If you’re a programmer or developer, you’re faced with the question of which languages to learn. You may end up learning most, but you do have to prioritize them. One language you should learn is Python, and particularly Python 3.
According to Jeff Rouse,who’s in charge of product strategy and innovation at ActiveState, while Python 2 used to be favored, “the landscape has changed in favor of Python 3.” So, beyond know that it’s probably better to start with Python 3, what else should you know? What are the key reasons to think about learning Python?
Python is Versatile and Broadly Used
Python is used in everything from game and web development to AI and even academic research. The broad applications of Python make it something valuable to learn, whether you want to get a job working for a company full-time or you want to work on your own and you want to increase your skillset to appeal to more clients.
Python is a language that has staying power, particularly with its applications in machine learning, computing, and AI, which are of particular interest to businesses right now.
Python is not only versatile, but it’s easy to maintain, so it’s used by major companies including Amazon and Netflix. Its use isn’t really limited to any particular industry either.
One of the main uses for Python is automation language. It can be usedas a way to create automation in how browsers and GUIs interact. Scripting is another main use of Python, but there are many others.
As was touched on, data analysis has become one of the primary drivers behind Python’s growing popularity as well. Python can serve as glue code to bring together different codes to work together with one another too.
Python is good for basic web development because of the many libraries and the frameworks. You can take a project that would require a time commitment of several hours in PHP and complete it in a matter of minutes using Python.
It’s Easy to Learn
Most people who have learned Python feel it’s very easy to learn and intuitive. It’s easy to read and it in some ways replicates English. For example, the syntax is simple and straightforward. It’s also expressive.
The Python code is depending on using indentation the right way, which also makes it easier to read and gives it a logical structure. These are some of the reasons that a lot of new coders will start with Python.
Python is Open Source
Python is open source, and there’s a big community surrounding it. If you have questions or issues, it’s easy to contact people in this community and find the feedback you need. With more obscure programming languages where the community is limited, it can present quite a few challenges. For example, if you run into a technical issue with Python, you can jump on a forum or social media, and you’re likely going to find someone willing to help you.
Python Has an Extensive Library
There are more than 125,000 Python libraries. You won’t have to write that much code when you’re using it, so you can take on more complex projects but do so in a simpler way. The extensive libraries also mean that you can find information across different industries easily.
Flexibility
Just as Python is a versatile programming language, it’s also one that’s flexible. There are set rules that dictate how you build features, so you can come up with innovative and creative ways to solve problems when you use this language. Python can also give you more leeway when it comes to errors. You can still,for example, run a program until the actual error pops up.
Employers Want Python Developers
If you want to learn a language that’s going to increase your appeal to potential employers, Python is an excellent option. It’s one of the most requested skills inbusiness right now, and it’s a skill that tends to see the highest salaries compared to other similar programming language skills. A lot of this is because of the ever-growing importance of big data.
Finally, while there are plenty of pros to learning python, as with anything, there are some cons to be aware of also. For example, if speed is your top priority, Python is probably not the best language to use. Since it’s flexible, it can slow things down. Maintenance can be a challenge as well because context is relevant.