Everything You Need To Know As A Python Beginner

Python is one of the easiest and most user-friendly programming languages for beginners. Here you’ll learn everything you need to know about it!

Many people nowadays are looking for ways to learn new coding languages to either change careers and pave their way into tech fields or to simply progress into new professional challenges.

It might seem daunting to dive into this skill if you’ve never had any experience with it before. However, it isn’t as scary as it seems! There are several programming languages to learn about and some are more beginner-friendly than others.

Python is a great introductory programming language. It is intuitive and easy to learn. In this article, we’ll be going over everything you need to know as a Python beginner. From how long it takes to learn to where you can learn it, we’ll give you all the tools you need to begin your programming journey.

Everything You Need to Know as a Python Beginner

What is Python?

Python is a back-end programming language that can be used for scripting, web scraping, creating data sets, and much more. It is also very popular in the scientific community, especially for those working with machine learning, cloud computing, and big data.

This programming language is very similar to Ruby however it is a little less “wordy”. Python interfaces with the internet. It can receive and send web requests and interact with databases.

Python doesn’t need a compilation step before running. It can be directly interpreted from the source code. Python source codes, also known as “scripts” are directly executed by the program.

Is Python a Good Coding Language for Beginners?

Yes, Python is a good coding language for beginners for many reasons. First, it is very readable and its syntax is pretty similar to English. This makes it intuitive and easy to use, and it also means that you won’t need to memorize what different symbols mean.

Python rules aren’t rigidly set which makes it a flexible language. It can still properly operate with a small level of errors, so you won’t need to worry about being perfect from the start. Python software is open-source and runs on Windows, Linux, and Mac OS.

This programming language is also surrounded by a strong sense of community. The Python community is a great tool to help you learn this skill faster and learn from your mistakes. Experts are always available to lend you a hand and help you work through your difficulties.

Python programmers are highly paid. If you’re considering learning this skill to pursue a career in software engineering, for example, having expectations of a good salary can be extremely encouraging.

How Long Does it Take to Learn Python?

It can take anywhere from five to ten weeks to learn the fundamentals of Python as a beginner. It’s a very quick coding language to learn. However, how long it takes to master this skill will depend on how much you practice and what field you want to dedicate to.

What is Python Used For?

Python is used in a wide range of environments and can lead you to many different career options. From keeping track of everyday tasks to machine learning, Python is an extremely versatile programming language.

It is most commonly used in website and software development, task automation, data analysis, and data visualization. Because it is such an easy language to learn it has been adopted by many non-programmer professionals like biologists and accountants.

Here are a few tasks that you can perform using Python:

• Build machine learning algorithms;
• Ensure website security;
• Automate emails;
• Track software bugs;
• Convert text files to spreadsheets;
• Randomly assign chores to family members. 😄

Popular Companies that Use Python

Python is very popular among many top companies due to its versatility and power. Even in businesses where Python isn’t the main coding language, it is still used to build scripts, manage automation projects, migrate data, and other one-off management tasks.

Google uses Python in its codebase and Netflix uses it in server-side code, data analysis, and security management. Instagram used Django (a Python framework that makes it easier to create websites) to build their servers.

Other popular companies that use Python include Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, NASA, Uber, and Amazon.

How to Start Learning Python

You don’t need to go to college to start learning Python and can easily do it on your own. You can try getting some books on the subject if you enjoy reading but your best option is to begin through online learning resources.

There are several online platforms where you can learn how to code for free. Some of them include websites like Codecademy, Udemy, and Code.org. These platforms will teach you the basics of Python and usually allow you to practice coding directly on their consoles.

If you’re looking to learn the basics of Python but still want to apply it to a specific field or study area, you might benefit from paid courses on platforms like Coursera.

Coding bootcamps are also very popular among beginners. They cover both the theoretical and practical side of Python while working closely with mentors. They’re a more expensive option but might work better for people with difficulty in learning entirely on their own.

5 Tips to Learn Python Programming

If you’ve decided to start your Python coding journey: congratulations!

Here are a few tips to help you learn Python programming and make the process a lot easier and more enjoyable.

• Code every day. Muscle memory is very important when it comes to learning a new programming language. Practising every day for a little while will help you develop that memory and make it easier for you to progress in your journey.

• Take notes. Taking notes by hand increases long-term retention. Basic Python concepts are easy to learn but you still might want to jot them down in case you need to revisit the basics later on.

• Start small. When you’re done with learning the basics, try starting a small project. An easy project will keep you interested and motivated and is the best way to practice what you’ve learned.

• Take breaks. Just like in any other activity, it’s important to take a break and step away for a while. Breaks help make your coding sessions more effective. You’ll feel less burdened and absorb the information better. We wrote an article about how to optimize your breaks, check it, here.

• Branch out. Whenever you feel like you’ve maxed your Python skills in a particular field, don’t get stuck there. Try finding different and interesting areas where you can apply your newfound knowledge.

Everything You Need to Know as a Python Beginner – Final Thoughts

Python is a versatile and user-friendly programming language that you can easily learn on your own. Regardless of your interests and area of expertise, you’ll probably find different ways to apply Python in your work and everyday life.

Many top companies take advantage of the benefits of this coding language. Anyone can learn the basics in just a few weeks. Starting small, taking notes, and committing to breaks can help you learn Python a lot faster.

Because stepping up in your career can be just one skill away, count on us to help you find an exciting new job to put into practice your Python knowledge!

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Article written by Raquel Santos and originally published at https://kwan.com/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-as-a-python-beginner/ on October 12, 2022.