learning python as a javascript dev: the why's
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Recently I’ve started learning Python, and I wanted to take some time to document my experience doing so as a developer with a background in JavaScript. The perfect place to start seemed to be answering the question “why?”
why learn another programming language?
I decided to learn another programming language to deepen my knowledge of data structures and algorithms (DSA). After my experience optimizing web performance using the two-pointer technique, I realized that I wanted to have a stronger foundation in this topic beyond interview preparation. In the past, I’ve had a difficult time studying DSA because traditional coding exercises or Leetcode problems did not provide enough context for me. Most of the courses and books I used would summarize an algorithm and then immediately jump into a coding exercise, but I always wanted more information. When would I ever use this algorithm or that data structure? Why should I use one option versus another? What were some real-world scenarios in which using the data structure or algorithm in question might be necessary?
why not javascript?
I have used JavaScript to study data structures and algorithms in the past, and I implemented the aforementioned two-pointer technique in JavaScript. However, I’d like to broaden my knowledge of programming overall and picking up an additional programming language seemed like a great way to do so.
why python?
Once I started looking into more resources that taught data structures and algorithms outside of the context of technical interview prep, I noticed that most of them used Python. There were a few other reasons why I chose Python. It seemed easy to read coming from JavaScript, and when I asked other developers for their opinions, they suggested that it might be easier to learn than other languages. Personally I had more resources at my disposal to learn Python - I already owned several books and had access to more courses in the programming language than say, C++. I also have an interest in video game modding and some popular video games use Python for scripting, so I liked the idea of learning a programming language that I might be able to use when coding as a hobby as well. Python also seems to be a popular choice for automation and AI, which piqued my interest, too.
what’s next?
In the coming weeks, I hope to detail my experience studying data structures and then (separately) algorithms using Python. I also hope to complete Harvard University’s online Introduction to Programming with Python course.
Which language do you think is best for studying data structures and algorithms and why?
Recently I've started learning Python, and I wanted to take some time to document my experience doing so as a developer with a background in JavaScript. The perfect place to start seemed to be answering the question "why?" I decided to learn another programming language to deepen my knowledge of data structures and algorithms (DSA). After my experience optimizing web performance using the two-pointer technique, I realized that I wanted to have a stronger foundation in this topic beyond interview preparation.
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