Back-end developers are the powerhouse of web applications. They work to manage the server-side operations, databases, and application logic. Their efforts bring functionality to the user experience, and without it, our favorite websites and apps would be little more than static pages. For tech students aspiring to enter the field of web development, understanding the landscape of back-end programming languages is crucial.

Continue reading to explore seven critical programming languages that power the server side of the web.

1. JavaScript

JavaScript is a powerful and versatile programming language that is integral to modern web development and remains a focus for those studying back-end web development. Originally created to make web pages interactive, it has evolved far beyond its initial purpose to become a staple for client- and server-side applications. At its core, JavaScript enables developers to create complex games or interactive animations and to add dynamic content that responds to user inputs (clicking buttons, submitting forms, etc.).

Benefits of JavaScript:

• Versatility: Conceived for the web browser, JavaScript now powers servers, mobile apps, and even robotics, showcasing its versatility across platforms.
• Simplicity: Its syntax is relatively easy to understand, making JavaScript an accessible language for newcomers to web development.
• Speed: JavaScript is executed directly in the browser, which can lead to faster website performance and immediate feedback for end-users.
• Community support: Resources and solutions are never far away thanks to a vast, vibrant community of developers.

2. Python

Python is a high-level, interpreted programming language famed for its simplicity, readability, and versatility. It's used in various circumstances, from web and software development to scientific computing, data analysis, artificial intelligence, and automation. Its extensive libraries and frameworks, including Django for web development and NumPy for data science, facilitate efficient and effective programming solutions. 

Benefits of Python:

• Readability: Python's clear syntax mimics natural language, making code easy to compose and comprehend.
• Cross-platform compatibility: Python's versatility means the code a programmer writes can run on many operating systems with minimal tweaks.
• Community support: A global community of Python enthusiasts continually innovates and offers support, propelling the language's growth and capabilities.
• Testing-friendly: Testing code in Python is as breezy as the language itself, thanks to built-in testing frameworks that ensure robustness.

3. Java

Java is an object-oriented programming language designed to have as few implementation dependencies as possible. It is a general-purpose programming language widely used for building enterprise-scale applications, mobile applications, and large systems. Known for its Write Once, Run Anywhere (WORA) capabilities, Java ensures that compiled Java code can run on all platforms that support Java without recompilation.

Benefits of Java:

• Platform independence: Java’s complied code can run on all platforms that support Java without recompilation.
• Extensive libraries: An abundant array of built-in libraries enables developers to add functionality and save time.
• Security: Java strongly emphasizes security, with its secure runtime environment and set of APIs that help protect against tampering and viruses.
• Community: A large and active community continually drives Java's evolution, offering plentiful resources, documentation, and support for developers.

4. Ruby

Ruby is a dynamic, open-source programming language focusing on simplicity and productivity. Its elegant syntax is designed to be natural to read and easy to write. Often associated with the Rails framework, Ruby is a favorite among web developers for its powerful yet straightforward approach to object-oriented programming. With a lively community and a rich set of libraries known as "gems," Ruby fosters the rapid development of high-quality web applications. 

Benefits of Ruby:

• Flexibility: Ruby is highly customizable, allowing developers to alter its parts freely. New methods can be added to existing classes, and existing processes can be overridden, providing a flexible programming environment.
• Web development: Thanks to the Ruby on Rails framework, Ruby is a powerhouse for building web applications. It provides default structures for a database, web service, and web pages.
• Community: Ruby has a large and active development community. There are plenty of libraries that can be easily integrated into projects, contributing to swift and enjoyable development.
• Test-driven development: Ruby strongly emphasizes testing to ensure that web applications are reliable. It comes with a built-in testing suite supporting test-driven development (TDD).

5. PHP

PHP is a widely used, open-source scripting language suited for web development that can be embedded into HTML. PHP scripts are executed on the server, and the result is sent to the client as plain HTML. It is platform-independent, which means it can run on various operating systems such as Windows, Unix, Linux, and Mac OS. Due to its user-friendly nature and efficiency, PHP has become one of the most popular server-side scripting languages today, powering websites such as Facebook, WordPress, and many others.

Benefits of PHP:

• Simplicity: With easily understandable syntax, PHP makes web development accessible to a broader range of programmers.
• Cost-effective: Being an open-source language means it is free to use, reducing overhead costs for development projects.
• Compatibility: PHP fluently converses with various database languages and runs on most platforms, making it a versatile choice for web development.
• Efficient: Designed for speed, PHP helps build high-performance websites with rapid loading times.

6. C#

C# is a general-purpose programming language designed by Microsoft as part of its .NET initiative. Known for its versatility, C# is used in a wide range of applications, from desktop software to web-based services, and it is particularly favored for developing Windows applications. Its syntax is highly expressive yet simple, making it an accessible language for beginners while offering the robust capabilities required by seasoned developers. 

Benefits of C#:

• Type checking: C# is statically typed, reducing runtime errors and fostering code reliability and maintainability.
• Cross-platform support: With the .NET Core framework, C# applications can be run on multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux.
• Library support: C# offers a vast collection of pre-built libraries for various functions, including complex data structures and GUI components.
• Scalability and maintainability: Well-suited for scalable projects, C# has features that make it easy to maintain and update codebases efficiently.

7. C++ with Web Assembly 

C++ with Web Assembly involves taking C++ code and converting it into a format called WebAssembly, which lets it run in web browsers. This means you can write applications with heavy performance, such as games or graphics software, in C++, and those applications will work quickly and efficiently in any modern browser, without requiring a change of code for different devices.

Benefits of C++ with WebAssembly:

• High performance: WebAssembly allows C++ code to run at speeds close to those of native applications, making WebAssembly ideal for tasks requiring heavy tasks such as gaming and data processing.
• Cross-platform compatibility: Code turned into WebAssembly can run on any modern web browser, ensuring applications work on various devices without requiring modification of code.
• Code reusability: Developers can use existing C++ libraries and apps instead of having to rewrite code for the web.
• Integration with Javascript: WebAssembly works well with JavaScript, allowing developers to reap benefits of both languages and result in more effective applications.

What's Next?  

Whether you are just getting into IT or are already a web developer, earning a back-end development certificate from WGU can lead to significant career advancement. With a focus on real-world application, this program prepares students to tackle complex server-side challenges to deliver scalable and efficient web solutions. This certification also verifies a developer's expertise and showcases their commitment to staying ahead in the rapidly evolving tech landscape. As a result, certificate holders often find themselves in high demand, with the potential for increased earning power and access to a broader range of career opportunities in the thriving field of web development.