languages for web development such as JavaScript and Python essential. These languages serve as the crucial bridge between what code developers write and the commands that computers carry out. Now more than ever, picking the right language for a project has become more critical.

Statista reports that over 28.7 million developers will work globally in web development in 2024. This underscores the importance of exploring the various programming languages available. Yet, with so many choices, mastering them all is a challenge.

To help simplify the process, we’ve curated a list of the top programming languages for web development in 2024 by IntelliSoft. This guide provides an overview of each, allowing you to choose the language that best aligns with your project requirements and personal objectives.

Backend Web Development vs. Frontend Web Development

In web development, there’s often a distinction between front-end and back-end roles. The primary difference lies in who designs the user interface and who builds the underlying infrastructure.

Front-end developers focus on crafting the user interface (UI), while back-end developers manage databases, API development, security, and other behind-the-scenes work.

Both roles are essential for a well-rounded project. However, front-end developers need proficiency in HTML, JavaScript (or TypeScript), and CSS. Popular JavaScript frameworks today include Angular, Vue, and React.

On the other hand, back-end developers require a broader understanding of server-side programming languages for web development. These can range from PHP (with Laravel) to Go (with Gin), Python (using Django), Ruby (on Rails), C# (via ASP.NET), Java, and Node.js (with Express). In the following sections, we’ll review ​​how programming languages are used in web development.

JavaScript

JavaScript is an incredibly versatile programming language that brings websites to life. Originally developed in the ’90s to add some interactivity to basic web pages, it has since evolved into a powerful tool for both front-end and back-end development.

On the front end, JavaScript is embedded within HTML and runs directly in your browser. It makes things such as interactive forms, animations, and real-time updates possible. In fact, it’s a crucial part of today’s web experiences, driving everything from dynamic content changes to single-page apps (SPAs) and progressive web apps (PWAs).

On the backend, thanks to platforms such as Node.js, JavaScript allows developers to build fast, scalable servers, APIs, and even microservices. This ability to work both in the browser and on the server makes JavaScript a unique, all-in-one solution for developers, enabling them to use the same language across the entire web stack.

The JavaScript ecosystem is packed with helpful libraries and frameworks, such as React, Angular, Vue.js, and Express.js, which simplify development and help speed things up. Its massive popularity and continual growth have made it an essential language for anyone looking to succeed in web development today.

As Charlie Campbell, Senior Correspondent for TIME said, “JavaScript is the duct tape of the Internet.”

Pros

JavaScript is one of the most popular programming languages for web development for several reasons:

• JavaScript runs in the browser, offering instant responses and reducing server load.
• It works on frontend and backend (Node.js) and runs on any browser-compatible device.
• JavaScript boasts React and Angular libraries, backed by a vast community.
• Enables dynamic web pages with AJAX, handling background tasks smoothly.
• Its simple syntax and instant browser feedback make it beginner-friendly.
• Integrates easily with HTML, CSS, and backend languages, working across all major browsers.
• Supports modular programming for efficient handling of large-scale apps.
• Responds in real time to user actions such as clicks or keystrokes.
• Frameworks such as React Native build cross-platform apps; PWAs offer native-like experiences.
• JavaScript evolves with new standards (ECMAScript) and enjoys widespread industry adoption.

Cons

JavaScript has several disadvantages that developers should be aware of:

• JavaScript runs client-side, making it vulnerable to attacks and code exposure.
• JavaScript behaves differently across browsers, requiring extra fixes.
• It can be slow for heavy tasks and is limited by single-threaded execution.
• Dynamic typing allows variables to change type, causing errors.
• Poor structure can lead to unreadable “spaghetti code” and “callback hell.”
• Browser restrictions limit JavaScript and can be disabled by users.
• The ecosystem evolves fast, leading to fragmentation and a steep learning curve.
• Poor memory management can cause leaks and slow performance.
• JavaScript struggles with heavy computation and mobile performance.

Use Cases

JavaScript is a versatile and widely used language in web development. It plays key roles in frontend, backend, and mobile app development. It powers dynamic user interfaces, single-page applications, and real-time features such as WebSockets. On the backend, with Node.js, developers can use the same language across the full stack, creating APIs and handling real-time data.

JavaScript is also used in mobile app development with the React Native framework, and in building progressive web apps (PWAs) for a native-like experience. It enables automation, browser extensions, game development, interactive data visualization, and dynamic updates in e-commerce platforms. Additionally, it supports voice-enabled web applications with the Web Speech API.

JavaScript Developers Hourly Rates

In 2024, the hourly rates for JavaScript developers will vary significantly based on their location, experience level, and the specific skills they bring.

• United States. In the U.S., JavaScript developers typically charge between $51 and $86 per hour, with most charging between $61 and $80.
• Western Europe. Developers in the UK and Germany usually bill between $22 and $42 an hour, depending on their expertise and the frameworks they work with.
• Eastern Europe. Poland and Ukraine tend to offer more affordable options, with rates ranging from $18 to $38 per hour.
• Latin America. Rates vary widely, with developers charging anywhere from $13 to $42 per hour in Mexico and Brazil.
• Asia. In regions such as India and the Philippines, developers often charge less, typically between $7 and $17 an hour.
• Australia. Rates are higher here, with developers generally charging between $37 and $66 per hour, reflecting the strong demand for tech talent.

Python

Python is a versatile and beginner-friendly programming language widely appreciated for its clean syntax and readability. Introduced by Guido van Rossum in 1991, it empowers developers to write clear, concise code, making it an ideal choice whether you’re just starting or have years of experience. Thanks to its intuitive design, translating ideas into functional code often takes fewer lines with Python.

Python’s incredible flexibility truly sets it apart. It accommodates a range of programming approaches, including procedural, object-oriented, and functional paradigms. Coupled with a comprehensive standard library, Python is well-suited for various applications, from web development and data analysis to AI, machine learning, and automation.

Its widespread popularity is bolstered by its robust community and vast ecosystem of frameworks and libraries. Whether you’re building a site with Django, crunching numbers with Pandas, or exploring machine learning with TensorFlow, Python offers the tools to do the job efficiently.

Another reason developers are drawn to Python is its seamless integration with other languages and technologies. It’s great for rapid prototyping and runs effortlessly across Windows, macOS, and Linux without extra configuration.

Pros

Python offers several key benefits:

• Python’s clear syntax makes writing, understanding, and maintaining code easy.
• It allows complex ideas to be expressed in fewer lines of code.
• Python supports multiple programming paradigms and is used in web development, AI, machine learning, and more.
• This language includes built-in modules for common tasks, reducing the need for external tools.
• Python offers various third-party libraries such as Django, Pandas, and TensorFlow.
• A large, active community and the open-source nature make it free and accessible.
• Python runs on various operating systems without needing code changes.
• This language integrates easily with other languages and technologies, supporting web development and internet protocols.
• Simplicity and powerful libraries enable fast prototyping and development cycles.
• Python is in high demand in data science, AI, and finance.
• Python’s beginner-friendly syntax and ample learning resources make it easy for newcomers.

Cons

However, there are some drawbacks:

• Python is slower than compiled languages such as C++ or Java, and its dynamic typing increases memory usage.
• The Global Interpreter Lock (GIL) limits Python’s multithreading capabilities, making it less effective for CPU-bound tasks.
• Python is rarely used for mobile development, and its web performance is slower than languages such as JavaScript.
• Its dynamic typing can lead to runtime errors that static typing would catch during compilation.
• Python’s automatic memory management is less efficient than manual methods in C or C++, making it less suitable for memory-intensive tasks.
• While enterprise use grows, Python’s ecosystem for large-scale enterprise applications is less mature than Java or C#.
• SQLAlchemy can be slower and more complex than Java’s native database access.
• The GIL limits true multithreading, reducing Python’s suitability for multi-core processing tasks.
• Python is not ideal for operating system or driver development, which require more control over hardware.
• Its mobile development frameworks are young and less supported than native mobile tools.

Use Cases

Python is a versatile language used across various industries due to its simplicity and power. It plays a significant role in web development, with Django and Flask supporting the creation of scalable applications, from content management systems to e-commerce platforms. In data science and analytics, Python is indispensable, with Pandas and Matplotlib libraries helping data scientists analyze and visualize large datasets. It’s also central to machine learning and AI, where frameworks such as TensorFlow and scikit-learn are used for developing predictive models and neural networks.

Automation is another major use of Python. It handles repetitive tasks such as web scraping and report generation, often using tools like Selenium. In scientific computing, Python powers complex simulations and computational research across various disciplines, including bioinformatics. Moreover, owing to its simple syntax, Python is widely used in education to teach programming fundamentals.

Hourly Rates

In 2024, the rates for JavaScript developers will be influenced by several key factors; their location, level of experience, and the specialized skills they bring to the table. These elements will lead to a broad range of pricing, as each developer’s unique combination of these factors plays a significant role in determining their rate.

• United States. In the U.S., Python developers typically charge between $46 and $69 per hour, with more experienced developers charging more.
• Canada. Rates here generally fall between $24 and $50 per hour, depending on the developer’s experience and skill level.
• Western Europe. Python developers charge between $26 and $58 per hour in places such as the UK and Germany.
• Eastern Europe. Developers in countries such as Poland and Ukraine offer more competitive pricing, ranging from $12 to $40 per hour.
• Australia. Python developers charge between $27 and $60 per hour in Australia.
• India. Rates are significantly lower, typically from $7 to $18 per hour, largely due to the lower cost of living and market conditions.
• Latin America. Rates in Argentina and Brazil vary but generally fall between $20 and $45 per hour.

PHP

PHP, or Hypertext Preprocessor, has long been a favorite in web development, and for good reason. Created by Rasmus Lerdorf back in 1994, this open-source scripting language integrates effortlessly with HTML, making it ideal for developing dynamic, interactive websites and web applications. One of PHP’s key strengths is that it runs on the server side, processing the code before it’s sent to the browser—allowing developers to craft highly dynamic pages.

What truly sets PHP apart, especially for those just starting, is how approachable it is. Its syntax is straightforward, borrowing elements from languages C, which helps ease the learning curve for newcomers. Plus, PHP is strongly compatible with various databases, including MySQL, PostgreSQL, and Oracle, making it an excellent choice for building data-driven websites.

WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal owe their functionality to PHP. It also underpins popular frameworks such as Laravel, Symfony, and CodeIgniter, which provide developers with MVC architecture to streamline coding and enforce best practices.

Despite the emergence of newer programming languages for web development, PHP remains a cornerstone in web development, thanks to its versatility, robust community, and abundant resources. Whether you’re crafting a simple website, a complex web app, an online store, or a RESTful API, PHP remains a solid, reliable option to consider.

Pros

PHP offers several advantages contributing to its fame as one of the popular programming languages for web development:

PHP is beginner-friendly due to its simple syntax, resembling C, and has extensive free documentation.
It has a large community providing resources, tools, and regular updates.
PHP’s mature ecosystem includes Laravel framework and CMS platforms such as WordPress.
As an open-source language, PHP is free, has numerous free tools, and is widely supported by hosting providers.
It runs on Windows and Linux without code changes.
PHP supports various databases and integrates easily with APIs and cloud solutions.
It handles server-side tasks efficiently, scales well, and offers built-in security features with regular updates.
PHP includes many built-in functions and numerous third-party libraries to speed up development.

Cons

While PHP is widely used and has many advantages, it also has several disadvantages that developers and businesses should consider:

• If not properly secured, PHP is vulnerable to security risks such as SQL injection and cross-site scripting.
• Inconsistent security implementations across projects increase vulnerability.
• Legacy projects and outdated documentation can confuse developers and lead to poor coding practices.
• PHP documentation quality varies, sometimes lacking clarity or completeness.
• Earlier versions of PHP lack support for full object-oriented or functional programming.
• PHP’s object-oriented programming is less clean and consistent compared to other languages.
• It can be slower than languages such as C++ or Java, especially for CPU-intensive tasks.
• PHP performance heavily depends on server configuration and can suffer without optimization.
• Dynamic typing system can cause subtle, hard-to-find bugs in large codebases.

Use Cases

PHP is widely used in web development for various purposes. It powers WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal, enabling dynamic site creation. PHP also drives e-commerce platforms, with WooCommerce and Magento relying on it for product management and payment processing. Many social networks and custom web applications use PHP for backend functionality, and it excels at handling server-side scripting for dynamic web pages and RESTful APIs.

Additionally, PHP seamlessly integrates with MySQL databases, making it ideal for developing data-driven applications such as blogs, forums, and e-commerce websites.

Hourly Rates

Here are the median hourly rates of PHP developers throughout the world:

• United States. PHP developers typically charge between $50 and $150 per hour. Senior developers with more experience tend to be on the higher end of this range.
• Western Europe. In the UK and Germany, rates generally range from $40 to $100 per hour, reflecting both demand and living costs.
• Eastern Europe. The rates are lower in Poland and Ukraine, typically between $20 and $60 per hour. This region is known for competitive pricing and skilled developers.
• Asia. Developers in countries such as India and the Philippines usually charge between $20 and $50 per hour due to lower living costs.
• Latin America. Rates vary from $25 to $65 per hour, depending on the country and developer experience.

Ruby

Ruby is a high-level, interpreted programming language celebrated for its simplicity and productivity. Developed by Yukihiro “Matz” Matsumoto and released in 1995, Ruby was crafted to be both intuitive and powerful, focusing on making coding a more enjoyable experience for developers. It follows the principle of “Convention over Configuration,” which means it leans on established norms to minimize the need for complex setups, resulting in code that’s both simpler and less prone to errors.

Ruby is strongly associated with web development, largely due to the success of Ruby on Rails, a comprehensive web application framework built with Ruby. Commonly shortened to Rails, this framework equips developers with tools and structures that make creating database-backed web applications fast and efficient.

As an object-oriented language, Ruby treats everything as an object, promoting clean, reusable, and maintainable code. Its concise syntax, which closely mirrors natural language, makes Ruby an excellent choice for beginners while still offering the depth needed for more experienced developers.

Beyond web development, Ruby is also widely used for scripting, automation, data processing, and DevOps tasks. Its active community and a vast array of libraries, known as gems, add to its versatility and appeal to developers who prioritize simplicity and developer satisfaction in their work As Yukihiro “Matz” Matsumoto, Creator of Ruby, said, “Ruby is simple in appearance, but is very complex inside, just like our human body.”

Pros

Ruby is a programming language favored for its numerous advantages that appeal to developers:

• Ruby’s intuitive, natural language-like syntax makes reading easy and reduces the learning curve.
• The language allows for concise code, speeding up both development and maintenance.
• Ruby on Rails boosts productivity with its convention-over-configuration approach.
• Ruby’s dynamic nature and extensive library support enable rapid prototyping and iterative development.
• Ruby’s dynamic typing allows flexibility and adaptability in coding.
• Metaprogramming in Ruby lets developers create code to modify or generate other code at runtime.
• Ruby has a vibrant community offering resources, tutorials, and a wide range of libraries.

Cons

Although Ruby has many strengths, it also presents several drawbacks that developers and businesses should keep in mind:

• Ruby’s execution is slower than that of C or Java, which makes it less suitable for high-performance, data-intensive applications.
• Applications with Ruby consume more memory, which can be problematic in resource-limited environments.
• Ruby’s Global Interpreter Lock (GIL) limits parallel thread execution, reducing its scalability in multi-threaded applications.
• Multithreading support is less robust than those of Java or Go.
• Ruby on Rails has a steep learning curve, especially for beginners unfamiliar with its conventions.
• The ecosystem is smaller than those of languages such as Python or Java, limiting resources for niche or emerging technologies.
• Ruby and Ruby on Rails have declined in popularity, reducing community support and innovation.

Use Cases

Ruby is a versatile language, particularly useful in web development and automation. One of its most prominent roles is in web development with Ruby on Rails, a framework that allows for quick, efficient creation of database-backed applications. Many major platforms such as GitHub and Airbnb use it. Ruby is also ideal for rapid prototyping, allowing startups to build minimum viable products quickly.

Additionally, it’s popular for task automation, handling data processing and server configuration, thanks to tools such as Rake and Chef. Ruby’s capabilities extend into web scraping, where libraries similar to Nokogiri enable the extraction and transformation of data from websites. It’s also frequently used in API development, allowing for creation of RESTful APIs for web and mobile apps.

Hourly Rates

Let’s see how much Ruby developers get paid hourly in different regions:

• United States. If hiring a Ruby developer in the U.S., expect rates to range from $60 to $120 per hour. This can jump to as high as $250 per hour for top-tier or specialized developers.
• Western Europe. In Germany, Sweden, and the UK, Ruby developers typically charge between $40 and $100 per hour. In the UK, top talent may command up to $120 per hour.
• Eastern Europe. Poland and Ukraine offer highly skilled developers at more affordable rates, ranging from $30 to $65 per hour. This region is a popular choice for outsourcing due to its balance of quality and cost.
• Asia. In countries such as India and the Philippines, Ruby developers usually charge between $20 and $50 per hour, making it a budget-friendly option for companies looking to save on development expenses.
• South America. Rates in South America generally fall between $20 and $60 per hour, depending on the developer’s experience and location.

Java

Java is a high-level, object-oriented programming language known for its portability and widespread use in cross-platform applications. Developed by Sun Microsystems (now owned by Oracle) and released in 1995, it enables developers to “write once, run anywhere” due to minimal implementation dependencies.

The Java Virtual Machine (JVM) allows Java programs to run on any platform that supports it, contributing to its popularity in mobile apps, web servers, and enterprise systems. Java also supports multiple paradigms, such as object-oriented and functional programming, and benefits from a rich ecosystem of tools such as Spring, Hibernate, and the Android SDK.

With C-style syntax and automatic memory management, Java is accessible to developers familiar with C and C++. Its robustness, security, and broad industry use, especially in finance and e-commerce, make it a highly sought-after language. Oracle continuously updates Java to stay relevant.

Pros

Java offers several key advantages that have made it popular across many areas of software development. Here are some of its top benefits:

• Java’s JVM enables platform independence across devices and OS.
• Its object-oriented structure ensures modular, reusable code.
• Java has a vast library ecosystem and strong community support.
• JIT compilers provide near-native performance for scalable apps.
• Built-in security features protect against vulnerabilities.
• Automatic garbage collection handles memory management.
• Backward compatibility ensures stability across versions.
• Multithreading improves performance for concurrent tasks.
• Java is reliable for mission-critical applications.
• It’s versatile for mobile apps, enterprise systems, and more.

Cons

Although Java offers many advantages, it also comes with some drawbacks that developers and organizations should be aware of:

• Java is slower than compiled languages such as C++ because it runs on the JVM.
• Applications tend to consume more memory due to the JVM and memory management.
• Verbose syntax requires more code for simple tasks compared to Python.
• The need for boilerplate code in Java can reduce developer productivity.
• Java limits low-level programming tasks and control over system resources compared to C++.
• This programming language lacks pointers, restricting control over memory management in high-performance computing.
• Java’s garbage collection can cause unpredictable latency in real-time applications.

Use Cases

Java plays a significant role in web development, largely due to its robustness and scalability. In enterprise-level applications, it’s often the go-to language for backend development. Spring and Java EE (Jakarta EE) frameworks are frequently employed to create scalable and secure systems, particularly for industries such as finance and healthcare. Java’s security features make it a reliable choice for applications where handling large-scale data is essential.

The language is also favored for building e-commerce platforms, where its ability to manage complex transactions and secure payment systems is highly valued. Platforms developed using Java can handle vast product catalogs and ensure smooth integration with various payment processors, which is crucial for the success of online retail environments.

Hourly Rates

Interested in Java developers? Learn more about their hourly rates around the world:

• United States. Java developers in the U.S. typically charge between $56 and $77 per hour. For senior-level expertise or specialized skills—particularly in financial services or complex enterprise projects—rates can rise to $81 to $120 per hour.
• Western Europe. In countries such as the UK, Germany, and France, the going rate for Java developers usually falls between $60 and $70 per hour. For more advanced regions or specialized tasks, this can climb up to $95 per hour.
• Eastern Europe. Developers in Ukraine, Poland, and Romania offer competitive rates, generally ranging from $30 to $65 per hour. These regions are favored for outsourcing due to a good balance of affordability and strong talent.
• Asia. In India and Vietnam, Java developers tend to charge between $25 and $50 per hour, making this region one of the most cost-effective for hiring developers.
• Australia. Java developers in Australia usually charge between $75 and $95 per hour, reflecting both the country’s higher living costs and the strong demand for tech professionals.

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Kotlin

Kotlin is one of the latest programming languages for web development created by JetBrains, first released in 2011. It was built to work seamlessly with Java, allowing developers to mix the two languages effortlessly within a single project. Running on the Java Virtual Machine (JVM), Kotlin can also be compiled to JavaScript or native code, making it a solid option for cross-platform development.

One of Kotlin’s standout features is its concise and expressive syntax, which cuts down on boilerplate code compared to Java. It brings modern improvements, such as null safety, which helps avoid null pointer exceptions, and co-routines, which streamline asynchronous programming by making the code cleaner and easier to manage.

Since Google announced official support for Kotlin in 2017, it has become the go-to language for Android development. Its use has also expanded to server-side applications, web development, and cross-platform mobile apps via Kotlin Multiplatform, enabling code sharing across Android, iOS, and other platforms.

Kotlin’s growing popularity can be attributed to its ease of use, powerful features, and seamless integration with existing Java codebases, making it an excellent choice for both new projects and updating legacy systems.

Pros

Kotlin offers several benefits for web development, making it a compelling choice for developers:

• This programming language is fully compatible with Java, allowing seamless use of existing Java libraries and frameworks.
• Kotlin’s syntax is concise, reducing boilerplate code and speeding up development.
• Type system prevents null pointer exceptions, enhancing code reliability.
• Kotlin simplifies asynchronous programming with co-routines, making non-blocking code easier to manage.
• Multiplatform supports code sharing between web, mobile, and server environments, reducing development time.

Cons

While Kotlin offers several benefits, it also has some disadvantages when used in web development:

• Kotlin’s compilation speed is slower than Java, affecting development cycles in large projects.
• It has fewer learning resources and less community support than established languages, making it harder to find help.
• The ecosystem for Kotlin in web development is less mature, with fewer libraries and tools available.
• Its adoption in web development is limited, making it harder to find experienced developers and causing integration challenges.
• While interoperable with Java, using both languages together can create complexity in larger codebases.

Use Cases

Kotlin, primarily known for Android development, is also became known among programming languages used for web development. It is used for server-side development with frameworks such as Ktor, which leverages Kotlin’s coroutines for asynchronous tasks, and Spring, where its concise syntax and null safety features are appreciated. Kotlin Multiplatform enables code sharing between frontend and backend, useful for full-stack development. With Kotlin/JS, developers can compile Kotlin to JavaScript, allowing for a unified codebase across the stack. Its compatibility with Java and modern programming paradigms also makes Kotlin ideal for building scalable microservices.

Hourly Rates

As you have understood, Kotlin is in demand. But what about developers’ rates?

• United States. Kotlin developers typically charge between $50 and $100 per hour. Senior developers or those with specialized skills may command higher rates, sometimes reaching up to $150 per hour.
• Western Europe. Rates in the UK, Germany, and France generally range from $45 to $80 per hour. In more developed regions or for high-demand skills, rates can be higher.
• Eastern Europe. In countries such as Poland, Ukraine, and Romania, Kotlin developers usually charge between $30 and $60 per hour. These regions offer competitive rates with a good balance of cost and quality.
• Asia. In India and Vietnam, the rates are typically lower, ranging from $20 to $50 per hour. This makes these regions attractive for outsourcing.
• Australia. Kotlin developers often charge between $60 and $90 per hour, reflecting the higher cost of living and demand for tech talent.

Golang

Go, also called Golang, is a statically typed, compiled programming language that was developed by Google engineers Robert Griesemer, Rob Pike, and Ken Thompson. First released in 2009, Go was designed to tackle common challenges found in many other languages, such as slow compilation times, complex dependency management, and the difficulties of working with concurrent programming.

What makes Go stand out is its balance between simplicity and power. It’s easy to pick up for beginners, yet robust enough for experienced programmers to build complex systems. Go combines the performance benefits of a statically typed language with the flexibility of dynamically typed ones. Its syntax is clean and straightforward, reducing potential errors and making code easier to understand and maintain.

A major advantage of Go is its built-in support for concurrency, thanks to goroutines. These allow functions to run concurrently with minimal resource cost, making Go an excellent choice for developing web servers, cloud services, and distributed systems.

Go also boasts a comprehensive standard library, offering a variety of tools for I/O handling, text processing, and cryptography. This versatility has led to its adoption by major companies such as Google, Dropbox, and Uber, where it’s used for everything from backend services to large-scale data processing pipelines.

As Andrew Gerrand, Go Developer Advocate, said, “The goal of Go was to reduce the cognitive load required to write, understand, and maintain code.”

Pros

Golang has several critical benefits:

• Go compiles directly into machine code, providing fast execution and high performance for web apps.
• Goroutines enable efficient concurrency, handling multiple tasks with less overhead than threads.
• Go’s garbage collector allows for efficient scaling of large applications and microservices.
• Its simple syntax makes Go easy to learn and results in maintainable, readable code.
• The standard library includes packages for HTTP, JSON, and databases, reducing the need for extra dependencies.
• Go is cross-platform, allowing code to run on various operating systems without changes.
• This programming language integrates well with cloud services and tools such as Docker and Kubernetes, ideal for cloud-native apps.
• Go has a growing ecosystem with Gin and Echo framework, supported by a strong community.

Cons

Using Golang (Go) in web development comes with several advantages, but it also has some disadvantages that developers should be aware of:

• Error handling can lead to verbose and repetitive code, making complex applications harder to read and maintain.
• Go has a smaller ecosystem of libraries and frameworks for web development, often requiring developers to build components from scratch.
• Until Go 1.18, the lack of generics led to more boilerplate code, impacting older codebases.
• Go’s concurrency model is powerful but can introduce complexity for developers unfamiliar with concurrent programming.
• This programming language is backend-focused and lacks robust frontend capabilities, requiring additional languages for full-stack development.
• Go does not support traditional object-oriented programming, which may feel limiting for developers used to languages such as Java or C#.
• Garbage collector, while efficient, can still introduce performance overhead in memory-intensive applications.
• As a relatively young language, there are fewer experienced Go developers, making it harder to hire for specialized roles.

Use Cases

Go (Golang) is ideal for specific web development cases due to its performance, concurrency support, and simplicity. It’s commonly used to build high-performance web servers and RESTful APIs, thanks to its efficient concurrency model with goroutines. Go is also popular for microservices, as it compiles into a single binary, making deployment in cloud environments easier. Its low latency and concurrency support make it suitable for chat systems and gaming servers. Additionally, Go is widely used in cloud-native development, scalable backends, command-line tools, and data-intensive applications for processing and analytics.

Hourly Rates

The hourly rates for Golang developers can vary greatly based on geographic location, experience level, and specific project needs. Here’s a snapshot of typical rates across various regions:

• United States. In the U.S., Golang developers are in high demand, particularly those experienced in cloud computing and microservices. Therefore, rates range from $60 to $150 per hour. Developers in major tech hubs such as San Francisco and New York often charge on the upper end of this range, especially at the senior level.
• Western Europe. Developers in Germany, the UK, and the Netherlands typically charge between $50 and $100 an hour. Rates fluctuate based on project complexity and the developer’s experience, with senior professionals generally commanding more.
• Eastern Europe. Countries such as Poland, Ukraine, and Romania offer more affordable rates of $30 to $65 per hour, making them attractive for outsourcing. The lower cost of living allows Golang developers in this region to offer competitive prices without compromising on quality.
• Asia. In India, Vietnam, and the Philippines, rates are lower, ranging from $20 to $50 per hour. These regions are known for providing cost-effective development services, and the number of skilled Golang developers continues to grow.
• Australia. Australian Golang developers command rates similar to those in Western Europe ($60 to $100 per hour), reflective of both the high demand for tech talent and the relatively higher cost of living in the region.
• Latin America. Golang developers in Brazil and Argentina charge between $25 and $60 per hour. This region is becoming increasingly popular for nearshoring, particularly for U.S. companies, due to its competitive pricing and favorable time zones.

Rust

Rust is a cutting-edge, systems-level programming language built with a strong emphasis on performance, safety, and handling concurrency efficiently. It emerged as a response to the memory safety issues that have long plagued languages such as C and C++, offering developers advanced tools to avoid null pointer dereferences and buffer overflows.

What makes Rust stand out is its innovative ownership system, which enforces strict compile-time checks to ensure memory safety, effectively preventing data races and many concurrency headaches without compromising speed. Rust’s rising popularity in software development—particularly in fields demanding high reliability and performance, such as web development, embedded programming, and operating systems—demonstrates its versatility and dependability.

Pros

The advantages of using Rust in web development include:

• Its low-level control over memory allows Rust to deliver high performance, comparable to C and C++.
• Rust’s ownership and borrowing system eliminates data races, making concurrent code safer to write.
• The strong type system in Rust catches errors early, leading to more reliable and maintainable code.
• Rust has a growing ecosystem with Actix and Rocket frameworks, and Cargo simplifies project setup.
• Rust easily integrates with other languages, especially C and WebAssembly, for performance-critical tasks.
• Rust’s memory and thread safety guarantees make it a secure choice for web applications.
• It supports cross-platform development, including targeting WebAssembly for near-native browser performance.
• The Rust community offers friendly support, great documentation, and learning resources to help developers succeed.

Cons

While Rust offers many advantages for web development, it also has some disadvantages that developers should consider:

• Rust’s strict ownership and type system make it hard for developers used to JavaScript or Python.
• Rust’s compile-time checks and safety focus slow down development compared to more dynamic languages.
• Its ecosystem is still developing and lacks the range of libraries found in more established languages.
• Rust’s community is smaller, which can make finding resources and support more difficult.
• Compile times are longer, which can slow down progress in larger projects.
• Integrating Rust with projects in other languages can be complicated due to memory management differences.
• Rust’s web frameworks, such as Rocket and Actix, aren’t as mature or feature-rich as those in other languages.
• Hosting options for Rust web applications are fewer, potentially leading to higher costs or setup challenges.
• Rust’s static typing, though safe, can hinder developers who prefer the flexibility of dynamic languages.
• The talent pool for Rust is smaller, making it harder to find experienced developers for Rust projects.

Use Cases

Rust is gaining traction among programming languages for web development 2024 for its performance and memory safety. It’s commonly used in compiling to WebAssembly for high-performance, browser-based applications, improving client-side speed compared to JavaScript. Additionally, Rust powers command-line tools aiding in web app infrastructure, such as data migration and deployment.

Hourly Rates

If you’re considering hiring a Rust developer, here’s a quick regional breakdown of typical hourly rates:

• United States. Rates range from $70 to $150 per hour, with developers skilled in systems programming, blockchain, or performance-critical applications commanding the higher end of the scale, especially at senior levels.
• Western Europe. In Germany, the UK, and the Netherlands, developers typically charge between $60 and $120 per hour. Rates vary based on project complexity and developer experience.
• Eastern Europe. Countries such as Poland, Ukraine, and Romania offer competitive rates between $40 and $80 per hour. The lower cost of living in these regions allows for lower rates compared to the U.S. and Western Europe.
• Asia. In India, Vietnam, and the Philippines, Rust developers charge between $30 and $70 per hour. These areas are known for cost-effective services with a growing talent pool.
• Australia. Rates are similar to those in Western Europe, ranging from $60 to $110 per hour, driven by the demand for tech talent and local living costs.
• Latin America. In Brazil and Argentina, developers charge between $35 and $75 per hour, with the region gaining popularity for nearshoring due to its proximity to U.S. time zones.

How to Select the Right Programming Language for Web Development Projects?

Well, we’ve reviewed what programming languages are used for web development. Choosing the appropriate programming language for a web development project is a critical decision that influences the development process and the project’s scalability, performance, and future maintainability. Several important factors should guide your choice:

Project Requirements

Before starting your project, consider its scope. For a straightforward blog or basic website, you won’t need overly complex tools—something like PHP or JavaScript, combined with a CMS such as WordPress, will work just fine. However, if you’re tackling a more ambitious project, you’ll need something more robust. In that case, Python (with Django), JavaScript (using Node.js), or Java (via Spring) are better suited to handle the load.

Performance is also paramount. If your project requires high-speed performance, think of real-time applications or video streaming. Selecting the right language becomes even more crucial. Go, Rust, or C++ offer the speed and efficiency you need to ensure everything runs smoothly without delays.

Development Speed and Resources

If you need to get your project up and running quickly or have a team with less programming experience, languages with simpler syntax and robust libraries, such as Python or Ruby, could be better options. Additionally, consider languages that offer strong framework support, which can significantly accelerate development. For instance, Django (Python), Ruby on Rails (Ruby), and Express (Node.js) are all well-known for their ability to enable rapid project creation.

Scalability and Future Growth

When a project is expected to expand in terms of user base or complexity, selecting a programming language that can handle that growth is crucial. Java, Node.js, and Go are often preferred for large-scale, enterprise-level applications because they are well-known for their scalability.

Besides, opting for a language with an active, robust community and a well-established ecosystem—such as JavaScript, Python, or Java—can be safer for long-term development. These languages benefit from many tools and libraries, making them a solid foundation for sustaining and evolving projects.

Team Expertise

Make use of your development team’s current expertise. If the team is already well-versed in a particular language, sticking with that choice is usually a good idea. This way, you can sidestep a tough learning curve and keep productivity steady. You should also think about the ease of hiring. For instance, it’s generally simpler to find skilled developers in Python, JavaScript, or Java compared to more niche ones such as Rust or Elixir.

Security

When assessing a programming language’s security capabilities, it’s essential to consider built-in security mechanisms. Languages such as Java and Ruby are known for their robust security frameworks, while others might necessitate additional tools or practices to ensure a secure environment.

Moreover, the strength of a language’s community and the frequency of updates play critical roles in maintaining security. Languages with active developer communities typically benefit from more regular security patches, which are vital for protecting applications against emerging threats.

Integration with Existing Systems

When choosing a programming language, it’s essential to consider how well it aligns with your current systems and technology stack. For instance, if your infrastructure heavily relies on Microsoft products, using C# alongside ASP.NET could be a seamless option. Additionally, if your project depends on external services or APIs, ensure the chosen language effectively supports these integrations.

Budget and Time Constraints

Development costs can vary depending on the language selected, as some may require more time and resources due to their complexity or the need for specific expertise. For example, Go provides high performance but might take longer to develop than languages such a Python or PHP.

When considering long-term maintenance, it’s important to factor in the ease of updates, bug fixing, and scalability, as these aspects can significantly influence the overall cost of maintaining a project.

Industry Trends

When selecting between programming languages vs. coding languages, you should weigh industry trends and the demand for developers in that particular language. JavaScript, Python, and Java consistently offer many job opportunities, making them safe choices with abundant learning and career growth resources.

Additionally, staying informed about technological shifts is key. For instance, Rust is becoming more prominent in system-level programming and WebAssembly development, while Python thrives in areas such as AI and data science. Choosing a language that aligns with these growing fields could offer long-term advantages.

Conclusion

Choosing the right programming language is key to the success of your web development project. Whether you select JavaScript for its adaptability, Python for its clean, easy-to-read syntax, or Rust for its high performance and safety features, the choice between the most used programming languages for web development should fit your project’s specific needs, your team’s skillset, and the application’s long-term goals.

That said, your development team’s competence and productivity drive success even with the most fitting tech stack. This is where partnering with IntelliSoft can make a difference. By working with us, you can hire highly skilled Eastern European developers at competitive rates. We know how to choose a web development programming language, helping you kickstart your project quickly. This approach conserves time and resources and ensures that you’re backed by top-tier talent every step of the way, bringing your web development vision to life.

Contact us today to get a consultation on your development needs!

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