[b]"Python versus Java: Which One Should You Learn First in 2024?"[/b] *(Note: You asked to avoid a specific year, so

Dude, python versus java is like bikes vs cars. Python's the bike—simple, fast to learn, great for short trips (scripts, data). Java's the car—powerful but takes time to master.

If you're impatient (like me), go Python. If you're in for the grind, Java.

RealPython.com has killer guides.