If You Want to Learn to Programming, Should You Pick Python or JavaScript as Your First Language? (In 2025 Overview)

If You Want to Learn to Programming, Should You Pick Python or JavaScript as Your First Language? (In 2025 Overview)

Last updated: May 18, 2025 | Reading time: 10 minutes

Table of Contents

Picking your first programming language is important because it can determine your future as a programmer. Python and JavaScript continue to lead new programmers in popularity, but serve differing functions. This guide will provide you with the necessary information to pick which language is right for your ambitions.

Language Overview

Python

Python was created in 1991 and is recognized for being both simple and easy to read by anyone. The Zen of Python is the philosophy guiding the code and it stresses both readability and simplicity.

Typically, people who study programming use it in data science, machine learning, developing backends, scripting, automating tasks and scientific computing.

JavaScript

In 1995, JavaScript came into existence and is used in web browsers to make sites interactive. Node.js allows creating applications that run on servers.

It is mainly used for frontend web, full-stack, mobile app (React Native) and desktop app (Electron) development.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Consider Python JavaScript
Syntax This language is very easy to understand for beginners because it uses English-like syntax More complex with curly braces and semicolons
Performance Execution of the code takes more time Compared to JIT-compiled JavaScript in the browser
Community Support A friendly community with a large collection of libraries A big community that keeps advancing with new ideas
Job Demand There is a strong job demand in data science/AI Compared to web development

What Are the Benefits of Using Python?

Pros

  • Learning is easier because the language is simple to read
  • It has applications in many different fields
  • Expert in data science fields (AI, ML)
  • It is highly useful for performing tasks automatically and via scripts
  • People can easily find career opportunities in rapidly growing tech sectors

Cons

  • It may not be the best fit for building user interfaces
  • Compiled languages are faster than interpreted languages
  • There are not many options for developing mobile apps

Why Should You Use JavaScript?

Pros

  • Vital when coding for web development (frontend and backend)
  • Seeing the results instantly in the browser
  • There are many jobs available in web development
  • The ability to develop using the full stack with Node.js
  • Development for mobile platforms can be done with React Native

Cons

  • A more challenging idea is asynchronous programming
  • A rapidly changing ecosystem can be hard to deal with
  • How a website looks varies from one browser to another

I want to go through and compare our learning curves

How to Learn Programming with Python

  1. Begin by learning to work with variables, loops and functions (about 1-2 weeks)
  2. During the intermediate concepts (2-4 weeks), you study OOP, modules and working with files
  3. Specialization: Pick a concentration (data science, web development using Django/Flask and so on)

A guide to picking up JavaScript

  1. In the first two or three weeks, you'll focus on variables and changing the content on your page with DOM
  2. During intermediate processing (3-6 weeks), focus on things like async, APIs and those new ES6+ features
  3. In this stage, you should choose a field to specialize in such as frontend frameworks or Node.js

Opportunities in IT in 2025

Different Areas of Work in Python

  • Average pay for a Data Scientist is $105,000 – $180,000
  • Machine learning engineers are paid between $120k and $200k
  • The average salary for a Backend Developer is $95k-$165k
  • Salary for DevOps Engineers ranges from $100k to $175k

What Does a JavaScript Job Look Like?

  • You can expect to earn $85k to $155k as a Frontend Developer
  • An expert in all aspects of development can make $95k-$170k per year
  • A Node.js Developer should expect a salary range of $100k to $165k
  • The average salary for a React Native Mobile Developer is between $90,000 and $160,000

So which Should You Pick? Decision Guide

If you want to know programming, learn Python first when:

  • Are you excited about data science, AI or machine learning?
  • Do you want to pursue a career in science research or academics?
  • When you are new, use a programming language with simple syntax
  • Interested in writing scripts to automate different tasks

If you are a beginner, you should learn JavaScript first when:

  • Do you want to design websites or web apps?
  • Are curious about being a full-stack developer?
  • Your career goals should include startups and frontend positions
  • If you want to see the changes as soon as you write code

Eventually, you may decide to study both: Some of the top developers use JavaScript for frontend and Python for tasks related to back and data.

Learning Resources

Python Resources

  • The official document about Python can be found at python.org
  • The book Automate the Boring Stuff with Python can be found online
  • The book Python Crash Course, written by Eric Matthes
  • Real Python contains both tutorials and courses

JavaScript Resources

  • The JavaScript Guide from MDN (developer.mozilla.org)
  • Eloquent JavaScript is freely available online
  • A tutorial has been created by JavaScript.info
  • freeCodeCamp offers a curriculum on JavaScript
Python JavaScript learn programming introduction to coding web development data science programming languages coding career 2025 guide

Final Thoughts

Python and JavaScript are recommended as first languages that offer great output for those who learn them. A good feature of Python is that it's easy to get started with programming and is preferred in data-related areas, whereas JavaScript is essential for web development and its output can be easily checked.

The most suitable college for you will be the one that fits your interests and your goals. Consider doing some simple tutorials in each programming language if you have not fully decided yet. It is the first language that is the hardest - all the rest will feel easier to learn.

Which language interests you the most? I would like to hear your views in the comments.