Both **Python** and **Java** are widely used and excellent choices for beginners, but **Python is generally considered better for absolute beginners.** Here’s why:

### **Python**
- **Simplicity**: Python’s syntax is clean, easy to read, and resembles plain English, making it easier for beginners to understand programming concepts.
- **Shorter code**: You can do a lot with fewer lines of code compared to Java.
- **Immediate results**: Python is interpreted, so you can write and run code interactively, seeing results right away.
- **Wide use**: Great for web development, data science, AI, scripting, automation, and more.
- **Large community and resources**: Tons of tutorials, documentation, and forums for learners.

**Example: Hello World in Python**
```python
print("Hello, world!")
```

---

### **Java**
- **Widely used**: Popular in enterprise, Android development, and large systems.
- **Strong typing, object-oriented**: Forces you to learn concepts like classes, objects, and data types from the start, which is good for foundational skills.
- **More verbose**: Programs are longer and can be harder to read for newcomers.
- **Compiled language**: More setup is often needed to run your first program.

**Example: Hello World in Java**
```java
public class Main {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        System.out.println("Hello, world!");
    }
}
```

---

### **Conclusion**
- **Total beginner or learning programming concepts?**  
  - **Python** is generally better: easier syntax, less setup, and faster progress.
- **Planning to do Android development, or want to learn strict object-oriented programming?**
  - **Java** might be best.

**Most introductory programming courses use Python for a reason—it allows you to focus on learning to think like a programmer without being bogged down by complex syntax.**

---

**Summary:**  
For most beginners, start with **Python**. You can always pick up Java later if you need it.
