Learn Python Online
Need to learn Python but aren’t sure where to start? Use this quick reference guide to get the training you need today! Computer programming has proven to be one of the most lucrative career choices of the last few decades. Not only does it provide individuals with a steady and well-paying job, but it also offers excellent opportunities when it comes to career advancement. More often than not, when people think of coding programming languages like Java, C#, and C++ are the first names to come to mind. While it is true that these languages are still very popular, and demand for competent programmers continues to rise, nothing quite compares to the increase in popularity experienced by Python over the recent years.Programmers use Python for a number of reasons, and if you have not added it to your programming toolkit you may find yourself lagging behind the others. Taking the time to learn Python can help you to remain relevant in the fast paced world of computers, as well give you the necessary training to bring value to yourself as a worker. Here’s how to learn python online in the convenience of your own home.
What Is Python?
First created and released in 1991 by a Dutch programmer named Guido van Rossum, Python quickly became noticed by professional and hobbyist programs. This recognition came primarily because of how it elegantly combined concepts of both functional and object-oriented programming.
Although the programming community took notice of the powerful coding language, Python was not initially used by large tech firms and remained on the fringe of mass adoption. This all changed, however, in the mid-2000s when many large tech companies, notably Google, began making heavy use of Python. Today, the programming language is found in many popular applications and services, the most notable of which are listed below.
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YouTube
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Google
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Netflix
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Reddit
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Dropbox
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Shopify
Types Of Jobs Available To Python Programmers
With the increased adoption of Python, the demand for Python programmers has been steadily increasing year over year. One of the most attractive aspects of learning Python is it allows individuals to participate in a wide array of projects and it presents many options for career advancement. Although not an exhaustive list, below is a collection of different jobs you can expect to apply for once you have learned a sufficient amount of Python.
- Junior Programmer
Most people who learn programming will start in a junior programmer position. As a junior programmer, you can expect to write code for a variety of Python applications. With increased experience, junior programmers may also participate in a portion of the design and testing phase.
Average Salary: $45,000 - $65,000 per year
- Python Developer
After a few years of experience, you can expect to become a full-fledged Python developer. Along with experience, most companies will expect you to be proficient in languages other than Python, such as Java, SQL, and others.
Average Salary:$85,000 - $125,000 per year
- Data Analyst
Due to its overall flexibility and command-driven syntax, Python is being used extensively in the world of data analysis. Those working in this field can expect to build programs and algorithms that collect, sort, and analyze large data pools. As will be the case for many Python-based jobs, anyone wishing to work in this area should learn some database languages, such as SQL, PHP, and R language.
Average Salary: $45,000 - $75,000 per year
- DevOps Engineers
There has been a lot of buzz over the last decade surrounding the term DevOps, yet not everyone is familiar with what it means. In basic terms, DevOps combines principles from both programming and IT into a support role that ensures developers have everything they need to do their job. Some of the everyday DevOps tasks include ensuring the development team has sufficient server space, that back testing environments are operational, and making sure certain project milestones are on track.
Average Salary: $75,000 - $125,000 per year
- Freelance Python Programmer
One of the most attractive elements of programming for a living is that, in many cases, it can be done remotely. Because of this, many coders have turned to freelance programming to support themselves. Not only does this let you work from anywhere a stable internet connection is present, but it also provides a level of freedom that the standard 9 - 5 job cannot.
Average Salary: $35,000 - $150,000 per year
How to Learn Python
In the world of software development, employers are much more interested in your ability to program than what kind of diplomas or degrees you have. This being said, everyone needs to learn somewhere, and one of the best ways to do so is via a well-assembled curriculum that takes you through the different concepts in a logical manner. Although learning times differ significantly from person to person, most individuals find that they can master most of Python's basic and intermediate aspects after a year of focused study. The following is a list of some of the top online courses and programs accessible to anyone wanting to learn to code Python.
Considered by many to be one of the better online Python courses, this offering by Georgia Tech requires you to put in at least 180 - 220 hours of work to complete. The course follows a standard university format, which will have students watch lectures online and complete courseware. Although challenging, anyone who successfully completes this program will be set up well for a future in Python development.
Cost: $356.40
The next course on this list can be found on the popular educational website Udemy. For only $12.99, this set of instructional videos have helped over 1.2 million people write code in Python and currently holds a 4.6/5 rating based on over 350,000 reviews.
Cost: $12.99
No list of online programming courses would be complete without mentioning Lynda.com. In just 10 years, Lynda.com has become one of the most popular tech educational websites in the world.
Cost: $19.99 per month
The Python Bible is another highly rated Udemy course that has been purchased by just under 115,000 individuals and currently enjoys a 4.7 rating based on 33,000 reviews. Any prospective buyers should be aware that this course does assume some basic understanding of object-oriented programming and is not a complete beginning programming course.
Code Academy has helped hundreds of thousands of individuals get their start in the world of programming, and it is showing no signs of slowing down. Their current programming course, which has been completed by just under half a million people, requires about 25 hours to finish, and no experience with Python is necessary. Aside from instructional videos, Code Academy has its students complete projects and coding assignments to finish the course, providing hands-on education that many individuals will find helpful.
Cost: Free - $15.99/month
Aside from the options above, most local tech schools and community colleges offer programming diploma programs, many of which have several courses in Python. The main benefit of these online courses compared to the ones listed above is the presence of a live teacher who is available to answer questions and provide help on assignments.
Funding Options
Personal Loan: If you are tight on cash and looking to pay for an online Python course that is out of your budget, it may be worth taking out a personal loan from a bank. Personal loans will come with a lower interest rate than credit cards.
Student Loan: Those who decide to take online classes with a local tech school, community college, or university may consider taking out a student loan.
Credit Card: Some of the courses included in this list, such as the ones hosted on Udemy, cost under $25, an amount most people should have no issue putting it on their credit card.
