Which New Language Should I Learn for Web Development?

a year ago

The author wants to learn a new programming language for web development that is significantly different from languages they already know (Go, Python, C++).
Key requirements include: support for both backend and frontend, compatibility with SQLite, good unit testing support, open-source, actively-maintained, and minimal 'magic' or abstraction.
Nice-to-haves include static typing, a good ebook available, and low abstraction.
Non-goals include maximum performance and high-scale optimizations.
The author evaluates several languages: Elixir/Phoenix/LiveView, Gleam/Lustre, Haskell, Ruby/Rails, PHP/Laravel, and Scala.
Elixir is appealing for its unique features and Phoenix framework, but lacks static typing and LiveView feels too 'magical'.
Gleam offers static typing and is built on Erlang, but is relatively new and lacks learning resources.
Haskell has a powerful type system and mature ecosystem, but has a steep learning curve and might be too complex.
Ruby/Rails is mature and productive but lacks static typing and doesn't feel innovative compared to Python.
PHP/Laravel has improved but the author has an aversion to PHP and found documentation lacking.
Scala has interesting typing features but feels too entwined with Java and the web frameworks are unexciting.
The author concludes that Gleam is the best match, with Elixir as a close second, and Haskell as a future option.

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