Learn Python

What Type of Programming Language Is Python?

Python is an interpreted, object-oriented, high-level programming language. Unlike many other languages, Python is also an open-source, cross-platform language, which means that it can be run on Mac, Windows, Linux, and Raspberry Pi.

Apart from this, Python differs from other programming languages in a few ways, including using new lines to complete a command (as opposed to semicolon or parentheses), and whitespace to define the scope of loops, functions, and classes (as opposed to the curly brackets used in other languages).

What Is Python Used For?

Python is used for everything from web development to data science, machine learning, and more. In fact, the number of potential real-world applications for Python is endless.

Python's ease of use and features have made it a versatile programming language for a range of tasks and projects, including server-side web development, software development, creating workflows, connecting database systems, big data and complex mathematics, rapid prototyping, data visualization, and system scripting, among many other tasks.

Python is one of those invisible forces with a presence in our mobile devices, software applications, web searches, and gaming (and beyond). Python is also used in scientific and mathematical computing, AI projects, and it has been successfully embedded in numerous software products, including visual effects compositor Nuke, 3D modelers, and animation packages.

Is Python Hard to Learn?

Python is not considered particularly hard to learn, and in fact, is typically considered one of the easiest and most intuitive programming languages to learn.

Python is considered by some to be the best first language to learn because of its user-friendly and intuitive nature. Writing Python code is accessible and relatively straightforward, as it is a dynamically typed language and therefore the rules are more forgiving than some other coding languages.

Although Python is not difficult to learn, that doesn't mean it is in any way limited in terms of the way you can apply it. In fact, Python code is behind some extremely complex web pages and web applications.

What Is the Best Way to Learn Python?

The best way to learn Python is to first explore free online resources, including Python tutorials or online courses, and to learn the basics of other programming languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. To take the next step, though, you should then consider a dedicated coding bootcamp or Python certification course, where you can put your new skills into practice by working on your own real-life Python projects.

Due to the wide variety of applications for Python, the first step in learning Python should be defining your goals — because if you're interested in learning Python for data science, for instance, your process will be much different than learning Python for web development. Python tutorials and other resources should help you learn basic Python syntax, and, not long after that, you might begin to look into making your own projects.

The best way to really develop your Python skills in a focused and efficient way, while also building out a Python project portfolio, would be to attend a Python course or coding bootcamp. BrainStation offers a part-time Python certificate course, while our Data Science bootcamp likewise offers extensive Python instruction.

Do I Have to Learn Python for Data Science?

It is crucial to learn Python for data science, as Python is used for a variety of essential data tasks, including data cleaning, data analysis, data visualization, and more.

Data Scientists use Python because of its unique ability to handle large volumes of data. Python's packages and libraries are also a powerful tool for Data Scientists, allowing them to perform more advanced work quickly and efficiently.

Data Scientists will also find Python to be a crucial tool for machine learning. From speech recognition to automating financial services, Python can access specific machine learning libraries and frameworks that allow for working with AI.

Could Python Overtake the Java Programming Language?

Python has in fact recently overtaken Java as the most popular programming language — as well as JavaScript and C — at least according to the number of web searches for different programming languages.

For the first time in 20 years, Python was the most-searched programming language on the 25 most popular search engines and websites including Google, Bing, Yahoo, and YouTube, according to Tiobe, an index that calculates popularity based on the number of web searches. Tiobe's survey found that Python had the lead among search queries with an 11.27 percent share, followed by C, Java, and others.

What Are the Best Books to Learn Python?

The best books to learn Python will either be geared toward people who are entirely new to programming and who want to learn Python first, or slightly more experienced Programmers who have some experience with other languages but haven't used Python.

Some of the best Python books for beginners include:

• Think Python: How to Think Like a Computer Scientist by Allen B. Downey

• Python Crash Course by Eric Matthes

• Head-First Python by Paul Barry

• Learning Python by Mark Lutz

What Are Some Python Project Ideas for Beginners?

Python project ideas for beginners could include using Python to create a data analysis around a topic that interests you, to make a simple but interactive computer game, or to build a straightforward website or mobile app.

If you want to learn Python for data science, a good Python project for a beginner could be to dig deeper into your own data — say, an analysis of your Amazon spending habits — or to download one of many publicly available datasets from sources like BuzzFeed, FiveThirtyEight, or NASA and applying Python for a data visualization project.

If your goal is to learn Python for software development, a good beginner Python project could be creating a Tic-Tac-Toe game or an interactive Python Mad Libs. Meanwhile, if web development or building mobile apps is closer to your focus, you could use Python to build a secure password generator or to create an interactive quiz.