Python vs JavaScript: The Major Differences
The major differences between Python vs JavaScript relate to how people use them. Python has many applications, including data science and the back end of web applications. On the other hand, developers use JavaScript primarily for the front end of web applications and rarely use it outside a browser.
Python and JavaScript are two of the more popular choices among programmers today. Both languages are known for their ease of use, versatility, and active communities. It is reported that companies like Netflix, Google, and Facebook have adopted Python as one of their top coding languages. JavaScript, on the other hand, is a crucial skill to have for full stack developers.
When looking at JavaScript vs Python, you will find that they serve different purposes. Python is generally used in data science, machine learning, data analysis, and backend development. Meanwhile, JavaScript is one of three primary building blocks in front end development. JavaScript can also run backend functionality when used on runtime environments like Node.js.
This article will go over the similarities and differences between Python and JavaScript. We will also discuss the potential job and salary outlook for developers with JavaScript vs Python skills and offer a list of resources you can use to learn these programming languages.
Python and JavaScript: Definitions
Python and JavaScript are some of the most popular programming languages among experienced developers and coding beginners, according to Stack Overflow Developer Survey 2022. Out of over 71,000 respondents, 65.36 percent of them reported using JavaScript while another 48.07 percent reported using Python.
The same report also reveals that JavaScript continues to retain the #1 spot in the list for a straight decade. To understand what makes these languages a favorite among novice and seasoned programmers, let’s take a look at how JavaScript vs Python is used in the real world.
What Is JavaScript?
JavaScript is a web development staple that typically runs on web browsers. It is a high-level scripting language that developers use to produce dynamic web pages and web applications. Together with HTML and CSS, JavaScript is used to create interactive features, graphics, widgets, and other useful attributes that can enhance user experience.
Contrary to a common misconception, JavaScript supports both front end and backend programming. You can use a JavaScript runtime like Node.js to execute server-side lines of code. This gives you the ability to run the code outside of the browser, adding to the versatility of the language. JavaScript is often remarked as beginner-friendly and relatively easy to learn.
What Is Python?
Python is a dynamic and versatile object-oriented programming language with a lot of potential applications. This high-level programming language is used for web applications, desktop software programs, data analytics, task automation, machine learning, and game development, among others.
Python is the language of choice for many because it has excellent code readability, extensive libraries, and simplified syntax. Many beginners also choose to learn Python vs JavaScript or other programming languages because it has a huge global developer community. As such, you can easily find courses, books, and other resources for learning Python.
Python vs JavaScript: Similarities and Differences
Python and JavaScript have a few similarities. Both are object-oriented, making them ideal for large and complex software development. When coding in Python or JavaScript, you follow a certain set of principles that have their own attributes and functions. This breaks down your lines of code into digestible chunks and better facilitates collaborative programming.
JavaScript and Python are also high-level languages. A good analogy is to think of high-level languages as cars with automatic transmissions. They are easier to drive but your performance can be limited in a certain way. Meanwhile, a manual car (or in this case, a low-level language) requires more practice to master but you have more control over your overall performance.
The major differences between Python and JavaScript are their potential applications. JavaScript is more focused on web technologies and web development although it can be used in backend programming. JavaScript is also commonly used alongside other languages like HTML and CSS.
Python, on the other hand, is extremely versatile. Games, software programs, mobile development, and data analysis can be done entirely with Python. You can also execute more tasks in a line of code using Python. This makes it a popular language for developers across various fields.
Syntax
When comparing JavaScript vs Python syntax, it can be said that they differ slightly in terms of code readability. Both are high-level languages which means they already have easier syntax than other coding languages. However, Python tends to have cleaner syntax because the code is contained simply using indentation. This presents less visual clutter.
Meanwhile, JavaScript uses curly braces or curly brackets {} to contain code within statements. Whitespace does not carry any meaning but programmers are encouraged to use proper indentation to avoid messy, unreadable code. Both languages also differ when it comes to variable definitions, variable naming conventions, end of a statement, and numeric data types.
Performance
A lot of people remark that JavaScript and Node.js run fast because of their asynchronous nature. Node.js, for example, is powered by the Google V8 engine which makes it speedy and highly compatible with modern browsers. In spite of this, other programmers have noted that context is more important when evaluating JavaScript vs Python performance.
Applications
While both languages can be used in backend programming, JavaScript vs Python applications are vastly different. JavaScript is mostly used in client-side development which means it runs in the user’s web browser without requiring additional resources or tools. JavaScript is also a preferred language for mobile development.
Meanwhile, Python is a general-purpose language that is highly versatile. You can use Python for scientific and specialized applications. Some of its most common applications include machine learning, the Internet of Things, rapid prototyping web scripting, and XML processing. It is reported that Python is used by companies like Intel, IBM, NASA, Pixar, and Netflix.
Arrays, Lists, and Tuples
JavaScript uses arrays while Python uses lists. In JavaScript, an array is an object that contains data. It allows you to write multiple items of similar values in one single variable. The same goes for lists in Python.
However, Python also supports another type of list that is immutable called tuples. Tuples are a read-only type of list in which the values cannot be changed. The sequence of items in a tuple is separated with a comma and contained inside parenthesis.
Attributes and Properties
When writing in Python, you can define an attribute using something called descriptor protocol. It uses getter and setter functions to define the said attribute. On the other hand, objects in JavaScript have properties that are made up of underlying attributes. These attributes help define a property.
JavaScript vs Python: Salary and Jobs
Python and JavaScript skills continue to be in high demand in 2022. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs related to web development and digital design are expected to see a 13 percent growth between 2020 to 2030. Let’s delve deeper into Python vs JavaScript jobs as well as the potential salary outlook for developers with these skills.
Python and JavaScript Salaries
Python and JavaScript salaries can be lucrative. According to Payscale, developers with Python skills see an average base salary of $94,000 a year. Corresponding roles and salaries include software engineers ($90,963/year), data engineers ($93,327/year), and data analysts ($69,124/year).
Data from the same site reveals that people who are proficient in JavaScript earn an average base salary of $87,000 a year. Common job titles and salaries for JavaScript developers include front end developers ($78,514/year), full stack software developers ($79,098/year), and software engineers ($88,388/year).
Jobs That Use Python
- Software engineers. Python software engineers build new applications, maintain existing systems, and configure programs unique to their organization using Python.
- Data engineers. Python is an essential skill for data engineers in order to build systems that collect, manage, and store data in a secure and effective manner.
- Data analysts. Data analysts use Python to mine, analyze, interpret, and visualize data that can be used to make informed business decisions.
Jobs That Use JavaScript
- Front end developers. Front end developers build robust websites and web applications and ensure positive user interaction and experience.
- Full stack software developers. Full stack software developers are responsible for building and maintaining the server-side and client-side of an application or software.
- Software engineers. JavaScript software engineers focus on the design and implementation of web browser applications using JavaScript.
Where to Learn Python and JavaScript for Free
Python and JavaScript are popular coding languages. As a result, there are a lot of free online resources and introductory coding bootcamp programs available. Those interested in JavaScript can try Codecademy’s free online JavaScript course which is dedicated to beginners. freeCodeCamp also offers a three-hour JavaScript video tutorial on its YouTube for free.
If you’re looking for an introduction to Python, Udemy offers a free Python course for beginners that only takes 90 minutes to complete. Codecademy also offers a free online Python 2 course, which is an excellent way to start learning to code.
JavaScript Vs Python: Which Is Better?
Neither Python nor JavaScript is better than the other. Both languages are equally useful skills to have as they excel in different areas. If you are looking to learn a language for the purpose of building a scientific application, for instance, Python would be your best choice. Meanwhile, if you seek to explore front end development, JavaScript would be the language to learn.
Both Python and JavaScript are high-level languages which makes them more accessible to programmers, regardless of your background and skill level. You can find plenty of free resources, exercises, and quizzes that can assist with learning. They also have huge communities of developers that can offer support or assistance should you require them.
Both languages have their own perks. Keep in mind that important factors to consider are your motivation, capacity, career goals, and interest. They can also help you become familiar with programming concepts as a whole, which may make learning other languages in the future significantly easier. Let’s recap everything that we have learned about JavaScript vs Python.
JavaScript and Python are both:
- Object-oriented
- Dynamically-typed
- High-level
JavaScript and Python are different in that:
- JavaScript is usually used for front end while Python is used for backend development
- JavaScript is almost exclusively used to build technologies that run on web browsers while Python can be used for scientific and specialized applications
JavaScript vs Python FAQ
You should learn Python and JavaScript for different reasons. If you’re looking to explore a career in data science, data analytics, backend development, or game development, Python should be your first choice. If you are interested in designing a dynamic and robust web application, you should learn one of the building blocks of front end development which is JavaScript.
Is JavaScript harder than Python?
Some developers have said that Python is easier than JavaScript. However, that does not necessarily mean JavaScript is harder to learn. Both are high-level languages that support object-oriented programming which already means they are more accessible to new programmers. However, there are several differences in the syntax and applications which may prove to be more or less challenging, depending on your intended use.
Is JavaScript faster than Python?
JavaScript can run faster than Python. This is because it runs on the user’s web browser and does not require additional resources. If you’re using JavaScript’s runtime environment, Node.js, you will find that it runs even significantly faster because it is powered by Google’s V8 engine. Python, on the other hand, processes requests in a single flow which can take a longer time.
Can I convert Python to JavaScript?
Yes, you can convert Python to JavaScript and vice versa using tools such as JS2Py, Brython, JavaScripthon, Jiphy, Transcrypt, and more. These conversion tools are not built the same so they may have unique requirements to perform successfully. However, they can be beneficial for programmers who are looking for the freedom to migrate their projects from JavaScript to Python and vice versa.
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