How Long Does it Take to Learn Python?

Like many aspiring data science and web development professionals, you might want to learn Python but worry that it will take too much time. Fortunately, when it comes to fundamentals, Python is one of the easiest programming languages to learn. You can master these in a matter of months, though it may take longer to learn Python’s many libraries.

Of course, this depends on several factors. Keep reading to learn about how you can learn Python and some resources to help speed the process along.

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 a range of tasks—from building websites to data analysis, automation, and machine learning. Like Java and Ruby, Python is mainly an object-oriented programming language (OOP), which means it organizes around data (objects) instead of functions or logic.

Thanks to its straightforward syntax, adaptability, and the urgent need for Python skills in today’s job market, 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 demand Python. Other fields requiring Python include cybersecurity, software engineering, and business analysis.

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

What Can You Do with Python?

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

• Data Science - Data science extends to numerous industries, and using Python to understand data is paramount. Python libraries like NumPy and Matplotlib enable Data Scientists and other professionals to use visualization to gain insights into data. Additional top Python libraries include TensorFlow, SciPy, Pandas, and Scikit-learn.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning (ML) - Machine Learning Engineers and Architects use Python to build models. At the same time, AI Engineers and Architects may need this essential programming language for everything from assessing AI solutions to advanced automation.
• Web Development - The use of Python in web development goes back to its beginnings. Frameworks like Django and Flask have famously provided web development for household name companies like Instagram, Dropbox, and Pinterest. Tech pros, including Developers, report that Python is easy to integrate with other languages like C/C++ and Java. Other top frameworks include Bottle, CherryPy, and Dash.
• Game Development - Frameworks for game development include Pygame, PyKyra, and Panda3D, but there are numerous others. Python continues to support the gaming industry in meaningful ways.
• Enterprise Applications - Enterprise-grade apps built with Python include leading technology stacks like Netflix, Microsoft, and Spotify.

Average Time it Takes to Learn Python

How long it takes to learn Python depends on the level of expertise required to meet your goals. Estimates for mastering Python basics range from as little as five weeks to as long as six months. Factors that influence how long it will take include your previous coding experience, the number of hours per day spent over the training period, and the training format you prefer (formal training, on-demand, or self-taught).

Students with prior programming training have a significant advantage over those learning Python as their first programming language. Luckily, Python’s easy syntax and the availability of materials make it a great entry point for novices. Even on a part-time basis, most students can learn Python fundamentals in a few months. Motivated learners who need deeper mastery can reach a meaningful level of expertise in less than a year.

Other Factors

If you’re studying Python to become a Data Scientist, the level of required training may differ significantly from that of a Back End Developer. Consider other factors that will influence your time commitment to master Python.

Combination of Skills

Many online and in-person courses combine Python training with subjects like SQL, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. You can pick up a few essentials through an hour-long online tutorial or webinar, but intensive financial analysis or data science training will take months.

Pace of Training

If you enroll in a bootcamp or certificate program, it will predetermine the pace of your training. For example, Noble Desktop’s Python for Data Science Bootcamp delivers Python fundamentals in 30 hours. More advanced data science training, like the Data Science Certificate, also includes training in SQL, automation, and machine learning.

Goals

One major advantage of the bootcamp learning model is that you can learn how Python applies directly. Free seminars or tutorials can offer a helpful introduction, but if you want to be a Python Developer or Cybersecurity Engineer, you need rigorous training. Make sure your program choice matches your goal, and you’ll master enough Python in months or weeks.

Level of Difficulty, Prerequisites, & Cost

You might think Python will be difficult to master, especially if you lack coding experience. Fortunately, Python is one of the easiest programming languages to learn. You can master Python fundamentals in a few months or even less, though learning its many frameworks and libraries may take longer.

Before you begin studying Python, you should have a plan for how you’ll apply your newfound skills. Python training for a Data Scientist differs from that of a Financial Advisor or Cybersecurity Analyst. It’s also important to have basic computer skills, but your operating system won’t cause problems; Python runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Python is one of many programming languages available for free. You can download its libraries and frameworks at no cost whatsoever. While you can find many free online Python seminars and tutorials, you’ll eventually want to enroll in some form of paid training. Python bootcamps and certificate programs provide hands-on experience, and you can master it in months or even weeks for under $5,000.

Read about how difficult it is to learn Python.

Watch a Free Python Course Online

Whether you’re not ready to commit to a full-length bootcamp or certificate program or seeking an overview of Python before diving in, you might want to start learning about Python for free online. In Noble Desktop’s free Intro to Python Fundamentals seminar, you’ll learn how to install this popular programming language, how to get started, and essential related subjects like the Anaconda platform, Jupyter Notebook, and how to run Python in Terminal. Once you have that foundation under your belt, you may be able to take the next step with a Data Science Certificate or Python Developer Certificate.

Other free online courses include Computer Science: Programming with a Purpose from Princeton University; Data Processing Using Python from Nanjing University; and the University of Toronto’s Learn to Program: The Fundamentals.

Read about more free Python videos and online tutorials.

Learn Python with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop

Noble Desktop offers multiple ways to learn Python, both in-person and online through teleconferencing. They provide Python training as an essential component of areas like data science and analytics, FinTech, cybersecurity, and web development. Their Python Programming 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. Graduates receive a verified Certificate of Completion and can retake the course for up to a year at no additional charge.

Students can save by taking the Python Programming Bootcamp as part of Noble’s Python Developer Certificate program. The curriculum for this certificate includes a 60-hour unit on Python Web Development with Django. In this intensive course, you’ll learn about URL dispatchers and automation, along with GitHub and SQL. Attendees should have some experience with HTML and CSS before enrolling.

Additional courses featuring Python include Noble Desktop’s Python for Data Science Bootcamp, FinTech Bootcamp, and Data Science Certificate program. Students planning careers in data science, data analytics, cybersecurity, or financial analysis should consider enrolling in one of these programs to get comprehensive Python training.

Key Insights

• Python is one of the fastest-growing programming languages in the world. It’s also one of the easiest to learn.
• Professionals use Python for a range of applications, including data science, web development, and game development.
• You can learn Python in a matter of months or even weeks, depending on factors like previous coding experience, availability, budget, and the type of training you choose.