Nowadays, Python is one of the most well-known and convenient programming languages. It is often used in tandem with Django. How to learn it?
For those eager to become a Python developer: steps to take
Python is an extremely popular language with diverse frameworks available (Django is one of them: just take a look at Django website examples). Its simple syntax makes it great for novice programmers. At the same time, it is a language with a wide variety of applications. Among them, the following fields stand out in the first place.
- Web Development – includes the creation of websites and web applications.
- Machine Learning – involves writing “artificial intelligence” algorithms. It’s about algorithms that learn to make decisions themselves.
- Data Analysis – includes the collection and processing of various types of data. This field may also include visualizing data, creating interactive charts, etc.
These are not the only applications of Python because this language also plays an important role in other areas. We focused on those that are simply the most popular.
The beginning
At the beginning of the career, everyone starts with a position known as Junior Developer. It is a programmer who has mastered the basics and knows how to carry out simple tasks on his own. So what makes up these foundations?
- Python foundations: data types, functions, loops, etc.
- Knowledge of key data structures: lists, dictionaries, and tuples.
- Knowledge of the principles of OOP or object-oriented programming.
- Ability to work with built-in Python modules.
Further development depends on specialization. Python is used in many fields, and each of them has its own specific requirements.
In the topic of Web Development, the ability to work with databases and knowledge of SQL may come in handy. Web applications are often created using so-called frameworks. It’s nothing more than a tool that speeds up work on the application. Examples of popular frameworks are Django and Flask. Sometimes you may also need knowledge of front-end technologies, i.e., HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
In Data Science, libraries such as NumPy are used. The field known as Machine Learning also has its tools, such as the popular TensorFlow library.
Some universal skills can always be handy – regardless of the specialization chosen. The vast majority of programmers will need a Git version control system in operation. Basic literacy in English can also be very useful. After all, this is the basic language in the IT world.
Key basics
Always start by mastering the basics of Python well. This is the key foundation on which your future career will be based. If you get to know these basics well and understand this mastery of tools or libraries necessary in everyday work, it will be fine for you.
The most important thing is practice
It’s a cliché but real. Just learning the theoretical foundations will not do anything if you cannot use your knowledge in practice. After all, programming is a very practical field focused on concrete results.
Therefore, from the beginning, try to turn your skills into practical programming projects in Python. For starters, try creating something simple: an app with a to-do list, a simple program displaying random sentences, or something like that. Try to use newly learned concepts in practice as often as possible. Even if such a project does not work out for you immediately, you can always return to it when you get to know Python better.
A portfolio with simple programs written by you can be crucial when applying for a job. With it, you can show that you have practical programming skills.
Perspectives
Python is used in many fields. Anyway, we mentioned the most important applications at the beginning of the article. Python is a key language in many areas, such as Data Science or Machine Learning. This bodes well for the future and provides good prospects for Python-savvy developers. At the same time, it is an opportunity to work in very developmental areas.
Summary
If you are serious about a Python Developer career, it will be best to start learning according to the list below.
- Python from scratch: main elements of language, functions, data types, etc.
- Data structures: lists, tuples, dictionaries.
- Object-oriented programming elements: classes, methods, inheritance, etc.
- The most important built-in modules.
At every step, try to practice newly learned mechanisms. Create simple programs that use these elements.
The next step should be the choice of specialization. Python has many applications – think about what direction you want to develop. Start learning about the specifics of a given field. Learn about the most important tools, e.g., programming libraries used in a given industry.
Once again, we emphasize two things: good mastery of the basics and regular practice. These are key things if you want to become a Python Developer. If you are still hesitating, just contact professionals. They will help you with everything, from the project discovery phase to promoting your product.
