In the 2020s, Python has grown to become the most popular programming language, being the language used for just over 27% of all applications. Because of its popularity, the main question on aspirant programmers’ minds is, “Is Python hard to learn if it’s so popular and powerful?”.
Python’s success is largely because it’s simple yet versatile and powerful. Python’s syntax is very close to that of the English language; it’s easy to read and can handle very specific tasks and cases without breaking any rules (unlike other programming languages). In this handy guide, we will break down what learning Python entails and roughly how long it will take to master this language.
Beginners vs. Veterans
Anyone trying to find out how to learn Python should go into the process knowing that it’s a very personal journey. Being driven, passionate, or disciplined will make the process go quicker, regardless of your prior experience or intelligence.
Many different factors influence how long it takes to learn any programming language. The programming language’s difficulty level is a strong determinant of the time it would take to learn it. Past experience also helps, as veteran programmers will already have a grasp of staple coding concepts and are more likely to learn Python faster than beginners.
However, Python is an excellent introduction to programming languages. Newbies can enroll in an introductory Python course and learn all the fundamentals relatively quickly. For the rest of the article, we’ll break down the various difficulty factors in learning Python from the perspective of first-timers.
Starting From Square One
People interested in learning Python without prior experience in other languages must first learn the basics. Training courses that cover this content usually run for 6 to 8 weeks.
It’s advisable to enroll in one of these basic courses if you need to learn to code on a deadline, for instance, if you want to get a job in the industry in the next two years. The courses do a great job of structuring relevant information and keeping you focussed. Learning everything on YouTube and online forums is possible, but this will take a lot more time and require tons more trial and error.
In an intro course, you’ll learn all the necessary terminology and primarily how to read Python code. Understanding how to read lines of code is crucial because it makes the second phase of developing your Python skills much more straightforward.
Practical Learning and Time
The “second phase” of developing your Python skills will be a mix of learning theory and then applying it. This is the phase that takes the most time and is the most crucial to your development as a coder. All in all, it should take around 250 hours of work to develop your proficiency in Python fully.
Executing Simple Tasks
The fun begins when you start learning about Python’s built-in functions. These are pieces of code you can import from libraries that perform simple tasks. Some examples of these are “print(),” which prints to your default printer, and “list(),” which compiles a list of the data in the code.
People with coding experience should have no problem jumping in at this stage of the journey.
Problem Solving
It’s difficult to say how long it would take a person to advance from using a few basic functions to the beginnings of problem-solving. One way to look at it is to work with the basics until you’re so bored that you want to tackle something bigger. Engaging with a Python online community will help motivate you and give you a resource to turn to if you ever get stuck with a problem.
Spending a little time daily with the free practice questions available online is how you develop your Python knowledge into a useful tool. The key in this phase is not only the length of time per session but also how consistent you are with your practice sessions. You’ll learn to code faster if you practice for 30 minutes a day than for one six-hour session every week.
Trying Something Complex
When problem-solving itself starts feeling basic, it may be time to find a project. Go to your coding community and find out if anyone’s working on something big and exciting or come up with an ambitious idea of your own. Making a sophisticated app or program is the peak of the casual coder’s path.
Getting a Job
Once you have a few complex projects under your belt, however, you can reach out to companies and try to find a job. They’ll ask for experience, and you’ll have a good amount of evidence of skill and work ethic on hand.
We haven’t spoken yet about intermediate and advanced coding courses and how they can help speed up your learning. These courses can also satisfy some of the requirements companies may have for their recruits. Certifications can be very useful in getting a job.
Why You Should Learn Python
If you’re looking for a job as a Python developer or data engineer, it’s easy to conjure a reason to develop your abilities as a coder. However, Python is used in many industries, and you can benefit from having coding knowledge whether you’re a lawyer, teacher, stay-at-home parent, or anything else.
For example, let’s say you need to make a quick academic presentation. An HTML to PDF Python application enables you to grab and compile huge web pages in minutes, whereas arduously screenshotting everything can take hours.
A personal example comes from one of my financial math professors who used Python to automate calculating answers and test scores. You can develop in Python remotely as a side hustle if you’re a stay-at-home parent or need a summer job.
Is Python Hard to Learn: Final Word
Is Python hard to learn? The short answer is no. It all depends on how long you are willing to spend on it.
People serious about coding can learn Python well enough to get a job within a year. It starts by building a good foundation in understanding the language and executing simple tasks. Consistently practicing problem-solving can turn a person from a newbie coder into a seasoned Python professional in no time.
Learning Python can open doors of opportunity for you, no matter what kind of job you do. There are thousands more prospects these days, thanks to technology. Enrich your life further by learning more from our technology blog.
