Python programming is an in-demand skill for tech positions such as Web Developers, Software Developers, Data Scientists, and Data Analysts. This guide provides insight into various methods and prerequisites for learning Python, as well as career prospects and salary expectations in the field.

Python Programming Prerequisites

If you plan to get a desirable tech position, you might need to learn Python programming first but think that Python programming will be too hard to learn. This guide will help you understand the best methods for learning Python programming and what you should study first to make the learning process easier. This way, you’ll be successful however you choose to apply your new skills. 

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.

Is Python Programming Easy to Learn?

Python is one of the most beginner-friendly languages to learn. You’ll find many training options online, including Python programming bootcamps and certificate programs.

Noble Desktop offers a Python Programming Bootcamp and a Python Developer Certificate, among many others. Most of these courses provide immersive training in a hands-on environment, and many entry-level positions require no training beyond that level.

Read on to learn more about what you should know before you study Python programming.

What to Know Before Learning Python Programming

Python is essential to both web development and data science. If you plan a career in either of these wide-ranging fields, you might think you need to learn other programming languages before you learn Python. However, Python is universally considered one of the easiest programming languages to learn.

Basic Computer Skills

Before you study Python, you should have solid computer literacy. The concept of basic computer skills has shifted over time, but most tech-centered positions require the following:

• Knowledge of operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux)
• Troubleshooting basics (handling software updates, crashes, unresponsive programs)
• Email management (Outlook, Gmail)
• Basic data entry skills
• Web browsers (Google Chrome, Safari)
• Word processing software (Word, Google Docs)
• Spreadsheet software (Excel, Google Sheets)

Depending on the position, additional computer basics may include project management software, instant messaging platforms like Slack, and video conferencing platforms like Zoom. It’s also helpful if you can seamlessly switch between mobile and desktop or laptop applications.

Strong Communication Skills

Basic communication skills are as essential as computer skills in today’s flexible, dynamic workforce. Many roles require the above mentioned tools for nearly all communications: instant messaging, collaboration platforms, and email are part of the daily mix of tools for most tech pros.

Depending on your position and experience, your Python programming role may require you to interact with a team. Because Python is now so essential to businesses, your role might also require communication with a wide range of staff at different levels—from a fellow programmer to key stakeholders like C-suite executives. Honing your written and oral communication skills is always a good idea, and you should consider it a lifelong learning process.

For more about improving communication skills, check out local networking groups in your area or even larger organizations like BNI (Business Networking International).

HTML & CSS

Python programming is essential for both development and data science. If you plan to use Python in a development role, consider getting some HTML and CSS basics under your belt first. Whereas Python is relevant in back end development, HTML and CSS are both essential to front end development. Front end developers typically need some basic graphic design skills to learn how to use HTML and CSS effectively. 

If you plan to become a Python Developer, you’ll most likely deal with Front End Developers while you handle back end development. However, knowing HTML and CSS can help you resolve issues and find and fix problems more easily. If your career goal is Full Stack Developer, you’ll need HTML/CSS and Python, as well as other programming languages like JavaScript.

You don’t necessarily have to know HTML and CSS to learn Python, but it helps. If you enroll in Noble Desktop’s Python Developer Certificate program, you should already have HTML/CSS knowledge equivalent to that gained in their Web Development with HTML and CSS course.

Key Takeaways

• Python is one of the most beginner-friendly languages to learn.
• Before learning Python, consider the strength of your skills in these areas: Basic computer literacy, Communication (written and oral), and HTML & CSS. 
• You can receive comprehensive Python programming training through an in-person or live online course with Noble Desktop. Top programs include:
• Python Programming Bootcamp
• Python Developer Certificate

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.