Which language will dominate the future of web development: JavaScript, PHP, Ruby, Java/Scala, or Python?
It is a continuous debate regarding which mobile application development language will dominate the future. Will it be JavaScript, PHP, Ruby, Java/Scale, or Python? One cannot fully decide because each language has its perks. However, a comparison can help to understand the advantages of each language. Everything in this world has some purpose. New languages develop to fill the gaps left by previous application development languages. The mobile application development industry is evolving, and technicians are working day and night to increase the efficiency of application development tools. The ultimate goal of these technicians is to facilitate the users. Let’s discuss the merits and demerits of each language one by one and see which language comes first!
JavaScript
JavaScript is a client-side scripting language (this scripting language run scripts on the client’s or user’s browser). The most important feature of JavaScript is that it is the backbone of everything! Simple error messages to animations, maps, and web displays owe their success and precise working to JavaScript.
Merits:
• JavaScript is a rabbit that beats the turtle to the race, meaning it is fast. JavaScript has an interpreted language. It doesn’t need a compilation before running on the client’s webpage. It can process large amounts of data in a short time.
• JavaScript is a jack of all trades. It helps in front-end and back-end web development. Application developers use it to form mobile and desktop applications.
• The language structure of JavaScript is easy to comprehend.
• JavaScript works in harmony with other languages.
Demerits:
• JavaScript has security issues. The user can see the code and use it for the wrong purposes.
• Different platforms can read JavaScript differently. This problem can sometimes arise while using JavaScript. Developers minimize this issue by running JavaScript on several browsers.
PHP
PHP, also called Hypertext Preprocessor, is a server-side scripting language. Developers use this script to form web pages and websites.
Merits:
• PHP is free. Developers don’t have to spend even a penny to get their hands on this scripting language. The language is available online and is good to go anytime, anywhere!
• PHP can work hand in hand with other scripting languages, such as JavaScript.
• PHP has a vast pre-existing library. These libraries contain answers to many questions that might arise during application development.
Demerits:
• PHP is inappropriate for creating websites or applications with large-size data, artificial intelligence, and machine learning features.
• PHP is not a core language. The core language of most applications is JavaScript, so if a developer wants to change the code from its core, he needs to know JavaScript.
• PHP is easy to understand, but with the evolution of technology, many languages easier than PHP have joined the race.
Ruby
Ruby programming language’s codes are reusable. Ruby is an object-oriented language. This language helps make applications and websites with large-size data.
Merits:
• Ruby language costs nothing! Ruby came into the light recently, and developers are trying to improve the quality of this language by the day.
• Ruby allows its user to make changes and see the results instantly. When a developer builds an application, he desires to get results without delays. In short, ruby helps save time.
• Ruby has dynamic typing. Now you may wonder what dynamic typing is. Dynamic typing allows the developer to tinker with the codes or variables at runtime. This tinkering helps write and test codes in the developmental phase.
Demerits:
• Ruby runs fast on small and simple applications but very slowly on large and complex systems. This problem arises because ruby is an interpreted and uncompiled language.
• The code sequence or syntax is complex for newbies. New developers might fall prey to casualties while maintaining or making new applications because of the complex syntax.
• Ruby has limited libraries. However, experts in ruby try to facilitate beginners.
Java:
Java’s syntax is easy to understand. It has a language similar to English. Even non-technical people can easily comprehend this programming language. Java is the oldest possible programming language making it the father of programming languages.
Merits:
• Java is easy to learn and free of cost! Any platform that has Java Virtual Machine can run java like a pro.
• Being the oldest programming language out there, Java has a huge-size library. Developers take help from these libraries while developing complex codes.
• Java is secure. It has the highest level of security, making it impossible for notorious hackers to penetrate an application and steal essential data.
Demerits:
• Java Virtual Machine is a necessary evil. Java interprets the codes, and the machinery makes compilations. The compilations cause the Java language to slow down.
• Java is all about programming. Users build high-functioning applications with Java, but these applications have no attractiveness. It’s not wrong to say that Java is strict and professional.
• Java’s garbage collection is intrinsic to Java’s function. It deletes the non-useable codes, but it also takes longer times to complete this process. Nobody likes to spend much time on programming when other faster alternatives are available.
Scala
Scala is a newer, better version of Java. It works on the same machinery as Java. Scala’s codes are relatively shorter than Java’s
Merits:
• Scala writes codes that are summarized. Developers prefer Scala over Java because it is relatively easy to use, and why shouldn’t they? It is like Java but much better than Java.
• Being the oldest programming language, Java is everywhere. Scala can easily incorporate into the Java framework.
Demerits:
• It is new to the world and doesn’t have extensive libraries. Developers go through much toil while working with Scala language.
• Scala works on functional programming (this programming depends on mathematical functions to make concise codes). Developers who are alien to this programming can face many difficulties while operating this language.
Python
Who doesn’t know about Python? Everyone must have at least heard the name sometime in their life. It is a dynamic programming language. It is way easier than other languages, and developers love it.
Merits:
• Python is as easy as ABC! Beginners get a hand with this language readily. The code structure is in English, meaning even a non-technical man can comprehend it easily.
• Code development has become an everyday task for developers. Python increases productivity due to its easy use and understanding.
• Everyone loves Python, and why shouldn’t they? Many developers are working on it and adding to its libraries extensively.
Demerits:
• Python can be a sloth sometimes. Its slow nature is due to its dynamic typing. Avoid Python while making applications that demand rapid processing.
• Python supports server-side programming language and not client-side programming language.
• Python’s easy language makes developers lazy. When developers get accustomed to the easy language, it becomes hard for developers to get accustomed to languages more complex than python.
To conclude this discussion, our main question was which language will dominate the future? We cannot deny the importance of JavaScript, as it is the backbone of programming. However, Python is the runner-up. It’s easy to use and consumes less time. Companies use Python to form web pages, video games, entertainment apps, and other applications.
