When you decide to learn Python, your first question will be how to study it. Most experts agree that formal training provides the best outcomes. While there is no shortage of options for learning Python, you should know more about the benefits or drawbacks of different training formats before you choose one.

Bootcamps have emerged as one of the most popular options for Python novices. Some bootcamps are standalone, and others comprise segments of certificate programs. Read on to learn more about how bootcamps can help you master Python fundamentals in a concise timeframe.

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 data analysis, automation, and other tasks. Python is an object-oriented programming language (OOP), which means it organizes around data (objects) instead of functions or logic.

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 require Python expertise. Read more about why you should learn Python.

What Can You Do With Python?

Python is a versatile language with a host of applications, but the most well-known include:

• Data Science - Python libraries like NumPy and Matplotlib enable Data Scientists and other professionals to use visualization to gain insights into data. 

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning (ML) - Machine Learning Engineers and AI Architects use Python for everything from assessing AI solutions to advanced automation.

• Web Development - Python frameworks like Django and Flask famously provided web development for well-known companies like Instagram and Pinterest. Tech pros report that Python integrates with other languages like C/C++ and Java.

Why Learn Python in a Bootcamp or Class?

Learning Python bootcamp style offers many benefits: small class sizes, accelerated learning, and career support services are a few of the advantages typically associated with these intensive programs.

Most bootcamps are available in person or live online through teleconferencing. That means you can get real-time answers from expert instructors, interact with classmates, and learn through hands-on projects. Read on to learn more about how bootcamps compare to other training methods.

Bootcamps Compared to College

No one can deny the positive aspects of a solid four-year computer science degree. Some tech positions require one, and the knowledge students acquire can provide a foundation for their careers.

However, the downsides are equally obvious: college applicants get rejected daily, leading to a costly waste of money they could have used elsewhere. And for many aspiring tech pros, tuition for a four-year degree remains well out of reach.

Another potential drawback to computer science degrees is that they can become outdated quickly. In the fast-changing tech world, what you learned in your first year might be obsolete by the time you graduate.

Bootcamps over a viable alternative. Many companies accept bootcamp graduates for entry-level positions, and the curriculum is current. While college and university programs take years, you can finish a bootcamp or certificate in months or weeks.

One example of a Python bootcamp that covers a massive amount of information in just 30 hours is the Python Data Science Bootcamp from Noble Desktop. This beginner-friendly course includes hands-on training, including Python fundamentals, arrays, and data visualization. Students can also save by taking their Python training as part of an immersive certificate program like the Data Science Certificate or FinTech Bootcamp.

Bootcamps Compared to Self-Paced Courses

Self-paced or on-demand courses are another popular learning method, especially for Python novices. Many people with little to no Python experience begin to learn alone through a self-paced class or a prerecorded video webinar.

On-demand courses vary widely, from free one-hour video sessions to six-month programs costing hundreds (or thousands) of dollars. Before committing to a paid self-paced course, consider the pros and cons of these programs compared to bootcamps.

If work or family obligations make scheduling in-person or live online learning difficult, on-demand courses can be a great option. Low-cost courses particularly often provide a solid foundation for new Python learners. You can study at whatever time you prefer.

However, self-paced courses have built-in limitations. For one, you can’t interact with an instructor or any of your classmates during a lecture. One of the intangible benefits of live training is that questions can lead to lively discussions, providing a more meaningful experience for participants. That won't happen with an on-demand course.

Some on-demand programs include a student community that can answer questions via a messaging app like Google Workspace or Slack. Still, that does not substitute for real-time interaction with an expert instructor. You'll need a live training session, in person or online, for the most engaging, interactive method.

Bootcamps Compared to Free Training Options

Learning Python for free online looks like an easy bet: you can download Python libraries, frameworks, and documentation from their website at no charge, and Python’s massive worldwide community can provide endless hours of support for your questions.

Learning in a bootcamp, however, requires paying for a course, sticking to the schedule, and following a prepared curriculum. So why do it?

The answer is simple and complex: you can find thousands of articles, videos, and forum discussions about Python online. Sorting through them to find the best ones, avoiding misinformation, and performing tasks wrong are all risks.

With free training options, you get what you pay for. Some video tutorials provide a worthy introduction, giving you a foundation that helps you orient yourself in the Python world. But a bootcamp or certificate program immerses you in the real-world experience of working like a Python Developer, Data Scientist, or Data Analyst.

Learn Python Skills with Noble Desktop

Noble Desktop offers in-person and live online Python training. Their Python for Data Science 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.

Students can save by taking the Python for Data Science Bootcamp as part of Noble’s Data Science Certificate program. The curriculum for this certificate also includes units on Python for automation, machine learning, and data visualization. In this intensive course, you’ll learn about SQL, along with libraries like Pandas, Matplotlib, and Scikit-learn.

Key Takeaways

• Python is one of the fastest-growing programming languages on the planet. It's an object-oriented language, which means it organizes around data (objects) instead of functions or logic.

• The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an average growth rate of 13% from 2020-2030 for Web Developers, including Python Developers.

• Python not only offers diverse career opportunities, but it also has many potential personal applications.

• Top professional uses for Python include:
• Data Science
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning (ML)
• Web development

• You can receive comprehensive Python training through Noble Desktop, either in person or online. Top courses include:
• Python for Data Science Bootcamp
• Data Science Certificate
• FinTech Bootcamp
• Data Analytics Certificate