Why Learn Python?

Why should you learn Python? There is a lot of talk about Python these days. It has become an extremely popular programming language. This article will take a look at some of the reasons why this is.

Companies which Use Python

Python is used extensively by some very important organisations and companies. For example:

Netflix

IBM
Facebook
NASA

Spotify
Quora
Dropbox

The fact that such significant names as these make use of Python gives a hint as to how awesome Python is.

What Contexts is Python used in?

One of the reasons Python is so popular is its huge flexibility. Its power and simplicity make it a popular choice in applications as diverse as:

Academic research, including all sciences

Web development (Django and Flask frameworks)
Machine Learning
Computing education

Web Scraping
Data Science
Natural Language Processing

Alogrithmic Art and Composition
Many more besides…

There are many jobs advertised for Python developers all over the world.

There are currently more than 14,000 job advertisements worldwide on Indeed for Python-related roles – about double the amount than for Java.

Recommended Books for Learning Python

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Make an impact! Learning Python empowers you to solve complex, challenging problems, enabling you to make a positive difference in the world.

An Example of Python’s Awesomeness

Python is revolutionary in it’s simplicity and the vastness of it’s open source community, with all the awesome packages available for it, many of which have become industry standards (pandas, numpy, scipy etc.). For an example of the kind of power available to you with Python, consider the following short program:

import matplotlib.pyplot as plt
plt.style.use('dark_background')
import numpy as np

# Data for plotting
t = np.arange(0.0, 2.0, 0.01)
s = 1 + np.sin(2 * np.pi * t)

fig, ax = plt.subplots()
ax.plot(t, s)

ax.set(xlabel='time (s)', ylabel='voltage (mV)',
       title='About as simple as it gets, folks')
ax.grid()

fig.savefig("test.png")
plt.show()

So what are we achieving here, with just over 10 lines of code?

Importing some libraries to handle maths and plotting.
Creating some data to plot – in this case the sine of values in the range 0-2, in steps of 0,01.

Creating and configuring a plot with labels etc.
Saving the plot as a png file.
Displaying the plot on the screen.

All with just over 10 lines of code!!

You Need Python!

Pros and Cons of Python

To give some kind of balance in my evaluation of Python as a programming language, I have put together lists of pros and cons of Python as I see them. There may well be more that others would add to each list.

Pros of Python as a Programming Language

It’s free and open-source.

It’s cross platform.
There are tons of excellent resources available for learning it.
It’s syntax is relatively simple and it often reads like English.

There are modules that enable quick access to powerful functionality such as graph plotting, graphics and GUI building.
It’s used extensively by Google/YouTube/NASA/IBM and more.
You don’t need to know OOP to write “Hello world!”

Cons of Python as a Programming Language

It’s syntax is quite different to other languages.
It’s slower than some languages in some situations.
It uses lists instead of arrays which could create confusion.

Not great for mobile development.
It’s simplicity can lead to confusion when learning other languages.

Python Beginner Courses on Udemy

Taking a video course is a great way to learn Python. You can learn at your own pace, watch as many times as you need and practice what you learn with the exercise files provided. Udemy are one course provider with many Python programming courses for all levels and area of interest. Check out some of their beginner courses by following the links below. Please note: I am a participant in the Udemy Affiliate Program and earn from qualifying purchases.

Python for Beginners Video Course

Python 101

Python for Data Science and Machine Learning beginners Video Course

A Complete Machine learning Bootcamp learn Numpy, Pandas, Matplotlib, Stats, Plotly, EDA, Scikit-learn and more!

Python for Absolute Beginners

Learn Python Programming From Scratch