Blockchain technology is revolutionising the way we interact with the world around us. It is used to create secure and tamper-proof digital records of transactions, and it has the potential to disrupt a wide range of industries.
One of the key components of blockchain technology is the programming language used to develop blockchain applications. There are many different blockchain programming languages available, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.
This article will discuss the top 10 best blockchain programming languages and consider factors such as the specific needs of the project, the experience and skills of the team, the availability of resources, and the future of the language to give you best reliable advice.
Table of Contents
1. About Blockchain App Development
1.1. What is Blockchain App Development?
A blockchain is a distributed ledger technology (DLT) that securely records transactions and tracks assets—whether those are physical assets, like money or real estate, or nonphysical assets, like copyrights—within a network.
Blockchain development is the process of building, maintaining, and designing blockchain apps and systems. It is a complex process that requires a deep understanding of the underlying technology.
>>> Read more: Blockchain App Development in 2023: Step-by-step Instructions
1.2. Benefits of blockchain apps
Blockchain technology has a number of advantages over traditional systems, including:
- Security: Blockchain is a very secure technology, as it uses cryptography to protect data. This makes it difficult for hackers to tamper with or steal data stored on a blockchain.
- Transparency: Blockchain is a transparent technology, as all transactions are recorded on a public ledger. This makes it easy to track and audit transactions, and to ensure that they are accurate and legitimate.
- Immutability: Once data is stored on a blockchain, it cannot be changed or deleted. This makes blockchain ideal for applications where data integrity is critical, such as supply chain management and financial services.
- Efficiency: Blockchain can streamline transactions and reduce costs by eliminating the need for third parties. This is because blockchain transactions are processed directly between two parties, without the need for a financial institution or other intermediary.
- Trust: Blockchain can help to build trust between parties by providing a secure and transparent record of transactions. This is important for applications where trust is essential, such as crowdfunding and cross-border payments.
These advantages make blockchain a promising technology with the potential to revolutionise a wide range of industries, such as supply chain, finance, healthcare, government, etc.
2. Top 10 Best Blockchain Programming Languages
2.1. Solidity
Solidity is the most popular blockchain programming language for developing smart contracts, which are the applications that run on blockchains. This language is recommended by developers all over the world as it is easy to learn, whether you are a fresher or an experienced developer.
It is a statically typed, curly-braces programming language designed for developing smart contracts that run on the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM).
Here are some of the pros and cons of using Solidity for blockchain app development:
Pros:
- Designed for blockchain such as the ability to manage digital assets and enforce business logic.
- Large Community
- Extensible: This can be useful for adding functionality to smart contracts or for improving performance.
- Auditable
- Open-source
Cons:
- New: It is still under development and there may be some bugs or security vulnerabilities.
- Not as powerful as some other languages, such as C++ or Java
Overall, Solidity is a good choice for developing smart contracts that will be deployed on the Ethereum blockchain. It is a powerful language that is easy to learn and use.
2.2. Java
Java is a general-purpose programming language that is known for its security, scalability, and portability. It is a good blockchain programming language for developing a wide variety of blockchain apps, including Hyperledger Fabric and Corda.
It is a compiled language, with byte code that can run on any Java Virtual Machine (JVM) regardless of the underlying operating system. Java also has a variety of Application Programming Interface (API) that includes many Java classes, packages, interfaces, etc. Java applications are typically compiled to bytecode that can run on a Java Virtual Machine (JVM), which is an interpreter and runtime environment for Java bytecode. This makes Java platform-independent, meaning that the same Java code can run on any platform that has a JVM.
Pros:
- Portability: Java code can run on any platform that has a JVM
- Security
- Robustness
- Multithreading
- Distributed
- Large Community
Cons:
- Lack of support for low-level programming
- Not as flexible as some other languages: Java is a statically typed language, which means that the types of variables and expressions must be declared before they are used.
If you are in the development process and considering which blockchain programming language can be used to create a product with high performance, security or scalability, then consider Java.
2.3. Python
Python is becoming increasingly popular among blockchain programming languages due to its simplicity and readability.
It is a general-purpose, high-level programming language. Python’s design philosophy emphasises code readability with the use of significant indentation. Its language constructs and object-oriented approach aim to help programmers write clear, logical code for small and large-scale projects.
Pros:
- Easy to learn
- Readability, making it easy to maintain and debug.
- Powerful: Python can be used to develop a wide variety of applications.
- Flexible, from simple scripting to complex data analysis.
- Object-oriented
- Open-source
- Community
Cons:
- Less Security: Python is a dynamically typed language, which means that the types of variables and expressions are not checked at compile time. This can make it easier for errors to slip into code.
- Lack of libraries:. This can make it more difficult to find the functionality that you need for your application.
Overall, if you are hesitating about choosing a blockchain programming language that helps create flexibility and readability, then you may want to consider this language.
2.4. C++
C++ is a powerful blockchain programming language that is known for its performance and efficiency.
C++ is a general-purpose, compiled, multi-paradigm, statically typed, object-oriented programming language. It was developed by Bjarne Stroustrup starting in 1979 as an extension of the C programming language, and its design philosophy emphasises performance and efficiency.
Pros:
- Performance: C++ is a compiled language, which makes it faster than interpreted languages.
- Efficiency: C++ is a statically typed language, which helps to prevent errors and improve the performance of code.
- Object-oriented: It is easy to develop modular and reusable code using C++.
- Multi-paradigm: C++ gives developers flexibility in how they approach problem solving.
- Portability: C++ code can be compiled for a variety of platforms
- Security: memory management, type safety…
Cons:
- Complexity
- Difficult to debug
- Memory management: C++ requires manual memory management, which can be error-prone.
Overall, C++ would be a good choice for considering blockchain programming language that develops high throughput and low latency.
2.5. JavaScript
JavaScript is popular for web development. It is also a good blockchain programming language that creates blockchain apps run on the web, such as decentralised applications (dApps).
JavaScript is a lightweight, interpreted, or just-in-time compiled programming language with first-class functions. It is a multi-paradigm language, supporting object-oriented, imperative, and functional programming styles. Its design is based on prototype-based object-orientation, and supports automatic garbage collection.
Pros:
- Easy to learn
- Interpreted: JavaScript is not compiled into machine code before it is executed. This makes it easy to develop and debug JavaScript code.
- Cross-platform: JavaScript can be run on a variety of platforms, including Windows, Mac, Linux, and mobile devices
- Open-source
- Community
- Library: There are many libraries available for JavaScript, including libraries for blockchain development. This can make it easier to find the functionality that you need for your application.
Cons:
- Performance: JavaScript is not as fast as some other blockchain programming languages. This blockchain programming language may find it hard to develop high-performance apps.
- Security: JavaScript is an interpreted language, which means that it can be manipulated by malicious code, it is not as secure as some other programming languages .
- Scalability: JavaScript is an interpreted language, which can make it slow to execute code for large applications.
- Lack of support for low-level programming: JavaScript does not provide direct access to hardware, which can make it difficult for blockchain app development that require low-level programming.
Overall, JavaScript is a good choice for choosing a blockchain programming language that makes accessibility to many platforms.
2.6. Go
Go is a relatively new programming language that is gaining popularity among other blockchain programming languages. It is known for its simplicity, concurrency, and scalability.
Also known as Golang, Go is a statically typed, compiled programming language developed by Google in 2009. It is designed to be simple, reliable, and efficient.
Pros:
- Simple.
- Compiled: Go is converted into machine code before it is executed. This makes Go programs faster than interpreted languages, such as JavaScript.
- Concurrent: Go can handle multiple tasks at the same time. This makes it a good choice for blockchain app development that needs to handle a lot of traffic.
- Efficient
- Security, such as memory safety and type safety.
- Open-source
- Large and Active Community
Cons:
- Learning curve: Go has a steeper learning curve than some other programming languages. This can make it difficult for beginners to learn.
- Not as flexible as some other languages, such as JavaScript. This can make it difficult for blockchain app development that requires a lot of customisation.
To sum up, you may want to consider using Go as a blockchain programming language that creates both efficiency and security.
2.7. C#
C# (See Sharp) is a general-purpose programming language that is used to develop a wide variety of applications, including blockchain app development. It is known for its performance and security.
This language was created by Microsoft in 2002, it is known as a multi-paradigm, statically typed, compiled programming language and can be used to develop a variety of applications.
Pros:
- Simple, especially for programmers who are familiar with other programming languages, such as C++ or Java.
- Object-oriented: C# is easy to develop modular and reusable code.
- Statically typed: C# helps to prevent errors and improve the performance of code.
- Compiled: C# makes C# programs faster than interpreted languages, such as JavaScript.
- Multi-platform: C# code can be compiled for a variety of platforms.
- Open-source
- Large Community
- Interoperability
Cons:
- Using and interacting directly with hardware is tough: C# is not a low-level language, which means that it does not provide direct access to hardware. This can make it difficult for blockchain app development that needs to interact with hardware, such as smart contracts that need to interact with sensors or actuators.
- No independent compiler: C# code is compiled to .NET bytecode, which can only be executed on the .NET Framework. This means that C# applications cannot be easily ported to other platforms, such as Linux or macOS.
- Execution is lengthy and time-consuming: C# code is compiled to machine code, which is then executed by the CPU. This process can be lengthy and time-consuming, especially for large applications.
If you are undecided in picking a blockchain programming language that can help build a secure, scalability and fast blockchain app, using C#.
2.8. Rust
Rust is a blockchain programming language that is designed to be safe, fast, and reliable. It is used for blockchain app development, such as smart contracts and decentralised applications.
It is a multi-paradigm, general-purpose programming language. As we describe below, Rust’s memory safe feature means that it does not allow memory leaks or undefined behaviours.
Pros:
- Memory safety: Rust does not allow memory leaks or undefined behaviour.
- Performance: Rust is designed to be as efficient as possible, both in terms of memory usage and execution speed
- Safety, such as type safety and memory safety.
- Expressiveness: Rust has a number of features that allow developers to write concise and readable code.
- Concurrency: Rust has a number of features that allow developers to write code that can run concurrently on multiple threads or cores.
- Modular: Rust has a number of features that allow developers to break down their code into small, reusable modules.
Cons:
- Learning curve: Rust is a relatively new language, and it has a steeper learning curve than some other languages, such as JavaScript. This can make it difficult for beginners to learn.
- Toolchain: The Rust toolchain can be complex and difficult to use. This can make it difficult for developers to get started with Rust.
Overall, Rust is a suitable blockchain programming language that may help you achieve high security and performance in your blockchain app.
2.9. Ruby
Ruby is a general-purpose programming language that is known for its simplicity and productivity. Created in 1995 by Yukihiro Matsumoto, Ruby follows the convention over configuration principle, which means that developers are encouraged to use conventions instead of explicit configuration.
Pros:
- Easy to learn
- Expressive: Ruby has a number of features that allow developers to write concise and readable code..
- Large Community
- Libraries: There are a number of libraries available for Ruby that can be used to develop blockchain applications.
- Scalability
Cons:
- Performance: Ruby is not as fast as some other programming languages
- Security: Ruby is a dynamically typed language, which means that the types of variables and expressions are not declared before they are used.
Overall, if you want to choose a blockchain programming language that help you make it easy to maintain and update, then you may want to consider using Ruby.
2.10. Scala
Scala is a programming language that combines the features of object-oriented programming and functional programming. It is powerful, versatile and especially well-suited for blockchain development.
Scala was created by Martin Odersky in 2003. It is a general-purpose, multi-paradigm and can help to improve the performance of applications.
Pros:
- Static typing: The types of variables and expressions must be declared before they are used. This helps to prevent errors and improve the performance of code.
- Functional programming: Scala supports functional programming, which can help to write code that is more concise, readable, and maintainable.
- Concurrency: Scala has the ability to run multiple tasks at the same time
- Interoperability: Scala is interoperable with Java, which means that Scala code can be run on the Java Virtual Machine (JVM). This makes it easy to use Scala to develop applications that need to interact with existing Java code.
- Large community
Cons:
- Not as well-suited for some tasks: Scala is not as well-suited for some tasks, such as web development. This is because Scala is not as widely supported by web frameworks as some other languages.
This blockchain programming language could make it easier to develop blockchain applications that are scalable, maintainable and secure.
3. How to Choose your Best Suited Programing Language for Blockchain App Development
The best blockchain programming language for blockchain app development depends on the specific application and the needs of the developer. However, the languages listed above are all good choices for blockchain app development.
Here are some factors to consider when choosing a blockchain programming language:
The security requirements of the application
Some languages, such as C++ and Rust, are better suited for applications that require high security.
The scalability requirements of the application
The type of blockchain application you are developing will determine the specific features and functionality that you need from the programming language. For example, if you are developing a decentralised application (dApp), you will need a language that supports concurrency and scalability. Some languages, such as Go and Rust, are better suited for applications that need to scale to a large number of users.
The developer’s experience and preferences
Some languages, such as Python and JavaScript, are easier to learn than others. By the way, you should ask your team to choose the language that the team is familiar with and comfortable using.
The availability of resources
There should be a good availability of resources for the programming language you choose. This includes documentation, tutorials, and a community of developers who can help with problems.
The future of the language
The programming language you choose should be one that is actively maintained and developed. This will ensure that it is supported in the future and that you will be able to find developers who are familiar with it.
Ultimately, the best blockchain programming language for your project will depend on your specific needs and requirements. It is important to weigh all of the factors involved before making a decision.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the best blockchain programming language for your project will depend on your specific needs and requirements, as well as the features and future of the language. However, the blockchain programming languages discussed in this article are all good choices for developing secure, scalable, and reliable blockchain applications.
We hope that this article has helped you to choose the best blockchain programming language for your project. Good luck!
However, if you need services right here and now, we offer you our expertise. When you choose to work with AgileTech, you will receive huge tech support as we have 8 years of software development experience with blockchain technologies. We have a proven record of building high-quality blockchain apps for clients around the world, using the best suited blockchain programming languages. If you need further information and consultation for your project, feel free to fill out this form to meet our IT experts!