In the ever-evolving landscape of programming languages, where trends shift constantly and new options emerge regularly, the process of choosing the right language version for your product development has become significantly more intricate and daunting. Gone are the days when making a choice between, for instance, Java and C, was a simple decision. Today, even after settling on a language like Java, you’re immediately faced with a series of additional questions: Java 8 or 17? Spring Boot or MVC? The decision-making process has transformed into a complex, multi-layered challenge.

This complexity becomes even more pronounced when you’re dealing with legacy systems built on older language versions while simultaneously embarking on a new product development journey. In such scenarios, the desire to harness the remarkable features of the latest language versions must be balanced against the potential need to forgo certain capabilities exclusive to those newer iterations, adding an extra layer of intricacy to your decision-making process.

If you’re a new developer who has recently joined a tech team, chances are you’ve wondered aloud at some point, ‘Why do they insist on using such an old language (outdated language version) when there are newer ones that make it easier to create better and more attractive user interfaces?’ Trust me, they’re aware of this dilemma — it’s just not a straightforward decision.

In this article, we will delve into the factors that can serve as a compass for you as a technical lead when selecting the ideal programming language version and framework. Additionally, we aim to provide developers with insights into the rationale behind their technical lead’s choice of language for the team’s use.

1.Project Requirements:

What is the type of environment for the project — web solution, mobile, cross-platform, etc.?

Understand the specific requirements of your project. Consider factors such as the type of application (web, mobile, desktop), performance needs, scalability requirements, and the domain of the application (e.g., finance, healthcare, gaming). Different languages and versions may be better suited to different types of projects.

2.Performance:

Is your chosen language and version up to the task of delivering the performance your project demands?

Depending on your project’s requirements, you may need to prioritize performance. Some languages and versions are better optimized for specific tasks. Evaluate the performance characteristics of your options.

3.Community and Ecosystem:

Does the programming language have proper community ecosystem support?

A strong and active developer community can provide valuable support, libraries, and resources. Check if the language/version you’re considering has a vibrant community and a well-established ecosystem of third-party tools and libraries.

4.Long-term Support:

Is it going to work over the long term? Is vendor support available?

Consider the long-term support and stability of the language and version. Will security updates and bug fixes be available? Is the language/vendor committed to maintaining the version you choose?

5.Costs:

What is project budget and resources allocated?

when it comes to costs, it’s essential to factor in the licensing expenses tied to the language and any proprietary tools or frameworks in your toolkit. Keep in mind that open-source languages often present a cost-effective alternative, potentially freeing up resources for other critical aspects of your project.

6.Scalability:

Are you aiming for a future where your product not only succeeds but scales seamlessly to meet growing demands?

If your product is expected to scale over time, choose a language and version that can handle this growth efficiently. Consider factors like concurrent processing, load balancing, and distributed computing capabilities.

7.Third-party Integrations:

Are you aiming for a development process that flows seamlessly, effortlessly integrating with other systems and services?

In that case, it’s crucial to check if your chosen language and version offer robust support for third-party integrations, ensuring compatibility with popular APIs and libraries to simplify your development journey.

8.Team Skillset:

Are experienced developers available for the programming language?

Assess the skillset of your development team. It’s often wise to choose a language and version that your team is proficient in. This can lead to faster development, fewer errors, and better maintainability.

9.Cross-platform Compatibility:

Wondering how to make your product work on various platforms like Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile devices?

The key is to choose a language and version that supports cross-platform development. This means you can create a single codebase that works seamlessly across different operating systems and devices, making your product more accessible to a wider audience. Cross-platform development simplifies maintenance and updates, saving time and resources in the long run. It’s a strategic choice for reaching diverse users and maximising your product’s impact.

10.Security:

How secure do you need your system to be?

In an era where cybercrime is on the rise, shouldn’t security always be the foremost concern, especially when dealing with applications that handle sensitive data? To guarantee the safety and integrity of your project, it becomes imperative to carefully evaluate the security features and potential vulnerabilities associated with your chosen language and version. Remember, adopting a proactive stance towards security can serve as a powerful deterrent, sparing you from the costly and detrimental consequences of breaches in the future.

11.Legacy Systems:

Are you facing the intricate task of integrating your project with or replacing existing systems that rely on a specific language or version?

If so, compatibility with these legacy systems becomes an indispensable factor to consider. Smooth integration and seamless operation between your new project and these established systems can be the key to a successful transition and efficient workflow.

Wrapping up

Ultimately, the role of a technical lead is to navigate these complex waters, providing a compass for the team and making informed choices that set the project on a path to success. As a developer, gaining insights into the reasoning behind these decisions empowers you to work effectively within the chosen technology stack.

In conclusion, selecting the right programming language version and technology stack is a multidimensional challenge. It requires a keen understanding of your project’s needs, the capabilities of your team, and the ever-evolving landscape of software development. By carefully considering all these factors, you can steer your project toward success, ensuring it thrives in an increasingly dynamic and competitive environment.

By Peris Muthoni