6 Reasons Why You Should Learn Python

Learning how to code, whether using Python or another language, is one of the best investments you can make in yourself. It is not difficult to come up with a list of reasons this is the case.

First, learning to code can improve your problem-solving and logic skills, which are both essential elements of programming. Second, learning to code can help you pursue passion projects because, if you know how to code, you can build anything with technology. 

Once you have made a commitment to learning to code, there is still one big question you have to face: What language should you learn? While there is no right answer, developers would commonly say, “You should learn Python”.

In StackOverflow’s 2019 Developer Survey, 73.1% of developers reported that Python was the language that they most wanted to learn. In addition, Python ranked 13th on the study’s list of top-paying technologies to master.

You may be wondering: Why is there so much hype around Python? In this article, we’re going to answer that question. We will also discuss the top six reasons you should consider learning how to code in the Python programming language.

What Is Python?

Python, created by Guido van Rossum, is an object-oriented programming language. It is used for everything, from web development and software development to data science.

Python uses a syntax similar to English, which means that it is a great language for beginner coders. In addition, the language is very simple. Using Python, you can typically write a function in fewer lines of code than with Java or C++.

Now that we know the basics of Python, let’s break down the top six reasons you should learn this language.

#1: Easy to Understand

This is perhaps the biggest reason so many developers learn how to code in Python—the language is easy to understand.

Programming in itself can feel, at times, intimidating—seeing lines and lines of code on a computer does not look very enticing. So, as a beginner, you want to work with a technology that you feel confident using.

The Python language, as we mentioned earlier, resembles English, which means that the syntax is easy to pick up. In addition, the language is easy to install, so you do not have to go through any complex setup procedures to get started.

#2: Boasts a Wide Range of Uses

One of the main reasons Python is in such demand is because it has many applications. Some of its main uses include:

• Hosting web servers
• Analyzing data sets
• Performing mathematical computations
• Generating computer graphics
• Creating basic games
• Investing in financial assets
• Automating system administration
• Testing websites

This a compelling reason for studying the language, particularly taking into consideration that it is so easy to learn. Within months, you could be analyzing large data sets. And, because the language is so simple, the techniques used by beginners and experts are not so different. They are, in fact, all based on the same fundamentals. This means that, once you know the basics, there is no limit to what you can build.

#3: Supportive Developer Community

The Python programming language has one of the largest developer communities in the world. This makes sense, given just how popular the language is, and how many people are looking to learn how to code in Python.

Having access to a strong community is helpful for a number of reasons. First, it’s likely that the issues you encounter while learning to code have been encountered by at least one other person. So, the chances are that you may not even need to ask another coder for help. There could be an article online that has the answer to the exact problem you are facing.

But, even no one has documented the issue before, you don’t have to worry. You can just go to a Python developer community and ask someone for help. It won’t be hard to find someone who can help you debug a technical issue, or understand a topic that you are struggling with. Programming is, after all, a very collaborative activity.

#4: Demand for Python Developers Is Growing

Python is already an extremely popular programming language, but its demand continues to grow.

According to the TIOBE Index, Python is, as of April 22nd, 2020, the third most popular programming language in the world. The TIOBE Index tracks the popularity of the top programming languages based on search engine results.

In addition, according to Steel Kiwi, as of August 2019, there were 70,235 job postings that listed Python as a required skill. With this in mind, it’s clear that demand for Python developers is still growing.

If that’s not enough, Python is also used by tens of thousands of popular websites. Instagram, Google, Spotify, Netflix, Dropbox, Instacart, and Reddit are a few of the many famous websites built, at least in part, using this language.

Combined, these facts illustrate how learning Python could help you accelerate your transition to a job in tech. Indeed, even top companies like Google and Netflix rely on the language to make their applications work.

#5: Python Developers Are Well Paid 

In the last section, we discussed how the demand for Python developers is not showing signs of stopping. As a result of this growth in demand, the salaries of these professionals have also been on the rise.

According to Glassdoor, the average base pay for a Python developer in the United States is $76,526.

Junior Python developers command an average salary of $64,056. Senior Python developers, meanwhile, earn an average of $91,727. 

With these figures in mind, it is difficult to doubt that learning Python can be a great career move. This is particularly true if you are aiming to earn a higher salary.

#6: Resources Are Everywhere

Another major benefit of learning Python is that resources for learning and building advanced applications are everywhere.

Because there are so many coders and companies using Python, there is a massive repository of libraries. This makes it easy to add advanced functions to your code. In fact, there are over 125,000 third-party libraries that you can use for everything, from cloud computing and data analysis to web development. 

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Find Your Bootcamp Match

Do you want to explore data science? Check out NumPy. Are you more interested in web development? Check out Flask and Django. Do you want to build a game using Python? You can use PyGame.

It’s not just libraries that are plentiful in the Python development community—anything you need to learn is there for you. There are thousands of online courses, tutorials, guides, and articles, as well as dozens of coding bootcamps to learn Python.

The Bottom Line

There is no “right” programming language to learn. Each language has its own individual uses that apply to specific problems. However, Python is commonly chosen by beginners for obvious reasons. 

The language boasts a simple syntax structure and the developers command excellent salaries. It is clear that learning Python can be a good choice for anyone interested in learning to code.

Perhaps the biggest benefit, though, is how learning Python can help you go from zero-to-one so quickly. One day, you could be building a simple math app. In a few months, however, you could be ready to start working with a data analysis library.

If you’re looking to learn how to code, Python is definitely a language you should consider learning!