Python and JavaScript are two popular programming languages. Usually, you will begin to hear about them as you begin to explore a career in tech. However, even though they are often mentioned when being compared, it really isn’t a competition.

Both of these programming languages are essential and powerful tools for creating web applications, websites, and software programs. The reason there is no real competition is due to the fact that each one has its own strengths.

While they may overlap at times, they both have different strengths, weaknesses, and distinct differences. If you want to learn about the difference between Python vs JavaScript, let’s take a good look at these two languages and see what they’re all about.

What You Need to Know About Python

In basically every scientific application around the world, Python has become an essential tool because of its vast power, versatility, and accessibility. Python is a general-purpose programming language that supports different programming paradigms.

Usually, it is used in specialised and scientific applications including machine learning, data science, computer vision, artificial intelligence, computer science education, medicine biology, image processing, and astronomy. It is also used a lot for web development.

This is where it gets to the point that people begin to compare its applications to those of JavaScript. Python is used for back-end development. Back-end development is a specific area of web development that is in charge of creating the elements that consumers don’t see. This includes the server-side of an application.

What You Need to Know About JavaScript

While Python is more so used to develop the back-end of web application, JavaScript goes a step further. JavaScript can be used to develop both the back-end and the front-end of the application.

The front-end is the part that the consumers will interact with and see of the application. You are using JavaScript behind the scenes whether you are seeing or interacting with a website or application. This is similar to a mobile app.

When you interact with a mobile app, you may be using JavaScript due to the frameworks letting us write applications that are able to adapt to different platforms. Because of the fact that JavaScript is an extremely versatile language, it is widely used in web development. It provided the perfect tools needed to develop crucial components of web application.

The Key Differences

Let’s take a look at the key difference between Python and JavaScript and their individual digital skills.

How Python Defines Code Blocks

Python heavily relies on indentation in order to define code blocks. When a series of continuous lines of code become indented at the same level, they are then considered a part of the same code block.

This is used to define things such as loops, conditional, and every other compound statement in Python.

How JavaScript Defines Code Blocks

JavaScript, on the other hand, uses curly braces ({}) in order to group statements that belong to the same code block.

How to Define a Variable in Python

To be able to define a variable in Python, you have to write the name of the variable and follow it with an equal sign (=) as well as the value that will be assigned to the variable.

How to Define a Variable in JavaScript

The syntax is very similar when looking at JavaScript. However, all you need to do is add the keyword var before the name of the variable. Afterwards, you just end the line with a semicolon (;).

How to Define Constants in Python

In Python, you have to rely on naming conventions to be able to define constants. This is because there are no strict rules in the language that present changes to their values.

How to Define Constants in JavaScript

JavaScript allows users to define constants that cannot be changed within the program. This means that the variable identifier cannot be reassigned. However, this doesn’t mean that the value itself cannot be changed.

Which One Should You Choose?

Picking your preferred programming language and learning is far more important than the specific language you choose. However, if you’re looking to choose between Python and JavaScript, it is best to lean more towards JavaScript.

This is only because it lends itself very well to entry-level web work.

How to Make Your Choice

Firstly, it is important to know that your choice depends solely on your situation and what you will be using the language for. For example, if you’re applying for a job at a company that used Python, then Python is the one you should choose simply out of default and to gain the necessary tech skills.

The same applies if you’re looking for a JavaScript developer role. If you’re starting from square one, and you don’t have a specific job in mind yet, the best thing to do is to simply pick a language and begin learning.

It is far more important to simply get started with coding than to spend too much time picking a particular language. After you learn your first language, there is nothing stopping you from learning more. Each one you study afterwards will only get easier from there.

If you’re looking for guidance, the answer is JavaScript. As a starting point, JavaScript has everything you need and more to succeed, Front-end web development is a direct entry point into the tech industry. It also proves to be helpful for freelancers and junior web developers.

While you can do basic front-end work with Python too, JavaScript is far clearer and more accessible. It is a clear jumping point straight to front-end development. That is why it comes so highly recommended.

Where to Learn

Being qualified is far more important than people think. If you’re looking at upskilling or reskilling, The Knoma Marketplace will help you find 100s of tech courses with zero interest and fee-free finance.

If you’re wanting to learn more, Knoma is a great source of education that will help you advance your tech skills and a nurturing environment.