Learn Python Programming, an easy-to-learn open-source language, and open up career opportunities in diverse fields like web development, software development, data science, AI, and machine learning. With the average growth for Web Developers predicted to be 13% from 2020 to 2030, many of these jobs require Python programming skills.

How Long Does it Take to Learn Python Programming?

Like many aspiring development or data science pros, you may want to learn Python programming but worry that it will take too long. Luckily, Python is among the easiest open-source programming languages to learn. You can learn the fundamentals in a few months, although it can take longer to master Python libraries and frameworks.

Of course, this depends on several factors. Read on to learn more about how you can learn Python programming and some resources to help speed the process along.

What is Python Programming?

Python has emerged as one of the most popular general-purpose programming languages worldwide. While Python is the language of choice for many Data Scientists and Data Analysts, it’s also essential for Web Developers and Software Developers. Python’s easy-to-use frameworks and libraries contribute to its success, and the worldwide community of Python pros ensures that novices can always find assistance.

The essential language ranks within the top three among those learning to code, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the average growth for Web Developers will be 13% from 2020 to 2030. Many of these jobs require Python programming skills. Other fields requiring Python include data science, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML).

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

What Can You Do with Python Programming?

Python is a high-level programming language with numerous applications. Its ease of use and scalability make it a popular choice among Back End Developers, Game Developers, and Software Engineers, among others. Companies ranging from Disney to JPMorgan Chase and Comcast need Python development pros for tasks like developing software, testing automation code, and developing back end elements in coordination with Front End Developers.

The most common areas for Python programming experts to find employment include:

• Software Development - Software development with Python involves tools like Django, Git, and SQL. Software development professionals using Python can have titles like Python Developer, Full Stack Developer, or DevOps Engineer, among others. 

• Web Development - Python pros famously used frameworks like Django and Flask to develop sites for companies like Instagram, Pinterest, and Dropbox. Positions for Python web development pros include:
  • Python Developer
  • Back End Developer
  • Solutions Architect
  • Web Developer
  • Game Developer
  • Software Engineer
  • Automation Engineer

• Game Development - Python game development frameworks include Panda3D, Pygame, and PyKyra, to name a few. Tech pros with Python and game development expertise may have titles like Python Developer, XR Developer, or Video Game AI Engineer. 

• Enterprise Applications -  Enterprise-grade apps built with Python include large technology stacks like Microsoft and Netflix. Titles for pros in this area include Applications Architect, Solutions Architect, and Enterprise Software Engineer, to name a few.

Average Time it Takes to Learn Python Programming

Because Python applications are so widespread, the time it takes to learn depends heavily on how and where you will apply the knowledge you gain. Many students can master Python programming fundamentals in as little as five to six weeks, but those whose main focus is Python may need to spend months mastering multiple libraries and frameworks.

Novices who learn Python as their first programming language may take longer than tech pros who already know JavaScript or C, but this isn’t necessarily so. The time commitment required may not be as important as the depth of knowledge you’ll need. Thus it’s essential to know how much Python programming expertise you’ll need. Fortunately, Python remains one of the easiest languages to learn, thanks to its easy syntax and massive worldwide support community.

Other Factors

Many factors can influence how long it takes someone to learn Python programming. A course participant studying Python to become a Game Developer may need a different approach than an aspiring Software Engineer. Consider the following factors when determining the time required to master Python programming.

Prior Experience

Your prior experience or current expertise with related or complementary areas will strongly affect how long it takes to learn Python programming fundamentals. Generational knowledge can impact students, too. Python may come more easily to those who grew up with smartphones and computers than to students who lived through the advent of the digital revolution.

Speed of Learning

When starting a course of training in a skill like Python programming, your speed of learning will be another essential factor. If you enroll in a course like the Python for Programming Bootcamp from Noble Desktop, your online classroom commitment will cover multiple days worth of classroom sessions, along with the time you need outside class for study materials and projects. You can save by taking this course as part of a broader development program like Noble’s Python Developer Certificate; however, you’ll need to be mindful that your online classroom time there expands threefold.

Additionally, the pace of your time with study groups or on your own may differ from other students. That’s okay. However, it’s crucial that you factor in all the time you’ll need, which is why most experts recommend using a tool like iCal or Google Calendar to stay on track.

The Role You Seek

Why are you learning Python programming? The answer to this question can have the broadest effect on how long it takes to master this high-level language. And that means you should have a concrete plan for how and in what way you’ll apply the skills and knowledge you gain from studying it.

Python Developers typically need to learn multiple back end development tools, including Python. For example, Noble Desktop’s Python Developer Certificate program requires applicants to be comfortable coding HTML and CSS before enrolling. On the other hand, if you learn Python programming with a different role in mind, you might not need HTML/CSS expertise.

Whatever your ultimate goal, you can rest assured that you’ll be able to master Python fundamentals in months or even weeks—whether you plan to be a Solutions Architect or an Automation Engineer.

Level of Difficulty, Prerequisites, & Cost 

Python has garnered a reputation as one of the easiest programming languages to learn. If you already know another language like C or JavaScript, you can learn it even faster. Programming novices often start with Python due to its beginner-friendly syntax and massive online support community. Python is an open source programming language and is therefore free for public use.

Strictly speaking, there are no prerequisites to learning Python programming. You can prepare for training by:

• Learning principles of object-oriented programming
• Making sure your computer is up to date for new downloads
• Researching complementary tools like SQL and Git

To learn Python programming while getting practical experience, consider enrolling in a bootcamp or certificate program. These high-level courses provide training from experts who can help you navigate Python libraries and frameworks while preparing you for an entry-level position.

Read on for more about how difficult it is to learn Python programming.

Watch a Free Python Programming Online Course

If you’re not yet ready to dive into an immersive bootcamp or certificate program, you can still get an overview of Python programming. You can start learning Python programming online with a course like Noble Desktop’s Intro to Python Fundamentals. In this free introductory course, you’ll learn fundamentals like:

• Installing Python with Anaconda
• How to run Python in Terminal
• Jupyter Notebook
• Numeric data types
• Best practices

With this webinar under your belt, you may want to continue with a more intensive program like Noble’s Python Developer Certificate, Python Programming Bootcamp, or FinTech Bootcamp. Additional options include Create Your First Python Program from UST and Computer Science: Programming with a Purpose from Princeton University.

Read about more free Python programming videos and online tutorials.

Learn Python Programming with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop

Noble Desktop offers numerous options for those looking to learn Python programming, both in-person and live online over teleconferencing applications like Zoom. They also provide a host of free resources online, including tutorials, seminars, and blog posts. 

Those interested in Python for development should consider one of the following options:

• Python Programming Bootcamp - The Python Programming Bootcamp features multiple days worth of hands-on intensive training. Participants new to Python learn the fundamentals of object-oriented programming and will create a portfolio of projects and code samples. There is no prerequisite for this bootcamp but students can save by taking this course as part of Noble’s Python Developer Certificate, FinTech Bootcamp, or Data Science Certificate.

• Python Developer Certificate - Noble Desktop’s Python Developer Certificate program is their flagship offering for Python programming on the server side. It combines the Python Programming Bootcamp with an advanced Python Web Development with Django course. The course has one prerequisite: attendees should feel comfortable with HTML/CSS, at the level offered in Noble’s Web Development with HTML & CSS class. Covered skills include:
• Django
• Django REST
• VS Code
• Git
• GitHub
• SQL

Additional programs that may be of interest to Python developers include:

• Python Web Development with Django 
• Software Engineering Certificate 

Those interested in Python for data science can get their training through multiple Noble Desktop programs, including: 

• Data Science Certificate
• Python for Data Science Bootcamp
• Python Machine Learning Bootcamp
• Python for Automation

Python for Finance and FinTech programs include: 

• FinTech Bootcamp
• Python for Finance Bootcamp

Python for Cybersecurity programs include:

• Cybersecurity Bootcamp
• Cybersecurity with Python
• Python for Network Security
• Offensive Security with Python

Noble Desktop’s bootcamps and certificate programs earn high marks from graduates. They are available live online or in-person in New York City. Additional perks include a Certificate of Completion upon graduation and free retakes for up to one year. Many certificates and bootcamps also feature 1-on-1 mentoring; check course descriptions for more details, including any prerequisite information.

Key Takeaways

• Python is among the easiest programming languages to learn.
• Python is also the language of choice among many Web Developers and Software Developers.
• The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts an average 13% growth rate for Web Developers from 2020-2030.
• The time it takes to learn Python programming fundamentals depends on factors like prior experience, your own speed of learning, and the role you seek.
• You can receive comprehensive Python programming training through an in-person or live online course with Noble Desktop. Top Noble programs include:
  • Python Programming Bootcamp
  • Python Developer Certificate