The big debate: learning Python vs JavaScript first as a total beginner

I started coding about 4 months ago and went all in on Python because everyone says it's easier. After 3 months I could do basic scripts and understood loops and functions pretty well. Then I tried to build a simple web page and hit a wall because I had zero JavaScript knowledge. A friend told me I should have started with JavaScript since you can see results in a browser immediately and it keeps you motivated. But another person at a meetup said Python teaches you logic better without getting bogged down by browser quirks. So which side is right for someone who's never coded before? I'm wondering if the "learn Python first" advice is outdated or if sticking with it really pays off in the long run. Has anyone here switched from one to the other and noticed a big difference in how fast you picked things up?

3 comments

3 Comments

michael_coleman101mo agoMost Upvoted

People overthink this way too much. Just pick one and build something.

alexk601mo ago

Man I couldn't agree more with @michael_coleman10 but also I'm the worst offender here. My repo has like 15 different "hello world" projects in 8 different languages because I keep second guessing myself. The real joke is I've spent more time researching which stack to use than actually coding anything useful. Your mileage may vary but I finally just stuck with Python and Flask even though I know it's not trendy anymore. At least now I have a half finished app instead of nothing at all.

michael_coleman101mo agoMost Upvoted

Wait did you just say 15 hello world projects?? That's insane man. I thought I was bad with my 3 different calculator apps in JavaScript before I finally gave up and moved on. At least you stuck with Python and Flask though, that's a solid choice. What made you finally pick that combo over all the others you tried?