What Can You Do with Python Skills?

Among the most popular programming languages in the world, Python sits atop many online lists as one of the easiest to learn. Data Analysts, Web Developers, and Software Engineers use Python for numerous tasks, and companies ranging from Google to JP Morgan Chase benefit from the power of Python.

If you are unsure whether learning Python is right for you, consider reading on to learn more about the myriad uses of Python tools and techniques. Not only will learning Python open up many new career opportunities, but it also has a lot of potential personal applications.

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 require Python expertise. Other fields requiring Python include cybersecurity, software engineering, and business analysis.

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

Professional Uses for Python

Career paths associated with training in Python range from web, game, and application development to data science and analytics. Because Python is a near-universal language today, its professional uses are legion.

The broadest categories for Python include web and app development and data science and analysis. These two fields encompass many sub-categories but read on for some of Python's top uses within them.

Web and Mobile App Development

Python development typically falls into a secondary category after data science and analytics, but Python’s increasing role—especially in back end development—merits serious attention.

Today’s Web Developers, Game Developers, and App Developers use a host of tools and techniques, including multiple programming languages. Among the most popular are Java, C++/C#, and Python.

Whether a user is a development beginner or a seasoned pro, Python's user-friendly syntax allows them to create games and applications with ease. Many students new to Python learn SQL alongside it, which benefits them in development tasks. SQL is a primary database programming language and works hand in hand with Python.

Data Science

Python is most often associated with data science and data analytics/analysis. Python is a top programming language for data visualization and artificial intelligence, including machine learning. 

Learning Python for data science involves multiple aspects of this object-oriented language and its libraries and frameworks. Python users typically begin with fundamental functions, then progress to more complex subjects like arrays, linear regression, or data visualization. Many Python beginners get targeted training through bootcamps or comprehensive certificate programs.

Framework Upgrades

Python frameworks and libraries require periodic updates, much like your phone or desktop needs software updates. Python makes it easy, with active Python releases available direct from their website.

Framework upgrades from third parties like GitHub and Athento are a breeze, with numerous free downloads available for updates. Python also integrates well with other languages like C++ and JavaScript, thanks to frameworks like Django and Flask. For immersive training in Python libraries and frameworks, check out a bootcamp or certificate like the Python Developer Certificate program from Noble Desktop.

Other Uses for Python

Web Scraping

Once a task only known to tech professionals, web scraping has migrated from the workplace to personal desktops and mobile phones. People often want to sort through the results of a Google search quickly. But when a search returns millions of results, web scraping is the best way to handle them.

Python libraries like Pandas and Beautiful Soup allow users to extract and analyze massive quantities of data. You can use a popular browser like Google Chrome combined with Beautiful Soup to decipher URL data, scrape HTML content, and filter out elements using keywords. Many professionals not trained in high-level programming languages use this method to save time and money.

Building Automation Tools

Hobbyists and professionals alike can use Python to build automation tools. Even self-taught Python users consider this powerful programming language a great way to create automation tools for tasks like completing actions in a game, using hundreds or even thousands of lines of code.

While you can classify web scraping as an automation tool, many other activities fit this description. You can use Python to automate numerous tasks, from reading and writing files to organizing data, managing email blasts, and interacting with APIs (Application Programming Interfaces).

Creating Your Own Game

Speaking of completing actions in games, have you ever wanted to create one of your own? Many users who start out using Python as a hobby end up working as Python Developers, Django Back End Developers, or Game Developers.

Game jams are events where designers, artists, and even non-professional gamers work alone or in teams to create new games from conception to completion. PyGame, the most popular Python library that supports game development, is free and open-source, like other Python libraries and frameworks.