Top 10 Programming Languages for Web Development in 2023

We never really know what’s going to happen tomorrow, but the days of 2020 are even more strange and uncertain. 

Some professional sports are resuming with cardboard cutouts of fans in the stands and notable athletes around the world are opting out of the season over fears of COVID-19.

People are normally cramming into airports headed away on holiday, but most are enjoying a ‘staycation’ this year. The airlines are worried.

And there is the hunt for the ‘murder hornets’ and the ever-growing phenomenon of ‘mask rage.’

Fortunately, there are things that are a bit more sane like web programming languages for web development.

Let’s examine the Top 10 for 2020.

1. Python

‘Complex is better than complicated.’ - Software Engineer Tim Peters.

Python development has been around for three decades, but it’s not collecting any dust.

It’s billed as a high-level programming language that is easy to learn and a must-have skill for novice developers. The Computer Society ranks Python #1.

There are many options available in Python for web development such as Django.

Many of the world's industry giants are using Python for web pages including Amazon, Google, Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, and Netflix. Could you imagine getting through the quarantine without any of those companies?

2. JavaScript

Without JS, the planet Earth (or at least the online world) might be well…. flat.

This popular programming language adds the pizazz to websites with video players, interactive maps, etc. JavaScript dvelopment is utilized on the server-side and the client-side.

JS uses functional language programming to provide an interactive experience for the user.

Wikipedia refers to it as “...one of the core technologies of the World Wide Web.”

Given the increased reliance on websites for communication, business, and learning during the pandemic, JavaScript will likely remain a hot commodity in the job market.

JS is also viewed as – not difficult.

3. Java

Nope, it’s not a coffee and not the same as JavaScript.

Java is seen as one of the more important programming languages to learn and experienced Java developers can command six-figure salaries. 

YouTube uses Java, and so do many social media websites.

Remember when everyone was obsessed with Minecraft? (and many people still are) It was created using Java.

4. C++

C++ is an object-oriented programming language; in game development this makes it a preferred choice for the development of higher-level web applications such as the video games Halo and Call of Duty.

Its complexity (for example, too many features) once made it one of the most difficult languages to master; Java became more popular.

Recently, C++ has rebounded to become an important and preferred programming language in the web development industry.

5. PHP

PHP has built its reputation on its capacity to tackle just about any project. Its dynamic language is well suited to the development of server-side web applications. JavaScript, with its client-side application development capacity, has become PHP’s main competitor. 

PHP enables strong Server-Side capabilities; dominant companies such as Facebook and WordPress rely upon PHP.

6. Go

It has been well and truly said that a lion stands wherever it wants. Google’s dedicated programming language is now prowling the field of web software development. 

Go was developed out of necessity when Google realized that current programming languages could not respond to their ever-expanding diversity of hardware and human resources.

Google has a pre-eminent position on the Web. Its commitment to ongoing development will enable Go’s top-level integration and problem-solving in application development to achieve wide popularity in the industry.

7. Swift

Apple’s Swift, like Google’s Go, was born out of necessity: software development for the web. And in 2014 that produced a programming language for iOS, macOS, iPads, etc. It is an ideal fit for Apple’s operating systems.

Swift is a general-purpose iOS app development software. It was an award winner from the beginning. Developers flocked to develop mobile apps for the many Apple devices.

What did they like about it? Cross-platform, easy code maintenance, dynamic library, faster development, and so much more.

8. Ruby

Ruby is not the most popular person at the Web dance – it was born in the 1990s – but it is extremely popular with beginning developers. Especially those with quick productivity as a goal. Job prospects with high salaries make Ruby development very attractive.

It features a programming language that is dynamic, object-oriented, has an easy learning curve, and so much more. It works cross-platforms; it is open source, fast, and secure.

Also, its Web development framework Ruby on Rails has disrupted the Server-side Web development industry.

Twitter, GitHub, Groupon, and AirBnb have been to Ruby’s web dance.

9. C

C has stood the test of time: from the 1970s to today. Among the most used programming languages, it is probably the most disruptive and influential language ever, including many languages on this list. 

Many developers find C useful for writing applications and system software. Many programming languages, like Ruby, PHP, and Python are written in C.

Does it have any drawbacks? Yes. For one, its code is not portable. But it does maximize the strengths of hardware. You want more? C is fast and powerful.

10. SQL (Structured Query Language)

What does SQL do? Think data science industry. For server-side developers it is integral for mining data or details from complex relational databases

Data scientists require SQL to extract information from relational databases (RDBMS) and to perform complex queries on the information.SQL is the main model behind many Big Data Platforms. Approximately hundreds of thousands of companies – big and small – use SQL. Microsoft SQL is one of the industry leaders.