Top 15 Blockchain Programming Languages in 2024

Between 2017 and 2020, the demand for Blockchain surged by nearly 2000%, making it a prized technology in the industry. By 2024, the Blockchain market is projected to reach $20 billion.

As Blockchain reaches new sectors, organizations are eager to hire blockchain developers.

With the rising demand for blockchain app developers, staying competitive is paramount. Technology enthusiasts must learn the best blockchain programming language to keep pace.

Therefore, this article explores the best blockchain programming language, offering practical insights for your next project.

I. 15 Best Blockchain Programming Languages in 2024

1. Solidity 

Solidity is the top choice for Blockchain development Programming language among developers worldwide, offering stability and widespread usage. Mastering Solidity is essential whether you’re new to programming or seasoned in the field.

Developed by Gavin Wood in 2014, Solidity is a statically typed language with curly-braces syntax specifically tailored for creating smart contracts to operate on the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM). Influenced by Java, C++, and PowerShell, its key architect is Vitalik Buterin, the creator of Ethereum. Now, let’s look into the pros and cons of Solidity:

Pros:

• Solidity offers a reliable and adaptable coding framework tailored for smart contracts.
• Its simplicity makes it easy to use, catering to developers of varying skill levels.
• Solidity ensures secure and reliable execution of smart contracts between parties, thanks to its high accuracy rate.
• Application Binary Interface (ABI): Solidity offers multiple type-safe functions, facilitating robust communication between contracts.

Cons:

• Once a contract is deployed in Solidity, it cannot be altered or updated, which can pose challenges if modifications are necessary.
• Solidity may sometimes struggle to achieve sufficient code coverage, potentially leading to unforeseen issues in smart contracts.
• A lack of centralized documentation for known vulnerabilities could impede developers’ ability to address security concerns effectively.

2. Java

Java, one of the most widely used programming languages, plays a significant role in Blockchain Programming for platforms like Ethereum, Hyperledger Fabric, IOTA, NEO, and others. Created in 1995 by James Gosling, Java offers robust support for Application Programming Interface (API) and class-based object-oriented programming, making it a preferred choice for blockchain development. This domain extensively utilizes its key features, including API, OOP, and Portability.

Pros:

• Java’s Write Once Run Anywhere (WORA) feature enables it to run on any platform.
• Its flexibility makes it easier for developers to work with.
• Java’s security manager helps mitigate security threats by controlling access to classes.

Cons:

• Java tends to be slower and more memory-intensive than C or C++.
• Java primarily focuses on memory management, which may deter some developers.
• Java’s verbosity, characterized by many keywords and lengthy code, distinguishes it from native applications.

More knowledge about blockchain:

Blockchain in Finance: An In-depth Guide

Blockchain Development Process and How to Apply It to Your Industry

3. Python 

Python is a great choice for beginners in Blockchain Programming because of its simplicity and wide usage. It has shortcodes and is open-source, allowing for flexibility with resources and plugins. Python supports Object-Oriented Programming and is commonly used in Blockchain Development, Machine Learning, and Artificial Intelligence.

Popular GUI options like PyQt5 and Tk assist in creating applications for Blockchain Programming.

Pros:

• Python’s step-by-step execution aids in error detection and debugging.
• Its simplicity enables users to focus more on understanding code rather than syntax.
• Python offers a vast library, reducing dependency on external ones.
• Shorter code length due to its English-like syntax.

Cons:

• Not ideal for cell phones due to rigidity.
• Runtime errors can occur due to dynamic typing.
• Python consumes more memory, resulting in slower execution.

4. C++

Developers in Blockchain Programming prefer using C++ due to its runtime polymorphism, function overloading, and multi-threading capabilities. It offers flexibility in shaping data to fit developers’ requirements and sees extensive use in Blockchain programming, including projects like Stellar, Ripple, and Bitcoin.

Pros:

• It’s an Object-Oriented Programming language, making it easier to use than binary coding languages.
• Data hiding ensures security, unlike many other high-level languages.
• Easy to learn and use.
• Being a multi-paradigm language, it executes faster than Java.

Cons:

• Lacks garbage pickup.
• Complexity grows with code length.
• Primarily used for platform-specific applications, unlike Java.

5. Ruby

Ruby, developed by Yukihiro “Matz” in the mid-1990s, is a high-level and general-purpose programming language. It allows blockchain developers to prototype their ideas using open-source third-party APIs and plugins quickly. Ruby lets developers combine its features with other languages to create more powerful platforms.

Pros:

• Multi-Paradigm Language
• Strong developer community for Rail frameworks (Ruby on Rails)
• Compatible with both Windows and PIOX

Cons:

• Debugging can be challenging, and runtime errors may occur
• Less flexible and not as popular among developers
• Relatively slow processing speed

6. Go

The Go programming language has gained significant traction in Blockchain development. It boasts a combination of user-friendliness, scalability, flexibility, and speed, drawing parallels with JavaScript and Python. This makes it a preferred choice for creating tailored Blockchain solutions.

Two prominent Blockchain solutions built with Go are Go-Ethereum and Hyperledger Fabric.

Pros:

• Go’s virtual runtime often outperforms traditional programming languages.
• Despite being static, Go provides a dynamic feel, reducing syntax errors and facilitating web application development.
• Designed for efficient development, Go’s garbage collection streamlines tasks.
• Syntaxes in Go are well-structured.

Cons:

• Loss of error tracking may necessitate repair functions, leading to lengthy code blocks for error identification.
• Due to its youth in the tech realm, accessing some of its libraries can be challenging for developers.
• Without a defined niche, Go’s code reusability is limited compared to other languages.
• Although the number of packages is growing, Go’s standard library contains many features that obviate the need for third-party assistance.

7. C#

C# is a widely used open-source programming language crafted by Microsoft, commonly pronounced as “C Sharp”. Visual Studio Magazine estimates its user base at around 5 to 8 million developers worldwide. Noteworthy Blockchain platforms like Stratis, NEO, and IOTA rely on C# for their programming needs. C# employs straightforward Object-Oriented and Extensible Markup Language methods, simplifying development without requiring extensive developer intervention.

Pros:

• Extensive library classes facilitate menu function usage and implementation.
• Developers working with C# face fewer memory management issues compared to those using C++.
• The Assembly concept streamlines version control concerns effectively.
• It can provide support for distributed systems.

Cons:

• Limited access to low-level functionalities like direct hardware interaction via drivers and firmware.
• Lacks an independent compiler.
• Relies on byte codes and the JIT compiler for bridging the gap between machine code and hardware, resulting in longer execution times.

8. Simplicity

Simplicity, created by Rachelle O’Connor, aims to simplify blockchain programming by reducing the need for deep understanding. Previously, blockchain programs fell into two categories: expressive but unreliable, or basic and reliable. Simplicity seeks to bridge this gap.

Designed to integrate seamlessly with Blockstream’s Elements platform, Simplicity offers Liquid Network users access to advanced smart contracts like trust-reduced escrow and vault systems.

Pros:

• Other languages have experienced fund theft or unrecoverable losses due to contract errors. Simplicity mitigates these risks.
• The development of EVM faced issues during testing, whereas Simplicity ensures reliable results.

Cons:

• Code optimizers for Simplicity are still in development.
• Ensuring full verification of smart contracts requires integrating functional and formal correctness of cryptographic protocols.

9. Rholang

Rholang, a newcomer to the tech scene, is one of the best programming languages for blockchain development. It’s user-friendly, with clear syntax displayed on-screen, reducing developers’ cognitive load. Rholang operates within the Rchain environment.

Pros:

• Reliable and secure.
• User-friendly, offering flexibility in programming.
• Designed for fast blockchain development.

Cons:

• Limited market presence, leading to fewer users.
• Newcomers may find it challenging due to the lack of widespread adoption.

10. PHP 

As an open-source and platform-independent language powered by Zend Engine, PHP can be used across various operating systems. Its source distribution includes an extensible library that simplifies the work of blockchain developers.

Due to its popularity, PHP is commonly employed in blockchain programming and is recommended by many web application developers. Until 2014, PHP evolved without a formal written specification, but since then, a formal specification has been in use.

Pros:

• PHP is open-source, making it easily installable and usable.
• It works seamlessly across different operating systems.
• Its simplicity facilitates quick learning and easy usage.
• The built-in database connection module reduces the time and effort required for web application development.

Cons:

• Not ideal for large content-based web applications.
• Core functions and methodologies cannot be modified.
• Runtime errors occur frequently.
• Managing PHP can be challenging due to its similarity to Java’s features.

11. Erlang 

Consider Erlang for your future in Blockchain development. While not as widely recognized as languages like Java, JavaScript, and Python, Erlang offers unparalleled backend support, scalability, immutability, inherent fault tolerance, and more. These features make it ideal for constructing peer-to-peer networks within Blockchain environments.

Pros:

• Erlang’s built-in concurrency, distribution, and fault tolerance support is ideal for building scalable and robust blockchain systems.
• Its lightweight processes enable efficient parallel execution, enhancing blockchain application performance.
• Pattern matching and immutable data structures simplify complex logic and smart contract development.
• Hot code swapping allows for seamless updates without downtime.

Cons:

• While great for concurrency, its single-threaded model may limit performance in certain tasks.
• Its ecosystem for blockchain development may not be as mature as other languages.
• Interoperability and managing Erlang-based systems may require specialized expertise.

12. CX 

CX now ranks as the top programming language for blockchain. It serves as a digital intermediary for contracts, boasting features like straightforward error handling and the ability to utilize advanced features such as slices, pointers, and arrays. Additionally, it improves upon Go by eliminating the need for executing unnecessary code, a significant concern for modern businesses. Furthermore, it seamlessly integrates with OpenGL (Open Graphics Library), enhancing GPU performance for blockchain developers.

Pros:

• CX facilitates secure transactions on the blockchain.
• Offers features like error control, advanced data structures, and enhanced development.
• Overcomes unnecessary code execution, improving efficiency.
• Integrates with OpenGL for enhanced graphics performance.

Cons:

• Smaller developer community means fewer resources.
• Emerging language may have bugs impacting stability.
• Integration with OpenGL introduces external dependencies.