How to Get Started
as a Python Developer
Refine Your Skills and Remain Relevant
Python is a general-purpose programming language that is used to automate tasks, build websites, and conduct data analysis. It is one of the most popular coding languages in the world today, and Python developers are in very high demand. This article will highlight how to become a Python developer, learn how to code, and earn a high salary.
What Is a Python Developer?
Python developers are professional coders who are responsible for designing, coding, debugging, and deploying development projects. These experts also design technological frameworks for organizations. Python developers will have several other roles that may be unique to each company or career path.
In general, their daily workdays include creating apps, designing frameworks for codes, building tools to hasten the development process, publishing new services, or creating websites. These experts work with other professionals, such as data analysts and data engineers, to provide the best possible solutions to technological problems.
How Does Python Development Relate to Data Science?
Python development is related to data science because the language is often used by data scientists to compute data. It also allows organizations to collaborate more easily. Python is arguably the most popular language in data science, so if you want to become a big data engineer or data analyst, you will need to know Python.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Python Developer?
If you learn Python from scratch, it can take two or three months to become a developer. Numerous tech bootcamps can teach you the basics including data types, variables, conditional statements, classes, functions, and exceptional handling. However, getting a job requires more than just knowing Python.
If you want to earn a degree to stand out among your competition during the job search process, it can take four years or more to become a Python developer. In a degree program, you can learn soft skills as well as basic knowledge and popular programming languages. However, both a degree and a bootcamp can give you an in-depth understanding of Python.
Where to Study Python Development
Before determining where to learn Python development, you need to know what your specific career goals are. For instance, if you want to get a degree before entering the field, you can opt for an associate degree or bachelor’s degree from a college or university. This can give you hands-on experience in advanced topics.
On the other hand, if you already have a degree, you may prefer alternative educational paths that allow you to learn the skills you need in a shorter time. Online resources like tech bootcamps and certification programs may be perfect for you. Read below to learn more about ways to study to become a Python developer.
Python Development Community Colleges
You can become a Python developer with an associate degree from a community college. The programs last for two years and cover all the basics of Python. Once you have the basic skills mastered, you can advance to more complex topics and work on databases, CSV files, XML, JSON, regular expressions, and the Collections Module.
Python Development Universities
Universities can also help lay the groundwork for a career in Python development. A bachelor’s degree often takes four years to complete, and students learn the basics of Python programming and Python syntax. They also cover how to access and process data. Students will master how to create front end interfaces and create intuitive interaction with app users.
Python Development Coding Bootcamps
One of the best Python coding bootcamps will teach you all the skills you need to master Python, and before you know it you’ll be building applications and programs. The best part of coding bootcamps is that they are brief, allowing you to start your career in just a few weeks. They are also more affordable than traditional universities and colleges.
Python Development Online Courses
Online courses in Python are another great way to prepare for a career in the field. There are a lot of options and resources to choose from, and they are very affordable and often free. You will be able to learn the basics and advance at your own pace. When you are done, you can consider taking a certification exam.
How to Become a Python Developer: A Step-by-Step Guide
Get an education
Learn Python
Build a portfolio
Get certified
Apply for entry-level roles
Entry-Level Python Development Job Requirements
To get an entry-level Python development job, you may need to have a Bachelor’s Degree in Information Systems or Computer Science. However, this is not set in stone. Many developers are hired without formal education. As well, according to ZipRecruiter, the average salary for a junior Python developer is $77,834.
Python Developer Salary and Job Outlook
Python developers have high starting salaries and an excellent job outlook. Software developers earn a median salary of $110,140, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Python developers are included under this umbrella, and the options are endless in the field. You could become a software engineer, artificial intelligence developer, and more.
When it comes to the job outlook, the employment of Python developers is expected to grow by 22 percent from 2019 to 2029, according to the BLS. This is a lot faster than the average for all occupations. The demand for Python developers may come from the adoption of computer software in many industries.
Example Python Development Job Interview Questions
- Why did you choose Python as your programming language?
- What is a dynamically typed language?
- What is PEP 8? Why should you know it?
- Have you ever heard of an interpreted language? What is it?
- What are some popular built-in data types used in Python development?
What Does a Python Developer Do?
The role of a Python developer differs depending on the organization they work for. You may be designing apps, building tools, or creating a framework for your code. It will all depend on your industry and employer’s needs. Read below for descriptions of some of the most common job duties of a Python developer.
Builds Scripts for Deployment
Python is used to build the scripts needed for the deployment of an application. It is also used in automation management and the migration and cleaning of data. A Python expert uses their programming skills to create solutions that other users can understand. Since it’s a simple language, the lines of code can be repeated to streamline the process.
Manages Data
Python developers also deal with data. They will regularly be working with data analytics and collections to gather insights for better decision-making. Python developers may also be responsible for data wrangling and manipulation. This can overlap with some of the most popular data science careers.
Coordinates with Development Teams
Python developers also liaise with other members of the development team to determine the requirements of applications. It is their job to ensure that the apps meet the client’s requirements. Python development focuses mainly on the server side, so they need to consult with front end developers to ensure that the application runs smoothly.
Essential Python Development Skills and Certifications
There are some required skills you must have to work as a Python developer. Mastering these skills will make it easier to excel in your career. One way to show employers you have the talents they are looking for is by earning certifications. Read below to learn about Python developer skills and certifications that you should try to earn.
Python Developer Skills
Web Frameworks
To be a good Python developer, you need to understand web frameworks such as Flask and Django. Flask is a common micro web framework used by Python developers, while Django is a web framework that helps create pragmatic and clean designs. Python developers should also learn JavaScript and other common programming languages.
Analytical and Communication Skills
Another important skill Python developers need is strong analytical capabilities. Their role involves working with algorithms, and you need to be analytical to write clean code. You’ll also need to write optimized algorithms and visualize datasets. Communication skills are also important as Python developers often liaise with other members of the development team.
Machine Learning and Deep Learning
As a Python developer, you’ll need some data science skills, such as machine learning. This means that you should be well-versed in machine learning algorithms and have a basic understanding of how to gather, analyze, and visualize data. Deep learning is an important skill for a Python developer, along with neural networks.
Python Development Certifications
There are two reputed organizations to get Python development certifications: Python Institute and Microsoft. The former, Python Institute, has many different certifications that can suit developers at any level. The professional certifications below can verify your skills in the field and help you earn a higher salary.
This certification verifies that a candidate can complete basic coding tasks. It also gauges knowledge of programming essentials in Python. The exam covers the basics of Python, basic outputting and formatting methods, Boolean values, fundamentals of computer programming, interpretation, and compilation.
Once you have the entry-level certification, you can pursue the PCAP. This credential helps showcase a developer’s skills in Python programming. It is suitable for those who want to work professionally in Python programming regardless of their level of expertise.
This certification is a higher-level credential and comes in two parts depending on the level of expertise. They include the PCPP 1 and PCPP 2 certification exams. If you’re serious about your career as a Python developer, you should try to get this certification.
Reasons to Become a Python Developer in 2021
There are so many top reasons to become a Python developer in 2021. There is a high demand for Python developers today in the tech world, and these jobs earn high salaries. They can fit into a wide variety of career paths, including data science, machine learning, graphic design, testing, automation, product development, and app and game development.
Since the programming language is so widely used, you will be able to find work in all different industries. The language is also fairly easy to master, so you can learn it within a short time and get started on your career. You should become a Python developer in 2021.
Python Developer FAQ
What skills are required for a Python developer?
To be a good Python developer, there are a lot of skills you will need to learn, including communication and analytical skills. You may also need technical skills and a grasp of web frameworks and how they work.
How do I become a Python developer?
To become a Python web developer, you can get a degree in computer science or a related subject or attend a coding bootcamp to learn all you need to take up entry-level roles. The programs are short and intensive and offer hands-on training.
What is the job role of a Python developer?
Python developers write server-side applications using the high-level programming language to develop backend components. They also support front end developers and integrate their work using Python applications.
Are Python developers in demand?
Yes, developer jobs are expected to grow by 22 percent, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This shows that the experts are in high demand. The programming language is used for a wide range of applications and lots of industries use these applications.
