How Difficult is it to Learn Python for Finance?

Are you curious about learning Python for finance but worried that it might be too hard? Of course, the difficulty that comes with learning a new skill is somewhat subjective. The challenges of learning Python for finance depends on factors like whether you have previous experience with a programming language, especially Python, and whether you are new to data science. 

No matter your current schedule or comfort level with Python for finance, there are plenty of tools available to help make learning easier than you might think.

What is Python for Finance?

Programmers use Python for web development, data analytics, data science, finance, and more. Python is an object-oriented, interpreted, and high-level programming language that places emphasis on code readability by using significant indentation. Its simplicity, flexibility, and its status as a free, open-source programming language make Python incredibly popular around the world.

Python has been in use for more than 30 years and is a free program available to the public. This means there are many resources available to learn this highly useful programming language. Python is generally considered a beginner-friendly programming language to learn, meaning you do not need to have previous coding experience to start learning Python. However, as with any new skill, learning Python can prove challenging, especially when learning more advanced Python skills such as those involved in data science. Learning Python can bolster resumes in the fields of technology, finance, retail, marketing, and more. 

Read more about what Python is and why you should learn it. 

What Can You Do with Python for Finance?

Python is an open-source programming language that has been in use for over 30 years. This free-to-use programming language enjoys massive popularity thanks to its many uses. Python is used for web development, data science, data analytics, and more. In the finance industry, Python is used by Traders, Analysts, and Researchers, as well as companies like Stripe and Robinhood. Python’s simplicity and flexibility make it a popular programming language in the finance industry because it makes creating formulas and algorithms far easier than comparable programming languages. Python libraries and tools also make it easier to integrate programs with third parties, a common need in FinTech. 

Python’s analytics tools, such as the Pandas library, allow for the creation of data visualizations and interactive dashboards that reference large quantities of data. The Python libraries PyBrain and Scikit allow for machine learning algorithms that enable predictive analytics. You’ll find Python programming at work in cryptocurrency, stock trading, banking apps, and more.

What Are the Most Challenging Parts of Learning Python for Finance?

The most challenging part of learning Python for finance is learning the Python programming language and data science fundamentals behind it. Although considered a beginner-friendly programming language, Python presents the same challenges as many programming languages in that, if you do not have previous programming experience, you may need a bit more time and practice to understand Python than if you have knowledge of a programming language. If you try to teach yourself complex topics like Python programming or data science, you may become frustrated. However, most students that enroll in an instructor-led course on these subjects find these skills can be mastered by simply attending classes, asking questions to make the most of your instructor’s expert knowledge, and gaining first-hand experience through interactive assignments. 

How Does Learning Python for Finance Compare to Other Languages?

If you are interested in learning Python for finance, you may also wonder about other programming languages used in the finance industry and in FinTech. Other programming languages for finance include Java and SQL. This section will compare the use cases, difficulty of learning, cost of learning, and methods of learning of these comparable programming languages for finance. 

Python is a highly-sought after skill in the world of FinTech thanks to the programming language’s simplicity, flexibility, and beginner-friendliness. Python for finance includes using Python for data analysis, data science, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. Python allows a financial application to process mass amounts of financial data which can then be used to forecast economic conditions, predict business trends, create data visualizations to present to stakeholders, and more. Python is considered a beginner-friendly language even for those without previous programming experience or knowledge. However, Python for data science (and by extension, finance) uses advanced Python skills, so those interested in learning Python for finance must first gain a solid knowledge of Python programming fundamentals. You can benefit by learning from an instructor who can guide you through all stages of the Python learning process, from beginner to expert. You can explore Noble Desktop’s Python Learning Hub to learn more about Python, find free resources, and compare Python training options. 

Java ranks at the top of most frequently used programming languages in FinTech because of its ability to manage large amounts of data, its rigid security features, and its versatility. Java is the programming language behind ecommerce platforms, trading algorithms, and banking apps. Programs that are written in Java can also run on any machine, increasing this programming language’s flexibility. Want to learn more about Java and what you can do with it? Visit the Java Learning Hub to discover what careers use Java, how you can learn it, and its applications in different industries.

SQL stands for Structured Query Language. It used to communicate with databases and is domain-specific. In finance, SQL works to store, locate, retrieve, and manipulate financial data within relational databases. SQL is a skill recruiters often look for in Financial Analysts, but is useful to any financial professional working with statistical modeling and data processing platforms. You can learn more about SQL, its uses, related professions, and more in the SQL Learning Hub.

Benefits of Learning Python for Finance

As with any new skill, learning Python for finance can have its challenges, but the outcomes make the effort worthwhile. Learning Python for finance can help you to launch or advance a career in the finance industry and in financial technology. These sectors are growing at an astounding rate and are projected to offer many opportunities over the course of the next decade. This makes now the perfect time to plan a career in this exciting industry.

Learn Python for Finance with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop

Noble Desktop offers in-person and live online classes that help you master Python for finance. You can start by learning the Python programming basics, then progress to advanced Python uses, or you can explore classes that specialize in teaching the financial uses of Python programming. Noble’s classes offer many benefits including expert instructor guidance given in real-time, small class sizes, and free retake options.

If you do not have previous experience with Python programming, Noble’s Python for Data Science Bootcamp provides the foundational knowledge needed before you learn Python for finance. This bootcamp covers Python programming basics including loops, objects, and functions, handling different types of data, using conditional statements, using object-oriented programming, data visualizations, making predictions, and more. Once you have completed this bootcamp, you can proceed to the Python for Finance Bootcamp in which you will learn how to gather and manipulate financial data using Python’s major financial libraries.

Looking to launch a new career using Python for finance? Noble Desktop’s FinTech Bootcamp prepares students for entry-level positions in financial technology and data science. This certificate program includes multiple courses in which you will learn about Python for data science, automation, data visualization, machine learning, and finance. You will also learn about financial modeling.

Learn more about Noble Desktop’s live online Python classes and live online Finance classes to compare different courses and options.