How Long Does it Take to Learn Python?
BrainStation’s Python Developer career guide can help you take the first steps toward a lucrative career in web development and data science. Read on for an overview of how long it takes to learn the Python programming language.
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On average, it can take anywhere from five to 10 weeks to learn the basics of Python programming, including object-oriented programming, basic Python syntax, data types, loops, variables, and functions. In the end, though, how long it takes to learn Python depends on how much experience you have with programming languages, web development, data science, and other related fields.
In a Python course like BrainStation’s, you’ll learn core concepts like libraries, dictionaries, and lists, which are required knowledge for a data-focused role. The right training will give you a fundamental understanding of Python, which in turn enables you to learn more complex machine learning and data science concepts moving forward. Learning Python, however, is relatively easy.
Python is also a very versatile language. It is used in many different types of projects and by many large organizations, including Facebook, NASA, Reddit, and Amazon. Big companies love its power and versatility, so the Python language can be expected to continue to rise in popularity around the world. There’s hardly a tech job that you can’t apply Python to, which will make you more valuable to any employer or client.
Python’s robust array of libraries streamlines the coding process immensely since you can simply input an action from the library into your code. Even better, since Python is open source, the list of libraries and resources is constantly growing. As Python coding gains even more popularity, users will find more versatile libraries that will help them write more code in less time and streamline existing content.
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Is Learning Python Hard for Beginners?
Python can be considered beginner-friendly, as it is a programming language that prioritizes readability, making it easier to understand and use. Its syntax has similarities with the English language, making it easy for novice programmers to leap into the world of development.
Python is also a flexible, dynamically typed language, which means the rules aren’t hard set, making it more intuitive. It’s also a more forgiving language that is able to operate with some level of errors.
In fact, ease of use was one of Python’s founding principles when it was created in 1989 by Guido van Rossum (and released later in 1991). The initial purpose of Python was to make programming easy, as it focused on code readability. It’s also flexible. It can run on diverse platforms such as Windows, Linux, and Mac OS, and is open-source software.
Because the readability and other structural elements of Python are designed to be easy to understand, it is a great language for beginners as Python basics are quite intuitive to grasp. However, Python is not limited to basic use. It supports some of the most complex websites and apps in the world.
Python has support for all of the features of an object-oriented programming language, as well as a procedural-oriented programming language. As a result, it’s not a coincidence that Python is the preferred choice for Developers, Data Scientists, and Software Engineers.
Can I Learn Python on My Own?
Yes, with its relative simplicity, it is possible to start learning Python on your own. It’s very easy to install the language and run it from anywhere on your machine. If you run into problems, there is a large and very dynamic user-base for Python, making it easy to find a community that’s willing to answer questions.
To accelerate the learning process, a large number of aspiring Python Developers are enrolling in Python courses, like BrainStation’s Python Programming certificate course, which lets you learn the basics of Python from experienced industry experts and gain hands-on experience writing lines of code.
In fact, coding bootcamps and data science courses have become an increasingly popular option for individuals looking to learn Python, and not only for neophyte Python Developers – as in other tech fields, Python experts need to keep learning to stay on top of changes to programming languages, techniques, and trends in data science.
Another great thing about Python is the wealth of documentation available at Python.org. There are also a plethora of websites that allow you to practice Python and stay up-to-date, like practicepython.org or codingbag.com. Contributing to an open-source commons, such as GitHub or Bootstrap, can also help you stay informed.
If you want to know whether a specific application or a library with specific functionality is available in Python there are lots of sources of information. The Python website provides a Python Package Index (also known as the Cheese Shop). There is also a search page for a number of sources of Python-related information.
How Long Does it Take to Learn Python for a Beginner?
A beginner will take about 6-8 weeks to learn the fundamentals of Python. It takes that much time to learn how to understand most lines of code in Python. It would take significantly more time learning Python to move into a new career as a Python Developer.
How Many Hours Does it Take to Learn Python?
If you’re a beginner and you want to learn Python in two months or less, you would need to devote a full-time schedule to learning Python. If you spend 40 hours a week learning Python, it could ultimately take around 250 hours to fully develop your Python skills.
Most beginners interested in learning Python develop a plan where they spend a certain number of hours a day to learning Python fundamentals and another portion of the day to putting those skills into practice.
Is Python Hard to Learn?
While Python is considered one of the easiest programming languages for a beginner to learn, it can be hard to master. Anyone can learn Python if they work hard enough at it, but becoming a Python Developer will require a lot of practice and patience.
Its relative simplicity, however, does not detract from its power and utility as a language. Python, in fact, is one of the most popular programming languages used in large tech companies, training programs, universities, and small startups alike.
When it comes to learning programming, Python is the best language to start with due to its user-friendly nature. It has a more intuitive coding style and has many other advantages for Developers and end-users. That’s part of why Python Programming courses have become so popular; after a short certification course, you can be armed with one of the most-wanted skill sets on the job market.
Another reason Python is not hard to learn? It’s accessible. Python is available on its official website, free of cost. On top of that, being open source means that you or anyone else can update and add new features in Python.
Further, Python can run efficiently across all platforms like Windows, Mac, or Linux. Therefore, it is not dependent on or restricted to a single platform.
Professionally, Python is often used for back-end web development, artificial intelligence, and data analysis. This programming language has already been used to build productivity tools, games, and desktop apps.
Is Learning Python Worth it in 2022?
Yes, learning Python is worth it in 2022 because some of the hottest fields in tech – including machine learning and artificial intelligence – rely heavily on programmers with Python skills.
Thanks to popular ML libraries like Pandas and Scikit-learn, Python is the language of choice in fields including data science, data analysis, and machine learning. That’s important because demand for professionals with ML knowledge is constantly growing, and ML jobs are projected to be worth $31 billion by 2024.
Because of the versatility of Python – and its many functions and applications – it can be helpful to many different job roles. Really, you should at least learn the basics if your career relates to software, web, data, product, or design.
Should I Learn Python 2 or Python 3?
You should learn Python 3, which is more highly in demand by employers and includes a typing system. Although Python 2 uses an outdated syntax, it still has some applications in DevOps.
Some of the main advantages of Python 3 include syntax – the clear commands built into Python 3 code make it more user friendly – as well as more accurate integer division, the ability to represent foreign languages and popular emojis with Unicode, and its forwards-compatible libraries (though this might only affect more advanced Python Developers).
Further, Python 2 is no longer supported and security vulnerabilities will no longer be patched.
Can I Learn Python On My Own?
Yes, it’s absolutely possible to learn Python on your own. Although it might affect the amount of time you need to take to learn Python, there are plenty of free online courses, video tips, and other interactive resources to help anyone learn to program with Python.
One benefit of Python is that the Python developer community is huge and helpful. Don’t hesitate to seek out the help of a master programmer online for everything from questions on Python basics to getting feedback on your projects or soliciting career advice.
Do I Need to be Good at Math to Learn Python?
You do not need to be good at math to learn Python. Although it helps to have a high school-level understanding of math, the truth is you could learn Python with almost no mathematical ability at all.
In fact, a recent study showed that communication skills are actually more important than math skills when it comes to coding and that hiring practices should reflect that.
How Much Time Do You Need to Learn Python for Data Science?
Different estimates show it could take anywhere from three to 12 months to learn Python for data science. It can take longer than more general Python learning because Data Scientists use Python differently than a programmer would.
In the world of data science, Python can be used for building models and retrieving, cleaning, and visualizing data. Python learning applied to data science means focusing more time learning specific modules and libraries like Numpy and Pandas.
Can I Learn Python in Two Weeks?
It’s possible to learn the basics of Python in two weeks of full-time study and practice, but it will likely take more time to gain enough experience working on projects to become truly proficient.
It might be reasonable to expect that at the end of a two week period, you would have an understanding of Python fundamentals (including variables and types, basic operators, string formatting, loops, functions, and more), learn a library or two, and begin working on Python projects.
Of course, there is more than one way to learn Python and how fast you’re able to learn will depend largely on the method. That said, most online Python courses would require more than a two-week period to complete.
What Can Learning Python Do For You?
The many benefits for you of learning Python could include making it easier to learn more programming languages, giving you an in-demand career skill, and helping you communicate in multi-disciplinary teams.
Here are some of the other things learning Python can do for you:
A variety of applications
Python is used by diverse major companies including Netflix, Facebook, Instagram, Google, Disney, Amazon, Spotify, and many more. If it seems Python is ubiquitous in almost any industry, that’s because Python can be applied to tasks involved with data mining, AI, web development, embedded systems, product development, testing, and more.
Keep up with the pack
By almost any measure, Python is tops among the fastest-growing programming languages globally. The TIOBE Index shows Python as second only to C, with a narrowing gap.
Get the job
LinkedIn ranked Python a close second among the most in-demand languages for employers. More and more job listings call for Python programming experience.
Can I Get a Job if I Know Python?
Knowing Python would certainly help you get a job, but it would be just one element to be considered along with your career experience, skillset, and educational background.
Employers do certainly seem to value Python development skills across any number of industries.
Can I Learn Python Without Any Programming Experience?
Yes, you can learn Python without any programming experience. In fact, Python is so popular in part because of its easy-to-use, intuitive nature.
For people without any coding experience at all, Python is actually considered the perfect programming language. Its simple syntax is as accessible as it is because you can read Python code as you would read English commands.
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