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Introduction
You may be looking for a good career path. If so, backend development may be a good fit. As one of the best professions among Web Developers, specializing in backend development can spell big success for you. A good salary awaits, too - topping off at around $123,000 annually in the U.S.
So, you want to choose a career as a backend developer but need help figuring out where to start and which backend programming language to choose. Deciding on the first programming language to study must revolve around determining the work goals you wish to achieve. Different coding languages are used for backend development. Each with further usage in various industries.
Do you know how websites function? It is because of backend developers. The process of making and maintaining a site's backend structure is handled by backend developers. In this article, we will learn about backend programming languages.
What is backend development?
The back end of every website consists of applications, web servers, etc. Developers write codes for these applications. And they run on queries and web servers that developers use inside these applications so that these applications can interact with the required databases.
When we browse through any website, from its interface to interactive elements, everything consists of a series of smaller programs. All these elements are working together behind the scenes. These small programs are called APIs. These APIs handle raw data processing for offloading tasks from the front-end part of websites. Data returned by these APIs is formatted using JSON text format for a better view on your device screen. Apart from this, many other types of backend applications can produce complete web pages via their codes.
Finding the best Backend Language for You
Before discussing various languages, some aspects need to be taken into account. What sort of backend software do you aim to develop? Which sectors interest you the most? Given that several of these languages have varied uses, what other development areas catch your attention?
Different projects require different tools. There is no difference when it comes to choosing a programming language from different backend programming languages. It's essential to identify what needs must be met, as each language boasts its own set of advantages. It would help if you considered key questions that must be answered first. Knowing more about what you require can make choosing the right one easier and much more effective. And if ever you need help deciding what path to take when it comes to choosing languages. You should get opinions from expert Backend Developers! Look online at places like Stack Overflow, where knowledgeable individuals often provide valuable insight into what works best for them as well as others alike.
Backend Development Programming Languages
It's important to see some of the most popular languages used in this field. While these languages work as a backbone for development, we will also discuss different backend programming languages and their additional uses.
JavaScript/Node.js
Until Node.js was created, JavaScript(JS) was originally a language used only for web browsers. A programming tool called Node.js can function independently. It does not rely on an internet browser due to it being a JS platform. It's used on web servers, and it allows developers to create complete backend applications with JavaScript. There are also frameworks like Express that enable users to build backend web apps and APIs with JavaScript.
JavaScript has a wide range of applications both in front-end development and Node.js. Due to this use of JS increases in the back end. Being familiar with both will allow users to build complete web applications without the need to learn another language. This is great if you want a career as a Full-Stack Developer.
Advantages of Javascript
High speed: JavaScript is executed on the client-side device, so it is very fast.
Easy to learn: JavaScript is easy to learn. Anyone with primary knowledge of programming can easily rely on JavaScript.
Browser Compatible: JavaScript supports all modern browsers. It can run in any browser and produce the same result.
Disadvantages of Javascript
Code Visible to all: JavaScript code is visible to everyone, and this is the biggest disadvantage of JavaScript.
Stop Render: One error in JavaScript code can stop the whole website from rendering.
Java knowledge has become an important skill for a person who is seeking employment in any IT company today. Many institutions use Java, an all-around programming language that allows for flexibility as well. And they use them to create web apps. Mastery of this language could give you the edge needed for success in your future career.
Ready to make yourself stand out when it comes to future jobs? Learning Java is just what you need! Backend web development requires knowledge of this language, and it will provide an opportunity to work in enterprise development sectors. And as icing on the cake - many Android applications are developed with Java.
Advantages of Java
Object-oriented: Java is a fully object-oriented language out of the box. And it allows you to create standard programs and reusable code.
Platform independent: Java code can be run on any computer that does not require any special software to be installed, but a JVM must be present on the computer.
No Explicit Pointer: Java has no concept of an explicit pointer.
Disadvantages of Java
Performance: Java is memory intensive, meaning it needs a large amount of memory. And it is Slower than natively compiled languages like C or C++.
Appearance: The default appearance of GUI applications written in Java using the Swing toolkit is very different from native applications.
Single-Paradigm Language: Static imports were available and added in Java 5.0. The procedural paradigm is better adapted than in earlier versions of Java.
Python
In 2022, Python was the top choice of 48% of developers. When starting out in programming as a high school student, choosing the right tools can make all the difference. The combination of Django and its accompanying language provides both stability and speed. This makes it an excellent choice for anyone getting started in programming. However, there are many more frameworks a user can choose from. It makes Python development so popular among developers. Python can also be used with AI and Machine Learning. It also provides many tools designed for these technologies. The Python developer's average salary is nearly $72,000.
Advantages of Python
Expandable: Python can be extended to other languages. You can write part of the code in languages like C++ or C. This is especially useful in projects.
Productivity: The language's simplicity and extensive libraries increase programmer productivity.
IoT opportunities: With Python forming the basis of new platforms such as the Raspberry Pi, the future of the Internet of Things is looking bright.
Simple and easy to use: When working with Java, you may need to create a class to print "Hello World". But in Python, the print command is enough. It is also quite easy to learn, understand, and code.
Disadvantages of Python
Speed Limitations: We have seen that Python code is executed line by line. But since Python is interpreted, it often results in slow execution. This, however, isn’t a problem unless speed is a focal point for the project.
Weak on mobiles and browsers: While Python serves as an excellent server-side language, it is rarely seen on the client side.
PHP
There are many programming languages for developers, but PHP is unique. You might be surprised to learn its full form itself – "PHP: Hypertext Processor".It indicates this language's unique focus on website development. Given its success rate (now found in over 75% of sites using server-side scripting), it seems clear that PHP is doing something right!
For beginners who are searching for a backend programming language to start with, PHP could be your answer. It's easy to learn because you can use it within HTML files while packing many built-in functions essential for various web applications. Plus, because of its preference among developers for creating CMS and e-commerce. Platforms like Magento or Drupal, to name a few or even robust blogging platforms such as WordPress.
Advantages of PHP
Open Source and Free: One of the most important advantages of PHP is that it is accessible to everyone. People can download it from open-source and get it for free. You can download it anywhere and easily use it for web development.
Ease of loading: PHP-based applications are easy to load and connect to a database. People use it mainly because it has a fast loading speed.
User Friendly: It has less learning time, and one can learn it fast. The language is easy to use, and if one knows about C programming, one can easily learn to pick up PHP for application development.
Disadvantages of PHP
Security Issues: Since PHP is open-source, it is not secure. An ASCII text file is easily accessible and searchable by anyone.
Weak: PHP is weak and can sometimes cause errors. It can cause users to have incorrect data and knowledge.
Additional Learning: One needs to know about the PHP framework to use built-in PHP functions. If someone doesn't know about it, they will be forced to write more codes.
Ruby
Ruby is a programming language used for scripting, web development, etc. Ruby's popularity in web development is mainly due to the Ruby on Rails framework. This framework gives developers tools and code that can be used again so that they can use them to speed up development time. Many programmers learn Ruby simply so that they can use its framework Ruby on Rails, to build and deploy web apps quickly.
Advantages of Ruby
Ruby has its own web application framework, also known as Ruby on Rails.
It follows the principle of DRY (Do not repeat yourself).
It is open-source programming that allows developers to modify, distribute and use it.
The code is easy to write, read and understand.
The goal of Ruby is to make it simple and fast to create web applications.
Disadvantages of Ruby
Ruby code is difficult to debug and sometimes generates an error at runtime.
Compared to other programs, it has less information.
Can I use multiple backend programming languages in a single project?
By using different programming languages, one can create a diverse backend system within a project. Python can be used for handling the logic, while Node.js handles real-time communication.
Explain one common difference between programming and scripting language.
A programming language is just a formal language that is used to write computer programs. But a scripting language is a type of programming language that is generally interpreted rather than compiled.
What is a database, and how is it related to backend programming?
At its core, a database is a structured information. That you can manage and access it with software. These crucial pieces of code are the backbone of backend programming because they store key facts and allow applications to retrieve them as needed efficiently.
What is cloud computing, and how is it related to backend programming?
Cloud computing is when companies provide computer services. They do so through the Internet. Backend programming and cloud computing are connected. Because popular cloud platforms like AWS and Google Cloud come with tools to help developers create, launch, and manage their programs.
Nowadays, a lot of language options are available to select from. Most developers have learned at least two languages. They do so due to the many options in the market. Due to the increasing number of developers, issues may arise regarding which programming would be better suited per project. This may spark discussions related to Backend Languages used at the present time. So, one should carefully choose the language according to your project.
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