Learning programming takes time and, with so many programs to choose from, it can be difficult deciding on which one to learn first. Python and Java are two very popular programming languages used by a huge range of devices, pieces of technology and software between them. Being familiar with either of them is a bonus in the world of programming, but it is always best to take your time and learn one of them thoroughly rather than being average at both.

Python and Java are both object-orientated programming languages and whilst Python is more ‘newbie-friendly’ (it is a lot more intuitive), both languages have advantages over one another for both developers and the end-user. If you are just beginning to learn about programming, we recommend that you start with Python as it is much less complex and more intuitive. With that being said, however, Java is more widely used and has applications outside of computers and software.

#1: Java

Java was released back in 1995 and is a very unique programming language. A firm favorite among advanced programmers, Java is now one of the world’s most widely used and efficient coding languages. It is the key programming platform for devices such as smartphones, tablets, the Android operating system and even medical equipment.

Primarily derived from C++, Java’s syntax combines an organized and object orientated method of programming which automatically manages memory.

#2: Python

Python pre-dates Java and was released in 1989. It supports both object-orientated and functional programming and is structure supportive as a multi-paradigm language. Although it is a high-level programming language, it’s very user-friendly and intuitive to use, making it a firm favorite for new programmers. It was the programming language Apple used (as Objective-C) for their smartphones, tablets and mobile applications before they created and implemented Swift.

With its simple to use syntax and easy to interpret language, we recommend that newbie programmers learn Python before moving on to more advanced languages such as Java. If you want to learn more about Python, there are plenty of blogs out there such as Liberian Geek which post lots of high-quality and up-to-date content.

#3: The Differences

Both languages come with their pros and cons. Java has cross-platform support, whereas Python can be executed on around 10 operating systems.

Additionally, many people find that Python is much easier to read, understand and ultimately learn than Java, yet you can write Java code once and execute it anywhere, whereas Python may need to be re-written and modified to be executed elsewhere.

Whether you choose to learn Java or Python is entirely down to you and your preferences. Before you make the decision, you need to decide what your end-goal is and what you want to achieve – this will put you in the best possible place to pick either one of Python or Java. If you have the time, Java allows you to code for a wide range of environments which is better in the long-term, whereas Python can be picked up much quicker and is much better for newbie programmers.