How Long Does it Take to Learn Python for Machine Learning?

Like many aspiringData Scientists or Data Analysts, you might want to learn Python for machine learning but worry that it will take too much time. How long it takes to learn Python for machine learning depends on several factors, such as your existing knowledge of Python and programming in general. Keep reading to learn about how you can learn Python for machine learning and some resources to help speed the process along.

What is Python for Machine Learning?

Python is an open-source, general-purpose programming language first developed in 1991. Because Python is open-source, it is free and publicly available for anyone to use. Python can be used to build websites, develop software, conduct data analysis, and automate tasks using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. 

Machine learning enables computer systems to automatically learn and adapt without manual input. The system does this by using statistical models and algorithms to detect patterns in data. Python’s libraries and frameworks, along with the coding language’s platform independence, popularity and community, concise and readable code, flexibility, and consistency, make it a perfect fit for machine learning. 

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

What Can You Do with Python for Machine Learning?

Python is a general-purpose programming language that you can use to create data visualizations, write programs for machine learning, analyze data, make file directories, build apps, and more. Because of its many applications in using and managing data, Data Scientists must have a thorough knowledge of Python programming and its uses. 

Python for machine learning is used to personalize and improve user experiences. Machine learning can automate customer support, detect fraudulent transactions, recommend products, refine search engine results, automate translation, recommend music, and predict the effectiveness of drug treatments. There are countless uses for machine learning and demand is only increasing, making now an opportune time to learn Python for machine learning.

Average Time it Takes to Learn Python for Machine Learning

How long it takes to learn Python for machine learning depends on your existing knowledge of Python programming. If you already know Python programming basics, you can take a class specifically dedicated to Python for machine learning. With a class like this, you could add Python to machine learning to your resume in as little as one week. If you do not know Python programming fundamentals, you must first master those skills, adding to your total learning time. 

How Long Does It Take to Learn Python Fundamentals?

Learning Python programming fundamentals can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks on average. If you choose to teach yourself Python programming, it can take longer as your progress will depend on your own pace and the pace at which you can get questions answered, usually via email. 

The total time it takes to learn Python programming fundamentals also depends on your familiarity with programming overall. If you know another programming language, it can be easier to learn Python than if you are brand new to programming. Python programming is considered a fairly easy programming language to learn, but if you would like to start with an even simpler programming language, HTML & CSS classes provide a good starting point, especially if you are interested in web development. A Python fundamentals course such as Noble Desktop’s Python for Data Science Bootcamp takes less than one week to complete. If you want to dive straight into Python for machine learning following the fundamentals, you can take Noble’s Python for Data Science & Machine Learning Bootcamp, which covers both topics in one course.

Level of Difficulty, Prerequisites, & Cost 

Before learning Python for machine learning, you must demonstrate a solid understanding of Python programming and the NumPy and Pandas libraries. While many consider Python a relatively easy coding language for experienced programmers to learn, it can prove challenging, especially for students new to coding. If you do not have a background in data science, learning Python and machine learning as part of a data science certificate program can help you build data science skills, starting with the fundamentals, then building your way up to topics like machine learning. 

The Python programming language is an open-source coding language, meaning that anyone can download it for free. You can find the latest version of Python, view documentation, join the Python community, and more through the Python Software Foundation’s website. 

Read about how difficult it is to learn Python for machine learning.

Watch a Free Python for Machine Learning Online Course

Before committing to a paid training method, you may want to explore free resources that provide an overview of Python for machine learning. Free resources can help you build foundational skills, understand the advantages and challenges of learning Python for machine learning, meet the necessary prerequisites, and help you decide how you want to learn this skill. 

Before learning Python for machine learning, you must have a firm foundation in Python programming and understand the NumPy and Pandas libraries. In Noble Desktop’s free video seminar Intro to Python Fundamentals, you will learn about the Python programming language and its many uses in data science and data analytics.

You can also find free introductory Python courses from Google, Microsoft, and on learning platforms like Udemy and Coursera.

Read about more free Python for machine learning videos and online tutorials.

Learn Python for Machine Learning with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop

Noble Desktop offers instructor-led courses that provide hands-on experience using Python for machine learning. You can take a specialized course such as the Python for Machine Learning course or learn this skill through the Data Science Certificate program. 

The Python for Machine Learning course requires students to have a strong foundation in Python programming and its data science libraries NumPy and Pandas prior to enrollment. If you do not have previous experience with Python programming, you can satisfy this prerequisite by first taking Noble’s Python for Data Science Bootcamp.

If you want to learn Python for machine learning as part of a broader curriculum, especially if you want to launch a new career in data science, the Data Science Certificate program covers essential skills in a single program. This program includes small classes, 1-on-1 mentoring, setup assistance, a free retake, flexible payment options, hands-on experience, and job search assistance.

Explore live online Python for machine learning classes that connect you to expert instructors for real-time feedback and guidance.

Key Insights

• How long it takes to learn Python for machine learning depends largely on your existing knowledge of Python.
• If you already know Python programming fundamentals, learning Python for machine learning can take as little as one week. 
• If you have yet to gain previous Python programming experience, you can take a Python fundamentals course which may last around one week or more.
• You can receive comprehensive Python for machine learning training through an in-person or live online course with Noble Desktop.