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For whatever it is worth, the TIOBE index lists Python as #1, R at #21.

Python is the first language many people are exposed to today. It has a library and tooling for every use case.

https://www.tiobe.com/tiobe-index/

R has a pretty particular use case though, Python use for statistical programming/data analysis would be an apples to apples comparison. People doing a coding 101 course in Python don't really count against the R user base.

No one is disputing that R has usage in niche arenas.

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