Kodeclik Blog
Should I learn Python or Javascript?
Learning your first programming language is a big step. It’s exciting, but also challenging—no matter which language you choose. If you’re hearing a lot of chatter about Python and Javascript and trying to decide between the two, you’re not alone. Both are incredibly popular, beginner-friendly, and open doors to a wide range of projects and careers. But which should you learn first?
Let’s break it down!
What is involved in learning a new programming language?
First, learning a language is not just a matter of memorizing syntax, i.e., knowing the format and rules of the language. It is often a way of thinking, what some have called “computational thinking”. This involves ideas of how to break a problem down, how to incrementally build solutions step by step, and how to iteratively find, debug, and fix errors.
You should realize that you need to:
The good news? Once you learn one language deeply, picking up others becomes much easier—the logic and problem-solving skills transfer over.
Why Learn Python First?
Python is often recommended as a first language for beginners, and for good reason:
Python’s focus on readability and simplicity means beginners can focus on learning programming concepts, not just battling tricky syntax. Many schools and universities teach Python as a first language for this reason.
Kodeclik offers many Python classes to satisfy your curiosity and get you started!
Why Learn Javascript First?
Javascript is the language of the web. If you’re excited about creating interactive websites or web apps, it’s a natural starting point:
Javascript syntax is a bit more complex than Python’s, especially with its use of symbols and curly braces. But its visual nature—seeing your code change a website in real time—can be highly motivating for creative learners.
Kodeclik offers extensive Javascript and web courses to get you on your way to becoming a web programmer!
How to Decide
Deciding whether to start with Python or JavaScript isn’t just a matter of picking the most popular language or following what everyone else is doing—it’s about finding the best fit for your personal interests, goals, and learning style.
Every aspiring programmer comes with a unique background, curiosity, and motivation. Some are drawn to the idea of building interactive websites they can share with friends, while others are fascinated by solving puzzles, analyzing data, or automating everyday tasks. Your choice should reflect what excites you most about technology and what you hope to achieve, whether that’s creating visually engaging projects, diving into the world of artificial intelligence, or simply understanding how software works.
By asking yourself a few thoughtful questions, you can narrow down your options and choose the language that will keep you motivated, challenged, and eager to keep learning. Remember, the journey is as important as the destination—so it’s worth taking a moment to reflect before you dive in. For instance, consider the questions next.
What’s your prior background in programming?
No experience at all? Python’s simple syntax and readability make it less intimidating for absolute beginners.
If you have some experience with web technologies (HTML/CSS), then Javascript will feel like a natural next step.
What excites you about coding?
Do you want to see your creations come to life visually? If you love the idea of making interactive websites, games, or apps you can show off in a browser, Javascript is the clear winner.
Are you more interested in solving math problems, analyzing data, or automating tasks? If so, Python is a fantastic gateway to data science, AI, automation, and more.
What are your long-term goals?
If you are trying to become a web developer (front-end or full-stack), then Javascript is essential. You’ll also need to learn HTML and CSS, but JavaScript is what brings web pages to life.
If you are going to go into AI, data science, machine learning, automation, or scientific computing, Python dominates these fields.
If you are not sure and just interested in acquiring
general programming skills, then both are excellent. Python may be a bit easier to start, but JavaScript offers more immediate, visual feedback.
Conclusion: There’s No Wrong Choice
Ultimately, there’s no right or wrong answer. Both Python and JavaScript are powerful, in-demand languages with huge communities and tons of resources. The most important thing is to start—pick the language that excites you most, stick with it, and write lots of code.
Remember: learning one language well will make learning the next much easier. The fundamentals—problem-solving, logic, breaking down problems—are what really matter, and those skills transfer between languages. So, start with Python or Javascript, dive in, and enjoy the journey. You can always learn the other one next!
Kodeclik offers several coding classes from beginner to advanced levels. The classes are fun, enjoyable and kid recommended and are backed by a rich and structured curriculum. For more details, see Kodeclik's Online Coding Classes.
