Explore the growing demand for Python skills in fields like data science, machine learning, and cybersecurity, and how learning Python can lead to a variety of career paths in technology. Learn about the applications of Python in different industries, from web development to game development, and the potential salary outcomes in these fields.
Key Insights
- Python is a versatile programming language with applications in data science, artificial intelligence, web development, game development, and enterprise applications.
- Web development basics such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Java, or the C languages (C, C++, C#) are essential for using Python in a web or software development career.
- Noble Desktop offers training options for web development, including a Software Engineering Certificate that includes Python training.
- Python libraries are used for machine learning, with skills in statistics and probability, or in calculus, serving as a strong background in this field.
- Python is an ongoing learning endeavor, with many courses like Noble's Python for Data Science Bootcamp offering advanced skills.
- The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 13% projected growth rate for Web Developers between 2020 and 2030, with many positions requiring Python.
Python is one of the fastest-growing and most popular skills in fields like data science, machine learning (ML), and cybersecurity. If you already know how to use Python, you might also consider studying web development or machine learning, depending on how you intend to use your Python expertise.
We’ll cover machine learning and web development below, so you have a clear understanding of what skill you want to tackle next.
What is Python?
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 projected growth rate for Web Developers will be 13% between 2020 and 2030, and many of these positions demand Python. Other fields requiring Python include cybersecurity, software engineering, and business analysis.
Read more about what Python is and why you should learn it.
What Can You Do with Python?
Python is a versatile language with a host of applications, but the most well-known include:
- Data Science—Data science extends to numerous industries, and using Python to understand data is paramount. Python libraries like NumPy and Matplotlib enable Data Scientists and other professionals to use visualization to gain insights into data. Additional top Python libraries include TensorFlow, SciPy, Pandas, and scikit-learn.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning (ML)—Machine Learning Engineers and Architects use Python to build models. At the same time, AI Engineers and Architects may need this essential programming language for everything from assessing AI solutions to advanced automation.
- Web Development—The use of Python in web development goes back to its beginnings. Frameworks like Django and Flask have famously provided web development for household-name companies like Instagram, Dropbox, and Pinterest. Tech pros, including Developers, report that Python is easy to integrate with other languages like C/C++ and Java. Other top frameworks include Bottle, CherryPy, and Dash.
- Game Development—Frameworks for game development include Pygame, PyKyra, and Panda3D, but there are numerous others. Python continues to support the gaming industry in meaningful ways.
- Enterprise Applications—Enterprise-grade apps built with Python include leading technology stacks like Netflix, Microsoft, and Spotify.
Web Development Basics
Many students come to Python training with no computer programming experience. While it can be easy to learn for beginners, other Python novices have some coding experience, like HTML and CSS. You'll need many other essential skills if you’re planning to use Python in a web development or software development career.
Web development basics include HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Java, or the C languages (C, C++, C#). Some web development positions require a few of these skills, so you want a good idea of what you’ll need to know before enrolling in another course.
Noble Desktop offers numerous training options for web development. If you want to get Python training as part of a broader curriculum, consider their Software Engineering Certificate. You’ll learn Python with Django and a portfolio-centered set of web development skills. Other options include the JavaScript Development Certificate, Front-End Development Certificate, or Full-Stack Development Certificate.
Data Science
You can take your Python skills to the next level by applying them to the field of data science. This field focuses on managing and analyzing large amounts of data, which can then be used to understand trends and drive the direction of a business or organization. Python is commonly used for analysis in this field since it enables users to manage and analyze immense amounts of data.
How to Learn About Data Science
Because data science is such a broad field, there are many different ways you can learn about data science concepts. Some individuals may choose to enroll in an undergraduate degree program to study data science in a formal learning environment. This is a particularly good option for those planning to pursue careers in roles like Data Scientist or Data Analyst.
Alternatively, you can learn data science by enrolling in an online or virtual class. Some schools, like Noble Desktop, even offer courses that can also prepare you for a career as a Data Scientist or Analyst.
This includes Noble’s Data Science Certificate, which teaches students how to use Python for data analysis. In this class, students learn how to write database queries and use Python to automate tasks like aggregating and updating data. Additionally, students learn how to create machine learning models and use tools like Pandas and scikit-learn.
You may also consider Noble’s Data Science and Machine Learning Bootcamp which teaches students how to analyze data using Python’s data science libraries like NumPy, Pandas, and Matplotlib. Additionally, students learn about machine learning packages like scikit-learn.
Machine Learning and Automation
Machine learning is a skill that’s quickly growing in-demand. Machine learning is a type of artificial intelligence that enables software to “learn” from immense amounts of data. For example, when you seek recommendations from media sites like Spotify or Netflix, you are interacting directly with a machine learning algorithm. This program is relying upon data (what you’ve watched or listened to before) to guess what you might enjoy consuming next.
Automation is another skill set that’s incredibly helpful for today’s technologically-driven world. Just like it sounds, automation enables programmers to write code that automates repetitive tasks so coders don’t have to be as actively involved in the operation. This might include automating things like data cleaning or analysis.
How to Learn About Machine Learning and Automation
Because machine learning can be a fairly complex subject, many people choose to learn machine learning tools by taking some sort of course. This includes both college-level classes as well as virtual or online courses through online schools.
Noble Desktop is one such school that offers machine learning courses. Its Python Machine Learning Bootcamp teaches students about linear and logistic regression, as well as popular machine learning algorithms like k-nearest neighbors, decision trees, and random forest. To participate in this course, individuals should be comfortable using Python, NumPy, and Pandas. Those who would like to learn about both data science and machine learning may also consider Noble’s Data Science and Machine Learning Bootcamp discussed above.
Noble also has a Python for Automation course which teaches individuals how to use this programming language for gathering, storing, and analyzing web data. In this class, students learn to grab data from websites and run programs on a regular schedule.
SQL
Structured Query Language (SQL) is a database language that professionals use to pull and manage data in databases. This language is often used by Data Analysts and Data Scientists since it enables users to easily access large amounts of data. This data can then be used for analysis and better understanding of patterns and trends in an organization. Additionally, individuals can use SQL to design new databases or tables.
How to Learn SQL
Given its use, SQL is an excellent language to learn alongside Python, especially if you plan to manage or analyze large amounts of data. Some may choose to learn SQL through self-study. For those who choose to go this path, it may be best to learn structured query languages that are open source, including PostgreSQL and SQLite, so you can do so without spending money.
Individuals who prefer a more structured approach to learning may also consider enrolling in a virtual or in-person course through Noble Desktop. Its SQL Bootcamp teaches students how to query and aggregate data, as well as build tables and import/export data. Noble Desktop in particular teaches PostgreSQL.
More Python
Chances are good that you’ve learned more than basic Python before you move on. For example, if you take a course like Noble’s Python for Data Science Bootcamp, you’ll learn NumPy, Pandas, Matplotlib, and scikit-learn. But Python, however simple its basics, can become a lifetime endeavor. Why not keep going—particularly if you plan to be a Python Developer?
Key Insights
- Python is one of the fastest-growing and most popular skills in the tech world.
- Top positions typically requiring Python include:
- Cybersecurity Analyst
- Data Analyst
- Data Scientist
- Financial Analyst
- Machine Learning Engineer
- Software Engineer
- Web Developer
- Additional skills for Python students include web development and machine learning.
Learn Python with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop
Noble Desktop offers multiple ways to learn Python, both in-person and online through teleconferencing. They provide Python training as an essential component of areas like data science and analytics, FinTech, cybersecurity, and web development. Their Python Programming Bootcamp offers hands-on Python training in an immersive environment. Beginners learn Python fundamentals in this 30-hour bootcamp, where participants develop project-based coding portfolios. Graduates receive a verified Certificate of Completion and can retake the course for up to a year at no additional charge.
Students can save by taking the Python Programming Bootcamp as part of Noble’s Python Developer Certificate program. The curriculum for this certificate includes a 60-hour unit on Python Web Development with Django. In this intensive course, you’ll learn about URL dispatchers and automation, along with GitHub and SQL. Attendees should have some experience with HTML and CSS before enrolling.
Additional courses featuring Python include Noble Desktop’s Python for Data Science Bootcamp, FinTech Bootcamp, and Data Science Certificate program. Students planning careers in data science, data analytics, cybersecurity, or financial analysis should consider enrolling in one of these programs to get comprehensive Python training.