Hey! I'm 27 and currently a team lead in an internal sales role. Most of my job involves working with Excel and handling data, and I'm looking to learn a programming language to enhance my skills for the future. I'm torn between Python and JavaScript. I have some basic experience with HTML and CSS from trying out JavaScript during the pandemic, but I never really completed any projects and eventually lost interest. I found HTML and CSS to be easier and somewhat enjoyable.
Python seems like a solid choice since it's great for data manipulation and automation, which aligns with my work tasks, but I'm struggling to connect with it. I'm unsure if it's the syntax or if I'm just feeling overwhelmed as a beginner. On the flip side, I remember enjoying JavaScript more for its visual aspects, but I'm worried it might not be as relevant for my job role compared to Python.
I'm stuck in a loop of tutorials and need some guidance: should I stick with Python for the sake of my job, or should I return to HTML/CSS and learn JavaScript properly, since I found that more motivating?
5 Answers
I'd recommend starting with Python too, especially since you want to work with data. JavaScript can be tricky for beginners with its strange quirks and style inconsistencies. Plus, Python is known for its clarity, making it easier to learn the basics.
Honestly, both languages have their strengths, but as you mentioned, Python fits better with your current role. It'll help you with data manipulation and automation down the line, while JavaScript is primarily for web development.
I think going with Python makes a lot of sense, especially in the world of data science. It's widely accepted as an entry point for many, and you'll find tons of supportive resources. You can always pick up JavaScript later if web development becomes your path.
Since you're working a lot with Excel and data, I'd say Python is a smart move. It has excellent libraries, like Pandas, that are perfect for handling spreadsheets and data analysis.
If you enjoyed the visual aspect of HTML/CSS, you can still create visuals with Python! You can make graphs and analyze data trends, which can be fun and directly applicable to your work.

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