Best Programming Language for AI: Which Is Better, Python or Golang?

Imagine you are a self-driving car passenger navigating through complex city streets, making split-second decisions to ensure your safety. Behind the scenes, sophisticated AI algorithms are at work, processing vast amounts of data in real-time. The language in which these algorithms are written can impact the car’s performance, responsiveness, and ability to adapt to changing environments.

Golang and Python are two heavyweight contenders in the AI development arena, each offering unique capabilities and catering to different needs. In one corner, we have Python. According to the Statista study conducted in 2022, Python emerged as the programming language of choice for almost 50% of developers in general. And Python’s versatility and extensive ecosystem have made it the go-to choice for AI enthusiasts and researchers worldwide.

But don’t underestimate the challenger, Golang, a rising star in the AI arena. Golang has gained popularity among developers seeking high-performance AI solutions because of its speed, efficiency, and concurrent programming capabilities. Its streamlined approach and native concurrency features make it a formidable opponent to Python’s dominance.

In this article, we’ll explore the difference between Python and Golang and take a look at real-world applications, helping you make an informed decision for your AI projects. So, let’s enter the AI battleground and witness the clash between Python and Golang.

Python in the right corner

While no language is perfect, Python has emerged as a powerhouse in the field of AI. Is Python the best programming language for AI? Let´s take a look at its advantages.

Vast array of libraries

One of the key strengths of Python lies in its vast array of libraries specifically designed for AI and machine learning. Libraries such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, and scikit-learn offer comprehensive tools and frameworks for building and training AI models. These libraries enable tasks such as natural language processing, computer vision, deep learning, and data analysis, empowering developers to tackle complex AI challenges with relative ease.

Simplicity

Python’s simplicity and readability make it an ideal choice for AI development. Its humal-like  syntax allows developers to write clean and concise code, enhancing productivity and reducing development time. Besides, Python’s popularity within the AI community means a wealth of resources, tutorials, and community support is available, making it easier for developers to learn, collaborate, and stay updated with the latest advancements.

Versatility

Python’s compatibility with other programming languages and its ability to integrate with existing systems also contribute to its appeal for AI projects. It allows seamless integration with C/C++ code, providing performance optimization when needed. Again, Python’s flexibility enables developers to deploy AI models across different platforms and environments, including cloud-based solutions and edge devices.

Where is Python used in AI development?

Python has been used in various AI applications and projects. Here are a few notable examples:

Chatbots

Many popular chatbot platforms, including Facebook’s Messenger Bot, Slackbot, and Microsoft’s Chatbot Framework, are built using Python. 

Recommendation Systems

Platforms like Netflix, Amazon, and YouTube leverage Python’s machine learning capabilities to analyze user data and deliver tailored recommendations through their recommendation engines.

Virtual Assistants

Voice-activated virtual assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant use Python for speech recognition, natural language understanding, and response generation.

Golang in the left corner

In the left corner of the battle arena, we have Golang, a rising star in the world of AI development. While Python has long been the go-to choice, Golang brings its own unique set of advantages to the table. So, is Golang suitable for AI? Is Golang better than Python? Why choose Go over Python? Let´s find it all out.

Cross-platform compatibility

One of the standout advantages of Go is its cross-platform compatibility, allowing it to run seamlessly on multiple operating systems and architectures. It makes Go an excellent choice for software portability.

Encompassing a wide range of AI applications

Golang provides a modest yet growing library collection that caters to diverse needs. These libraries encompass various functionalities such as data processing (GoLearn), binary classification (Hector), and data transmission (Goml). Besides, Go developers have other options for working with AI tasks, such as using libraries like TensorFlow and PyTorch or implementing their own algorithms in Go.

Speed

In contrast to Python, Golang excels in scalability and performance, particularly in the context of large-scale projects. Its ability to handle efficiently complex mathematical computations sets it apart, with Go outperforming Python by a significant margin. So, is Golang faster than Python? Yes. Golang can deliver results 20 to 50 times faster during complex mathematical challenges than Python. This speed advantage makes Golang a compelling choice for AI programming, where the efficient processing of mathematical operations is necessary.

Where is Golang used in AI development?

There are several notable apps and projects that leverage Golang for AI development. Here are a few examples:

CockroachDB

CockroachDB, a distributed SQL database, utilizes Golang for its AI-powered workload optimization and query optimization features. Golang’s concurrency and scalability capabilities help in managing large-scale data processing tasks.

Minio

MinIO is a high-throughput object storage solution compatible with the S3 API. It is specifically designed to cater to the needs of large-scale workloads in the domains of AI/ML, data lakes, and databases.

One of its key strengths lies in its versatility, as it can seamlessly operate on various environments, ranging from on-premises to public or private cloud setups, and even extend to edge computing scenarios. MinIO is an open-source software-defined platform distributed under the GNU AGPL v3 license.

Golang and Python: A dynamic fusion for AI development

Can we use Python and Golang together? Absolutely yes. Combining Python and Golang provides an excellent symbiosis for AI development. Python is widely regarded as a versatile language for AI research, with its extensive libraries and frameworks for machine learning and data analysis. It excels in prototyping and experimenting with new AI algorithms and models. On the other hand, Golang shines in production environments. Its efficiency, scalability, and strong concurrency support make it ideal for building robust, high-performance AI systems that handle heavy workloads. 

By leveraging Python for research and Golang for production, developers can seamlessly transition their AI models from experimentation to deployment, ensuring efficiency and reliability throughout the development lifecycle. This combination allows for a seamless workflow that harnesses the strengths of both languages to create robust and scalable AI solutions.

Bottom line

While Python continues to dominate the realm of AI programming, Golang is steadily making its mark. Initially known for its strength in web applications, Golang is now emerging as a viable option for AI development. With its simple code style, reusable algorithms, and impressive scalability, Golang offers excellent potential in the field of AI. As Python remains a popular choice, it’s worth exploring the unique advantages Golang brings when embarking on AI projects. Nevertheless, the future looks promising for Golang in the realm of artificial intelligence.