Short answer: For most complete beginners, Python is the better choice. It’s easier to learn and lets you start building useful things quickly. Java is also a great language, but it’s more verbose and enforces more structure, which can be helpful depending on your goals.

Why Python is often better for beginners
- Simpler, readable syntax (less boilerplate). Example: print("Hello, world") vs Java’s class/method boilerplate.
- Fast feedback loop (interactive REPL) — good for experimentation.
- Easier to pick up programming concepts (variables, control flow, functions) without fighting syntax.
- Huge ecosystem for web, scripting, automation, and especially data science / machine learning.
- Lots of beginner-friendly learning resources and projects (small scripts, games, data analysis).

Why you might choose Java
- Strong static typing and explicit structure can teach you fundamentals of types, OOP design, and software engineering discipline.
- Dominant in enterprise back-end systems and (historically) Android development (though Kotlin is now preferred for Android).
- Excellent tooling (IDEs like IntelliJ/NetBeans/Eclipse) and widely used in CS curricula.
- Good performance and predictable behavior in large systems.

When to pick which
- Pick Python if: you want quick wins, data science/ML, scripting/automation, web prototyping, or you’re new to programming.
- Pick Java if: you plan to work on enterprise systems, Android (or a Java-based curriculum), or want to learn strong-typing and OOP practices from the start.

Practical tip
- Try a small tutorial in each (30–60 minutes). If you’re enjoying learning and getting things done faster with Python, start there. You can always learn Java later — concepts transfer.

If you tell me your goals (career, course, project ideas), I can give a more specific recommendation and a starter path.
