I've been working as a professional JavaScript developer for several years now, mainly focusing on full-stack development with frameworks such as React, Node.js, and Express. I'm eager to expand my skill set and am considering learning a new programming language that not only complements my expertise in JavaScript but also aids in my professional growth. I'm particularly curious about the pros and cons of Go, Python, and Java. Which one would be the best choice for me to learn next?
5 Answers
Have you considered Kotlin? It's gaining traction for backends and mobile apps, and it also allows multiplatform development. Just throwing another option into the mix!
Java is solid for enterprise applications, but it can feel bloated at times. Go, on the other hand, is pretty stripped back and straightforward, which is refreshing. It's not as established as Java, but I honestly think its utility will grow, especially with newer companies. Python is the go-to for AI and machine learning, so if you're interested in those fields, it's worth considering, too.
If you're focusing on backend development, I'd recommend Python first. It's more accessible than Java and will give you a solid foundation before moving to Go. Python's great for flexibility—you can tackle a lot of tasks with it, especially if you want to branch into AI later.
That sounds reasonable—Python is a good choice for transitioning to more complex languages later.
If you're looking for something that works well for web development, Go is a fantastic option! It's fast, has great concurrency support, and is easy to learn. While it's a general-purpose language suitable for building just about anything, I feel like programmers from various backgrounds can pick it up pretty quickly. If you're into AI or machine learning, Python might be more useful. But for backend services and performance, Go gets my recommendation!
I've been thinking about Go too, but I noticed there aren't many Go developer jobs available. Does this affect the demand for Go developers long-term?
You make good points about Go, but I find some choices in the language design a bit odd. For instance, it lacks some features that Rust has, like enums.
Honestly, I think Go is the way to go after JavaScript. It's user-friendly and you dodge a lot of headaches with its garbage collection. While all three languages are solid, I’d avoid Python unless you're heavy into data analysis or machine learning. As for Java, it feels too verbose compared to modern languages. Go tends to be the most productive for me, even if it has some quirks like limited enum support.
That's interesting. I also leaned towards Go, but when I checked job listings, it seemed like there are fewer options. That worries me about job security.
For sure, there's a lot to weigh. It's all about aligning your choices with your career goals and interests.