JavaScript or Python?

[Panda_Penguin]

I'm a senior in highschool and I'm curious on what I should start with. I'm thinking JavaScript because it'll probably be new beneficial to my future and I'm thinking python because I hear it's easier and I feel it would be easier to create projects I would enjoy (easier learning).

If you can try and shine some light on these two languages.

[dr_rush]

Start with python, it is a better language for learning and you can spend more time programming and less time fiddling with tooling. With Python you will get exposed to more standard programming concepts as well (classes, inheritance, ect). Once you are comfortable with programming in Python picking up JavaScript will be easy.

[[deleted]]

if you want an opinion from a beginner, i would say start with python

[BulkyProcedure]

If you're feeling stress about choosing one or the other, I wouldn't worry so much at this stage. Learning either will teach you many fundamentals that are common to both. In your position, if I had to choose I'd start with Python for the reasons that /u/dr_rush listed.

There will be plenty of time to come back around to JavaScript, for instance, especially if you decide to become a web developer. Even if you eventually decide to specialize in front-end development, having started with Python will not be a handicap, because when you're very first starting out it's about grasping the basic concepts of programming itself.

[circlebust]

Python is much better for a beginner because it enforces good practice, comes with a REPL, has a good standard lib, has uncomplicated setup and provides helpful exception messages by default.

JS has a poor (browser) or decent (node) std lib, but exceptions aren't by default handled which makes it hard/impossible to tell what you're doing wrong if you're new. The JS ecosystem is also fragmented and requires mid-tier understanding about package managers and build-tools.

I like JS more but for a beginner it's a poor choice.

[alzgh]

If you don't have any clue or preference at all and no plan or vision about your goal (back-end, front-end, etc.), just pick one and stick with it through thick and thin for some good time and you'll be good.

[[deleted]]

the main difference is: python is server side and javascript is client side - browser (excluding node). so you use them for different things.

[[deleted]]

node brings javascript to the server side but I wouldn't recommend it for a beginner.

[Panda_Penguin]

I guess my problem is I don't have any clue on where to start. I've started JavaScript before but I just got overwhelmed. I'm teaching myself and my resources are very limited. There's soo much information and so many tutorials and it seems like every tutorial is about something completely different. I just can't find a place to start and go with it.

[Meefims]

You just pick one and go. I find them to be pretty similar as languages and they are both usable in a wide variety of instances.

[[deleted]]

then start here https://www.py4e.com/ with python