Many popular applications are developed with Python, either independently or combined with another programming language. Learning Python for app development is a good first step for anyone who wants to become a successful application developer.
In this article, we will cover what Python is and which features make it many developers’ language of choice. We also discuss the role of Python in application development. We’ve also included information about available education paths and a step-by-step guide to becoming a professional.
What Is Python?
Python is an original coding language used for object oriented programming and rapid development in the tech industry. It is an interpreted language that places emphasis on indentation for optimal code readability. Lines of code written in Python look similar to the English language making Python an ideal option for beginners and experts alike.
As a popular language, Python isn’t restricted to app development. It can be used for website development, web application development, mobile application development, game development, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. Python’s simple syntax and interpreted nature make it easy to integrate it with other dynamic programming languages.
What Is Python Used for in App Development?
When it comes to app development, Python is primarily used as a supporting programming language at different stages of the development process. This includes building software, testing prototypes, and software management. For some forms of application development, certain Python tools need to be installed before the language can be used.
The key Python tools used for application development are SCons for adding functionality and Buildbot and Apache Gump for rapid and continuous testing. Roundup is the standard software used for test project management and drug tracking. Python and its resources are also great for enterprise application development.
How Long Will It Take to Learn Python for App Development?
You can learn Python for app development in as little as five weeks. However, comprehensive background knowledge or a traditional degree will require years. It all depends on your current level of programming experience, how much time you are willing to devote to learning, and the education path you take.
If you have fundamental coding experience or intermediate knowledge, bootcamps or online courses are excellent choices to learn Python for app development within a few weeks. On the other hand, someone without prior experience may spend four years in a computer science or software development degree program to learn the mobile app development process.
Why Should You Learn Python for App Development?
Python is a popular general-purpose programming language that can be used in a wide range of projects. If you want to start a tech career that requires coding, you can start by learning one of the most popular and versatile programming languages in the world. Listed below are a few reasons to consider learning Python for app development.
Python is Great for Beginners
Python is easy to read and learn, making it an ideal option for beginners. The lines of code are similar to English and C-style programming languages. If you are a coding expert with a basic knowledge of C, learning Python would take only a few weeks or days.
Python setup requires minimal effort and time. If you ever get confused, there are unlimited resources available in the Python community to help you. You can utilize an open-source Python library to find a useful code snippet and familiarize yourself with Python’s built-in tools to get started building your mobile development skills.
Python Offers Career Versatility
Because Python is a general-purpose programming language, it can be used for almost everything from simple dashboards to complex ecommerce websites and business applications. Python is even a popular game development language. The career opportunities for a Python developer in the tech industry are almost limitless.
Developers who wish to create modern applications for mobile platforms will want to have Python skills in their back pocket. Because of its amazing ability of object detection and image processing, Python can be used to create all types of applications, the skill will be applicable wherever your career takes you.
You Will Always Have Work
There is a high demand for application developers in the United States and beyond. These professionals make life easier for people in this digital age and app developers will remain in demand in the future. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 22 percent rise in the demand for all software developers between 2020 and 2030.
Python developers are in demand because the language is used in web applications, mobile applications, desktop applications, and enterprise applications. If you master Python skills and market them properly, you are more likely to always have work.
How Can I Learn Python for App Development?
There are many options available if you want to learn Python. You can consider pursuing a degree in computer science or a related field. If you are hoping to upskill or learn the basic Python skills you need to succeed in the tech industry you can review the options below.
Coding Bootcamps
A coding bootcamp is meant to provide fast-paced technical education. Bootcamps have gained significant recognition among employers recently as they teach students to make intelligent decisions. Most bootcamp programs run for about three to six months and teach you only what you need to know about application development, and many offer financial aid options.
Some of the best Python development bootcamps in the industry are Thinkful, Nucamp, Le Wagon, and General Assembly. These bootcamps have high job placement rates because of their career services teams. Their hiring partners are industry leaders eager to recruit the best talent in the tech industry.
Online Courses
If you don’t have the funds for coding bootcamps, you can get the knowledge you need from online courses. There are hundreds of online courses that teach Python for application development. These courses can be found on Udemy, Coursera, Pluralsight, and any other reliable provider. You can start with free courses and work your way up to paid options.
Books
Learning to code from a book may not be the most popular option today, but it can be just as efficient as other forms of learning. Books are great for learning the theoretical aspects of Python application development. You’ll learn important tools like Selenium, a web-based automation tool, and how to utilize a standard library.
Books aren’t interactive like online courses or in-person bootcamps, but they do allow you to learn at your own pace and add another layer to your skillset. Some great books include Learning Python Application Development by Ninad Sathaye and Hands-On Application Development with Pycharm by Quan Nguyen.
Top Python for App Development Libraries
Python has more libraries than other high-level programming languages. These libraries are a combination of code, modules, and other resources that are put together by members of the development community. There are Python libraries for application development, data science, game development, website development, and other tech fields that require Python.
When it comes to application development, the five libraries listed below are the most useful.
- Django
- TurboGears
- Numpy
- Pandas
- Matplotlib
Django is a popular web-based Python program ideal for web application development. TurboGears simplifies rapid web-application development. NumPy makes it easy to add high-level mathematical functions on arrays and matrices. Pandas is a good software for data structures and Web2py is used for dynamic application development.
How to Learn Python for App Development: A Step-by-Step Guide
You can speed up the learning process and make things easier for yourself if you follow the right steps in learning Python for application development. The goal is to start from the fundamentals of both Python and application development. The list below contains the steps you should follow in your journey to becoming a Python app developer.
Start With Python Syntax
One of the first things you need to learn about Python programming is syntax. Syntax in Python programming refers to a collection of rules and regulations that determine how Python programs will be written or interpreted by humans and the Python runtime environment. In other words, it defines how Python code will be executed.
Another key element is semantics which is the meaning of the language. You need to learn how to use the most important libraries, modules, functions, and other resources in Python. Download the newest version of Python, then you can learn through online resources like online courses and books. Practice with easy projects like designing a simple game or a calculator application.
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Understand App Development
Application development is the design and development of software programs for computers, mobile devices, or websites. Apps may also be required for medical devices, smartwatches, or any other computer-based device. You should learn the steps of app building so you can follow them accordingly and build all sorts of apps.
The first step of app building is gathering requirements, the second step is designing prototypes or prototyping to improve your product from its previous versions, and the third step is testing. The fourth step is implementation and the last step is integration. After this, you can make the application commercially available.
Get a Formal Education
A formal education looks good on your resume. Prospective clients and employers will be more inclined to employ people who have been educated formally. However, formal education doesn’t have to be a college degree. While degrees hold a lot of weight in the labor market, they take up a lot of time. A viable education method that takes months to complete is a coding bootcamp.
Make a Resume and Project Portfolio
It is always a good idea to have a resume and project portfolio available whether you are currently looking for a job or not. Your resume should include personal information and detail your skills, hands-on experiences, and professional projects.
A coding portfolio is a collection of all your best projects in the tech industry. If you have personal projects, you can include them to show off your coding abilities. However, if the projects were ghostwritten for a client, make sure you get their approval before adding them to your portfolio.
Dive Into the Job Market
Once your resume and portfolio are ready, you can start applying for app development jobs at top tech companies like Amazon. You may apply for full-time positions in custom mobile app development, freelance, or launch your applications on app stores to build a base of active customers and users.
If you decide to launch your application commercially, you need to make sure the app idea is original and your app solves a real-world problem. Successful applications can attract investors who want to contribute to expansion by giving you what you need to ensure scalability.
Start Learning Python for App Development Today
Python developers are currently in high demand across the tech industry. If you learn Python for app development, you can find work in other fields with a little specialization. Apart from versatility, Python developers are also among the highest earners in the tech industry. According to ZipRecruiter, these experts earn an average of $111,899 yearly.
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