I'm a total newbie when it comes to backend development, having only dabbled in front-end programming. I'm interested in creating a forum-like website and want to know which backend language would be best for me to start with. Any recommendations?
5 Answers
What languages do you already know? If you're familiar with C or C++, Rust could be a solid pick. You can also use Python, but keep in mind it might not scale well. However, if you already know it, it could still serve your purpose. Alternatively, there are many open-source forum options to consider.
As someone who started learning web development recently, I can say TypeScript has been a clear winner for my backend. My setup is based on Elysia, and it works pretty well for me. I did try Java and Python, but they didn't quite fit my needs as much.
Go is an excellent choice for learning backend development. It's lower-level than many frameworks, which helps you understand the underlying concepts better.
If you've already got some JavaScript skills from front-end development, I recommend going with Node.js and Express. It allows you to use the same language for both the front and back end, making things a lot simpler. Plus, for a forum, you'll need a database, and I think Postgres with Prisma is a fantastic combo to start with!
Ruby on Rails is another great option! It's super beginner-friendly and lets you build apps quickly. Definitely worth checking out!

You mean Node with Fastify, right?