What is Python?
Python is an interpreted, high-level, and general-purpose programming language. The language constructs and object-oriented approach aim to help programmers write clear, logical code for small and large-scale projects.
The Python Process
Python being open-source, you have plenty of tutorials and resources on the web to learn Python.
Before learning Python you need to choose which version of Python you want to acquaint yourself to. The latest version, 3.4, which has all the newer features and some bug fixes, but older versions have extensive libraries.
The next step is to get Python and that again depends upon the platform you are using such as, Mac, or Linux. But the best was to get Python is to get it from the source itself.
The next step is to select the text editor. You have plenty of text editors in the market but focus on those text editors that are adaptable to larger-scale projects, keeping in my mind the long term goal. In short, you need to find a balance between usability and power. So you can choose a simple text editor for using Python in the integrated development environment (IDE). An IDE is a powerful text editor. IDEs enable users to write, debug, and compile text efficiently. IDEs are more complicated to learn and take up more memory.
Why Learn Python
Learning Python is a good use of your time. But Python takes time to learn since it is such a complex language. Although Python is complex, with extensive libraries to learn and navigate through, Python’s syntax is reasonably simple, and the concepts are relatively easy to grasp. The easy syntax makes it suitable for fast learning and adds to the streamlined coding experience.
Python has vast varieties of libraries that streamline the coding process. Since Python is an open source, the list of libraries and resources constantly grows. Read more on why learning python will help your career.
How Long Is This Going to Take Master Python?
It takes around 8 weeks to learn Python basics on average. This includes learning basic syntax, links if statements, loops, variables, functions, and data types. Like learning any new programming language, how quickly you adapt yourself with the Python language basics and also depends upon how much time you spend learning the language. The learning duration depends on your schedule, and what you want and how much you want to learn.
On average it takes about 6-8 weeks to learn the basics. This gets you enough time to understand most lines of code in Python. If you want to become an expert in Python and its field and plan on getting into data science then months and years of learning is needed.
The online courses and classroom courses assure one can learn Python in one or two months, but that is again basics and to learn it completely is something difficult and an impressive feat, and it is not to be taken lightly.
Again if you are a working professional, learning basic Python can take much more time than learning it as a student. The best way to learn is to join a coding bootcamp.
Another option is to devote yourself to Python for five months. This is for those of you who work full time. The plan must be to spend 2-3 hours a day on the computer. Learn one day, practice the same thing the other day. This needs to be done daily in order to ensure you learn consistently and efficiently. Doing complete data science certification will help you master python and other tools and languages that are necessary to compete in this fast paced market.
Learning Python demands dedication and honesty. The learning process is worth spending time since it drastically improves your job prospects.
Python Learning Levels
Learning Python has its own levels.
- Elementary Python
- Advanced Python
- Professional Python
Learning elementary Python enables you to learn syntax, keywords, data types, functions, classes, and so forth. This takes around 8 weeks for an intermediate programmer to master.
Learning advanced Python comprises multi-threading, data synchronization methods, socket programming, socket programming, database programming, and so forth. It would depend on the nature of the work. The time to learn these techniques strictly depends upon the skill level of the learner.
Learning professional Python is all about using concepts like Data analytics, executing libraries/packages, image processing, and so forth. These are complex technologies. There are both online and offline courses for learning these techniques. Again, the time to learn these complex techniques varies from 2 weeks to a month depending on the depth of the content.
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