Yesterday, the Indian startup ecosystem was buzzing with the news of Juspay becoming India's first Unicorn of 2026. What made this news even more fascinating was their technology stack: Haskell.
Haskell is a functional programming language known for being incredibly difficult to learn but impossible to crash. It’s an engineering marvel. But let’s be honest for a second—Juspay is an exception, not the rule.
If you walk into any co-working space in Bangalore, Gurgaon, or Surat today, you won’t see founders debating Haskell vs. Rust. You will see screen after screen of Python code.
As we settle into 2026, a critical question arises for every non-technical founder and aspiring developer: Is Python still the King? Or has the rise of "Auto-Coding AI" like DeepSeek V3 changed the game entirely?
In this detailed guide, we will analyze why 90% of Indian startups still choose Python, and how the new "AI Coding Wars" (DeepSeek vs. GPT-4) are making it easier than ever to build your MVP.
1. Speed is Oxygen: The "MVP" Argument
Imagine you have a startup idea today. You want to build a "Quick Commerce App for Medicines." You have two choices:
- Option A (The Hard Way): Spend 3 months finding a Java or C++ developer, pay them Rs.1.5 Lakh/month, and wait 6 months for the first version.
- Option B (The Python Way): Hire a fresh Python developer (or use AI), use frameworks like Django or FastAPI, and launch your app in 3 weeks.
In the startup world, Speed is Oxygen. If you don't launch fast, someone else will. Python allows you to write code that reads almost like English. This "Readability" means you spend less time fixing syntax errors and more time building features.
Real World Examples in India
You don't have to take my word for it. Look at the giants of the Indian ecosystem:
- Cred: Uses Python heavily for its backend orchestration.
- Zomato: Their entire recommendation engine (which tells you what to eat) is built on Python libraries.
- Zerodha: While they use Go for speed now, their initial systems relied heavily on Python for simplicity.
2. The "DeepSeek V3" Factor: 2026's Game Changer
Here is where the story gets interesting for 2026. Until last year, if you wanted to write Python code, you used ChatGPT (GPT-4).
But recently, a Chinese AI model named DeepSeek V3 has taken the developer world by storm. I was discussing this with some AI experts on LinkedIn yesterday (shoutout to Smit Bokha), and the feedback is shocking.
"DeepSeek isn't just cheaper than GPT-4; for pure Python scripting, it is often more accurate. It cuts out the 'chatty' explanations and just gives the code."
DeepSeek vs. GPT-4: A Founder's Perspective
| Feature | DeepSeek V3 | ChatGPT (GPT-4o) |
|---|---|---|
| Coding Accuracy | High (Concise) | High (Talkative) |
| API Cost | 10x Cheaper | Expensive |
| Best For... | Generating Code | Brainstorming Ideas |
For a bootstrapped founder in India, saving money on API costs is crucial. DeepSeek allows you to build AI agents that write code for you at a fraction of the price.
3. The Hiring Problem: Python vs. The Rest
Let's talk about money again. But this time, Salaries.
If you decide to build your startup in Haskell (like Juspay) or Rust, finding a developer in a city like Surat or Ahmedabad is a nightmare. And if you find one, they will demand a salary of Rs.30 LPA+.
The Python Advantage:
- Talent Pool: Every engineering college in India teaches Python.
- Cost: You can hire a decent Python Junior Developer for Rs.25k - Rs.40k per month.
- Community: Stuck on a bug? There are 10,000 answers on StackOverflow.
4. When Should You NOT Use Python?
I don't want to sound like a blind fanboy. Python is not perfect. It is slow compared to compiled languages like C++ or Go.
You should AVOID Python if:
- High-Frequency Trading: If you are building a stock exchange where microseconds matter (like Juspay’s core engine), Python is too slow.
- Real-Time Game Engines: You won't build the next PUBG on Python.
- Embedded Systems: Code running on a washing machine chip needs C, not Python.
But ask yourself: "Am I building a stock exchange, or am I building a website/app?" If it's the latter, Python is enough.
Conclusion: The Verdict for 2026
The debate between languages will never end. But for 90% of Indian startups starting in 2026, the answer is clear.
Start with Python. Use AI tools like DeepSeek V3 to write your code faster. Launch your MVP. Get customers. Make money.
Once you are as big as Juspay and handling billions of dollars, then you can afford to hire expensive engineers to rewrite your code in Haskell.
Question for you: As a founder, would you prefer a fast launch with Python or a perfect product with a harder language? Let me know in the comments below!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Why is Python so popular in AI?
Python has the best libraries for AI (PyTorch, TensorFlow). Even DeepSeek and ChatGPT are primarily trained and accessed using Python scripts.
Q2: Is DeepSeek free to use?
DeepSeek offers a free chat interface, but their API (for developers) is paid—though it is significantly cheaper than OpenAI's API.
Q3: Can I build a scalable startup with Python?
Absolutely. Instagram, Spotify, and Pinterest all started with Python (Django) and still use it heavily today to handle millions of users.
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