If you use 3-wire you have to run it to at least at least the first fixture and can then split any time after that point.

If you split at the switch box into a pair of 2-wre cables it may be less overall cost (more of a single type of cable) instead of needing a short run of 3-wire.

You are talking before the switches, right? Just run one 2 wire cable to the switches and use pigtails to power both switches. After the switches run a 2 wire cable to each set of lights from each switch. The blacks will run through the switch and all the whites will tie together. Tie all the grounds together.

New code requires neutrals at all switch legs

New code requires neutrals at all switch legs

I have a 2 wire cable running from my breaker box to a junction box.

Cable will be run from the junction box to my switches.

We are familiar with the new code.

"New code requires neutrals at all switch legs"

If you rn the feed to the switches you do notneed to be concerned with switch loops since you wil lnot be using them.

The hot feed goes to both switches.
The switched side goes to each light, along with a neutral.

All the neutral in the switch box are tied together.
All the grounds in the switch box are tied together (and to the switch grounding screws and the box if it is metal).

Each switch then feeds a 2-conductor cable (with ground) that feeds a bank of lights one after another.
Each light is placed across the now switched hhot and the neutral.

There are no 'switch loops' and all you need is 2 conductor cable.

Since you are refering to multiple switches, do you mean to have 3-way switches in the circuit? That is, the ability to turn on/off a bank of lights from two locations?

I want to install 2 switches with each switch controlling half of the lights.

Looks like simple on/off switches.