How Difficult is it to Learn Python Programming?

Are you curious about learning Python programming but worried it might be too hard? Of course, the difficulty that comes with learning a new skill is somewhat subjective. The challenges of learning Python programming depend on factors like your current skillset, the field where you plan to use Python, and whether you already know other programming languages like Javascript, Java, or C.

No matter your current schedule or comfort level with Python programming, plenty of tools are available to help make learning easier than you might think. Read on to find out how easy learning Python can be.

What is Python Programming?

Python has emerged as one of the most popular general-purpose programming languages worldwide. While Python is the language of choice for many Data Scientists and Data Analysts, it’s also essential for Web Developers and Software Developers. Python’s easy-to-use frameworks and libraries contribute to its success, and the worldwide community of Python pros ensures that novices can always find assistance.

The essential language ranks within the top three among those learning to code, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the average growth for Web Developers will be 13% from 2020 to 2030. Many of these jobs require Python programming skills. Other fields requiring Python include data science, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML).

Read more about what Python programming is and why you should learn it.

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.

What Are the Most Challenging Parts of Learning Python Programming?

Although Python is known internationally as one of the easiest programming languages to learn, any computer science tool comes with a unique set of challenges. Fortunately, Python’s online support community ensures that help is never more than a mouse click away.

The following are some potentially challenging aspects of learning Python programming and how people overcome them.

• Learning the principles of object-oriented programming (OOP) - Python is a high-level object-oriented language, which means it organizes around objects and their data. To get a jumpstart on Python programming, read up on the four principles of OOP: abstraction, encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism. 
• Determining how to use Python programming to solve problems - Python is both easy to read and write and intensely practical. Writing your first program in Python is one of the best ways to learn what and what not to do. In web and software development, Python offers powerful libraries and frameworks, like Django, Beautiful Soup, and Requests, which can help you along the way.
• Combining Python with complementary tools - Along with its many libraries and frameworks, Python programming works in conjunction with numerous tools and services, including:
• SQL - Used to communicate with databases
• Visual Studio Code - One of today’s most popular free code editors
• Git - Tracks code changes
• Jupyter Notebook - Web app to create and share notes and code
• Tableau - Leading data visualization software

You can learn about these tools through a bootcamp or certificate program or begin with other online resources to discover how to use them with Python.

How Does Learning Python Programming Compare to Other Programming Languages?

Python is essential to a number of different computer science processes, ranging from web development and cybersecurity to data analysis. Comparing and contrasting Python with other programming languages involves industry-specific discussions beyond the scope of this article. For practical reasons, you should learn about the main programming languages people typically compare with Python—Java, Ruby, and C.

Of these, Java may be the most often compared. Back End Developers can use Java or Python, but new users tend to find Java more challenging to learn than Python. Whereas Python is an object-oriented language, Java is a more general-purpose programming language. Both can be useful in development, but Python gets much more usage than Java in data science and analytics.

For a comprehensive guide to start learning Java, check out the Learn Hub from Noble Desktop.

The Best First Language

Python is more than a beginner-friendly programming language. It’s also arguably the best first language to learn.

Many web and app development pros begin with Java, but others prefer to start with Python in development—especially those who plan to become Python Developers, Back End Developers, or Software Engineers. While some of these positions overlap, Python’s growing popularity makes it appealing as a first programming language.

Lastly, the massive amount of freely available information on Python may exceed that of any other programming language. Free tutorials or webinars, blog posts or articles, and the Python website can get you started.

Comprehensive Programs

Python has a great deal going for it: it’s the fastest-growing programming language, thanks to its versatility, ease of use, and supportive online community.

Python has an international reputation as one of the easiest (if not the easiest) programming languages to learn. Some organizations today struggle to meet the high demand for Python Developers, which means there’s plenty of opportunity for those skilled in this high-level language.

One of the best ways to learn Python is through an in-depth course. Many comprehensive programs today are available either in-person or live online through teleconferencing, a trend that will likely continue over the next decade.

For more on Python development training, check out Noble Desktop’s Classes Near Me search tool.

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.