Why Old Back-End Technologies?

Why Old Back-End Technologies?

In the evolving world of technology, the choice of programming languages and database selection in the back-end web development process holds great importance. In this context, I will mention Java and C# as reference languages and Spring Boot and .NET as reference frameworks/library since these languages have been popular and are among the so-called "dinosaur" languages that have maintained their popularity for a long time. In this article, we will try to explain why Java and C# should still be preferred and why newly emerged scripting languages are not commonly used in large-scale back-end projects.

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I. Importance of Java and C# Languages

Java and C# are two widely used languages in back-end web application development. These languages have a long history and a large community, which makes them reliable and mature choices. Here are some reasons why Java and C# should still be preferred:

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1. Reliability and Stability: Java and C# are languages that have been used for years and have been successfully employed in many large projects. The reliability and stability they provide are important for meeting the requirements of large-scale projects.

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2. Extensive Library Support: The Java and C# ecosystems offer a wide range of libraries and frameworks. These libraries can be used to accelerate the development process and achieve overall efficiency.

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3. Portability: Java and C# can be used to develop applications that can run on various platforms. This provides the flexibility to run your applications seamlessly on different operating systems.

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4. Strong Community and Documentation: Java and C# have large and active communities. These communities can help you find solutions to your problems and assist you in the development of your projects. Additionally, the rich documentation of these languages makes the development process easier.

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5. Legacy Support: In the field of back-end development, there are often existing structures and specific database relationships, such as polymorphic relationships. It can be challenging to find these types of requirements in new technologies, as they have recently emerged. However, Java and C# languages support such requirements because they are older and have addressed these needs in the past.

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II. Why Scripting Languages Should Not Be Used?

1. Performance: Scripting languages can be slower compared to compiled languages. In large-scale projects, speed and performance are crucial factors, and compiled languages generally provide better performance. Scripting languages can lead to performance issues in applications with high traffic or intensive computational requirements.

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2. Scalability: Scripting languages may present challenges in terms of scalability for large projects. Due to their dynamic typing, these languages can make debugging and maintaining code in a large and complex codebase more difficult. Additionally, achieving good code organization and modularity is often more challenging in scripting languages.

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3. Language Capabilities: Scripting languages may not provide the same capabilities as other languages in certain situations. Compiled languages typically have stronger data processing and multithreading capabilities. Meeting these requirements can be important in large projects.

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4. Security: Scripting languages can be more vulnerable to security vulnerabilities at times. Due to their dynamic and flexible nature, scripting languages can lead to potential security vulnerabilities in case of lack of security controls or misuse.

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For these reasons, compiled languages or more performance-oriented languages may be preferred over scripting languages in large-scale projects. However, this is not always the case, and the use of different languages may be appropriate depending on the requirements and priorities of the project.

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III. So, are script languages not used at all?

Compiled languages like Java and C# are generally preferred for creating and managing microservices. Script languages, on the other hand, are typically suitable for smaller and specific tasks.

Choosing to develop the main parts of your project with Java and C# can be a correct approach. These languages offer strong type safety and performance, making them ideal for managing complex business logic in large-scale projects. For example, core business logic, database interactions, and essential services can be developed using Java or C#.

Script languages, on the other hand, can be used for more specific and lightweight tasks. They are often employed in smaller areas or auxiliary functions of the project. For instance, script languages can be used for quickly handling user interface interactions, creating automated test scenarios, or performing data transformations. Commonly used script languages such as JavaScript, Python, or Ruby are frequently preferred for these purposes.

When implementing a microservices architecture and dividing your project into different services, it means you need to choose the most suitable language for each service. Considering the complexity and performance requirements of the main services, compiled languages like Java and C# are generally considered ideal. However, using script languages for smaller, independent, and lightweight tasks can provide a more flexible and efficient development process. In this way, you can make the best use of the advantages of each language and meet the requirements of your project effectively.

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1. Older languages, particularly Java and C#, have well-developed and mature Object-Relational Mapping (ORM) solutions. These ORM solutions act as a bridge between relational databases and data access/object management. Some reasons why ORM in older languages is robust are as follows:

2. Comprehensive and Mature Tools: ORM solutions in older languages have typically matured into powerful tools through extensive development. These tools offer a range of features and functionalities that simplify database operations and optimize performance.

3. Wide Database Support: ORM solutions in older languages can support various relational database systems. This allows developers to seamlessly integrate with their preferred database system.

4. Advanced Querying and Optimization: ORM solutions in older languages provide advanced querying capabilities and performance optimization. Especially when working with large databases, ORM tools often optimize queries and offer important techniques and strategies to speed up data access.

5. Data Model Compatibility: ORM in older languages is designed to facilitate compatibility between the object-oriented programming model and relational databases. This simplifies tasks such as mapping objects to database tables and columns, managing relationships, and supporting associations between objects.

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IV. Regarding ORM

As backend developers, we generally try to avoid writing raw SQL queries due to concerns about ensuring complete security. That's why we tend to rely heavily on ORM (Object-Relational Mapping) to handle a significant portion of our projects. Scripting languages are typically known for their lightweight and flexible structures. Regarding ORM solutions, some scripting languages also offer ORM support, but usually in a more limited and less mature manner. When using ORM with scripting languages, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:

1. Performance and Scalability: Scripting languages inherently pose challenges in terms of performance and scalability when dealing with large and complex databases. Particularly in projects with high traffic or intensive data processing requirements, there may be limitations to using ORM with scripting languages.

2. Data Model Compatibility: When using ORM with scripting languages, there might be some limitations in achieving compatibility between the object-oriented programming model and relational databases. Additional steps and customizations may be required to correctly manage database relationships and complex data structures.

3. Level of Support for ORM Tools: ORM tools used with scripting languages tend to be less advanced or newer. This might mean that some features may be missing or that certain complex scenarios are not fully supported.

Legacy languages, especially ones like Java and C#, have well-established and mature ORM solutions that have been developed and refined over a long period of time. On the other hand, scripting languages with ORM might have limited features and less maturity. When using ORM with scripting languages, factors such as performance, data model compatibility, and the level of support provided by the ORM tool should be taken into account. Depending on the project, using the ORM solutions of older languages might be preferable for larger and more complex projects, while using scripting languages with ORM can be suitable for lighter and more flexible projects.

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V. Why is Relational Database Still Popular?

Popularity of Relational Databases:

1. Structured Data Storage: Relational databases are ideal for storing structured data in the form of tables and columns. This structure facilitates defining relationships between data and ensures data integrity.

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2. Advanced Query Language (SQL): SQL, which is used in relational databases, has become a standard language for querying and manipulating databases. SQL is a powerful tool for performing complex queries and data analysis.

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3. Data Integrity and Relational Constraints: Relational databases provide various constraints to ensure data integrity. For example, primary key and foreign key constraints help maintain data accuracy and consistency.

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4. ACID Compliance: Relational databases support ACID (Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, Durability) properties. These properties ensure reliability, consistency, and data integrity of transactions.

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Limitations of NoSQL Databases:

1. Flexible Structure: NoSQL databases may have a flexible data model and may be more suitable for specific use cases. However, when data is not hierarchical or relational in nature, it can be challenging to enforce data integrity and relational constraints.

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2. Query Power and Data Analysis: NoSQL databases may not offer advanced querying capabilities comparable to SQL. Especially in complex data analysis scenarios, the flexibility and power provided by SQL might be more important.

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3. Data Integrity and Constraints: NoSQL databases may not provide the same level of rigid data integrity and constraint mechanisms as relational databases. This might require additional steps to ensure data accuracy and consistency.

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4. ACID Compliance: Some NoSQL databases do not fully support ACID properties or only provide partial support. This may raise concerns regarding data integrity and the reliability of transactions.

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In conclusion, relational databases continue to maintain their popularity due to the advantages they offer in terms of structure, querying power, data integrity, and ACID compliance. NoSQL databases may be suitable for specific use cases, but they have limitations in terms of data integrity, query power, and data analysis. When selecting a database for a project, factors such as project requirements, data model, query needs, and data integrity should be considered, and an appropriate database type should be chosen.

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VI. What about existing large projects?

Existing large projects have typically grown and evolved over time. These projects are often based on older technologies and may not incorporate new technologies like microservices or NoSQL databases. There are several reasons for this:

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1. Cost and Risk Factors: Large projects create complex structures that require significant investments and resources. Embracing new technologies involves adapting to the existing infrastructure, incurring costs for training, and dealing with potential risks. Project owners also consider the potential risks and issues that new technologies may bring.

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2. Stability and Reliability: Existing projects have been tested and proven to work reliably over the years. The technologies and infrastructure used in these projects have matured to provide stability and reliability. Therefore, project owners may hesitate to adopt new technologies that may not provide the same level of reliability and stability.

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3. High Dependency and Complexity: Legacy projects may have large and complex codebases and structures. They can include different components, integrations, and dependencies. Integrating and transitioning to new technologies may introduce challenges in terms of compatibility with the existing structure and managing complexity. As a result, some projects may prefer to maintain their current infrastructure.

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Considering these factors, it is quite common for some large projects to continue using older technologies and traditional databases. These projects are built upon the reliability and stability of the existing infrastructure. However, based on technological advancements and new requirements, some projects may undergo a modernization process to adopt new technologies and database solutions. However, such transitions require careful planning due to the associated costs.

VII. So, do we need to use all of these programming languages and technologies?

The choice of programming languages and technologies you need to use will depend on the requirements, scale, and other factors of your project. Here are some tips on how to use programming languages and technologies in your backend project:

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1. Determine Project Requirements: Firstly, it is important to identify the requirements and goals of your project. Factors such as performance, scalability, data integrity, rapid prototyping, database relationships, etc., may necessitate different programming languages and technologies based on your project's needs.

2. Usability and Compatibility: If you have an existing infrastructure or codebase in your project, it may be appropriate to use the existing languages and technologies. This can facilitate integration and ensure the project progresses quickly. However, if you are developing a new project, you should choose the most suitable languages and technologies considering user expectations, market trends, and relevant technologies.

3. Reliability and Performance: In large projects, reliability and performance are significant factors. Therefore, it may be logical to use robust programming languages and technologies. Languages like Java, C#, and Python have a wide community, a stable foundation, and strong performance. These are preferred languages for large projects.

4. Flexibility and Rapid Prototyping: Script languages can be advantageous in terms of rapid prototyping and flexibility. Especially for quick interactions in small areas or user interfaces (UI), using script languages can be suitable. Script languages such as JavaScript, Ruby, or Python can be preferred options in such cases.

5. Database Selection: Database selection is also a critical factor for the success of your project. Relational databases (RDBMS) are generally more suitable for structured and complex data storage, while NoSQL databases can be preferred for scalable and flexible data structures. So, if your database system and code structure are highly interconnected and require complex SQL queries, choosing a relational database would be more appropriate. However, if you have only 3 or 4 fields without a significant relationship between them, such as a chat system, you can switch to a NoSQL database or use both types of databases simultaneously. Your database selection should be compatible with your programming language and technology choices.

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This article can guide you on which programming languages and technologies to use. Remember that technology fanaticism does not provide an advantage. Each backend project should be able to incorporate almost any technology, even if the core components are older, newer technologies can be added. However, transitioning to new technologies in a large project is not done immediately. I hope this article has provided you with sufficient information. See you in our next article.

Footnote: This article was written by? zafer ali günbey who is a Full-Stack Web Developer at?TheaTech.?Our company's Full-Stack Web Developer? zafer ali günbey is happy to share the content of this article with you, our esteemed readers.

Content writer? zafer ali günbey ?- Full-Stack Web Developer