What Software Do Python Developers Use?

If you want to become a Python Developer, you may wonder what software you need to know. Because many software teams use Python to create software or websites, the answer can vary by industry, sector, or company.

Most likely, a professional in a Python development role will need to use:

• Software repositories like the Python Package Index (PyPI)
• Database servers like SQL
• Documentation tools like Sphinx

Other common skills can include HTML, CSS, Bootstrap, and jQuery, to name a few.

Read more about the day-to-day as a Python Developer.

What is a Python Developer?

Python Developers are tech professionals who can work on websites, software, games, or digital applications. Unlike some career tracks, those who fit the requirements of Python Developer often hold alternate titles; these can include Web Developer, Back End Developer, and Database Engineer, to name a few. Therefore, while most of these tech pros know tools like Django, SQL, and Git, not all Python development positions require the same skill set.

Responsibilities for Python Developers vary by industry as well as position. Some have to implement and maintain cybersecurity or integrate data storage solutions, while others mainly design and integrate front end elements with back end applications. Additional responsibilities can include web scraping, automation testing, and data visualization. Check online job postings for detailed lists of industry-specific Python development skills and responsibilities.

Read more about what a Python Developer does.

What Software Do Python Developers Use?

The most commonly used tools for Python Developers are Python frameworks and libraries, like Django, NumPy, Flask, and Bottle. However, there are a few software platforms and programs common to many top Python positions, both in development and data science. Whatever industry or sector you choose, you will likely use them.

Git

Global Information Tracker (Git) is an example of a software platform called a version control system (VCS). Also sometimes called source control, these powerful software tools allow teams to manage and maintain code. Version control systems can be local, centralized, or distributed.

GitHub’s cloud-based hosting service provides developers with the tools they need to manage Git repositories. GitHub has become so popular as a web-based service that it’s now known as one of the world’s largest developer communities. You can learn how to deploy projects to Git using GitHub through a program like Noble Desktop’s Python Developer Certificate.

Visual Studio Code

Visual Studio Code, or VS Code, is a software program in the integrated development environment (IDE) category. These software applications help programmers develop code efficiently. 

Many IDEs have their basis in one or more languages, including Python, Java, or C/C++. They combine software writing activities into a single app with features like syntax highlighting, debugging, and building executables. A good IDE will increase developer productivity while making development work easier.

Besides VS Code, popular examples of IDEs include:

• IDLE
• PyCharm
• Visual Studio
• AWS Cloud9
• RubyMine

To learn more about VS Code, consider enrolling in a comprehensive bootcamp like the Python Developer Certificate from Noble Desktop. 

Sphinx

Sphinx is a cross-platform documentation generator popular with the Python community in general, and Python Developers in particular. Written in Python, Sphinx offers multiple features for cross-referencing and output formatting, plus automatic indexing, highlighting, and testing.

Documentation generators are among the most essential software tools for development professionals. With a powerful tool like Sphinx, they can create documentation from source code or binary files. Documentation generators may be used for multiple purposes. The primary types of documentation in development are:

• Product (system, user)
• Process
• System
• Requirements

How to Learn Python Development Software

Python Developers often learn this essential programming language using different software and hardware. While some development pros benefit from on-demand training videos, most find instructor-led training to be the best option. Live online or in-person programs, including bootcamps and certificates, have become one of the most effective ways to learn Python development software.

• Live coursework (in-person and virtual) - You can find a host of Python training alternatives either held in-person or live online through teleconferencing through Noble Desktop’s Classes Near Me search tool. Check out courses like the Python Developer Bootcamp, where you’ll learn popular tools like Git, SQL, and VS Code.
• On-Demand/Self-Paced Classes - While not always as engaging as instructor-led training, on-demand training can offer a reasonable entry point to Python development. Consider Noble Desktop’s Exchanging Excel for Python, Skillsoft’s Python Apprentice, or Beginning Python from Treehouse. Check course listings for details, including any prerequisites.
• Self-Training - Many course providers offer free video seminars or tutorials. These can help Python beginners learn more about object-oriented programming languages and other related topics. Check out resources like Noble Desktop’s YouTube channel, but note that few experts recommend self-training as a primary source of education.

Different development roles demand different software training, so it helps to peruse local job listings to see which software skills companies require. Whether you want to become a Back End Developer or a Python Developer, consider enrolling in a bootcamp or certificate program for in-depth training.

Other Skills Needed to Become a Python Developer

Python development professionals typically need a combination of hard and soft skills, from knowledge of libraries and frameworks to other languages besides Python, like JavaScript or Lua. Some need security clearances, others need cybersecurity experience, and others have to know technologies like robotic process automation (RPA). The most common hard skills include SQL, JavaScript, and HTML/CSS.

Hard Skills

SQL

Among Python-centered positions, SQL is one of the most required skills. SQL stands for Structured Query Language, a method used to communicate with databases through querying. Although SQL is not software, its ubiquity among data science and development pros makes it an essential skill for Python users.

SQL queries come in many forms, and one of the most popular is PostgreSQL. This relational database management system (RDBMS) offers a great entry point for those looking to learn SQL querying. Comparable SQL systems include MySQL, Microsoft SQL Server, and NoSQL. 

You can learn SQL, VS Code, Git, and GitHub through Noble’s Python Developer Certificate.

HTML/CSS

HTML is short for HyperText Markup Language, and CSS is the abbreviation for Cascading Style Sheets. Though separate, development pros often combine the two. CSS is technically a style sheet, and not a language, but users often categorize it as a markup language because of its use in tandem with HTML.

Front End Developers use HTML and CSS more than Back End Developers, but Python Developers typically learn basic HTML/CSS as an introduction to coding. If you want to start a web or app development career, consider putting HTML and CSS at the top of your priority list.

JavaScript

Not all Python Developers need to master JavaScript, but many do. Back End Developers, Full Stack Developers, and Software Developers are all positions that commonly require development tools like JavaScript, AJAX, and PowerShell. Among the most popular languages, JavaScript is often required for roles like Product Manager and Front End Developer, too.

Python and JavaScript often vie for the most popular programming language, but they differ considerably. JavaScript can be the language of choice for both front and back end applications, whereas developers use Python for back end development. And while many experts think Python is the easiest language for beginners, others consider JavaScript the best choice to start if the student already has some HTML/CSS skills.

Soft Skills

The soft skills needed to become a Python Developer are no different than any other development position. Strong written and verbal communication skills go along with good interpersonal skills, a prerequisite for any professional position today. Those working outside the solo or freelance realm should also consider the essential role of teamwork and the need to bring excellent leadership skills where required.

Other important soft skills can include:

• Time management
• Problem-solving
• Creativity
• Emotional intelligence
• Adaptability

Learn the Skills to Become a Python Developer at Noble Desktop

To become a Python Developer, everyone needs a range of skills and knowledge. Most people start with basics, like functions, variables, and the principles of object-oriented programming (OOP). Progressing to a development role also can include additional server-side languages like React (JSX), machine learning algorithms, and object-relational mapping (ORM).

Noble Desktop offers a range of online and in-person Python classes and bootcamps for development, data science and analytics, FinTech, and cybersecurity. Instructors with practical expertise teach these programs, which feature small class sizes to ensure individual attention. Each graduate receives a certificate of completion and can even retake the course for up to one year at no additional charge.

Many Python novices review some free online resources to prepare for one of these courses. Noble Desktop’s Learn Hub includes a comprehensive guide to learning Python for development or data-centered roles. Here you can check out free on-demand courses and tutorials on topics like exchanging Excel for Python and making a Twitter bot with Python. 

If you’re new to Python training, you might want to start with an immersive course like Noble’s Python Programming Bootcamp. However, you can also save by taking this bootcamp as part of their immersive Python Developer Certificate. This program provides Python fundamentals before taking participants through in-demand tools like Django REST, Git, and SQL. Check course listings for more details, including prerequisite information.