Python is already one of the most in-demand skills for developers, and it’s fast becoming one of the most popular languages (it is used by Google, Netflix, Paypal and plenty more big names, after all). While it’s an excellent choice for big-data analysis and for building tools quickly and easily, it’s also the perfect language to start with if you’re just learning to code.
So, how Difficult is Python?
Not at all!
Python was specifically designed to be easy to understand. But not only is it easy, it’s fun too. It was named after the British comedy group Monty Python, which says it all really.
Python is a general purpose language, meaning that it can be used to build anything and everything. Data analysis, web development, games and apps, artificial intelligence; you name it, Python can do it. Once you have an overall understanding of the language (which won’t take long), you’ll be more than capable of building prototypes and completing a huge variety of projects quickly and easily. Not so surprising that Python has now replaced Java as the most popular language for beginner coders, is it?
Python is easily the most beginner-friendly programming language out there, and that’s because it reads like English. It handles all of the complexity so you can focus on learning the ‘bigger picture’ of coding. There’s no need to get bogged down in all the nitty gritty details.
Non-beginners will love it too however because Python has incredible flexibility. You can get creative with your problem solving and approach projects in a myriad of ways… or the obvious way if you prefer!
What about Community Support?
Yep, there’s plenty of that too.
All programming languages have a developer community that has grown up around them as the language has gained popularity, so there’s always plenty of ways to give and receive advice. The larger a community, the more exciting and interesting ways you’ll see the language being used and developed, so it’s a vital component. Python is no different in this regard.
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StackOverflow:
This is a very popular programming Q&A site, on which Python has 85,900 followers and counting. Programmers have asked and answered 500,000 Python questions, and Python questions are the 3rd most likely to be answered (compared to other languages).
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Meetup:
There are well over 1300 Python Meetup groups, with a total of 608,000 members among them. As far as programming languages go, Python is the 3rd largest community on the site.
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GitHub:
Over 950 Python projects have over 500 stars, so the chances are someone on GitHub has already created the exact function you need perfectly.
How will it Benefit my Career?
In one word: hugely. Python is the 2nd most in demand skill on Angel List (if you don’t know what Angel List, you should Google it now before reading any further). Python developers also has the highest average salary and are especially in-demand in the areas of data science and web development.
Where is Python Headed?
Python’s first major use was for backend web development, but things are changing. Ruby on Rails and Node.js are now the go to programs for that, but all is not lost. Python’s immense popularity means it won’t be going anywhere anytime soon, with budding programming flocking to learn it in their droves.
The Python community is already expansive, and with new members joining the ranks it’s only set to get bigger in the immediate future.
Furthermore, big data is big news and Python is the perfect language for it, not least because it can easily be integrated into web applications. Its large community also means there’s new versions on a yearly basis and endless development opportunities.
All of this has pushed Python to 4th place in the world’s 100 most popular programming languages. So in short, the future looks bright.
