Done both for many years and I found it easier to control heat with gas and it's cleaner burning for the environment and it's easier to keep a gas grille clean and ready for the next barbecue, but I do have to admit that charcoal seems to infuse a better flavor to most meats.
But most people do start with charcoal then go on to gas later when they can afford the nice gas grills and they also find out that they do not have the time to tend to lighting and maitaining a coal fire.....
JMOs

Chombi