Python Prerequisites

Even if your ultimate goal is to attain a high-paying tech job, you might worry that Python will be too hard to learn. This guide will help you understand the best methods for learning Python 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?

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 average 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.

Is Python Easy to Learn?

Not only is Python one of the most popular programming languages in the world, it’s also one of the easiest to learn. Before you get started, you should have some plan for how and where you intend to apply your Python skills. Want to train as a Data Scientist? Your Python skill level may need to be higher than that of a Business Analyst or Financial Advisor.

Fortunately, you can find a good number of Python classes, including bootcamps and certificate programs. Noble Desktop offers targeted training for data science, a software engineering bootcamp, and even a Python Developer certificate. All include Python training.

Whether you want to start a Python-centric career or level up from a current role, you’ll find this essential language easy to master—especially if you know a few things before you begin.

What to Know Before Learning Python

You might think you need to know another programming language before you learn Python. On the contrary, Python’s reputation as one of the easiest languages in the world precedes it.

Some students learn JavaScript or Java first, but for beginners, Python serves just as well. Whether you’re watching a free tutorial from home or diving right into a bootcamp, consider Python an excellent choice for your first programming language.

Still, it helps to have a few essential skills and knowledge before starting training. Consider the following:

1. Basic Computer Skills - Anyone starting to learn computer programming needs basic computer skills. Python is a cross-platform language, so it makes no difference whether you use a macOS, Windows, or even Linux.
   
   
2. Probability & Statistics - If you’re truly a novice in computer science or computer programming, a strong math foundation can help. Many students who learn Python go on to data science or software engineering careers, and probability and statistics play a crucial role in these fields.
   
   
3. Front End Vs. Back End - A Python beginner may also want to learn the language to prepare for a role as a Python Developer, Back End Developer, or Full Stack Developer. Front end, or user-side, development often relies on JavaScript, HTML, and CSS, whereas Python often finds a home on the back end or server side.

If you think web development sounds like your ideal career track, consider a course like Noble Desktop’s Python Developer Certificate. Students who want to learn Python as part of a broader data science curriculum can get their training as part of a Data Science Certificate program.

Read more about all of Noble’s Python courses and certificates.

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.

Key Takeaways

• Python is one of the fastest-growing programming languages on the planet. An open-source language, you can use its libraries and frameworks for free.
• Python is the number one choice for beginners who are learning to code.
• Before learning Python, you should have basic computer skills. While not strictly prerequisites, you may want to master other areas. Consider also learning:
• Statistics/Probability
• HTML
• CSS
• Front end vs. back end