Whether you are planning to launch a web or mobile app, the choice of programming technology is daunting. The question of which is the best programming technology for web app development is on the minds of many. However, the answer to this question is not straightforward. Like several other choices, the selection depends on several factors that include the needs of a business and the nature of an app. 

Other aspects include development speed, scalability, security, ease of learning, popularity among developers, etc. We have written this comprehensive article comparing PHP, Ruby, and Python to help entrepreneurs and web developers make an informed choice. 

Without further ado, let’s get started. 

Ruby

This programming language was developed in the mid-1990s and is one of the most dynamic, high-level, open-source programming languages. The major focus of this application is on productivity and simplicity. Ruby is natural to read and easy to write and offers elegant syntax that supports multiple programming paradigms, including object-oriented, procedural, and functional programming. 

PHP

The programming language was created originally in 1994 and is also popular as a general-purpose programming language geared specifically towards web development. The language is fluid, fast and pragmatic, and enables the empowerment of everything that ranges from blogs to the most famous websites in the world. You can hire PHP development services providers to get almost any kind of website developed. 

Python

Python is a high-level, interpreted, and general-purpose programming language. The language has a design philosophy that focuses on code readability with the use of its significant indentation. The language helps construct and has an object-oriented approach. The python developers offer logical, concise, and clear codes for projects of all scales. 

After knowing the three programming languages, let us know the major point of difference between the three. 

• Current usage

The usage of a particular programming language in the technology market gives an overview of the penetration of that language in the market. It also depicts its acceptance in the technology space. Since all three languages have existed for almost the same number of years, the popularity and acceptance of anyone is hard to tell. 

However, among the three, PHP has a high level of acceptance, and to date, it is one of the favorite languages of most developers. Furthermore, the technological market has great diversity when it comes to programming languages since different developers have different choices. 

• Usability

Usability is another major factor that should be considered when you choose a programming language. A worth noting fact is that there is a link between the web interfaces and the users. Hence, when it comes to developing a powerful, scalable and high-performing application, usability is a vital factor worth considering. 

PHP is a well-documented programming language with a classical approach, whereas Python follows strict destination rules and easy code readability. However, most of the programmers believe that the coding of Ruby is powerful and has high usability. 

• Ease of learning

For developers, in the beginning, ease of learning is a critical parameter, in the sense that they usually choose a programming language that is easy to learn for them. The programming can be at different levels, but if a developer does have a background in any programming language, they often have limited options. That said, ease of learning is considered for beginners as compared to the ones with some experience. 

Python is the easiest to learn for potential web developers who don’t have any programming knowledge, followed by PHP. It is easy for programmers with some prior knowledge but not for beginners when it comes to Ruby. 

• Performance

Performance and robustness are some other considerable factors when it comes to choosing programming languages. The runtime of Ruby and PHP is faster as compared to Python. Security is another notable feature that shouldn’t be compromised, and PHP applications are comparatively less secured. Whereas apps built using Python and Ruby are less vulnerable. 

Database support is another factor that web developers look forward to when building a web application. Of the three languages, PHP offers vast database support, and Python also provides extensive support, though it has some limitations. Ruby offers almost the same level of support but cannot match the performance of PHP. 

• Development and Update Support

Continuous updates and development are key factors in making sure that a programming language is as per the latest trends and requirements of the market. With updates, a programming language evolves and is suitable for the fast-changing digital world. However, it is hard to say which languages receive updates very often when it comes to development and updates. 

Python and PHP receive updates faster than Ruby. Also, when it comes to supporting, developers need to consider support from peers, fellow developers, and programmers. As per the data, a vast discussion range is enjoyed by Python as compared to the other two. 

• Limitations

Apart from analyzing the advantages of using a programming language, it is required to note its weaknesses. 

i.) Limitations of PHP: 

• The language is not very modular and is hence not suitable for developing extensive and complex applications.  
• The nature of PHP is that of a scripting language and is therefore not an object-oriented language.

ii.) Limitations of Ruby: 

• The informational resources of this language are limited. 
• When it comes to supporting and updates of Ruby, it lags somewhere compared to the other languages. 
• The language is difficult to learn for beginners. 

iii.) Limitations of Python: 

• It doesn’t have a ternary operator. 
• The method modifiers and class is absent. 
• It doesn’t possess a switch. 

Advantages

Each programming language has its advantages for use in the development process. 

i.) Advantages of PHP: 

• It is a robust choice for developers and has vast database support across several servers, including Netscape, Apache, and Microsoft IIS. 
• With PHP development services, you can easily get a CMS built, and it is easy to learn for beginners.  
• It is a highly accepted programming language in the industry as compared to the other three. 

ii.) Advantages of Ruby: 

• The performance of code blocks in Ruby is high. 
• Ruby has gem libraries, and it becomes easy for developers to develop a project. 
• It is one of the most object-oriented programming languages out of the three. 
• The programming language has high usability. 

iii.) Advantages of Python: 

• It is a multipurpose language. 
• It possesses a well-defined data structure. 
• The language has some great frameworks and can be used for web development. 
• Easy to learn for beginners. 
• An object-oriented programming language. 

Conclusion

We have a detailed discussion on which programming language would be a suitable choice for web developers. However, when you hire dedicated developers, there are several factors that you need to consider to make an informed choice. A highly suitable programming language fits all your programming requirements well. However, if you are not a pro in picking a programming language, a web development company will help you decide better based on your needs. 

Author Bio:

Arjun Solanki is a Business Growth Strategist at a Leading Software Development Company. He has experience in developing and executing digital strategies for large global brands in a variety of business verticals. Apart from working on a long-lasting relationship with customers and boost business revenue, he is also interested in sharing my knowledge on various technologies and its influence on businesses through effective blog posts and article writing.