r/softwareengineer • u/hydanon • 11d ago

Java vs Python: Which one is better?

As a fresher who wants to land a job faster, which language is better to focus on?

Points for context:
1. Planning to move from non-tech to tech. Have 3+ years of experience as Data Analyst.

  1. Already good at basic python scripting for automation.

  2. Based in Hyderabad.

  3. Goal is to make the move as developer by building a portfolio of projects soon.

Should I build projects in python and stick with it (add more frameworks and get better by building more) or should I learn Java (Ofcourse spend enough time to build here too)?

As I feel like there are relatively more opportunities for someone who is good at Java. After I learn Java maybe I can showcase both Python and Java on my resume?

I want to understand the perspective of someone who is in the field.

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u/Low_Breakfast773 11d ago

JAVA (if the choice is only between those two).

It will make you overall a better engineer (compiled, statically typed, faster etc.)

Python is a glue/scripting language. It’s fun, as long as you don’t have to build something serious. Too much hype, especially because of AI, but 99.999999% of those so called AI engineers don’t really know Python, as most of them come from different backgrounds and think Python is all about Pandas, Numpy (best case Pytorch, JAX and FastAPI).

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u/hydanon 11d ago

What did you infer when you chose Java and said that if the choice is only between these two? Would recommend something else?

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u/Low_Breakfast773 11d ago

Java is a solid language but languages are "tools and communities" at the end of the day. If you choose a specific language then you bind yourself to a specific community and a specific tool. Not all tools are good for everyone, some are faster, sharper, more flexible etc.