TLDR; I prefer the Erlang syntax. Since I use Erlang VM for hobby / side projects, it's easier for me to come back to after some time away.
You can't go wrong. Inevitibly, which every you start with, you'll learn both.
My personal journay started with learning Elixir. I soon discovered that I was reading Erlang docs, encountering Erlang stack traces, and using many fantastic Erlang lirbaries. I decided I wanted to be build stronger Erlang experience and havn't looked back.
I still create Elixir projects from time to time, especially to leverage Ecto (for databases). Also, on my todo list is to play with the Phoenix (web framework) project.
I'm suspect my journey is rather common, I see Elixir developers comfortable with Erlang and vice-versa. Though, I'm sure each has a perference like a dominant hand. You'll find yours as you explorer this fantastic technology.
> I see Elixir developers comfortable with Erlang and vice-versa
I agree with this. I was an "in theory" fan of erlang for a long time, but was always put off by its syntax, which I don't find too pleasing. But after a lot of elixir, and kind of rubbing up against erlang anyway, you sort of can't help but learn it, or at least learn to read it. Once you start using things like ETS, for example, you're going to be reading erlang docs. By the time you even know about ETS, though, you've probably seen enough erlang that it's not scary anymore.
I do prefer elixir - but I admit it's purely a subjective, aesthetic preference. They're both good and I can imagine jumping back and forth as needed.
One thing I will say though is that once you've worked with the BEAM enough you ain't going back. You will rip my genservers out of my cold, dead hands.
You can't go wrong. Inevitibly, which every you start with, you'll learn both.
My personal journay started with learning Elixir. I soon discovered that I was reading Erlang docs, encountering Erlang stack traces, and using many fantastic Erlang lirbaries. I decided I wanted to be build stronger Erlang experience and havn't looked back.
I still create Elixir projects from time to time, especially to leverage Ecto (for databases). Also, on my todo list is to play with the Phoenix (web framework) project.
I'm suspect my journey is rather common, I see Elixir developers comfortable with Erlang and vice-versa. Though, I'm sure each has a perference like a dominant hand. You'll find yours as you explorer this fantastic technology.