JavaScript: still the king?

JavaScript has been the dominant language in web development over many years. It’s prominent in browser-based gaming just as it is in a myriad of other programmer jobs! The language is noted for its versatility, as it can be used for both front-end and back-end (as in, both client-side and server-side). So, developers can use it for the whole shebang. 

You can integrate JavaScript with other languages like HTML5 and CSS to work on graphics and animations, and handle gamers’ input, so it’s widely used for interfaces and gameplay. Various games rely on JavaScript, including a ton of casino games. 

Sites like Unibet host a variety of games, from classic games like poker to modern slots. Many of these are using JavaScript behind the scenes. The demands on Unibet zakłady Bukmacherskie are a little different, of course. While game engines aren’t necessarily for placing sports bets, the programming language of the website itself needs to be secure and immutable to protect not just the functioning of the website but also the customer’s data – in addition to running as smoothly as possible.

JavaScript is great for simpler games, like 2D games, but can struggle with more complex, demanding games. There are other languages that handle high-performance games better.

WebAssembly

You could look at WebAssembly as a compliment to JavaScript. The language allows high-performance code to run on your browser, and excels at CPU-intensive tasks like physics simulations and complex game worlds. These types of things can slow down JavaScript. Developers can write parts of games in C, C++, and Rust, for example, then compile them to WebAssembly to be ready for browser gaming. 

This language is often used for real-time strategy games and multiplayer games that require speedy processing. It’s also useful for porting desktop games, which might be written in C++ or another high-performance language, directly to the browser. This process really reduces development time and costs. 

WebAssembly, or Wasm, is widely supported and works on Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc. It’s become a popular option for cross-platform development.

C++

Okay, so we’ve mentioned C++, so let’s give it its dues. C++ is more commonly associated with desktop and console games, but thanks to WebAssembly (and some game engines supporting web exporting), C++ also has a role to play in browser gaming. C++ is one of the fastest and most efficient choices for developers, and allows for high-performance games with advanced mechanics and graphics.

C++ is known for its lightning speeds, meaning it’s ideal for graphics-heavy games. It’s also adaptable – you can fine-tune memory management and your system resources. This can be really important for high-performance games. 

Developers use the language for cross-platform development. Engines like Unreal and Unity support C++, and let companies develop games for multiple platforms (including browsers). 

TypeScript

If Wasm is a complement to JavaScript, TypeScript might be called “JavaScript boosted”. It’s a superset of JavaScript that uses static types and improves readability, maintainability, and scalability. Depending on what type of game you’re working on, this can be really useful for large codebases, making the language popular for complex projects.

TypeScript features type-checking capabilities that make your code easier to debug (also useful in large games). Its support for OOP (object-oriented programming) is helpful if you’re working on complex mechanics, and the language also offers better autocompletion and refactoring tools.

What about good old Python?

Python isn’t normally used for final production, but it is used for prototyping. It’s a simple and readable language, and you might use it to quickly create game logic or a simulation. Then you can transfer the code to another language like C++ for the final build. If you’re just starting out, Python is a fantastic option. And even if you’re a more experienced developer, you might consider Python if you’re working on a small-scale, casual game.

What’s the answer?

It depends on the game you’re working on, but JavaScript remains a top choice for simpler games; WebAssembly and C++ are widely used for more complex games.