Python has come a long way since it launched. For 30 years, it has done marvelous things that brought great changes across industries whether in business, communication, medicine, science, transportation, and technology.
Years of continuous research and development of Python Software Foundation and its supporting communities made it one of the most in-demand programming languages in web development. Now, Python holds the title of the fastest-growing major programming language according to a StackOverflow study.
And so far, it doesn’t show any sign of slowing down.
What is Python used for?
Python, a high-level, object-oriented programming language with dynamic semantics, is known for its code readability, flexibility, simplified syntax, and flawless features. It ranked No. 3 on Dcoding Dojo’s 2022 annual list of the most popular programming languages. Developers, software engineers, and data scientists use Python for Data Analytics, Big Data Researches, and Machine Learning (ML) algorithms.
With Python’s almost perfection, users can create many things from basic programming applications to complex data structures. It can even build large-sized multi-protocol network applications with its powerful library. No wonder it’s developers’ top pick language. So, if you’re serious to learn Python, try these simple steps.
How to Learn Python for Beginners
1. Download and Install Python on your PC.
If you want to learn Python, the first thing that you need to do is to visit the official open source website of Python: https://www.python.org/. This website is run by Python Software Foundation (PSF), a nonprofit organization devoted to the Python programming language since March 6, 2001. From there you can download the app and install it on your computer.
2. Do Self-Learning
One technique to learn Python is to educate yourself. There are several programmers and experts who claim that they’ve learned to code through self-study (e.g., take online tutorials, study instructional materials from various online resources like w3schools and Reddit).
Although this advice might not be 100% applicable to everyone due to some factors like the individual’s learning environment, study habits, learning styles, and even time management. Still, some famous personalities on the tech industry like showed that it’s possible. Today, their contributions and achievements inspire many software developers and programmers.
On the other hand, many developers, computer scientists, and programmers proved that self-learning combined with determination and formal studies is an effective strategy to learn the art of programming.
Also, the Internet is a good source to acquire useful information. For example, if you visit Youtube or Dailymotion, you can watch various tutorial videos that can teach you to learn Python. Another option is to read books, blogs, or articles online. There are hundreds of resources, so it won’t be a problem to look for one. Though some of them you can read for free while others need to be purchased or downloaded first.
3. Enroll in a Coding School or Coding Bootcamp
For a more pragmatic approach, enrolling yourself in a coding school or bootcamp is the most conventional and most preferred way to learn to code. As I mentioned on one of my articles,
“Before you start your journey to become a web developer, you must find the right place where you can hone your skills and build your reputation.”
This is for the fact that learning environment, curriculum, and instruction have significant impacts on someone’s learning curve. In support, a huge number of students and graduates of coding school and bootcamp will attest to that matter.
5 Benefits of Attending a Coding School or Bootcamp
1. You’ll learn to code faster.
2. You’ll have a certificate to provide your technical skill.
3. You can gain the necessary experience to be job ready.
4. You can meet new people and expand your social network.
5. You’ll graduate with a more versatile skill-set.
At Coding Dojo, we offer not just Python because we want you to become a three full stack developer. We want to help you launch your career as a developer after you complete the 14-week onsite bootcamp. However, if you prefer to study at the comfort of your home, we also have the online bootcamp which is suitable for full-time parents, busy workers, and tech hobbyist.
4. Code and Practice What You Learn
If you want to become a successful developer someday, mastering your craft should be your top priority. It’s not enough that you learn how to code, you need to apply what you’ve learned so that you won’t forget them. Likewise, you can spend your free time to study various coding style and approach of some developers.
In addition, you might learn new ideas from them on how to build some application or system to help you work on your current Python project or portfolio. Remember that practice can make someone better. Therefore, don’t underestimate the time and effort you spend on learning how to code.
5. Collaborate with Others or Try Pair Programming
According to The Economist, working with fellow programmers can speed up task completion rather than working individually. In web development, the principle of “two heads are better than one” is being practiced by many companies and organization.
For instance, developers need to work as a team to create a quality game or mobile application. In this case, engineers and developers need to plan, brainstorm and collaborate together to come up with an exceptional product. It can be difficult sometimes because everyone has their own unique personalities, preferences, and views. Yet it’s an excellent way to discover and bring out brilliant ideas.
In learning a programming language like Python, having someone to work with is beneficial. If your cohort is knowledgeable and more experienced, you can learn many things from them through peer mentorship. Besides, committing errors and bugs would be lessened too! That’s why in Coding Dojo, pair programming is highly encouraged by instructors not just to solve complicated algorithm problems or to accomplish group projects, but because it is fun and interactive.
6. Join A Community of Programmers and Developers
Becoming a member of an online community (such as Quora and StackOverflow) is an awesome opportunity to interact and form a bond with others. Aside from that, it’s an entertaining and enjoyable activity to develop your interpersonal skill. Here are some reasons why people join a group or community.
5 Reasons Why Programmers Join A Community
- To look for other individuals who have a similar passion to them.
- To market themselves or find a job.
- To gain new knowledge, skill, and experience
- To stay updated on current trends and news on web development.
- To further pursue a worthwhile hobby
Inside the group, you can share your ideas, resources, techniques, and information with other people. Also, you can ask help or post questions on the community to be answered by the members.
If you’re lucky, you might find some mentors that can inspire you to do more. But please bear in mind that proper decorum and ethics should be observed at all times to avoid heated debates, confrontations and backlash.
7. Build Things, Create Cool Stuff!
Lastly, never stop building things. Speros Misilarkis, the Head of Coding Dojo Curriculum once said, ”The best way you can get better at programming is to build projects continuously.” When you’re learning to code and don’t have much to show yet, building your own programming project is the best action to test your skill and assess your capabilities. Python has a robust standard library create
Your portfolio or project can demonstrate what you’ve learned from your coding studies. It can reflect your strengths and your weaknesses based on the output you produce. From doing it, you can determine some areas that you need to improve.
Indeed, Python is a challenging language to study and learn, but once you understand its concepts and principles, creating your own masterpiece would be easy. Maybe one of these days your work might give you the big break you need!