Converting from Python to Javascript

Converting simple Python programs into equivalent Javascript programs (or vice-versa) can often be done relatively easily. Below are two equivalent programs. I have added extra vertical space to the Python version so that it would line up better with the Javascript version.

''' Maze solution in Python: a simple program. ''' def mark_starting_point_and_move(): put("token") while not front_is_clear(): turn_left() move() def follow_right_wall(): if right_is_clear(): turn_right() move() elif front_is_clear(): move() else: turn_left() # Program execution below while not at_goal(): follow_right_wall()

/* Maze solution in Javascript: a simple program. */ function mark_starting_point_and_move() { put("token"); while (!front_is_clear()) { turn_left(); } move(); } function follow_right_wall(){ if (right_is_clear()){ turn_right(); move(); } else if (front_is_clear()) { move(); } else { turn_left(); } // Program execution below while (!at_goal()){ follow_right_wall(); }

To convert such a simple program from Python to Javascript, one can follow the following steps. [Note that not all those steps mentioned below are applicable in the sample program listed above.]

• Replace the keyword def by function.
• Replace the colon : that indicates the beginning of a code block by {.
• Add } at the end of a code block.
• Surround conditions/test in if and while statement by parentheses (...).
• Add semi-colons ; at the end of each statement.
• Replace the keyword not by the symbol !.
• Replace the keyword and by the symbols &&.
• Replace the keyword or (not present above) by the symbols ||.
• Replace the keywords True and False by true and false.
• Replace the keyword elif by else if.
• Replace the single line comment symbol # by //
• Replace triple quotes enclosing a multi-line comment ''' ... ''' by /* ... */.

What do you think?

Which programming language is easier to read and would likely be a better choice for a first language to use in learning about programming?