10 Best Programming Language for Banking Software in 2024

Information technology reshapes every industry, including finance, where banking software is introduced. Innovations like IoT in supply chains, AI in software testing, and big data in retail have enhanced efficiency and customer experience. Financial technology, utilizing tools like mobile apps, machine learning, and blockchain, offers solutions that surpass traditional methods in accessibility and cost-effectiveness.

The finance sector is competitive, with few standout solutions. Historically, C++ and Java were preferred for banking app development, but their relevance may be diminishing due to rapid changes in programming languages. Each language has its advantages and ongoing improvements to maintain relevance. Below are the best programming language for banking software available in 2024.

I. 10 Best Programming Language for Banking Software

1. Python

Python is a leading programming language in finance and banking, widely used in various fields including web application development, scientific computing, and data science. It holds 27.99% of the market share and is preferred for its simplicity and readability. Python is distinct from other languages as it uses whitespace indentation to structure code, instead of relying on keywords and brackets.

Why is Python recommended for Banking?

• Cost-Effective: Python is open-source, which means it is free to use and distribute. This particularly benefits startups and businesses looking to save on licensing costs.
• Data Analysis and Visualization: Python’s capabilities in processing data make it ideal for analyzing and visualizing large financial datasets.
• Rapid Prototyping: Python facilitates quick prototyping, which is useful for testing and developing new financial algorithms and models.
• Integration Support: Python can easily integrate with other platforms and languages, simplifying connections with existing financial systems and APIs.

2. Java

Java, an object-oriented programming language, was developed by Sun Microsystems in 1995. It is designed to be user-friendly and flexible, allowing it to run on various operating systems without needing code changes. It also scales well, making it suitable for managing large data volumes. Many global banks use Java for their financial platforms and systems, including corporate banking portals, electronic trading platforms, and customer-facing applications. Despite being over 28 years old and the emergence of new programming languages, Java remains a trusted choice for developing banking applications.

Why is Java recommended for Banking?

• Platform Independence: Java’s cross-platform compatibility makes it an excellent choice for banking applications that must operate across different operating systems.
• High Level of Security: Java includes built-in authentication mechanisms and security protocols, which help keep financial data secure and prevent unauthorized access.
• Reliability and Stability: Java’s strong typing, strict compliance, and exception handling contribute to developing robust, error-free banking applications.
• Mature Ecosystem: Java offers a wide range of open-source libraries and frameworks tailored for banking development, facilitating the creation of complex applications.

3. C++

C++ is a programming language that originated in the 1970s, building on C with added features and higher-level abstractions. It retains C’s core advantages and supports both object-oriented and procedural programming, making it suitable for writing efficient, modular code. C++ is commonly used in applications requiring high security and reliability, such as banking softaware, where it excels in performance and speed due to its ability to run low-latency programs.

Why is C++ recommended for Banking?

• High Performance and Efficiency: C++ executes quickly and can manage large data volumes, making it ideal for algorithmic trading or real-time calculations.
• Low-level Control: C++ programmers can manipulate memory and access hardware interfaces directly, enhancing performance, especially in complex financial calculations.
• Mathematical Libraries: C++ offers a variety of mathematical libraries, which are crucial for numerical methods and statistical analysis in banking applications.
• Legacy Compatibility: Many existing banking systems are built in C, making C++ a practical choice for compatibility and integration.

More banking & fintech insights: 

The Importance of Generative AI in Banking Industry

Top 7 Fintech Trends Are Reshaping Finance (2024-2025)

4. C# 

C# is a modern programming language derived from C++ and is highly utilized in banking and finance. It ranks fourth in banking and fourth in finance according to HackerRank. As an object-oriented language, C# is essential for developing dynamic applications within the Microsoft .NET ecosystem. It shares its heritage with the C language family, making it recognizable to those familiar with C++ and Java. This background makes C# particularly valuable for professionals in the finance and banking sectors.

Why is C# Recommended for Banking?

• Framework Compatibility: C# is crucial for organizations using Microsoft’s .NET framework to develop applications.
• Purpose-Built: Designed specifically for the .NET framework, C# enhances simplicity and security in application development.
• Community Support: C# benefits from a large user community and a comprehensive set of development tools.

5. Ruby 

Ruby is a programming language praised for its simplicity and productivity, making it popular among startups, particularly in the banking industry. It is often used with the Ruby on Rails framework, which developers choose for its ease of use and built-in security features—both cost and time savers.

Introduced in 1995 as a free, open-source language, Ruby was created by Yukihiro “Matz” Matsumoto. He aimed to design a straightforward yet internally complex language. Ruby gained significant traction by introducing the Ruby on Rails framework, which was widely adopted for web application development.

Ruby is well-suited for banking software due to its speed, security, and flexibility. It is commonly used to develop financial tools like payment systems and dashboards. The Rails framework simplifies coding and accelerates the development process. For startups aiming to develop their first minimum viable product (MVP), Ruby is a strong choice.

Why is Ruby Recommended for Banking?

• Simplicity: Ruby’s clear syntax allows easier writing and maintenance of complex banking code.
• Ruby on Rails: This framework provides tools and libraries that expedite web development tasks essential in banking.
• Security: Rails inherently protects against common threats like SQL injection and XSS, crucial for banking software security.
• Cost-Effective: Faster development with Ruby can lead to reduced costs in software creation and upkeep.
• Flexibility: Ruby supports multiple programming styles, enabling tailored solutions for specific banking needs.
• Community Support: A strong developer community and extensive libraries facilitate the implementation of advanced banking functionalities.

6. SQL 

SQL (Structured Query Language) is designed to manage and manipulate relational databases, making it highly relevant to finance and banking. Unlike general-purpose languages, SQL is domain-specific and primarily used to enhance database functionality, including data storage and strategic analysis. It is crucial in statistical modeling and data processing for large projects. As financial apps grow and user numbers increase, SQL’s significance in banking also rises.

Why is SQL recommended for banking software?

• Querying and Reporting: SQL’s advanced querying abilities enable financial analysts to gather and summarize large datasets efficiently. This facilitates the production of detailed reports and supports necessary modifications.
• Relational Data Management: SQL provides structured data storage and efficient querying for managing relational datasets. This assists developers in handling complex business logic.
• Data Integrity and Consistency: SQL maintains data consistency and integrity by supporting ACID (Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, Durability) properties.
• Scalability and Performance: SQL efficiently handles complex queries, supporting high transaction volumes and ensuring system responsiveness.

7. JavaScript

JavaScript Developed by Brendan Eich in 1995, JavaScript has become a leading programming language in the technology sector. It is used primarily for adding interactivity and dynamic content to web pages, such as enhancing website functionality and manipulating elements on the page. Originally known for its role in frontend web development, JavaScript now also plays a significant role in the banking industry, particularly in creating interactive web applications that enhance user experience and facilitate API integration.

Why is JavaScript recommended in banking software?

• Mobile Development: JavaScript allows businesses to serve users on both iOS and Android platforms through a single codebase, utilizing frameworks like React Native and Ionic.
• API Integration: JavaScript enables banking applications to integrate with APIs, supporting features such as account aggregation, payment processing, and data analysis.
• Server-side Development: JavaScript, used with Node.js, offers a scalable environment for backend operations and efficiently handles them.
• Data Visualization: In banking, JavaScript is essential for financial data visualization, using libraries like D3.js and Chart.js to produce interactive charts, graphs, and dashboards