Hi Nairalanders Please Which server-side programming language is the best for a starting programmer: Perl, PHP, Python, Ruby, JavaScript (Node), Scala, Java, Go, ASP.NET, or ColdFusion and why?

I've opened a ton of pages on my browser researching this question.
It's all about what 'field' you want to specialize in.

What I've found out is that PHP(Laravel) is quite popular in web Dev, especially for freelancers, though recently Python (Django) is mostly preferred because it is more reliable when it comes to complex situations.

I learnt node.js is also gaining traction and Ruby on rails is popular too.

I'm still in a dilemma myself as to whether to learn Python or PHP for web dev. I love python because I'm interested in machine learning and automation but I just wanna start out with web dev for now. So if anyone could guide me here please ?

Grandlord:
I've opened a ton of pages on my browser researching this question.
It's all about what 'field' you want to specialize in.

What I've found out is that PHP(Laravel) is quite popular in web Dev especially for freelancers, though recently Python (Django) is mostly preferred because it is more reliable when it comes to complex situations.

I learnt node.js is gaining traction and Ruby on rails is popular too.

I'm still in a dilemma myself as to whether to learn Python or PHP for web dev. I love python because I'm interested in machine learning and automation but I just wanna start out with web dev for now. So if anyone could guide me here please ?

i heard that python is good but i'm not too sure.

Lalasticlala

seun

mynd44

dominique

fynestboi

Internationalman

missyB3

udoekere:
i heard that python is good but i'm not too sure.

Lalasticlala

seun

mynd44

dominique

fynestboi

Internationalman

missyB3

Yeah python application is very versatile compared to say PHP which was built for mainly web dev. Also I'm wondering which would pay when it comes to getting jobs and freelancing.

Codingdojo lists python as the second most sought after language in 2019 after Java.

Maybe I'll just go ahead and learn both python and php in addition to HTML\CSS\JavaScript.

Grandlord:
Yeah python application is very versatile compared to say PHP which was built for mainly web dev. Also I'm wondering which would pay when it comes to getting jobs and freelancing.

Codingdojo lists python as the second most sought after language in 2019 after Java.

Maybe I'll just go ahead and learn both python and php in addition to HTML\CSS\JavaScript.

hmm lets wait till the post hit fp so that we can hear from others.

Lalasticlala

Seun

Mynd44

Fynestboi

MissyB3

It depends.

Let me tell you why I said so.

1. For web applications that are expected to handle millions of server requests, One would go for a programming language like Golang, Java, and probably JavaScript (NodeJS) but again it also depends on how you want to scale both vertical and horizontal.

2. For Web Applications that would require the aid of AI/ML, and expect to handle millions of synchronous requests, then I'd go for Python/Django together with ML libraries in Python.

3. For Web Applications that would require the aid of AI/ML, and expects to handle millions of synchronous requests, then I'd still go for Golang, Java and probably JavaScript(NodeJS) together with ML libraries in Python and call these libraries via API's written in Python(Flask).

4. For web applications that won't handle millions of Synchronous requests and doesn't require any form of Automation, PHP will do just fine.

Remember, all these depend on how you implement your server infrastructure/architecture
i.e vertical/horizontal scaling.


The web app on my signature was written in PHP.
You can take your time to check it out.

MountainView:
It depends.

Let me tell you why I said so.

1. For web applications that are expected to handle millions of server requests, One would go for a programming language like Golang, Java, and probably JavaScript (NodeJS) but again it also depends on how you want to scale both vertical and horizontal.

2. For Web Applications that would require the aid of AI/ML, and expect to handle millions of synchronous requests, then I'd go for Python/Django together with ML libraries in Python.

3. For Web Applications that would require the aid of AI/ML, and expects to handle millions of synchronous requests, then I'd still go for Golang, Java and probably JavaScript(NodeJS) together with ML libraries in Python and call these libraries via API's written in Python(Flask).

4. For web applications that won't handle millions of Synchronous requests and doesn't require any form of Automation, PHP will do just fine.

Remember, all these depend on how you implement your server infrastructure/architecture
i.e vertical/horizontal scaling.

Lalasticlala

Seun

Mynd44

Fynestboi

MissyB3

can javascript be used for both frontend and backend in web development?

Lalasticlala

MissyB3

Seun

Mynd44

Roctation

udoekere:

can javascript be used for both frontend and backend in web development?

Lalasticlala

MissyB3

Seun

Mynd44

Roctation

Yes, with NodeJS

udoekere:

can javascript be used for both frontend and backend in web development?

Lalasticlala

MissyB3

Seun

Mynd44

Roctation

Sure. Can also be used to develop cross-platform mobile apps using react native.

MountainView:
It depends.

Let me tell you why I said so.

1. For web applications that are expected to handle millions of server requests, One would go for a programming language like Golang, Java, and probably JavaScript (NodeJS) but again it also depends on how you want to scale both vertical and horizontal.

2. For Web Applications that would require the aid of AI/ML, and expect to handle millions of synchronous requests, then I'd go for Python/Django together with ML libraries in Python.

3. For Web Applications that would require the aid of AI/ML, and expects to handle millions of synchronous requests, then I'd still go for Golang, Java and probably JavaScript(NodeJS) together with ML libraries in Python and call these libraries via API's written in Python(Flask).

4. For web applications that won't handle millions of Synchronous requests and doesn't require any form of Automation, PHP will do just fine.

Remember, all these depend on how you implement your server infrastructure/architecture
i.e vertical/horizontal scaling.

Lalasticlala

Seun

Mynd44

Fynestboi

MissyB3

Sounds cool! I love automation and machine learning a lot. I guess I'll major in almighty Python then.

udoekere:
Hi Nairalanders Please
Which server-side programming
language is the best for a
starting programmer: Perl, PHP,
Python, Ruby, JavaScript (Node),
Scala, Java, Go, ASP.NET, or
ColdFusion and why?

Lalasticlala

seun

mynd44

fynestboi

core PHP is still king when it comes to server-side web applications ...PHP laravel can be an add advantage.....it all depends on your choice of backend language....I build with PHP , jQuery & bootstrap 4. and the experience has been good so far...

MrCodeSolo:
core PHP is still king when it comes to server-side web applications ...PHP laravel can be an add advantage.....it all depends on your choice of backend language....I build with PHP , jQuery & bootstrap 4. and the experience has been good so far...

Cool. Are you a freelancer?

MountainView:

Yes, with NodeJS

but why is python mostly preferred to javascript

udoekere:
but why is python mostly preferred to javascript

It's because, the only reason why one would consider Python would be scenarios where automation/ML would be required, else, Python doesn't have any advantage on the web compared to say, PHP/Laravel, JavaScript/NodeJS e.t.c

Grandlord:
Cool. Are you a freelancer?

no I don't do freelance, my clients are mostly Nigerian based businesses or organisations, etc. I engage in direct business dealings with them if called upon especially after giving them my pitch and sharing my design layout or directing them to my portfolio. .. it boils down to branding and packaging if one is to live off as a web developer

MountainView:


It's because, the only reason why one would consider Python would be scenarios where automation/ML would be required, else, Python doesn't have any advantage on the web compared to say, PHP/Laravel, JavaScript/NodeJS e.t.c

pls whats automation/ML?

Seun

Lalasticlala

Mynd44

MountainView:


It's because, the only reason why one would consider Python would be scenarios where automation/ML would be required, else, Python doesn't have any advantage on the web compared to say, PHP/Laravel, JavaScript/NodeJS e.t.c

Web dev is gradually moving towards automation and data mining though. So even though 80% of web pages are built on PHP today, in the next decade we might see Python totally replace PHP as the go to language for this niche.

udoekere:
pls whats automation/ML?

Seun

Lalasticlala

Mynd44

You should have Googled it, but I would answer your question, in simple term ML means machine learning

how many times would this make front page?

Lol... same old question that never goes out of fashion. Some people get emotionally attached to languages so this thread might end up in meaningless arguments. Truth is, no language is the best fit for all. At the end, it'll be up to you to read all comments and make your choice.

Let me add that for a new programmer, learning the art of programming is far more than that mastering the syntax and morphology of any programming language. I learned programming as a kid using QBASIC and till today, the art remains the same and I have comfortably delved into different languages and paradigms.

However, in order to give a more specific response, I'd suggested you consider ubiquity, target project requirements and the future prospects while choosing a language.

PHP is the king of the Internet. It was developed exclusively for server side and it has virtually all the functions to make it excel in this area. It has stood the test of time and isn't going anywhere. Laravel and CodeIgniter have come to make it even more glamorous. However, cooperate organisations would rather use Java (jsp) or C# (asp) for their in-house software systems that run on web servers for the sake of security and interoperability. These languages (Java and C#) forces best programming practices down your throat unlike PHP where you can freestyle and end up in spaghetti code (or perfect code). But then again, they are heavy! Much heavier than PHP. On the other hand, python touts itself as the second best language in virtually every type of project and that's a great spot. It's highly ubiquitous and considered the language of the future. Python is great if you want to to add some machine learning features to your web apps. It also allows you to boldly step out of web development and venture into other types of programming in future. However, its syntax (indentation based) makes it very different and thus poses a not-so-good learning curve should you want to learn other languages in later on. Javascript has become a star in the world of programming. It has found it's way into the server side as well. It's not my favourite language but learning it will ensure you stick to what might have already known for the client side. The choice is yours.

Did I help?

Yoruba, Igbo and maybe Benue or calabar.

Leave hausa language alone else it will drag you back just as they are holding Nigeria down.

You can learn any Server Side language you want but these are the Most lucrative in terms of opportunities.

Companies pay premium for the below. As high as 500k - 1M Plus per month.

1. GO
2. Ruby

These below attract decent pay as high as 150k - 500k per month.
3. NodeJs (JavaScript)
4. Java
5. C#
6. Python.

People pay absolute peanuts for this below: As low as 30k Naira to 300k depending on your choice of PHP framework.

7. PHP.

So the ball is in your court.

M

I only came here to comment since I don't even know what you people are talking about

Php

The programming language depends on your future goal.


If your goal is to be a freelancer, php,javascript is more suitable.


If your goal is to work in Nigeria companies like bank e.t.c then java, asp and c# is more suitable

And so on.

Python is a go go

Bottom-line: choose your path. Don't join the bandwagon.

MountainView:


It's because, the only reason why one would consider Python would be scenarios where automation/ML would be required, else, Python doesn't have any advantage on the web compared to say, PHP/Laravel, JavaScript/NodeJS e.t.c

I hope you are aware that parts of Google engine is built also on Python.