Web Development: Comparison of the Top 8 Programming Languages for Web Programming in 2025

Web Development is indispensable in our digital age. Every business today needs its own website. But times have changed. Until just a few years ago, a homepage was nothing more than a page with static text and a few images. Complex websites used background music or the Adobe Flash Player to embed videos. Slow connections and the overall trend on the web, however, have led to such features being rarely found on websites.

Today, the trend has shifted. Advances in web design such as HTML5 along with the introduction of CSS and JavaScript and the emergence of PHP on the market have made it possible for a website to be as complex as any other software you buy in a store. Modern websites are interactive. They feature videos, images, music, or downloads. They enable your customers to get in touch via contact forms, and even activities such as drawing or playing games directly in the browser are possible.

To achieve such results, not only is web design itself important, but so is Web Development. The trend is increasingly toward websites composed of web apps. This means, for example, that there is an app for the contact form, an app for shopping, etc. For fulfilling the demanding tasks in web development, HTML alone is not sufficient. Even though impressive designs can be created with CSS, the website would still remain static. Therefore, other programming languages are needed to help create a sophisticated website. The top eight of these programming languages are introduced in more detail in the following text. In addition, you will learn what web development is and what to consider when choosing a programming language.

The Essentials at a Glance

Which Online Platform Do You Want to Create?

What Are the Best Programming Languages for Web Development?

The best programming languages for web development in 2022 are:

• Php
• Ruby
• Javascript
• NodeJS
• React
• Python
• Rproject
• C++

What Is Web Development?

Web development refers to the programming and design for the web. While software development deals with programs and software that are installed externally on the computer, web development works with the browser, the server, and the internet. The goal is to create a complete online presence.

Web development therefore includes, on the one hand, the traditional web design in which the website is created. But also the development of content management systems, scripts, or web apps that run on the server is part of web development. The term makes it clear that this field today demands far more expertise than merely creating a simple website. Nearly every modern website nowadays also requires some amount of web development. Pure web design alone will not get you very far these days.

Advantages of Web Development

Web development has many advantages over general web design. It not only relates to the design and creation of a simple website, but also to the development of web apps, server applets, and scripts. Only through web development is it possible to develop elaborate and interactive websites as well as complete applications that often become indistinguishable from conventional software. Web development is the trend of the future and the foundation for every modern online presence that keeps up with the times.

The Costs of Web Development

The costs of web development cannot usually be determined with a one-size-fits-all approach. They primarily depend on the size of the project. Smaller websites are typically in the mid to high three-digit range. Occasionally, they may also be in the low four-digit range. For medium and larger websites, however, the costs can quickly rise into the five-digit range or higher. This is especially true if your project includes complete web apps or other complex components such as scripts, for example in the development of an online shop, etc.

Before the project begins and during its planning phase, a detailed consultation always takes place. Here, your project requirements are analyzed, it is determined whether and how the project can be implemented, and the costs for implementation are calculated. Only after such an initial consultation can you receive concrete information about the costs.

The Choice of Programming Language

Unlike simple web design, web development is not composed solely of HTML and CSS. As in software development, a choice must also be made here regarding the programming languages. Particularly, PHP and JavaScript are frequently used, but other programming languages such as C++ or Python can also be employed in web development. Choosing the right language is especially important. Because every programming language has its pros and cons, and not every language can be used equally in all situations.

If you have no experience in programming and are not familiar with the different languages, you should have the appointed agency advise you on your choice. Shopboostr, as a full-service agency for web development, has a professional team of developers who are happy to advise you on your project without obligation.

In addition, below we have listed the top eight programming languages for web development for you. You will also find a brief description of each language along with its pros and cons. This is intended to give you an initial impression of the selection of programming languages.

The Right Agency

Of course, for professional web development it is also important that you find the right agency. An alternative can also be freelancers. They usually work at a lower cost than agencies, but they often have limited capacities and typically do not offer as broad a portfolio as an agency does. In any case, you should thoroughly compare the providers – whether freelancers or agencies – before signing a contract, taking into account customer reviews, areas of expertise, and services. Unfortunately, there are still a few bad apples on the market who sell you pre-developed software for a lot of money as if it were a new web application. In addition, through targeted comparisons, non-binding inquiries, and cost estimates, you can determine the best price and service for you and choose a provider that truly meets all your requirements.

An Overview of the Top Eight Programming Languages for Web Development

Below you will now find an overview of the top eight programming languages for web development. In addition, you will find a brief description along with all the advantages and disadvantages of each programming language.

1. PHP – the Number 1 Scripting Language

Visit Provider

PHP has been the number one on the internet for years when it comes to processing data from a website, such as a customer portal or a server. This open-source language is relatively easy to learn, offers good performance, and is regularly updated. In addition, extensive documentation is available for help and reference. PHP is well-suited for the development of online marketplaces.

PHP shines especially when combined with database software like mySQL. The combination of the two makes it possible to create complex databases for internet portals and to store and retrieve data transmitted from the user or the website to the server when needed. Moreover, PHP serves as the foundation for many well-known content management systems such as WordPress. Ruby on Rails and other languages have tried to challenge PHP’s position on the web, but so far the success has been rather modest.

If you want to engage in web development, in most cases you cannot avoid PHP or an alternative.

Target Audience

Customers who need a website that interacts with the server.

2. Ruby – a Simple Language with Great Power

Visit Provider

Ruby is a simple language with great power, especially for the creation of online platforms. Easy to learn, it enables you to create even complex projects in record time. In addition, Ruby serves as the basis for the Ruby on Rails framework, which makes it possible to create web apps and other web development projects without much effort.

Ruby has – compared to other programming languages – a relatively idiosyncratic syntax. Nevertheless, the language is relatively easy to learn and offers far more possibilities than, for example, PHP. If you are looking for a programming language that is simple yet allows you to realize complex projects in a short time, then Ruby with Ruby on Rails is an excellent option. Many well-known web apps have already been written in this language and the trend is rising. Moreover, Ruby is significantly faster compared to PHP.

Although Ruby is easy to learn, its maintenance is somewhat more challenging than PHP. Error messages are not as obvious and self-explanatory as with its competitor. Furthermore, errors can sometimes lead to the entire platform crashing, whereas PHP in many cases continues to function while merely outputting an error. Nonetheless, these disadvantages are rather minor compared to the advantages.

Target Audience

Customers in need of a modern, powerful programming language

3. JavaScript – Indispensable for Your Website

Visit Provider

JavaScript is now an integral part of almost every website. Leading marketplaces such as marketplaces like eBay are predominantly built with JavaScript. Not only does the scripting language allow direct interaction with the website through DOM manipulation, but it also offers many possibilities for verification, testing, and backwards compatibility with older web browsers. JavaScript makes it possible to implement many functions and features that are not possible or are only limited with HTML alone.

In recent years, JavaScript has also undergone many changes. The language is now not only very powerful, but its performance has also significantly improved. Whenever you want to offer functions to older browsers that are otherwise unsupported, or if you want your visitors to interact with your website, or, for example, if you need to validate input in a form field, you cannot do without JavaScript.

JavaScript also has the great advantage that the code can either be placed in a separate script file or written directly into the HTML code.

Target Audience

Every modern website

4. Node.js – Perfect for High-Performance Web Apps

Visit Provider

Node.JS is a runtime environment based on JavaScript. It was specifically developed for network applications. Unlike JavaScript, Node.JS is not just a static language that only manipulates the browser’s DOM. Instead, Node.JS can also handle requests and, even under many simultaneous requests, performs excellently in terms of performance. Node.JS is particularly useful for modern websites and is, in many cases, faster and more efficient than JavaScript.

Especially if you are working with more complex web apps that need to handle user requests, using Node.JS is generally a good choice. Node.JS is usually used together with HTML, CSS, and even JavaScript.

Target Audience

Customers in need of high-performance web apps.

5. React – JavaScript Libraries for UI Development

Visit Provider

React is also based on JavaScript. The libraries include a range of pre-written code and snippets that make web development significantly easier. React especially shines in the development of user interfaces (UI), as they can be created particularly easily with React.

With React, even the development of extensive apps such as review portals with sophisticated UIs is no longer a problem. Many modern websites as well as apps already rely on the React libraries, which work particularly well in combination with JavaScript. Ideally, you use React in parallel with HTML and JavaScript, and if necessary, Node.js.

Furthermore, React can boast very good performance. The code snippets are optimized for performance. In addition, the library is constantly being expanded, and developers also have the option of adding new libraries of their own that they use regularly.

Target Audience

Customers who need web apps with sophisticated UIs.

6. Python – the All-Rounder

Visit Provider

Python can do almost anything. No matter what problem a developer faces – Python usually has a solution. The language is not only used in web development, but has also made a name for itself in software development. Whenever it comes to lists and data structures, Python can truly demonstrate its strength.

The language is particularly practical because it uses a syntax that is very similar to natural English. This makes it very easy to learn Python. In addition, Python has relatively good performance, is stable, and works reliably.

For web apps and web development, Python is often used in many situations. This is especially true when data needs to be managed or processed. With React, Python has gained a competitor, but the versatility of the language remains one of its greatest advantages.

Target Audience

Versatile and flexible web apps

7. R – Revolution in Data Analysis

Visit Provider

Whenever you are working with Big Data and complex data analyses, you cannot do without R. The language was specifically developed for big data and data analysis in all areas and forms – and with success. It is far more efficient and faster than mySQL, and is therefore particularly suitable for large and complex web apps where a lot of data must be processed, such as an online shop.

R was a hit in 2017 and the future looks promising. With this language, you can create a web app that is future-proof and reliable. If in doubt, have a professional agency such as Shopboostr advise you in detail about the advantages and possibilities of R.

Target Audience

Used in big data and data analysis structures

8. C++ – A Complex Language with Many Possibilities

Visit Provider

C++ is an evolution of the famous C programming language. Due to its robust nature and relatively good performance, C++ is used in many areas today. For example, C++ is often chosen for the development of games and software, but it has also proven itself in web development. C++ is very flexible due to the possibility of integrating libraries or creating new ones, and it offers many possibilities. As one of the few programming languages in web development, C++ can be used for both web apps and traditional software. In some cases, programmers may even save themselves the trouble of learning another language.

The downside is that C++ is very strict with its syntax. This makes it easier to maintain large amounts of code, but on the other hand, C++ deals ruthlessly with errors, which makes it difficult to learn.

C++ can be used very flexibly in web development. It is particularly suitable where interaction with other interfaces and software is required, or where there is a need for integration with external software.

Target Audience

Web and software development of all kinds

Conclusion

More Articles