Python for Javascript Newbies

From JavaScript to Python: A Smooth Transition?

As a new programmer, the possibilities seem endless. What projects should I tackle next? What skills must I master? For me, the path leads to Python. But can I realistically learn a new language when I haven't fully mastered JavaScript?

Python's Reputation: User-Friendly Powerhouse

Python is known for its readability; its variables feel surprisingly similar to JavaScript's. Many praise its concise, clear syntax, making it a popular first language for aspiring developers eager to start coding immediately.

But will these similarities cause confusion? To find out, I'm creating a Python primer – a cheat sheet to help me (and hopefully you!) leverage our JavaScript knowledge to get a head start.

The Cheat Sheet: From Similar to Different

This cheat sheet works backward: from the most similar aspects to the most significant differences. I'll focus on areas I anticipate will be most challenging for me.

Striking Similarities

• High-level interpreted languages
• Support for functional and imperative programming paradigms
• Lexical scoping
• Object-oriented programming

Primitive Data Types: Mostly Familiar

• Strings: Sequences of characters in quotes, immutable (just like JavaScript).
• Numbers: Python distinguishes between integers (int) and floating-point numbers (float), unlike JavaScript's single Number type.
• Booleans: JavaScript uses true and false; Python uses True, False, and a bool() function.
• No Value: Python uses None, while JavaScript uses null and undefined.

Functional Equivalents: Minor Tweaks

Feature	JavaScript	Python
Variable Case	camelCase	snake_case
Console Output	console.log()	print()
Single-Line Comment	//	#
Multi-Line Comment	/* ... */	''' ... '''
Arrays/Lists	[array]	[list]
Objects/Dictionaries	{object}	{dict}

Conditionals: A Tiny Surprise

The if...else if...else structure translates to if...elif...else in Python – a delightfully concise change!

JavaScript:

let weather = 'rainy';

if (weather === "sunny") {
   console.log("It's a sunny day!");
} else if (weather === "cloudy") {
   console.log("It's cloudy.");
} else if (weather === "rainy") {
   console.log("It's raining!");
} else {
   console.log("Unknown weather.");
}

Python:

weather = 'rainy'

if weather == "sunny":
    print("It's a sunny day!")
elif weather == "cloudy":
    print("It's cloudy.")
elif weather == "rainy":
    print("It's raining!")
else:
    print("Unknown weather.")

Potential Pitfalls: Syntax and Declarations

Here's where things get interesting (and potentially confusing):

• Whitespace Sensitivity: Python uses indentation to define code blocks, replacing semicolons and curly braces. While proponents claim this enhances readability, I fear it might lack the clarity of JavaScript's syntax.

• Variable Declarations: JavaScript's var, let, and const are absent in Python. While function declarations use def instead of function, this is a relatively straightforward adjustment.

JavaScript Function:

function add(a, b) {
   return a + b;
}

Python Function:

def add(a, b):
   return a + b

Conclusion: Embracing the Challenge

The transition from JavaScript to Python offers a unique blend of familiarity and new challenges. Python's clear syntax and versatility make it attractive, especially for developers wanting to expand their skillset. With a solid JavaScript foundation, I'm confident I can become proficient in Python.

Sources:

• Python 101 for JavaScript Developers
• How to Learn Python for JavaScript Developers
• W3Schools Python Booleans
• W3Schools Python Introduction
• Image created with Canva

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