I’ve been asked several times by technical writers transitioning to software development which programming language they should focus on. The answer depends on the specific area of development they wish to pursue. While JavaScript was once the unequivocal choice for web development, the rise of AI and its applications has shifted the recommendation towards Python for many aspiring developers.
Here’s a side-by-side comparing and contrasting the languages.
| Aspect | Python | JavaScript |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Use Case | Data analysis, machine learning, artificial intelligence, web development | Web development, enhancing user interfaces, server-side programming (Node.js) |
| Syntax and Readability | Clean, readable syntax; uses indentation for code blocks | More complex syntax; uses curly braces and semicolons |
| Usage and Application Domains | Data analysis, machine learning, AI, web development, automation | Web development, server-side development (Node.js) |
| Performance | Generally slower; interpreted language; optimized with libraries | Typically faster due to JIT compilation; optimized for web |
| Typing System | Dynamically typed; supports optional type hints | Dynamically typed; can use TypeScript for static typing |
| Community and Ecosystem | Large community; extensive libraries on PyPI | Vibrant community; extensive npm ecosystem |
| Learning Curve | Easier for beginners; intuitive syntax | Steeper learning curve; requires understanding of asynchronous programming |
| Concurrency and Parallelism | Limited by GIL; supports async/await and multiprocessing | Event-driven, non-blocking model for efficient concurrency |
| Current Trend | Gaining prominence with the rise of AI and data science; increasingly favored for its versatility | Essential for web development; remains highly relevant |
For technical writers transitioning to software development, the choice between JavaScript and Python depends on their goals:
- JavaScript is the choice if your focus is on web development, building interactive user interfaces, or server-side applications.
- Python is the choice if you’re interested in data analysis, machine learning, or artificial intelligence, where Python’s simplicity and extensive libraries offer significant advantages.
Double Yew! 