Comparison of Python with Other Programming Languages

When you build software, it’s the same as building a house. In both instances, what you most need is a robust foundation. A weak foundation will make you suffer expensive repairs later on, struggle with expansion, and probably you’ll be left with no choice but to rebuild the whole thing from scratch. A total waste of time and money, all in all. 

In custom software development, Python is among the most popular programming languages. It climbed from third place to tie for second place in the latest ranking of the most popular programming languages at present. Python, being one of the best around and what you should consider for your software project. 

Nonetheless, Python is not the only programming language worth the salt. There are also a lot of alternatives to choose from, such as in particular Node.js, Golang, and Ruby to name a few. To make a well-informed and educated decision on what to use, let’s make an informative and impartial comparison of Python versus the other programming languages mentioned here.

Let’s start with Python first. 

The language has been consistent in popularity since 2012, and the trend continues to date and is deemed to increase in the future. In most custom software development companies today, the demand and support for Python are on the rise, and it’s projected that it will overtake Java in the years to come and claim the top place.                

The popularity of Python is a great thing, not just for software developers, but for enterprises and businesses as well.  The programming language could be used for just about anything, thus it’s considered versatile.  With its popularity, you would likely find a ready-made solution to any problem you may be facing.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

Why choose Python? Because it’s fast, popular, simple, intuitive, scalable, and simple. It offers a lot of useful libraries and frameworks and enjoys an ever-growing and big community of enthusiasts. 

Python vs. Golang

Similarities

Being high-level is the main similarity between the two. The maps and slices of Go resemble the dicts and lists in Python. 

Differences

There are a lot more similarities and differences between the two, some are likely to shock the developers of Python. Golang, for instance, need not have try-except, rather it allows functions to return an error type together with a result. Thus, you have to check if an error was returned before using a function. 

High readability

The reason that developers of Python understand Golang without a lot of trouble is due to the design of Python and Go’s design is based on the same principles. Comparing the Zen of Python with Golang’s guiding principles, you will notice that both prioritize simplicity and minimize clutter. 

Takeaways—Python or Golang?

For the web and data science, Python is excellent. Meanwhile, since Golang is statically typed and compiled, performance is much faster than that of a dynamically typed and interpreted language such as Python. The best option for you would be to use Go and Python together. 

Python vs. Node.js

Keep in mind that Node.js is a runtime environment for JavaScript and not a programming language like Python. Because of this, writing in Node.JS means you get to use the same language on both the frontend and backend. 

Benefits of Python over Node.js

• More beginner-friendly. JavaScript, at a more advanced level, could be hard to understand for developers without much experience in Node.js They make several common mistakes, which slows down the process of development. With Python, this is not the case because, for less experienced developers, it’s easier to use. The errors made would have a less negative impact on development. 
• More Apps. Mostly, Node.js is used for the web, while Python apps are much greater. Its versatility and universality are among the top reasons why it’s a wonderful fit for trending technologies, like data science. 
• The Lower point of entry. Frameworks like Django are mature, boost code quality, and hasten the process of writing, all without requiring highly-skilled custom software developers.

Benefits of Node.js over Python

• Less opinionated ecosystem. Node.js packages often are seamless and for a single purpose alone. This urges developers to think with more caution on what they want to use and when they want to utilize it. Due to this, Node.js requires developers to be more advanced. 
• More flexible app developers. If you want to use Node.js, then it’s necessary to know JavaScript because you’d be dealing with the same language on both the frontend and backend. This requires a higher understanding and flexibility of the project from developers. 
• Speed and performance. Node.js may fight with performing many tasks at once. If the code isn’t written very well, the product will work gradually and perform inferiorly. This could also happen with Python, yet frameworks like Django are equipped with ready-made solutions to help software handle high load. 

Takeaways

All things taken into account, the scale is tipped in favor of Python in one regard, and much friendlier for inexperienced junior developers. Additionally, in general, you shouldn’t opt for Node.js if you have no advanced team on hand.

Python vs. Ruby

Ruby and Python both enable developers to reach the same results when creating web apps. Although web development is what Ruby is mainly used for, Python could do so much more. Besides their use instances, the two programming languages differ as well in their approaches and philosophies in resolving issues. 

Similarities 

Both are high-level, server-side, and scripting. Also, they’re cross-platform, dynamically typed, and general-purpose. Ruby and Python are mature and well-established, used by giants in the tech industry from various fields. 

Differences

Popularity. Python, in short, enjoys much higher rates of adoption among developers compared to Ruby. 

Flexibility

The flexible syntax of Ruby enables developers to come up with highly creative solutions. This led some to describe it as a ‘magical’ language. Python, conversely, focuses on seamless and clear solutions. 

Takeaways

Unless your software development project requires using Ruby, opting for Python is a smarter choice. Whatever you can do with Ruby, you can do with Python. The rule, however, doesn’t apply the other way around. There are a lot of areas, like science, academia, data analysis, or machine learning—in which Python has an obvious advantage over Ruby. 

Conclusion

Python is without a doubt a programming language worth considering for your software development project. Nonetheless, the use of any programming language greatly depends on your business goals and project requirements. 

Writer Note

Melvin Joseph working as a Technical Content Writer

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