I'm completely new to programming and I'm trying to figure out which programming languages are best for building a SaaS or MicroSaaS product. I want to focus on backend development without dealing with mobile or desktop applications. I feel overwhelmed by all the YouTube tutorials that promise to teach you SaaS development quickly, especially since the ones I've seen don't mention Python as an option. I'm also confused about how to use JavaScript to build more than just basic websites. I want to understand how to handle the backend, manage databases, and actually create the core functionality of a product beyond simple coding concepts like variables and functions.
4 Answers
You should definitely consider using JavaScript along with Node.js for your backend because it's quite popular for SaaS projects. A lot of developers also use stacks like Ruby on Rails or PHP with Laravel, but sticking with JavaScript lets you keep your learning streamlined since it's also used on the front end. Just be aware that JavaScript behaves differently on the server than in the browser, which can be confusing at first. I recommend following a complete end-to-end tutorial that walks you through building a web app from scratch, so you can modify it to make it your own.
Nice contribution!
My suggestion is to get comfy with JavaScript and SQL. If you want a more versatile option, you can try Python, but it's not necessary. With just JavaScript and SQL, you can handle most of what you need for a SaaS application.
Don’t stress too much about jumping straight into building a SaaS as your first project. It might be a bit overwhelming! Start with simple projects like a to-do app to get familiar with the concepts of creating, reading, updating, and deleting data. It’s all about persistence when learning programming—keep building and you’ll see progress.
If you're unsure about JavaScript, TypeScript is a great alternative. It lets you build both the frontend and backend using one language, especially with powerful tools like NextJS for your web applications. You can also use Express for your server-side code, and integrating this all with a TypeScript ORM like Drizzle can simplify database interactions. It'll take some time to master TypeScript, but you'll be covering a lot of ground with it!
Thanks for the tips!