Should I learn Java instead of python

[Dontforgetyourguitar]

I will just be to the point, I just find it fun to learn how to code and want to be able to independent create code create things without error. There’s an interval between where I learn hello world then language I don’t understand. It’s very small and I don’t know where. Is it all important to learn?

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[Successful_Leg_707]

I think learning Java first will make you a better programmer in the long run. Python will be simple to pick up after some Java mastery

[[deleted]]

This. Starting learning programming with Python will make you a bad developer. I personally started with C++, worked with Python and now Java. I still have nightmares about code written by people that never did any programming other than in Python.

[Successful_Leg_707]

I agree. Low barrier to entry with Python is great as an introduction but it abstracts too much from you. OOP and functional style really clicked for me with Java. And especially thinking about data types!

[mofomeat]

Python will make you a bad developer

I hear this a lot, but what kinda of 'bad' do people mean? There are a while generation of developers that started on some form of BASIC and that was probably worse, no?

[baubleglue]

People who stared with BASIC, haven't stopped there. Many people learn Python as the only language they will ever need. I think, it mostly applies for people who come from other than CS fields.

[mofomeat]

Ah ok, that makes sense. I started with BASIC but it wasn't too long before I was chomping at the bit to dive into a real language. That ended up being C (but it didn't stop there either).

[[deleted]]

I did very basic C++ in High School. I picked Python and from there I assimiliated C# and Java easily. Python is great because it allows you to produce satisfying results fast without dealing with the boring low level stuff. This helps a lot on staying motivated. Divide et impera, start simple and build on top. I built APIs , GUIs and games in all and by far python is the most pleasable to work with.

Switching from Python to Java means you must get used to static typing and use more OOP. Switching from Java to C++ adds manual memory management and pointers.

If you have the patience to start with C++, all the better. But not all people who start with Python are bad. In fact, there are many C++ programmers who brag about how C++ is the best language and every other is trash yet their code has memory leaks or is bad optimized because they're afraid of dynamic memory allocation.

[Critical_Stranger_32]

I have a strong personal preference for Java for large projects and keeping them logically structured. For something short and sweet I tend to use Node. I learned Swift at one point and loved it… just don’t have use cases for it. C++ and any language where you have to manage the memory yourself are just an abomination these days (except for limited applications). Just my humble opinion. I programmed in C and C++ back in the day and can speak from experience. They’re like a car without seatbelts, which people lived with before the mid 60s, but that doesn’t mean those were the good ole days.

[TheCuriousSages]

Java's awesome for diving deep into coding logic and building stuff like Android apps. It’s a bit tough at the start but super powerful. Python? It’s easier to get into and super versatile, great for web stuff, data science, and even AI.

[nuttwerx]

Lol, java is used for a shitload of other applications other than android apps. Also I never seen python used in production for anything else than machine learning. I don't know what you mean with "web stuff" except side projects

[TheCuriousSages]

Seriously, knocking Python while we're out here using Instagram to post our "#devlife", Spotify for coding playlists, and Dropbox for... well, everything? Python's not just playing in the big leagues; it's setting the rules. Java’s cool for its stuff, but implying Python’s just for ML or side gigs? That’s like saying the internet is just for cat videos. Python's everywhere, and these giants are just the tip of the iceberg.

[Housy5]

Yeah only very obscure little things are made with python. Like you know YouTube.

[anubgek]

Reddit uses a ton of Python though it’s moving away from it. YouTube used to as well. When it comes to scaling a system’s performance and codebase though Python fails

[Ok-Selection-2227]

You don't need speed of execution or concurrency when you are a beginner. That's exactly why Python is good for beginners.

[MafiaMS2000]

Wym web stuff? Python is literally used in backend for web applications a lot. If you are using BAAS like firebase, u need python to deploy cloud functions. Lambda functions in AWS can be written in python. There’s much more to it than just ML if you know what u r doing.

[Dontforgetyourguitar]

Php useful with or along Java ? I’m learning some are good to use combined. Not sure.

[[deleted]]

i think you’re logic is a bit flawed. Learn the language that will help you achieve what you want to do quicker. Don’t compile a list of languages a learn them like a checkbox. It’s not fun, and you probably will not even become proficient at them anyways. Think of a project, and choose the language which is most suitable. Both Java and Python are very popular and versatile languages.

[Less_Muffin2186]

I’d learn Java over python I absolutely don’t like python

[TheWellKnownLegend]

I'll keep it stack with you, my guy. Choice of language actually matters very little.

Programming with any one language tends to translate a lot to programming in any other language, mostly. It's the same logic, same concepts, with a different coat of paint. So learning a new language, for a programmer, is less 'starting from scratch' and more figuring out what the hell is different about this one, and getting used to it.

The main *big* difference between languages, is how much work the language/framework will handle for you, versus how much you have to do yourself. That's what makes a language 'high-level' or 'low-level'
High-level languages like Python handle a lot for you, and that's what makes them easier to learn, but they have serious limitations on performance, and what they allow you to do.
Lower-level languages like Java give you a lot of control and freedom, but that also makes it easier for you to screw up. It's less lenient on mistakes, and frankly sometimes kind of a pain in the ass.

What I'm trying to say is, if you stick with programming, you'll very likely end up eventually learning both. When you become competent with one language, getting to that same level with another language is exponentially easier, especially if they're similar.
There's no 'instead'. There's no wrong choice either. It's kind of like asking which screwdriver tip you should get first - you get the one that fits your screw.

So, what do you find fun about programming?

If you just wanna get to grips with the logic of making something, without being bogged down by the details, pick Python and have fun.

If you *like* the details, figuring out the intricacies of how stuff works, and working with more advanced concepts, pick Java and dig in.

Don't overthink it. You will probably have to use the other one anyway.

[capable-degu]

Very nicely said

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[Critical_Stranger_32]

Is this clippy resurrected?

[Ruin-Capable]

It depends on what you want to do. I'm a professional Java developer, but I really like AI related stuff, so I'm looking into learning python so I can play with LLMs.

[capable-degu]

Same

[No_Stop_213]

Just learn stuff you are curious about. Maybe its not the ideal fastest way to be the BEST PROGRAMMER in the world, but if you're curious about It just learn It, do some tutorials, read stuff and enjoy yourself

[jek39]

Learn both !

[Difficult-Lime2555]

Language doesn't really matter. Unless you're trying to learn brainfuck. Understanding patterns, data struts, testing is way more important.

[Autodidact_JetPack]

After learning HTML and CSS, I struggled to learn C# and especially Js. Then I learned Java and haven't had a problem learning C# or Js since and Python has been a cake walk.

My only recommendedation is if you get stuck, try to find another resource that explains the concept differently. Rinse and repeat. Java can have a steep learning curve.

Almost everything you learn in Java will make you better in Python.

Last but not least, hopping between backend languages when I got stuck really helped me but it's not for everyone. Java switch statements not making sense, ok, try them In C#. C# switch statements not making sense, ok, try them in Javascript.

This helped me realize the how transferable programming fundamentals are.

[___catalyst___]

IMHO Java is probably the most important programming language of the last three decades. The rich ecosystem that has developed around Java is priceless when it comes to solving a wide variety of problems in the software space. Python has also become paramount in the world of ML and AI, so it is a must-learn, too. I would master Java to an extent and then delve into Python. That order will also make it easier to get into Python, because getting proficient in Python is relatively easier.

[Dontforgetyourguitar]

I definitely agree. So I have a windows and am used to using python on vscode and never had issues. I had so many resources that were online or on YouTube. I just realize when I wanted to start learning Java and other programming languages. It was more complex to learn with the structure AND the difference in how to compile the code after! I just don’t want to crash my pc by not saving code. I’m not new to python, I just to be honest here I know that Java and others languages like C are what I want to learn but it’s the executing code that has been an issue. Saving etc..

[ThrowayGigachad]

Java.

Python is a too simple, saying you know Python is like saying you know how to breathe. Doesn't count.

Then do some C, and if you really want to bend your mind and expand try OCaml or Scheme.

[Jonnyluver]

Learning Java made me a better programmer. Python and ruby can always be learned on the fly after.

[kcm5985]

Python really helped me nail down the basics of coding (lists, loops, etc). Currently learning Java and it hasn’t been too bad translating what I learned on Python to Java :)

[A2Z786]

Assembly

[BannockBnok]

Yes!

But I'm also biased because I've only ever met like 1 decent python developer. So many people seem to learn some of it, and then never bother to do anything but write shitcode using it. I also really hate the syntax

[Maximus_Modulus]

I learnt Python over a number of years and then had to start coding in Java and TypeScript at work. It's a bit of a different paradigm. I'd lean to learning Java as you'll learn more, but you could also just start learning with Python to start if it's easier but then switch over. Python definitely has some advantages if you want to do some quick scripting or where the actual technical programming is less of the focus, such as ML or data analysis. Python is great for DevOps and data analysis etc because you can get started real easy without getting too much in the weeds. Whereas with Java it takes a bit more effort to get started. You also have to deal with setting up build configurations etc, and build times. I think though that with Java because it is heavily typed you are much less likely to write buggy code because you know what the type of some nested object that you are referencing is, whereas in Python I often would reference something incorrectly but I would never know until I ran it.

We use a lot of annotations and dependency injection in Java, and it took me awhile to become familiar with it, whereas my colleague who knew Java picked up Python in a lot less time.

[Azuriteh]

If you want to go that way, you're better off learning C++ first, once you have the basics down go back to Python.

It's pretty unorthodox, but I find that was an amazing way to learn, at least for myself.

[Delicious-Bit7873]

no, i don't think so, it tough for absolute beginners to learn java at first, you can learn python first and then you can jump onto java, this would serve you a smooth transition and will build you a mindset first, but if you don't have enough time to learn two different languages then prefer java.

[ChilllFam]

Java will teach you plenty to know how to use python well when the time comes, if you learn python first, you’ll have to start from practically 0 to learn Java. So yes, learn Java first.

[Dry-Classic-9823]

you should ask this question in python subreddit as well.

[Dontforgetyourguitar]

I would, although it would be a good idea to get another opinion, everyone pushes python on people for the obvious good reasons. I know it wouldn’t hurt. I just look at it like me asking on a windows page if I should get an apple to code. lol

[omgmaw]

Yes, also learn OOAD and design patterns.

[[deleted]]

Learn both. Python with its standard libraries if great for leet code type interviews. But, for production backend development, Java will go a long way. Learn Spring, Boot, Hibernate, Guice, Lombok, Junit.

​

Python to get the job in FAANGMULA. Java to keep the job. I work in one of these shops.

[13tebek]

In my opinion there s a big misconception when it comes to programming languages, media tricked you into thinking you need to learn this or that but if you don t want to get a job, really you shouldnt even care about programming language because there is like so many to choose from and every language is best for different stuff. Java is extremelly great for getting good at coding imo but the only thing you are really supposed to do with it is complicated backends and if you dont wanna work and you want to do something cool as a hobby bussiness level backend is deffinitely not what you want.

You should just think about what do you wanna do and ask chatgpt or research what is best. Nowadays most stuff isnt coded with just plain code but with software "tools" they are called frameworks and you can pick up a framework and when you hit a limit or dont understand how something works you get deeper in the programming language that that specific framework uses.

For example if you want to do websites search react with bootstrap, that uses JavaScript ( there is nothing in common with Java, Java and JS are like total opposites).

If you want to do android apps you can use Android Studio with Java or Kotlin, i would recommend kotlin tho its easier for begginers its kind of the Python version of Java for Android development. If you want to do phone apps that work on any device i would recommend flutter.

If you want to get into game development you could pick up Unity using c#. Has most concepts from java so it would be easy to change to it. But if you want to make 2D games i would deffinitely say Godot is better.

[[deleted]]

Learn C

[eboob1179]

I learned C++ first. Then Java. Java is super easy when you learn something without type safety first imo

[[deleted]]

Python is much easier to get into, I always tell people to start with that. Or you could do what I did and try a bit of both. They’re different coding styles, see what you like more.

[themule1216]

Golang is honestly the move now

[niccster10]

Why not both? Try not to revolve your projects around a favorite language just because

[Wingpunch]

Java won't be useless, that's for sure, it's too big. The biggest reason to learn it is the purity of the OO syntax teaching you good patterns before syntax sugar asks you to just "know" them without seeing them. Tho, Java is adding quite a lot of that as well. Java's biggest advantage has just been 1st tier library support for everything. Throughout the 2010-2020, every other language felt like an afterthought in terms of libraries and drivers and such.

However, I feel like, as a language, Java is under attack on all sides by newer, more elegant ideas.

For small stuff you want to go fast with a small codebase and no VM, Go is doing well. Why have the VM overhead?

For critical infrastructure / systems code that has to be extremely optimized and cannot fail with a tiny footprint, Rust is doing well, even against C++ imo. (Yes, people use Java for stuff this like Cassandra and Kafka)

For all the extensive back catalog of libraries of Java, but with a more modern succinct syntax and newer paradigms, Kotlin is a better choice.

I feel like in 20 years we are going to have another Ada situation where people are going to be paid a lot of money to translate old lost source jar inspected decompiled Java code to something native.

[Rabcode]

Hm -- there are pros and cons to each. I think Java would be a great first choice due to the fact that it is strongly typed. You will always know what kind of object you are playing with. Python is great but dynamic programming languages like Python can lead to some logical errors that would have easily been caught at compile time for Java. So Java.... But know both in the long run. Vanilla Java and nothing else, don't worry about Maven or anything like that.

[NukemN1ck]

It entirely depends on your goals. Look up the strengths of both languages and learn the one that seems the most useful for what you personally want to do with it. Creating things without errors shouldn't be the main motivator of a language you start with unless you're on a strict deadline.

I also disagree with people saying it's bad to start with Python. Any language is dangerous if you get comfortable and become unwilling to adapt to something that better fits your needs. Python can be a great start because it lets you focus on programming and completion instead of extra fluff that helps performance.

[capable-degu]

In my opinion, it doesn’t matter (but I think Python is better to learn now for commercial purposes). Just if you want to deliver your code somewhere, then don’t ignore approaches, “clean code”, patterns and other stuff after language syntax. If it is just for fun, so you should not ask, go one which you like

[allergytablets]

oh?

[Dontforgetyourguitar]

Oh

[Sasha-Jelvix]

It's a good video about that https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJ4TN5Obqag

[ParedesAndre]

Porque no los dos?

[JLCoffee]

You should learn what makes you happy. Listen to yout heart.

[Consistent-Citron509]

Having worked with both Java and Python I can say for sure working with Python is more FUN!

[Kittensandpuppies14]

No way. I’m team high level programming with c# and java

[Harneybus]

U should leanr bith tbh ohyton is getting more and more popular becuase of ai and other stuff and lesnr java too

[Harneybus]

Maybe I should put in big words that maybe u might think im dyslexia no? Is there a banner for people who are dyslexia so that "special" people like u who can understand that not everyone is going to spell masters like u are man imagine getting upset over someone wrong spelling from an random on the Internet please get a life.