Python vs JavaScript: Which First Programming Language Should You Learn? meta description: Torn between Python and JavaScript as your first programming language? Here’s an unbiased look at what to consider.
You’ve decided to learn to code, and you’re super excited! Then you go and type “best first programming language” into a search bar and are greeted with a thousand passionate and unwavering opinions from random strangers on the internet. One says you should learn Python, another insists that JavaScript is the only rational option, and all of them have a strong passion for their stance.
Here’s the good news: You can’t really go wrong with either of these languages. They’re both fantastic starting points with active communities and lots of learning resources. The choice really depends on what you want to accomplish.
The Quick Answer
Learn Python if you want a gentler learning curve and are interested in data analysis/AI/automation
Learn JavaScript if you’re eager to see results fast and want to make websites
But let’s dive deeper into what makes each language tick.
Python: The gentle giant
Python is often recommended as a first programming language because of its readability, and less cluttered syntax.
What is Python commonly used for:
• Data analysis/Artificial Intelligence
• Automation/Scripting
• Backend Web development
• Scientific research/fields that require math
Why should beginners learn Python?
Gentler learning curve due to syntax being similar to English and not having some of the annoyances of other languages
Massive support from the community and readily available learning materials
Can be applied to many different areas
Downsides of learning Python as a beginner:
Not as many visually stimulating results early on (hard to make cool projects that run in your browser)
JavaScript: The web’s best friend
JavaScript is the language that makes things happen on the internet. It controls your favorite web app, makes sure the menu pops up when you click the icon, and keeps track of how many likes you have.
What is JavaScript commonly used for:
• Making interactive websites and web apps
• Front-end web development
• Building mobile apps (with additional tools)
• Back-end web development (with additional tools)
• Games that run in web browsers
Why should beginners learn JavaScript?
Visual results early on that show you what you’re building (run in browser without any additional tooling)
JavaScript is the backbone of the web, making it an incredibly relevant and sought-after skill
Can be used for a variety of different things (apps, scripts, websites, etc.)
Downsides of learning JavaScript as a beginner:
Some may find the syntax confusing or unintuitive at times
A Comparison
Python JavaScript
Learning curve Gentler/better for beginners Slightly steeper
Immediate visual results? No Not really Immediately (runs in browser)
Best for Data analysis/websites? Websites/data analysis/both? Data analysis/websites? More diverse? Both are great but Python has slight edge over JS in data analysis and automation, JS has edge over Python in websites
Beginner-friendly resources Extremely abundant Extremely abundant
Career versatility Diverse but less demand for general purpose programming Diverse but less demand for scientific/math oriented programming
Let your goals determine your language
Instead of thinking “which is objectively better” think “what do I want to achieve with my time and effort”.
Do you want
• To make websites/apps? – JavaScript
• To learn about data analysis, AI, or automation? – Python
• To just casually learn programming? – Either
• To make mobile apps? – JavaScript
Either way you slice it, you can’t go wrong with either of the two.
A note about switching later
Something many people who start learning programming don’t realize is that concepts learned in one language carry over to the others. Once you get comfortable with the fundamentals in one, picking up the next one will be significantly easier.
Many developers today are comfortable with both Python and JavaScript, and use both for their respective strengths (Python for data analysis, JS for websites). You can always switch later, but you should wait until you really grasp the fundamentals first.
Common misconceptions about learning to code (that apply to both)
-Hopping between languages before getting proficient in one is counter intuitive and a waste of time
-Wasting time arguing about the merits of each language instead of doing actual work
-Expecting to be immediately proficient – it’s normal to take time to get comfortable with your chosen language
-Sitting through tutorials without applying your knowledge anywhere (the most important pitall that prevents beginners from improving)
Final thoughts
There is no right or wrong answer, simply what you want to achieve.
Python might be slightly better for first-time learners due to its readability, but JavaScript is great for those who want to build web apps/sites. Either way you slice it – you can’t go wrong with either language.
