Python vs JavaScript — A Brief Overview

When we talk about today’s world, there are lots of programming languages. I’m sure no one knows the exact count of these languages — naming every language is a big thing. But that wasn’t the case before. I’m talking about the time when AI was born but wasn’t much evolved — the ‘90s.

In the world of programming languages, there are a few languages that most people prefer learning: Python and JavaScript. Before moving on and explaining the difference, let me explain both of these languages in a few sentences.

Okay, so Python was created by Guido van Rossum in 1991. It is a high-level and general-purpose language. It was first used to make websites and software. Later on, developers started using it to automate tasks and analyze data. JavaScript, on the other hand, was made by Brendan Eich. He developed and released this language in 1995 for Netscape 2.

Now, let’s move on and see the difference between JavaScript and Python. I’m not going into detail but just mentioning basic differences between both languages.

1. So, when it comes to making hash tables, Python allows you to make hash tables using dictionaries. Unfortunately, JavaScript doesn’t allow you to create hash tables.
2. In Python, you can define attributes with the help of a descriptor, while in JavaScript, objects support attributes.
3. Code blocks are defined through indentation in Python, while in JavaScript, you have to use {} to define code blocks.
4. The encoding format in Python is ASCII, whereas UTF-16 is the encoding format in JavaScript.
5. JavaScript has defined parameters, but in Python, if you call a function with the wrong parentheses, you will get an error.
6. Python has built-in REPL, while in JavaScript, you can get a REPL using Node JS or some other browsers.
7. Further, when we talk about speed and performance, Python excels in both fields, but only when we talk about CPU-intensive tasks. Python is fast when it comes to making applications that needs processing.
8. But what about popularity? Well, despite all the benefits of Python, JavaScript is more popular than Python.
9. Apps made in Python aren’t that scalable. JavaScript is the best to use to make scalable apps.
10. Python is really easy to learn. JavaScript, on the other hand, isn’t that easy. It’s also hard to learn and filled with complex classes.
11. Python is an OOP language because it uses a class-based inheritance structure. JavaScript, on the other hand, undoubtedly has classes but relies on a software prototype-based model to support inheritance.
12. There are dozens of ready-to-use modules and libraries in Python. JavaScript doesn’t have as many built-in modules.
13. JavaScript has only floating-type variables, while Python has variables of varying data types.
14. When it comes to implicit conversion, Python is strongly-typed, but JavaScript pales in comparison. JavaScript is weakly-typed.
15. To run any Python code, you need an interpreter. That’s not the case in JavaScript; the ability to run codes is built into web browsers.
16. Python is used for server-side scripting, while JavaScript is used for client-side scripting.

What Should You Learn First: Python or JavaScript?

If you haven’t learned any language, then go for Python. It’s a beginner-friendly language. You won’t have difficulty learning it. But if you are already well-informed with Python, then go ahead and take the leap: learn JavaScript.