The digital ecosystem is advancing by leaps and bounds, and the year 2024 was no exception. Innovations in development tools, web servers, frameworks, and content management systems (CMS) set significant trends in how websites are built, managed, and optimized. Based on a thorough analysis of the most used technologies in 2024, we highlight the winners in various key categories.
Content Management Tool (CMS) of the Year: Elementor
For the second consecutive year, Elementor, the WordPress-based website builder, has established itself as the most popular content management tool. With a market share increase from 9.5% to 11.7%, Elementor remains the preferred choice for designers and developers seeking flexibility without sacrificing ease of use.
Previously dominated by pure WordPress, this category has evolved to include specific tools like Wix and Shopify, which also occupy prominent spots in the ranking.
Server-Side Programming Language of the Year: JavaScript
JavaScript continues its rise, increasing its adoption from 3.1% to 4% in 2024. This language, which has historically dominated frontend development, consolidates its position on the server side thanks to frameworks like Node.js and its flexibility for modern applications.
Scala and Ruby ranked second and third, benefiting from their integration into platforms like Wix and Shopify, respectively.
CSS Framework of the Year: Tailwind
In a segment historically dominated by Bootstrap, Tailwind shines as the CSS framework with the most growth for the second consecutive year. Its minimalist and utility-based approach has resonated especially with developers looking for customization and speed.
Other notable contenders include UIkit and Spectre, which hold the second and third spots, respectively.
JavaScript Library of the Year: React
React, the library developed by Meta, leads this category for the first time. Used in 4.7% of websites, React has become the de facto standard for interactive interfaces. Lodash and Polyfill.io complete the podium, establishing themselves as essential tools for developers.
Web Server of the Year: Cloudflare Server
Cloudflare Server reclaims the crown in 2024 as the most outstanding web server, leveraging its integration with the popular content delivery network (CDNA CDN, short for Content Delivery Network, is a network that delivers content…) from Cloudflare. LiteSpeed and Node.js complete the top three, demonstrating that performance and scalability remain priorities for modern sites.
SSL Certificate Provider of the Year: Let’s Encrypt
With an adoption rate of 59.5% among websites, Let’s Encrypt dominates the SSL certificate category. Its free and automated model has made it easier for millions of websites to implement HTTPS, solidifying its leadership over competitors like GlobalSign and Actalis.
Operating System of the Year: Linux
The year 2024 marked the return of Linux as the most influential operating system, excelling in servers and infrastructure environments. Although AlmaLinux was the only distribution to see a significant increase in its market share, the overall growth of Linux on servers was noteworthy.
Hosting Provider of the Year: Hostinger
Hostinger not only led the web hosting market with an increase from 2% to 3.4%, but also repeated its success in related categories, such as email provider and DNSDNS (Domain Name System) is a domain naming system…. This growth highlights its ability to provide scalable and accessible services.
Social Widget of the Year: WhatsApp
The dominance of WhatsApp as a social widget reflects the growing popularity of messaging apps. Telegram and Mastodon complete the ranking, with a notable increase in the adoption of these tools for social interaction.
Key Trends for 2025
The analysis of these categories reveals a clear focus on efficiency, security, and customization. Technologies like Tailwind, React, and Let’s Encrypt are leading this evolution, while traditional tools like Bootstrap and Apache have lost ground to more modern and adaptable options.
The importance of emerging technologies like Elementor and comprehensive services like those from Hostinger points to a future where accessibility and ease of use will be paramount. As we move towards 2025, these trends will continue to shape how developers and businesses build and manage their digital platforms.
Conclusion
2024 was a transformative year for web technologies. From servers to programming languages, these tools reflect a digital landscape that continually adapts to the demands for speed, scalability, and customization. These technologies not only dominate the present but also pave the way for the future of web development.
via: Technology News