How to Become a Python Developer

Python is one of the fastest-growing programming languages on the planet. Data Scientists, Web Developers, and other tech professionals use Python for a range of tasks—from building websites to data analysis, automation, and machine learning. Like Java and Ruby, Python is mainly an object-oriented programming language (OOP), which means it organizes around data (objects) instead of functions or logic.

Thanks to its straightforward syntax, adaptability, and the urgent need for Python skills in today’s job market, this essential language ranks as the number one choice for those learning to code. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the average growth rate for Software Developers will be 25% over the next decade, and many of these positions demand Python. Other fields requiring Python include cybersecurity, software engineering, and business analysis.

What is a Python Developer?

Python Developers use this popular coding language to work on back end web development, data science or analysis, scripting, or product development. They build the server side of websites, processes for data analysis, and create automation scripts. Some Python Developers work alone, others on a team of Back End Developers, and still others on a full engineering or development team. This will depend on the company they end up working for.

The day-to-day life of a Python Developer will vary dramatically depending on the employer. You might find yourself creating scripts, building the back end of a web application, building a piece of software, contributing to an open-source project, integrating user-interface elements of an application, writing scalable code, writing APIs, or creating programs to analyze data efficiently.

Job Requirements

Python Developers should be proficient in Python and its relevant frameworks, such as Django, Falcon, and MongoDB. If they’ll be working with web applications, they might also want to learn JavaScript frameworks like AngularJS. As with any development position, the Python Developer should practice version control and know how to use Git.

In addition to these foundational skills, Python Developers should understand object-relational mapping, multi-process architecture, integration of front end technologies, server-side templates, user authorization and authentication, and event-driven programming.

If you’ll be working with web applications, you will need to know HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. If you’ll be working with the back end, you’ll need to understand SQL, front end integration, scripting, algorithms, and servers. For data-focused Python Developers need to understand algorithms, machine learning, and data science.

Many Python Developers have a bachelor's degree in computer science, math, or a related field. But many simply have a coding bootcamp education or a well-rounded portfolio. The most important qualification for Python Developers is their skill level. Demonstrable proficiency in Python and its related skills, as well as being able to clearly communicate your thought process, are most important when looking for a job as a Python Developer.

Job Responsibilities

The job responsibilities of a Python Developer will depend on where they work. Python is used to create the server end of websites and applications. They may also create tools for machine learning, artificial intelligence, data science, and research. They might also need front end skills like coding with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

Skills

Coding skills are paramount for Python Developers. They also need to understand version control and how to find and fix problems.

Coding

Proficiency with the Python coding language is the most important skill for people who want to work as Python Developers. You will need to know how this object-oriented programming language works and how to use some of the many frameworks available. Python Developers typically work on the back end of websites and applications, but if the job requires you to create the user-focused front end as well, then you will need to know HTML and CSS, plus JavaScript.

Version Control

Version control is also important for Python Developers. This means keeping track of changes to the code, who made them, and who is collaborating on the project. The most commonly used tool for version control is Git, which works on the GitHub platform.

Debugging and Troubleshooting

Coding requires patience, attention to detail, and persistence. Python Developers need to know how to find and fix problems as they arise. Debugging should be part of the development cycle, no matter how small or simple the project may seem. Some steps for debugging include testing the code to make sure it does what you want it to, identifying and fixing logic problems, and removing unused code left over from earlier versions.

Why Do Businesses Need Python Developers?

Thanks to the thousands of libraries created, Python is versatile. It also works well with other languages and operating systems, making someone with Python skills a valuable company asset. Companies need Python Developers to build the back end of websites, perform complex data analysis, and run machine-learning frameworks. The many libraries make coding faster and easier, which saves money. Because of its many benefits, Python dominates software development, so any company involved in creating digital products uses Python and Python Developers. 

Where Do Python Developers Usually Work?

Python Developers can work for software development companies creating different applications and platforms. The video game industry uses Python for game development. It is also used in the music, film, and entertainment industries to add special effects and automate repetitive tasks. Python is also widely used in Natural Language Processing for devices like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. Companies that provide computing services also use Python. The finance industry especially uses Python, including cryptocurrency companies.

Python Developer Salary and Job Outlook

Python Developers can look forward to high salaries and a strong job outlook. The average yearly salary in the U.S. for people with Python coding skills is $110,000. The U.S. Burea of Labor Statistics reports an expected 25% job growth rate over the next ten years for people in the software development field. This is significantly higher than the national job growth average of 5%.

How Long Does it Take to Become a Python Developer?

How long it takes to learn Python depends on what you plan to do with it. Estimates for mastering Python basics range from as little as five weeks to as long as six months. Factors that influence how long it will take include your previous coding experience, the number of hours per day spent over the training period, and the training format you prefer (formal training, on-demand, or self-taught).

Students with prior programming training have a significant advantage over those learning Python as their first programming language. Luckily, Python’s easy syntax and the availability of materials make it a great entry point for novices. Even on a part-time basis, most students can learn Python fundamentals in a few months. Motivated learners who need deeper mastery can reach a meaningful level of expertise in less than a year.

Python Developer vs. Similar Career

Python Developers might consider upskilling to a position like Machine Learning Engineer, Data Analyst, or Data Scientist–all three of which also use Python on a daily basis. To pivot into machine learning, a Python Developer should focus on algorithms, deep learning, and automations. A Data Analyst or Data Scientist position could be attained with more focus on data analysis and aggregations techniques. These three positions typically have a higher salary than a Python Developer position.

Learn the Skills to Become a Python Developer at Noble Desktop

Learn the essential skills and tools to become a Python Developer with Noble Desktop's Python Developer Certificate. This course teaches Python for software development with Django, Django REST, and other developer tools such as Git and SQL. After completing this certificate, you will have the skills to apply for roles such as Python Developer, Back End Developer, and Software Engineer. Start by learning the basics of Python. In the first week, you’ll learn about the lexical syntax of Python, then move to more advanced topics such as dictionaries, custom functions, and sorting algorithms. In week two, you'll learn object-oriented programming, how to work with APIs, and get an introduction to web databases using SQL. Students should feel comfortable coding HTML and CSS before taking this class. You can also receive a free Python elective when registering for the Python Developer Certificate.

Noble's Python for Data Science Bootcamp will take you from the very basics of Python programming to the start of machine learning with Python. You’ll learn how and why Python is used for data science, how to create programs, work with data in Python, create data visualizations, and use statistics to create machine learning models. The course will start with the fundamentals of Python, including writing basic statements and expressions, creating variables, understanding different data types, working with lists, indexing and slicing lists, using functions and methods, and more. You will learn about object-oriented programming and work with different data types.The second part of the course covers conditional statements and control flow tools. This includes the If/Else Statements, Boolean Operations, and different types of loops. The third part of the course introduces operations and tools for data science, including NumPy, Pandas, and Matplotlib. Learn to filter and clean data, group and pivot data, and start generating insights from your data with exploratory data analysis. Finally, you will create data visualizations, including bar charts, histograms, and advanced visualization for easy interpretation and sharing of your data insights. 

Noble Desktop's Software Engineering Certificate can give you the skills you need to start a new career in the software development industry. This program is divided into four sections: front end development, React Development, and Django (Python) Development. In this program, you will learn the most pivotal skills needed to secure a career in software and web development. The assignments in the course are designed to help you create a portfolio of projects, and the course also includes interview preparation, practice responding to common interview questions, how to polish your resume and LinkedIn profile, and tips for applying to jobs. 

Noble's Full Stack Web Development Certificate covers developing every aspect of a digital application or website. You’ll learn how to program the visual appearance of a web application (the front end) and the infrastructure that allows it to function (the back end) to create complete websites. In this course, you’ll learn how to use programming languages like HTML/CSS and JavaScript to program memorable, interactive websites. You’ll also use the MERN tech stack (MongoDB, Express.js, React, and Node.js) to add databases, APIs, AWS and other server environments, and interactivity for those web applications. The Full-Stack Web Development Certificate provides students with a robust programming education that can help them break into the in-demand world of web development, software engineering, and computer science.

This is a project-oriented course that teaches students how to code a website from scratch. By the end of the course, you’ll have developed a portfolio of working web applications that you can take with you onto the job market. This course also includes portfolio and job search help. You can also attend Noble's SQL and WordPress Bootcamps for free as part of this certificate course.

If you don't have time for a full certification course or simply want an introduction to Python, Noble's Python Programming Bootcamp will get you started. During the course, we’ll cover built-in data types and their behavior, and Control Flow Statements; the programming essentials used across many languages. You’ll also learn how to professionally structure your programs and solve real-world challenges by creating objects in Object-Oriented Programming. In addition to covering these core programming concepts, we’ll also discuss the most common coding interview questions and demonstrate the best programming practices used by professionals.

Throughout this course, you’ll practice these new skills by working on programming exercises with instructor guidance. By the end of this course, you’ll have a portfolio of projects and code samples on GitHub to show to employers.