JavaScript vs Python
Which one should you pick?

Linh Nguyen

Linh Nguyen | 03/04/2020

JavaScript vs Python <br>Which one should you pick?

Python has been gaining popularity in the recent years, however, which language should you pick for your project between JavaScript and Python?

What is JavaScript?

What is javascipt

JavaScript is a scripting language. It is mostly used (but not only) as the scripting language for Web pages. JavaScript was originally developed as a front-end language to provide browsers with dynamic content that couldn’t be written with just HTML and CSS.

It follows the rules of client-side programming, so it runs in the user’s web browser without the need for any resources form the webserver.

It also supports various programming paradigms/) such as functional programming, object-oriented programming and imperative programming except procedural programming as in Python.

Due to its possibility of making websites more dynamic and user-friendly, JavaScript wins the frontend aspect of Python vs. JavaScript.

Some people are confused between JavaScript and Java). JavaScript is mainly used to make web pages more interactive. By comparison, Java is used in a wide range of places, including Android apps, credit card programming and in the creation of desktop applications and web enterprise applications.

Java is typically used for all server-side development, while JavaScript is reserved for developing client-side scripts for functions like validation and interactivity.

What is Python??

What is python

Python is an object-oriented programming language created by Guido Van Rossum. It allows programmers to build apps and websites using objects that are nothing but virtual building blocks.

This means that developers create objects, assign attributes to them, or set them to perform actions. Python is applicable both on the server-side and the client-side.

It is, however, more noticeable in backend development. Unlike JavaScript, Python is more popular on servers. Python is seen as “a clear and powerful object-oriented programming language, comparable to Perl, Ruby, Scheme, or Java”.

It comes with dynamic semantics and uses OOPs concepts which makes it easy to learn and code.

JavaScript vs. JavaScript: Popularity

Programing, Scripting, and Markup Languages

JavaScript vs. JavaScript: Popularity

JavaScript vs. JavaScript: Popularity

Most loved languages

JavaScript vs. JavaScript: Popularity

As you can see, while JavaScript is still the leading programming language, Python however, is much more wanted, only second to Rust.

The reason for this is because Python is used commonly in Machine Learning, which is also one of the fastest growing technology fields. It is a very versatile language which is easily utilized for automation. On the other hand, JavaScript is better for web development and frontend.

JavaScript is also known to be harder to master compared to Python. Python is usually the beginners-choice, especially for those who do not have any prior programming experience, as it is more readable, with few lines of coding, and fewer structural rules.

Meanwhile, JavaScript is difficult to debug, and there are many additional characters such as curly brackets and semicolons.

JavaScript vs. Python: Support

As both JavaScript and Python are one of the most popular programming languages, it is understandable that they both have plenty of support from the IT community. It’s easy to find help on forums, message boards, and other online communities should you need JavaScript or Python technical support.

When to use JavaScript and when use Python?

If you are doing web development, the better choice is to consider the trio of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

People want to learn machine learning, data science, and neural networks should consider learning Python.

Python is usable as a frontend language as transpilers that convert Python code to JavaScript which however makes the applications run slower. That’s why it is better to use Python for backend development and stick to JavaScript for frontend.

JavaScript vs. JavaScript: Popularity

Applications of JavaScript vs. Python

JavaScript

  • It allows you to build secure and scalable applications.
  • Dynamic Single-Page Applications (SPAs)
  • Front-End technologies like jQuery, Angular, Ember.js, ReactJS are based on JavaScript
  • Server-Side technologies like MongoDB, Node.js, and Express.js are based on Java Script.
  • It also uses for mobile app development using React, PhoneGap, etc.

Python

  • Language for AI, Machine learning and deep learning
  • Rapid prototyping web scripting
  • Ad hoc programming
  • Scientific applications
  • XML processing
  • Database applications
  • Used for GUI applications

So, which one should you choose for your project?

JavaScript and Python are both popular programming languages, with their own pros and cons. However, it depends on what kind of project you have should you consider using one of the two.

JavaScript’s greatest strength is frontend for web development. It allows you to have a dynamic and interactive website, with friendly user-interface. In terms of speed and performance, JavaScript also triumphs based on the result of “Python 3 versus Node js fastest programs” Benchmarks Game.

Python on the other hand, is easier to master and widely used for a variety of purposes due to its simplicity. Some big names that are using Python are: Google, Youtube, Instragram, Spotify, and Reddit. It is also mostly known due to its usage in Machine Learning and AI.

In conclusion, JavaScript is faster, however, Python is more flexible. JavaScript is mostly used for frontend, while Python is used for backend.

To make sure you pick the right programming language for your project, it is recommended to seek an expert’s advice in order to make sure that your project runs smoothly from beginning to end.

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