JS vs Python: Which should a beginner choose?

Well, what do you want to do? That's a borderline-obnoxious question, but the answer would definitely affect how this article is written. With that in mind, we'll look at the question from the standpoint of a beginner who's trying to decide what to do. Let's dig into it from more of an exploratory standpoint.

Why are we discussing JS and Python and not other languages?

JavaScript (JS) and Python are quite literally the most commonly used programming languages. More importantly, according to Berkley, that are also the most in-demand. Both languages are widely used and have a lot to offer, but they have their own unique strengths and weaknesses. Here, we'll compare JavaScript and Python, and discuss which one might be the better choice for you, depending on your goals and experience.

JS

First, let's take a look at JavaScript. JavaScript is a popular choice for web development because it is the only programming language that can run directly in a web browser. This means that if you want to create interactive web pages, or create web applications, you'll need to know JavaScript. Additionally, JavaScript is widely used for creating front-end web development frameworks such as ReactJS, AngularJS, and VueJS.

Python

Python, on the other hand, is a general-purpose programming language that is widely used for a variety of tasks, including web development, scientific computing, data analysis, artificial intelligence, and more. Python is known for its easy-to-read syntax, making it a great choice for beginners to learn. Additionally, Python has a large and supportive community, and it offers a wide variety of libraries and frameworks for different tasks such as web development (Django, Flask), Machine learning (Tensorflow, Pytorch), and Data Science (Pandas, NumPy).

Differences

When it comes to web development, JavaScript is the clear winner. However, if you're interested in other areas, such as data analysis, scientific computing, or artificial intelligence, Python might be a better choice. Additionally, if you're a beginner, Python might be easier for you to learn because of its simple syntax.

For performance, JavaScript is generally faster than Python because it is a compiled language, while Python is an interpreted language. However, Python has a lot of libraries and frameworks that can make your development process faster and more efficient.

Conclusion

Both JavaScript and Python are powerful and versatile languages, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. JavaScript is the language of the web, making it a great choice for web development, while Python is a general-purpose language that is widely used for a variety of tasks. If you're a beginner, Python might be the easier choice, but if you're interested in web development, JavaScript is the way to go. Ultimately, the choice between the two languages will depend on your goals and experience.