Pro tip: Finally picked Python over JavaScript for my first language

I spent 3 weeks going back and forth on whether to start with Python or JavaScript for my first coding language. I went with Python and honestly the syntax is so readable that I already built a little calculator app in just 2 days. Any other beginners struggle with this choice or have tips for what to try next?

4 comments

4 Comments

cooper.drew1mo ago

Oh man that's awesome! I think most people overlook that Python forces you to write cleaner code from day one because of the indentation rules. JavaScript will let you get away with sloppy formatting that comes back to haunt you later. For your next project try automating something boring you do on your computer like renaming a bunch of files or pulling weather data. That practical stuff really makes the concepts stick way better than just following tutorials.

sagecooper1mo ago

Renaming batches was my first real "aha" moment with Python.

nguyen.morgan1mo ago

Yo @sagecooper, did that batch rename thing also mess with your head at first? I remember my buddy getting all hyped about automating file stuff with Python and I just sat there thinking "bro I can just right click and rename." But then he showed me how it handles patterns like adding dates or numbering stuff automatically and it clicked for me too. Now I use it to organize my photos from all my hiking trips it saves so much time.

murphy.tessa1mo ago

Used to think Python was overhyped. Those file renaming demos totally changed my mind.