Python and Javascript are two of the most popular programming languages, and not without reason.

In fact, the data shows this, as a Stack Overflow survey of over 100,000 developers showed that Python is the language most people want to learn (25.1%), while JavaScript comes in second place (19%).

 

 

Unsurprisingly, these are two languages that have both similarities as well as differences.

But in today's guide, we'll focus mainly on their differences to help you understand which one is best for you.

In particular, we will look at:
 

• What is Python?
• What is JavaScript?
• What is Python vs JavaScript?
   

But let's start with the basics.

 

What is Python?

Python is a programming language commonly used for building websites and software, process automation, and data analysis.

It is a general-purpose language that can be used to build various programs and is not necessarily specialized in specific problems.

This flexibility, together with its friendliness towards novice users, makes it one of the most used languages in the world and the demand for it is constantly increasing.

Fun Fact: Python is named after the television series Monty Python, which was avidly watched by Guido van Rossum, the founder of this language.

As mentioned, Python is used for building websites and software, as well as automating processes.

Since learning it is not particularly difficult compared to many other languages, it is often learned and applied by accountants to do things like organize finances.

Another profession that gets a lot of value from Python is data analysts, since they do complex statistical calculations, data visualization, and machine learning algorithms.
 

Some things that can be done with Python:
 

• Machine learning
• Web development
• Automation
• Software testing
   

So it becomes clear that although Python is a very user-friendly language, you have a plethora of applications that can make the lives of various professionals easier. 

Let's now move on to the next programming language, which is JavaScript.

 

What is JavaScript?

JavaScript (JS) is a text-based programming language that is used from both the user's and the developer's side, and allows web pages to become interactive.

While HTML and CSS structure and design the skeleton of a web page, JavaScript provides them with interactive elements that the user can interact with.

Simply put, JavaScript improves the user experience by transforming a static page into an interactive and "live" page.
 

Some things that can be done with JavaScript:
 

• Adding interactive elements
• Create web & mobile apps
• Building servers
• Game development

 

So we have seen briefly what Python is, what JavaScript is, as well as where they can be used.

Although one is not necessarily better than the other, since it depends on what suits everyone, we can take a detailed look at their differences.
 

Python vs JavaScript: the Differences

In this section we'll delve deeper into the differences between Python and JavaScript.

As we mentioned, there is not necessarily a "better" language, but the one that best meets your needs.

Let's take a look.

 

       Difference #1: Libraries

The first difference between Python and JavaScript is the fact that they have very different Libraries.

Libraries are essentially collections of pre-written code that developers can use to get their work done faster.

So Python has huge Libraries (over 137,000) that users can use, while in JavaScript they are more limited.

Moreover, the ones in Python are also related to computer science, data analytics, machine learning, while those in JavaScript are not.

Some examples of Python Libraries are:
 

• Pandas
• NumPy
• Keras
• TensorFlow
• Eli5
   

While some well-known JavaScript Libraries are the following:
 

• jQuery
• React.js
• D3.js

And many more.

Let's move on to the next difference between the two.
 

        Difference #2: Job Search

Although Javascript is a powerful programming language that many companies ask their developers for, we can't ignore the stats.

In particular, a recent Stack Overflow survey of over 80,000 professional developers showed that the average annual salary of a JS developer is $56,000, while a Python developer makes $61,000.

Moreover, the annual growth in demand for JS and Python developers is 14% and 18% respectively.

 

Making it easy to understand why so many professionals are rushing to learn Python.
 

Difference #3: Utilities

A very important difference is in the applications and utilities of each language.

Although we briefly mentioned them before, it's worth giving them more attention.

In particular, Python is well suited if we want to do things like data analytics, machine learning and general processes that require complex mathematical operations.

In contrast, JavaScript is meant for building web pages and native applications, as it also requires less time for UI (User Interface) work.

Making the uses of these two programming languages quite different, but important depending on the type of work.

So although Python could be said to be easier to learn and have more applications, there are developers for whom JS suits them better.

Let's summarize.
 

  In a nutshell.

So we've seen some basic things about the two most popular programming languages.

Python and JavaScript.

We also saw how they compare to each other and what utilities each can bring to the person using them.

If you're among the many people who think Python is right for them, feel free to apply to the next Python for Data Science course we've created just for you.

In a total of 24 hours you will learn how to write powerful Python commands, how to store and manipulate data from lists and dictionaries, and everything else a professional Python developer needs!