11 Best Programming Languages for Web Development 2025

Web Development is working with a combination of both frontend and backend languages that are used by developers and programmers to build a well-functioning website or web application. Here, you will read about some of the most popular web programming languages that you can learn and gain experience in to become a successful Web Developer.

Table of Contents:

What is Web Development?
Best Web Development Languages
- Python
- PHP
- Java
- C#
- JavaScript
- React
- Angular
- VueJS
- Go (GoLang)
- Ruby
- Swift
Conclusion

What is Web Development?

Web development is the process of creating websites and online applications that run over the internet. It covers anything from simple static websites to sophisticated web-based software and services. Web development is usually divided into two parts: frontend (what users see and interact with) and backend. Whether you’re creating an online store, a blog, or a streaming service, web development is the foundation that keeps these digital experiences to life.

Best Web Development Languages

Web development languages can be categorized into frontend and backend.

Backend Languages: Python, Java, PHP, and C#
Frontend Languages: JavaScript, Angular, React, and Vue.

Let us first learn about the top web development languages used for the backend, which are responsible for data storage and functionality of web pages, followed by the frontend languages that handle the user interface and interactivity.

1. Python

Python is one of the most powerful and best multi-purpose languages used for Web Development, as well as data analysis. It is an open-source language that is extremely easy to learn and use and also easy to deploy. It is considered one of the best languages to learn for Web Development as it is largely used for the development of scalable web pages and applications.

1.1 Significant features of Python

Python’s unique selling point (USP) is the design of its language which is simple, elegant, productive, and also powerful.
It is the standard bar set for developer experience and has influenced a variety of programming languages such as Julia and Go.
It is one of the best backend languages for Web Development that has first-class integration with programming languages like C and C++.
It also has the ability to offload the heavy tasks of the CPU to C/C++ in a seamless manner.
Python offers an abundance of toolsets for computational science, statistics, and mathematics with numerous frameworks and libraries including SciPy, Pandas, Scikit-Learn, and NumPy.

Python programming language is used in developing desktop and web applications and applications based on GUI, Data Science, Machine Learning, and network servers. Python Programming is one of the most demanding skills right now in the market.

1.2 Pros of Python

Supports several platforms and systems
Improves the productivity of developers and programmers
Driven by object-oriented programming (OOP)
Offers a wide range of support libraries
Allows you to easily scale even complex web applications
Focuses on the readability of the code

1.3 Cons of Python

Not an ideal language for mobile computing
Has a primitive database that is a little underdeveloped

1.4 Use cases of Python

Internet of Things (IoT) applications
Serverless computing
Development of cloud-native
Business applications
System Programming

Due to its distinct features and benefits, Python is one of the best server-side languages for Web Development.

The average income of Python Developers is about US$76,526 per annum in the United States, with the potential to increase to US$107,000 per annum for senior professionals.

2. PHP

PHP is one of the best languages for Web Development. Although it faces good competition from other languages like JavaScript and Python, there is still a huge requirement for professionals who can work with PHP in the market today. Besides, PHP is a dynamic and general-purpose language that is used in the development of server-side applications. It is maintained by an open-source platform that can work across Mac, UNIX, and Windows systems.

2.1 Significant features of PHP

PHP is a highly productive programming language used in the field of Web Development.
It is widely used in the web industry to build and deploy applications at a rapid pace.
Facebook, one of the most popular and prominent social media applications, is developed using PHP.

2.2 Pros of PHP

Offers plenty of frameworks
Easy to use in developing web pages
Has the Xdebug extension that provides great debugging
Offers a massive ecosystem, along with great community support
Supports several automation tools for applications’ testing and deploying
Supports functional and object-oriented programming paradigms

2.3 Cons of PHP

Building a web page using only PHP can be slower when compared to other languages.
It lacks security and error-handling features.

2.4 Use cases of PHP

Building (CMS) systems
Development of standalone web apps
Development of server-side web apps

The average income of PHP Developers in the United States is about US$82,007 per annum which may rise to US$100,000 per annum for those with experience.

3. Java

Java is a versatile OOP language used for Android development, as well as desktop and web application development. It is a platform-independent multi-purpose language used for programming and has been a popular choice of language in various organizations for decades. Most companies have adopted it due to its stability. It is one of the best languages for Web Development in 2022 that you should definitely learn.

3.1 Significant features of Java

Java is a multi-paradigm, feature-rich, interpreted, and powerful programming language that provides high productivity for developers and a moderate curve for learning.
Due to its backward compatibility, Java is a significant business application requirement.
Unlike other programming languages such as Scala or Python, Java has never introduced any major updates and changes, which is why it remains the first choice for most companies.
The runtime of Java, Java Virtual Machine (JVM), is among the best VMs in the IT industry.

3.2 Pros of Java

Offers a galore of open-source libraries
Provides automatic garbage collection and memory allocation
Follows the system of stack allocation
Allows a great deal of platform independence with the help of JVM
Extremely secure because of the implementation of a security manager that is used to define class access
Supports distributed computing and multithreading
Provides a myriad of APIs to accomplish various necessary tasks such as networking, XML parsing, utilities, and database connection

3.3 Cons of Java

The lack of the availability of templates limits the development of data structures of high quality.
Memory management is expensive.
Java is slow compared to other languages like C and C++.

3.4 Use Cases of Java

Big Data applications
Development of Android apps
Web Development
Development of enterprise apps

Even today, Java is among the most disruptive programming languages available. JVM helps abstract the OS, and it came up with the first ‘write once, run anywhere language. Also, JVM’s garbage collection manages the life cycle of an object in Java.

To meet the current market requirements, Java is trying to make itself available on the cloud through the GraalVM initiative so that it can easily be accessed and used. This programming language still ranks at the top for organizational use.

The average base pay of Java Developers is approximately US$79,137 per year, with an estimated increase of US$117,000 for experienced professionals.

4. C#

C# is a Microsoft-developed OOP language created on the foundations of a widely-used programming language, C. Originally, it was designed as a part of the .NET framework to develop Windows applications. C# is a general-purpose language used in backend Web Development, creating games via Unity, developing mobile applications, and so on. It is not only used in the Windows platform but you can also use it in Android, iOS, and Linux platforms. It is among the best programming languages for Web Development.

4.1 Significant features of C#

In terms of developer experience, Java is behind C#.
C# has a legion of frameworks and libraries since it has been in the IT field for over 20 years.
Just like Java, even C# is independent of platforms due to the Common Language Runtime (CLR).

4.2 Pros of C#

Capable of working with shared codebases
Safer compared to C and C++
Component and object-oriented language
Uses a syntax similar to C++ and other languages, derived from C
Ideal language for any type of Web Development
Integrated completely with the .NET library
Consists of rich sets of data types and library functions
Faster compilation and execution process

4.3 Cons of C#

Less flexible than C++
Requires time and effort to learn
Need to have good knowledge and expertise to resolve errors
Allows pointers in its ‘unsafe’ blocks

4.4 Use cases of C#

Development of games
App development
Server-side programming
Windows platform software
Web Development

The average salary of C# professionals is over US$76,526 per annum. For the experienced ones, it might rise to US$107,000 per annum.

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5. JavaScript

JavaScript is a widely used front-end language that allows you to design interactive and user-friendly front-end applications. In recent years, it has developed into a high-level, multi-paradigm, and dynamic language. It is one of the most frequently used languages that run anywhere, including the cloud, mobile devices, browsers, containers, servers, and microcontrollers.

5.1 Significant features of JavaScript:

The field of Web Development is highly dominated by JavaScript.
With the help of Node.js, it provides event-driven programming that is extremely suitable for head I/O processes.
It runs on almost every platform such as mobile devices and servers.

5.2 Pros of JavaScript:

Fast and runs immediately in browsers without any need for compilation
Offers a better and enriched website interface
Highly versatile and provides data validation functionality
Provides regular updates through the ECMA specification
Uses a variety of add-ons like Greasemonkey to extend its functionality
Numerous available resources and gigantic community support
Helps develop a diverse and wide range of applications
Easily gets integrated and implemented with other languages

5.3 Cons of JavaScript:

It does not contain any alternate or equivalent method.
It does not allow multiple inheritances.
Its execution may get exploited for reasons like malicious intent.
Different browsers may interpret the code differently.

5.4 Use cases of JavaScript:

Mobile app development
Development of browser games
Backend development
Serverless computing
Web Development

The average salary of JavaScript professionals is over US$72,000 per annum. For the experienced ones, it might rise to US$105,000 per annum.

6. React

React or ReactJS is a framework of JavaScript built by Facebook. This framework allows professionals to build user interfaces with their dynamic capabilities. Websites that are built using React work faster, and you can also switch between various available elements smoothly. Further, ReactJS allows organizations to build up and increase their loyalty among users by providing a remarkable user experience. Besides, it is compatible with almost all setups of the backend of applications. Moreover, React makes the work of professionals easier by providing an option to divide each of the web pages into multiple small components.

6.1 Significant features of React:

Its Virtual Document Object Model (DOM) permits you to develop quick and scalable applications.
Its one-way data binding does not allow professionals to make any direct changes in the properties of React components and offers a stable code.
React builds an interactive UI for both mobile and web apps.

6.2 Pros of React:

Helps in boosting productivity and facilitates its maintenance.
Guarantees faster rendering and stable coding.
SEO-friendly and easy to learn.
Offers a range of helpful tools for development.
Supported by an extremely strong community.
Saves a lot of time by reusing its components.
Consists of an open-source library that develops constantly.

6.3 Cons of React:

Poor documentation
Additional hassle due to SEO

6.4 Use cases of React:

Complex websites
Sites with high user interactions
Dynamic Web Development

The average salary of React professionals is over US$80,000 per annum. For the experienced ones, it might rise to US$115,000 per annum.

7. Angular

Angular is an improved and updated version of the earlier AngularJS framework built by Google. In comparison to React, it is more difficult to learn. However, it offers more practical solutions for the front end. Angular also allows you to develop complicated and highly scalable applications with great functionality, business logic, and attractive visual designs. Additionally, there are various distinct ready-made instruments and extensions such as Snippets, Angular command-line interface (CLI), etc. that simplify the work of developers.

7.1 Significant Features of Angular

Its Model-View-Control (MVC) architecture allows dynamic modeling.
It makes use of the HTML programming language to develop UIs, making them easy and simple to understand
This approach utilizes “plain old JavaScript objects” that exhibit a high level of functionality and self-sufficiency.
Angular offers better functionality with HTML using directives.
Angular Filters help in filtering data before reaching the view.
Angular offers the advantage of utilizing templates which streamline the process of constructing the necessary framework with greater efficiency.

7.2 Pros of Angular

Follows two-way data binding
Provides improved performance of the server
Ensures that developers can build websites with minimum coding
Allows them to develop hybrid and high-quality apps
Experience accelerated application prototyping and unleash the potential of highly responsive and interactive web applications.
Empower developers to improve testing capabilities, enabling data decoupling and visibility into HTML code and DOM.

7.3 Cons of Angular:

Since the apps developed using AngularJS are dynamic, they lack performance.
During the performance, complex pages in the apps may exhibit glitches.
You need to invest time and learn this language completely before building a web page, or else you might require professional help.
For your app to function well, you need to enable JavaScript support in your systems.
With little or no experience in MVC, it may take a lot of time and effort to develop a web page.
It is extremely difficult to learn.

7.4 Use cases of Angular:

Dynamic apps
Progressive web applications
Enterprise web applications

The average salary of #Angular professionals is over US$75,000 per annum. For the experienced ones, it might rise to US$110,000 per annum.

8. VueJS

Vue JS is a simple, clear, open-source, and easy-to-use front-end development language that allows developers to design well-structured and engaging web pages and applications. It is designed to simplify and also organize the development of several web elements, making it extremely adaptable. Besides, it provides quick and reliable solutions for both small and medium-sized enterprises because of its cost-effectiveness and quality, along with its popularity among developers.

For beginners who wish to work on meaningful projects in a short span of time, Vue is a perfect choice. It consists of complete documentation and allows Frontend Developers to begin writing codes, knowing only the basics of HTML and JavaScript.

8.1 Significant features of Vue JS:

It uses Virtual DOM to make necessary changes.
Its data binding feature allows developers to assign or manipulate HTML attributes’ values, assign classes, and change style.
The components of VueJS help in creating customized elements that are reusable.
Its built-in component for transition offers multiple methods to implement transition in HTML elements after they are edited in DOM.
This framework offers numerous HTML-based templates, binding the instance data of Vue with DOM.

8.2 Pros of VueJS:

It does not take up too much space in the system due to its small size of 18 KB.
Developers who have basic knowledge of JavaScript frameworks can easily learn Vue because of its clarity and simplicity.
Vue consists of detailed and extremely extensive documentation, making it easy and quick to learn.
It allows developers to reuse any code easily.
VueJS makes it easier to perform data binding between JS and HTML codes.
It enhances the flexibility of JavaScript frameworks.

8.3 Cons of Vue JS:

Since it is new, it is not as popular as other frameworks of JavaScript like Angular or React.
In the case of big web development projects, its flexibility might not come in handy.

8.4 Use cases of Vue JS:

Interactive web applications
Scalable web apps

The average salary of #VueJS professionals is over US$70,000 per annum. For the experienced ones, it might rise to US$100,000 per annum.

9. Go (Golang)

Go, usually known as Golang, is an open-source programming language created by Google. It is one of the most efficient and modern backend languages for web development, with a focus on simplicity, performance, and robust concurrency support. Go was created primarily for developing scalable and high-performance applications, making it a popular choice for large-scale enterprise online systems and cloud-based services.

9.1. Significant Features of Go

Go’s main strength is its efficiency and speed. It compiles quickly to machine code and performs nearly as well as C/C++, making it ideal for system programming and high-performance applications.
It gives you a minimalist and concise syntax that is simple to learn for beginners and allows for rapid development cycles.
Go has built-in concurrency via goroutines, making it a great choice for applications that manage thousands of simultaneous requests, such as web servers, APIs, and cloud-native applications.
It contains a comprehensive standard library, particularly for networking and web server development, allowing developers to create completely functional applications without the need for other packages.
Go features a built-in garbage collector as well as profiling and debugging facilities, making it extremely stable in production.

9.2. Pros of Go

Extremely quick compilation and execution.
Concurrent programming support is excellent, and the syntax is very clear and readable.
Built-in tools for testing and profiling.
Statically typed with effective error handling.
Easy to deploy—compiles into a single binary file.

9.3. Cons of Go

Lacks generics (though support has improved in recent versions).
Has a lesser set of libraries compared to Python and JavaScript.
Error handling may be lengthy and repetitious.
No support for GUI programming.

9.4. Use Cases of Go

Web servers and APIs
Cloud services and microservices
Network tools and utilities
Command-line tools
Data pipelines
High-performance backend systems

The average salary for a Go developer in the United States is around US$93,000 per annum, with experienced professionals earning upwards of US$130,000 per year, depending on the complexity of their work and industry demand.

10. Ruby

Ruby is a dynamic, open-source programming language focusing on simplicity and productivity. Ruby, which was developed in the mid-1990s, increased the popularity with the release of the Ruby on Rails framework, which revolutionized web development by allowing developers to construct applications quickly and with less code. Ruby’s clean syntax and convention-over-configuration attitude make it popular among startups and quick web application developers.

10.1. Significant Features of Ruby

Ruby prioritizes developer happiness and clean, human-readable code. Ruby’s object-oriented design means that everything is an object, including simple data types like numbers and texts.
Ruby on Rails (RoR), the most well-known framework, is a full-stack framework that includes everything required to build database-backed web applications.
It includes a large number of built-in techniques and sophisticated libraries (gems) that enable developers to create applications fast and efficiently.
Ruby’s vibrant and passionate community continues to contribute to its progress by supplying hundreds of open-source gems that increase capabilities.
Ruby is dynamically typed, interpretable, and supports meta-programming, making it incredibly adaptable and expressive.

10.2. Pros of Ruby:

Clean and intuitive syntax allows for faster development.
Rails is a powerful framework that helps create web apps quickly. It has a large community and a rich ecosystem of applications.
A strong emphasis on testing and optimal development methods.
Ideal for MVPs (minimum viable products) and startups.

10.3. Cons of Ruby:

Slower performance than compiled languages like Go or C#.
Limited concurrency and multithreading support.
Not appropriate for CPU-intensive or real-time applications.
A smaller talent pool compared to more mainstream languages.

10.4. Use Cases of Ruby:

E-commerce platforms
Content management systems
SaaS (Software as a Service) applications
Prototyping and MVP development
Web applications with quick turnaround needs

The average salary of a Ruby developer in the United States is around US$92,000 per year, with senior developers earning over US$120,000 annually, especially those with strong Rails experience.

11.Swift

Swift is a fast and effective open-source programming language created by Apple for constructing applications on it’s ecosystem devices such as iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS. Released in 2014, Swift has gained a lot of popularity since then due to its security, performance efficiency, and user-friendliness. Swift was mostly used for mobile app development but is now growing in popularity for web development through its server-side frameworks like Vapor and Kitura.

11.1. Significant Features of Swift

Swift eliminates entire classes of common programming errors through optional types, type inference, and memory safety, which makes it safe by design.
Its modern syntax is easy to read, concise, and expressive, making it accessible to beginners while still being enjoyable for experienced developers.
Swift boasts strong performance, often matching or beating C++ in benchmarks for high-performance applications.
With open-source availability, Swift has evolved beyond Apple platforms and is now used for server-side development due to robust frameworks like Vapor.
It also integrates seamlessly with Objective-C, allowing legacy iOS/macOS apps to adopt Swift incrementally.

11.2. Pros of Swift:

High performance comparable with low-level languages.
Safety-first design reduces runtime crashes.
Clean and accessible syntax improves efficiency.
Apple supports and maintains
Growing acceptance in server-side and web programming.

11.3. Cons of Swift:

In comparison to JavaScript or Python, the web has less third-party libraries.
Smaller talent pool on the server-side Swift web development ecosystem is still growing.
Required knowledge with the Apple development environment.

11.4. Use Cases of Swift:

Native iOS and macOS app development.
Server-side web apps (using frameworks such as Vapor)
Cross-platform mobile apps (using Swift and SwiftUI)
Apple systems include backend services and APIs for high-performance applications that require low-level memory control.

The average salary for Swift developers in the United States is about US$95,000 per year, with experienced professionals earning well over US$125,000 depending on their expertise in mobile and server-side development.