While it’s true that the choice upon the best language for development of this or that solution depends on certain project needs and varies from one case to another, the question of what is better, Python or JavaScript, is still common. Even though we can tell you from the very beginning that there is no definite answer, let’s compare these two technologies, so you can get a clear understanding of what is what, see the key similarities and differences, and learn about their global ratings based on various criteria.
What Is Python?
Python is a high-level object-oriented programming language widely used for such purposes as rapid prototyping, web scripting, ad-hoc programming, XML processing, and the creation of database, GUI, and scientific applications. Also, it is one of the most required technologies for AI, ML and deep learning solution development.
The thing that makes Python stand out is its highly dynamic and readable nature. Python utilizes whitespace indentation instead of curly brackets for delimiting code blocks and eliminates the need in placing semicolons after statements, ensuring easier, clearer, and faster code development and lower barrier for entry.
The benefits of Python are widespread and far-reaching, which paves the way for the language’s leading positions in various tech ratings. The key advantageous features of the language include the provided ability to run it on a variety of hardware platforms, while enjoying the convenience of using the same interface, interactive testing and debugging, automatic garbage collection, possibilities for integration with code written in Java, C, and C++, easy currency support, etc.
What Is JavaScript?
JavaScript, a scripting language used for the creation of interactive web pages, scalable applications, SPAs, a variety of mobile applications and other solutions, is one of the most demanded technologies existing today. It allows developers to build both frontend and backend of applications, offering such tools as jQuery, AngularJS, Ember.js, ReactJS, etc. for client-side programming and MongoDB, Node.js, Express.js. etc. for server-side programming. Furthermore, JavaScript simply runs in the browser and does not require any resources from the web server.
In the same way to the above-mentioned Python, JavaScript has a comparatively low entry barrier, while providing opportunities for the creation of robust, scalable, and user-friendly applications. Added dependencies and a strong testing workflow offered by Javascript are among the key features that make JavaScript stand out.
Python vs JavaScript Differences
Even though Python and JavaScript have something in common, like both support object-oriented programming and both are dynamically-typed high-level coding languages, which makes learning them fairly easy, they also have a lot of distinctions. Let’s see what they are in terms of data types, encoding, numeric types, definition of objects and functions, offered modules, definition of attributes, and used models.
As you can see, despite sharing some common features, these languages have a lot of distinctions, resulting in each of them being more suitable for certain development approaches and for the creation of different solutions. For example, when it comes to mobile development, the better pick is JavaScript. In contrast, scientific applications are better to be developed with Python. But what about web development?
JavaScript vs Python for Web Development
The first thing to mention here is that both JavaScript and Python are widely used for the creation of web solutions. Furthermore, each of these languages is always considered as an excellent addition to any full stack portfolio.
In web development, JavaScript allows programmers to create both the frontend and backend of web applications. And when it comes to Python, the language perfectly suits server-side development needs. So generally when answering the question of what is better for web development, JavaScript or Python, the answer is JavaScript for the client-side programming and Python for the server-side.
Python vs JavaScript: Popularity
According to various technological ratings, including StackOverflow data , JavaScript remains the most popular development technology. It’s been so for 8 years already, but is there a chance that Python will replace it in the nearest future? To answer this question, we have to mention that while JavaScript is mainly used for the creation of web and mobile solutions, Python secures its high positions in the ratings as the language primarily used for the development of such innovative solutions as AI, robotics, and IoT. So the higher the demand for innovations, the more popular Python is. Also, it is worthy of mentioning that in addition to the creation of innovative solutions, Python can be used literally for anything: from the development of complex websites such as YouTube or Instagram to cloud computing projects.
Python has already shown a significant growth over the last five years. So even though for today it is JavaScript that is known to be the most demanded technology, Python has all chances to overlap the first position in technology ratings in the coming years.
The Bottom Line
When comparing JavaScript to Python, it becomes obvious that the primary distinction between these two technologies is dictated by how programmers use them. At Emerline, we have strong expertise in both languages, taking advantage of JavaScript for the creation of user-friendly frontend applications , and using Python for backend development and the creation of data science applications , IoT, and AI. For sure, there is always a lot of space for other variations, so if you are interested to find out which technology better suits your project needs, contact us for a free consultation.
Originally published at https://emerline.com.
