Introduction
Python is a popular language widely used for web development, data analysis, artificial intelligence, and scientific computations. It has a clear and straightforward syntax, making it an excellent choice for beginners. It depends.
A few of the questions answered in this article are how hard is it to learn python, can it be self-taught. It also answers questions like – should you learn python 2 or 3, how can you master python faster.
Also Read: What is a Sparse Matrix? How is it Used in Machine Learning?
Why Should I Learn Python?
Python is a versatile, high-level programming language that is widely used for web development, scientific computing, data analysis, artificial intelligence, and more. Here are some reasons to learn Python:
Easy to learn and use: Python has a simple syntax, making it a great language for novice programmers. It has all the features of an object oriented programming language.
Versatile: Python is used in a wide range of applications, including web development, scientific computing, data analysis, artificial intelligence, and more.
Large community: Python has a large, active community of users and developers, which means that you can find plenty of support and resources online.
Popularity: Python is one of the most popular programming languages in the world, which makes it a great choice for people who want to start a career in tech.
High-demand skills: Python is a highly sought-after skill in many industries, which means that learning Python can lead to job opportunities and high-paying jobs.
The salary range for Python jobs varies depending on the role, level of experience, location, and other factors. Here are some average salary ranges for a few common Python jobs:
- Python Developer: The range varies from $75k – $140k.
- Data Scientist: The average salary varies from $120k to $150k per year.
- Machine Learning Engineer:The avg salary can go from $120k to $180k per year.
- Software Engineer: The range is pretty big for this, it can vary from $90k to $150k per year.
It is to be noted that these are rough estimates and the numbers depend on your level of experience and location.
*Salary data represents US average in 2023.
Timeframe to learn Python?
The amount of time it takes to learn Python depends on various factors such as prior programming experience, the amount of time dedicated to learning and practicing, and your personal learning style. On average, it takes about 6-8 weeks to learn the fundamentals of Python, but becoming proficient and able to build projects independently can take several months to a year or more. The key to success is consistent practice, setting achievable goals, and seeking help and resources when needed. With dedication and hard work, anyone can learn Python and gain valuable skills in programming and data analysis. Whether you’re a complete beginner or have some experience, Python is a language that is accessible to anyone with the motivation to learn.
Let’s talk about each of these a little:
- The biggest factor is prior coding experience. For experienced programmers, it can take a couple of weeks. It can extend up to a few weeks for novice programmers.
- Time dedicated per day. The amount of time spent experimenting and working on your own, helps develop a deeper and more fundamental grasp on the language
- Just learning the syntax shouldn’t be the goal. It’s also about understanding the underlying principles of programming, such as data structures, algorithms, and software design patterns. These concepts take time to understand and require a lot of practice to master.
- The type of learning resource. Some of these resources may be more effective for your learning style than others. For example, if you are a visual learner, video lectures may be more beneficial for you than text-based tutorials.
- Working on projects. The fear of working on something of your own shall always keep you a step away from mastering any language.
A couple example scenario where depending on your requirement the duration may vary are
- A marketer who wants a slight edge If you wanna analyze Google Analytics and you can just learn the fundamentals of python syntax and panda in a few weeks. This wont make you a profession developer but shall be enough to maneuver your problems.
- Seeking a full data science carrier If you are a novice programmer and looking to learn python for scratch and get a full time job then you can consider learning data analytics on your own or buy a course online. This shall help you be ready for a job as Data analyst.
It can a long time learning python and its array of libraries. What matters is once your fundamentals of language are clear you can continue to grow on your own, depending on the requirements of your profile.
How To Learn Python?
Start with the basics: Before diving into more advanced concepts, it’s important to have a solid understanding of the basics of Python. This includes understanding data types (such as integers, strings, and lists), control structures (such as if-else statements and loops), object oriented programming and basic syntax. Online tutorials and courses, such as Coursera, can provide a comprehensive introduction to these concepts.
Read Books and Articles
Reading books or articles about Python can be a great way to gain a deeper understanding of the language and its capabilities. Some popular books for learning Python include “Python Crash Course” by Eric Matthes, “Automate the Boring Stuff with Python” by Al Sweigart.
Practice, practice, practice
The key to becoming proficient in any programming language is practice. It will be a critical part of your learning process.
Learn Specific Libraries and Frameworks
Python has a lot of libraries and frameworks, like NumPy, pandas, and Scikit-learn for data analysis and manipulation, Django, Flask for web development and TensorFlow, Pytorch for machine learning. Learn specific libraries and frameworks as per your requirement, it will make your job much easier.
Use Python For Real-World Projects
One of the best ways to learn any language is hands-on experience. For example, you can use Python to scrape data from websites, automate tasks, or analyze data. This will give you a chance to apply what you’ve learned and gain practical experience with the language.
Join Communities and Forums
Joining communities and forums, such as Reddit or StackOverflow, can be a great way to get help and advice from other Python developers. You can ask questions, share your code, and learn from others.
Keep Learning and Practicing
Keep in mind that learning to code is a continuous process. As you continue to work with Python, you’ll encounter new challenges and opportunities to learn. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things. Keep learning and hands-on experience, and you’ll become a proficient Python developer in no time.
Can you teach yourself Python?
It is definitely possible to teach yourself python. There are a number of resources available online teaching the utilization of python in data science, automation and artificial intelligence.
Teaching yourself python takes time. Rather than going through a number of lectures and answering MCQs, it would be better to code yourself.
Is Python Hard to Learn?
Python isn’t a hard programming language, but you should be prepared for moments of frustration. Certain fundamentals can be a little annoying to grasp if you have been programming for a while in some different language.
So in short python is not that difficult to learn, it all depends on the time and dedication you put in.
Is Python a math-intensive language?
No, you don’t need to be good at math to learn python.
It is indeed a conventional thought that a mathematical background helps grasp a language faster, but recent studies have shown that this is not true when it comes to learning the fundamentals of the language. While math is required for some applications of python like machine learning, mathematical computing etc. There are other applications like scripting and automation where it isn’t.
What is the best version of Python 2 or Python 3 to learn?
As of 2021, it is recommended to use Python 3 instead of Python 2. Python 3 is the latest version of the language and has several improvements and new features compared to Python 2.
Some of the key differences between Python 2 and 3 include:
String Handling: In Python 3, strings are unicode by default, whereas in Python 2, they are ASCII.
Division Operator: In Python 3, the division operator (/) always returns a float, whereas in Python 2, it returns an integer if both operands are integers.
Print Function: In Python 3, the print function is a function, whereas in Python 2, it is a statement.
Libraries: Some popular libraries are only available or receive updates in Python 3, while others are deprecated in Python 3 and only available in Python 2.
Overall, while Python 2 is still in use, it is important to consider switching to Python 3, as it is the future of the language and many improvements have been made to make it more user-friendly and efficient.
Also Read: Python Argmax
How Can Python Be Used For?
Python is a versatile and powerful programming language that can be used for a wide range of tasks. Here are a few examples of what you can do with Python.
Jobs that use Python
- Web Development – Develop and maintain dynamic websites using frameworks such as Django and Flask.
- Data Science and Analytics – Analyze, process, and visualize data using libraries such as NumPy, Pandas, and Matplotlib.
- Machine Learning – Implement and train machine learning models using libraries such as TensorFlow and scikit-learn.
- Automation – Automate repetitive tasks and integrate systems using Python scripts.
- Desktop Applications – Develop graphical user interface (GUI) applications for desktop platforms.
- Scientific Computing – Perform numerical and scientific computing tasks using libraries such as SciPy.
- Networking – Interact with network protocols and develop network-related tools.
- Game Development – Develop games and game logic using libraries such as Pygame.
Python Creates Exciting New Career Opportunities
Demand for Python developers, especially in the data science field, has never been higher. Data science is rewarding, and it pays exceptionally well.
Sometimes you can work for a U.S. company without needing to be based in any particular location within the country.
What is the fastest way to learn Python?
Here are some tips to help you learn Python faster! Here’s a more detailed explanation of each one:
Create a Python Learning Plan
Plan out what you want to learn and set achievable goals. This will help you stay focused and motivated as you progress.
Code Everyday
Consistent practice is key to becoming proficient in any programming language. Set aside time every day to code and try to build projects that challenge you.
Start With The Fundamentals
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the basics of Python, such as data types, variables, functions, and control structures. This will form a foundation for more advanced topics.
Focus on Logic Over Syntax
Try to think about problems in terms of the steps that need to be taken to solve them, rather than worrying about the specific syntax of the language. Once you have a clear understanding of the logic, the syntax will come more easily.
Let Your Goal Guide Your Learning
If you have a specific project or application in mind, focus your learning on the skills and concepts that are most relevant to that goal. This will help you stay motivated and see the practical applications of what you’re learning. It’s all about developing a learning process.
Join A Community of Python Programmers
Connecting with other Python developers can help you learn faster, as you can ask questions, share knowledge, and get feedback on your projects. Online forums and communities such as Stack Overflow, GitHub, and Reddit are great places to start.
Compete on Kaggle
Kaggle is a platform for data science and machine learning competitions. Participating in competitions can help you apply your Python skills to real-world problems and see how you stack up against other programmers.
Read Python Books
There are many great books available on Python, both for beginners and advanced users. Reading books can help you fill in gaps in your knowledge, learn new techniques, and get exposure to different approaches to solving problems.