Python is a high-level programming language popular among various professionals including Business Analysts, Machine Learning Engineers, and Web Developers for tasks such as building gaming apps and complex software development. Python's open-source status and easy syntax make it an easily approachable language with a diverse range of uses, making Python expertise a valuable skill in numerous job roles.

What is Python Programming?

Along with JavaScript and C, Python is one of the world’s most-used programming languages. Business Analysts, Machine Learning Engineers, and Web Developers use Python for tasks ranging from building gaming apps to complex software development. Python’s easy syntax makes it very approachable and its open-source status means you can download and use Python’s libraries and frameworks at no cost.

In this overview, you’ll learn more about Python programming, what it can do, who uses it, and how to learn it, so you can determine how to add this skill to your professional toolbox. Whether you want to master Python as your primary programming language or as part of a broader development curriculum, adding it to your to-do list makes sense.

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.

How Much Does Python Programming Cost?

While some programming languages come with a free trial, Python is 100% free to use and distribute for private or commercial purposes. Its open-source license means an entire universe of libraries and frameworks is available at no charge. Python’s massive online community offers support and resources to novices and even more advanced users around the clock.

Open-source programming languages like Python and JavaScript are now popular resources for companies around the world. The reason isn’t simply one of savings: over the last 20 years, Python has become the go-to programming language for development professionals of all kinds, including Back End Developers and Game Developers.

Additional popular resources for Python users include Anaconda, which you can use for Python installation; Jupyter Notebook, an open-source collaboration platform; or Google Collab, Google’s cloud-based alternative to Jupyter Notebook. Check out the Python Package Index (PyPI) for more on trending projects and hot new releases.

What Are the Benefits of Learning Python Programming?

Python is a programming language with a diverse range of uses, particularly when you account for the amount of different libraries and frameworks available within the language. Learning Python fundamentals like scripts, variables, and modules will prepare you for learning frameworks like Web2Py and Pyramid and libraries like Scikit-learn, NumPy, and PyTorch. As companies in virtually every sector become more data-driven, the need for Python pros increases. Whether you plan to work in finance, manufacturing, or media, Python programming skills can help you excel.

Today Python is in-demand not only for Python Developers, Software Engineers, and Game Developers but also for Data Scientists, Cybersecurity Analysts, and Business Analysts. Companies even expect Python development professionals outside the data science realm to have skills like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and deep learning. Owing to this significant increase in demand, there’s never been a better time to start learning about Python—especially if you plan to work in web or app development.

Read more about why you should learn Python programming.

Python Programming Careers

Python sits atop many online lists as the most popular programming language in the world, especially for development. Along with Java and C, Python will no doubt continue its reign, thanks to its easy syntax and large worldwide developer community. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 20% increase in job growth for Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers between 2021 and 2031.

Web Developers use Python with Django for front end and back-end programming, Software Developers use it for process control and testing, and Game Developers use a range of libraries and frameworks to build games in Python. In data science, tech pros use Python for deep learning and data visualization, among other uses.

A complete list of professions that use Python is beyond the scope of this article, but some of the top roles for Python users include:

• Python Developer
• Web Developer
• Back End Developer
• Software Engineer
• Data Analyst

Whether you plan to be a Web Developer or a Software Engineer, as an essential skill, you can’t do better than Python.

How to Learn Python Programming

While many professions require Python programming skills, the number of training alternatives isn’t nearly as broad. Most people begin with one of the following options to learn Python programming:

• Live classes, either in-person or live online
• On-demand training, also known as asynchronous or self-paced training
• Free online tutorials, videos, or blog posts

Live Python programming coursework offers the highest level of engagement. From short courses like Noble Desktop’s Python for Automation to immersive programs like their Python Developer Bootcamp, live education provides the most bang for your training buck Since these classes place students alongside expert instructors, these classes will set students up for long-term success. Virtual live classes via teleconferencing deliver benefits comparable to in-person training, but you don’t have to drive to another location to learn Python and other tools like Django, Git, and SQL.

On-demand training is another option, though typically not at the same level as full-length bootcamps or certificate programs. These courses often serve as appropriate introductions to Python programming. Beginner-level topics include Making a Twitter Bot in Python and Exchanging Excel for Python. Despite many on-demand classes being beginner-friendly, many do have prerequisites, including existing Python knowledge, so students will want to check before enrolling in a class.

Free online resources also offer students a way to start learning Python programming. You can begin with Noble Desktop’s Intro to Python Fundamentals or Intro to SQL, as SQL is essential to Python development. Or you can check out Noble’s Blog and YouTube channel for additional free resources. These resources won’t replace professional skills instruction, but they are an excellent place to start.

Read the full guide on how to learn Python programming.

A Brief History of Python Programming

Dutch programmer Guido van Rossum originally developed Python as an improved version of the ABC programming language and released it in the early 1990s. He also co-authored Internet Programming with Python with Aaron Watters and James Ahlstrom, the only Python programming book available to the public for many years. Python ultimately became one of the most popular high-level programming languages in the world.

Python’s open-source status makes it free to download, and over time even international corporations like Google and Dropbox began to use it. Van Rossum worked for both companies, eventually stepping down from his Python leadership role in 2018.

Python versions over the years have changed dramatically. Python 1.0, released in 1994, had far fewer functions than today’s robust versions. Developers and data pros use Python today for software development, scripting, testing, and analysis, among other uses.

Comparable Programming Languages

JavaScript is one of the few programming languages comparable to Python in terms of popularity. Both are powerful, high-level languages popular with tech professionals in virtually every industry.

Although Python can be used for web development, it is more likely to be on the back end or server-side development. Development professionals in positions like Front End Developer or Full Stack Developer typically choose JavaScript for client-side applications.

Another key difference is that Python gets far more use in scientific applications than JavaScript. Data Scientists, Data Analysts, and Business Analysts use Python in areas like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and deep learning. Key differences between the two languages are numerous. Variable definitions, naming conventions, and data types differ, along with a host of other aspects of these programming languages.

Despite their many differences, Python and JavaScript remain essential to millions of users. Unless you’re planning to specialize in Python development, consider mastering multiple programming languages, including both Python and JavaScript.

Additional core areas developers should learn:

• Front-end technologies like HTML/CSS
• Multi-process architecture
• Object-relational mappers (ORM)

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 one of the world’s most-used programming languages, especially for development.
• Dutch programmer Guido van Rossum originally developed Python as an improved version of the ABC programming language and released it in the early 1990s.
• The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 20% increase in job growth for Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers between 2021 and 2031. Many of these tech pros will need Python expertise.
• Python’s easy syntax and open-source status mean you can download and use its libraries and frameworks at no cost.
• You can receive comprehensive Python programming training through an in-person or live online course with Noble Desktop. Top programs include Noble courses like:
  • Python Programming Bootcamp
  • Python Developer Certificate
  • FinTech Bootcamp