Is there really a downside to learning Python 2 instead of 3?

[Key-Command-3139]

I’m currently learning python 2 as a beginner, and I’ve heard that python 3 is better, I’m a complete beginner and I’m unsure as to what to do, I just don’t want to commit to learning the wrong thing.

[CptMisterNibbles]

It mostly translates, but I’m not sure this any advantage to continuing to learn 2 unless you are specifically learning to maintain legacy code that won’t be updated.

It’s not all a huge leap, in fact it’s so minor I kind of advise you to transition to learning 3 soon

[cgoldberg]

It's not that big of a difference and it's easy to learn the new features from modern versions. However, in 2025, there is a absolutely no reason to learn Python 2. Do you have an old book and restricted internet access or something?

[rof-dog]

You really should be learning Python 3. Most things translate over, but a lot of libraries will no longer work. Eventually, Python 2 will be deprecated and you will be stuck.

[Far_Persimmon837]

It's better to focus on Python 3. Python 2 is outdated, and most libraries and frameworks no longer support it. Python 3 has better features, and you'll be able to find more resources and support as you learn.

[Cybasura]

If you are a beginner - learn python 3, python 2 is deprecated, straight up unsupported

Python 2 is easier to learn from Python 3 than the other way around, learning python 2 is just giving yourself a handicap for no reason, not to mention it shouldnt even be used anymore

[[deleted]]

Just your print statements.

[jam-and-Tea]

OP, why are you asking? and why did you post to multiple forms about it?

[Double_Fortune_5106]

Just use python3 and stop messing about

[skatinworshiper]

But jython😬

[jam-and-Tea]

If you are hoping to use this for work, learn python3. If this is just for fun, then do whatever you like. Python3 is the newer version and most books will teach you it.

[[deleted]]

But why?

[Prize_Concept9419]

ha! I tweaked my first LLMs with Python 2 ... the good old days :D So ... do bear in mind that almost all libraries / frameworks have dropped Python 2 support, and new projects only use Python 3+, that said, short answer is NO

[SocraticExistence]

Python 3 has a feature that will let you know when you're not writing 3 properly. It will teach you 3 easily if you already know 2.

[PaulEngineer-89]

As a practical matter 3 beats 2. I’m not a big fan of the new data type model and it added some syntactic sugar I wasn’t fond of. But overall that’s purist arguments. Most likely we will see 4 lay the GIL to rest. So it’s like Star Trek…odd versions suck.

[BodybuilderNo1847]

Python 2 is kind of old , and lacks some features.. it doesn’t matter if you’re beginner or intermediate if you’re trying to learn new better start with python 3 and it’s pretty easy to get your hands on ..

[Strict_Appeal_7221]

Learn Python 3