This is going to be a quick post to share my views on the reality of choosing a programming language and why there is no single best programming language.
In practice, most developers use the tools they are comfortable with — and that’s perfectly fine. The idea that one language is always better than another simply doesn’t reflect how real-world software projects are built.
I often find myself frustrated by programming-related YouTube content where creators endlessly promote {insert language here} as the best language for every project, or worse, claim it’s the only language you’ll ever need to learn. That mindset is misleading and unhelpful, especially for beginners.
How to Choose the Right Programming Language for a Project
Whenever I start a new software project, before writing a single line of code, I focus on one thing: choosing the best tool for the job. The programming language I select depends entirely on the project’s requirements and the output I need.
Here are a few examples of how I choose a programming language based on the type of project.
Examples of Programming Languages by Project Type
Static websites: If I’m building a website that is completely static and will never — or very rarely — be updated, I’ll use WinterCMS.
Content-driven websites and blogs: If the site will be updated frequently with blog posts or content changes, I’ll use WinterCMS or WordPress, depending on what best fits the project.
Web applications: For fully functional web applications that involve user interaction, I’ll usually choose between Laravel,** Ruby on Rails**, or Go.
Data analytics projects: For data analysis and data processing work, I primarily use Python, sometimes combined with Go to sanitise or process data, depending on the use case.
Automation and embedded systems: When working on automation projects using microcontroller boards that require low-level programming, I’ll use C++, Rust, Java, or Go.
Why There Is No Single Best Programming Language
As these examples show, I don’t rely on one programming language for every project — although I’ve tried. Instead, I choose what I believe is the most suitable tool for the job.
One trend I see more and more in the programming community is developers arguing or criticising others over language choice. People insist you must use X, Y, or Z — but in reality, you should use the language you’re most productive and comfortable with. You don’t need to chase the newest or trendiest language just because it’s popular.
The majority of my projects are built using PHP or Ruby. Both languages have existed since 1994, yet they are still widely used today in production systems around the world.
Final Thoughts on Choosing a Programming Language
The main takeaway is simple: it doesn’t really matter which programming language you choose for your next project.
What truly matters is writing clean, readable, and maintainable code. If your codebase is easy to understand and maintain over time, you’ve already made the right choice — regardless of the language.