What’s all the hype about Python? No, no, not the reptile. But, the super-efficient coding language that has become the new cool kid of the classroom.

Not sold on the hype? Did you know that MIT, perhaps THE University that every programmer wishes they studied at, changed their main Computer Science courses to follow Python instead of the legendary C++?

Intrigued?

This is the article for you to understand why Python will change the way you look at programming and why you need to get up to speed with this hot skill that programming enthusiasts are raving about. (Is it only driven by data science courses, you might ask? Not at all!)

What is Python?

Python is a high-level programming language that has gained so much popularity over the past few years. It has not only impressed working professionals, but kids these days are also coding like a pro with Python.

Being a beginner-friendly programming language, Python is used for diverse processes by people from different disciplines including software engineers, healthcare professionals, and mathematicians.

For decades, programmers have been taught this mantra – “Start with C++, it’s the language that every programmer should know. Once you understand it, you can move on to other languages with ease.”

But has the time come for this mantra to be put to rest?

You don’t necessarily need to be a software developer to use Python. For instance, if your everyday job includes managing files, renaming them, or uploading them to a server, you can do so easily with a few lines of code.

It is that friendly and easy to use!

If you are already well-versed in another programming language, you must be wondering what is so attractive about Python that it gets all the attention. Well, to all the programmers out there, here’s a snippet explaining why.

Consider our very familiar salutation, “Hello World”. If you are looking to display only the first 4 letters of this phrase, then here’s how C#, Java, and Python would do it.

C#: str.Substring(0, 4)

Java: str.substr(0, 4)

Python: str[0:4]

The code is short, elegant, powerful, and does the same task as the other languages. Its functionality is valid across different platforms such as Mac, Windows, and Linux.

And the one destination for all programming queries, you guessed it right, our dear StackOverflow has a plethora of solutions and help available too!

This language has been around since the early 2000s, that is nearly 2 decades ago! Mind-blowing, I know.

During these formative years, Python has had several developments and built itself a large ecosystem of tools, packages, and frameworks.

Here are 4 applications of Python that are gaining pace:

• Machine Learning

Machine learning is phenomenally changing the world. Google chatbots, search algorithms, and Instagram algorithms all rely heavily on machine learning methods.

With the advent of simpler programming techniques, businesses prefer Python over other programming languages for machine learning algorithms.

One important thing to understand about Machine Learning and Data Science is that while programming and technical knowledge are important, it’s not the main skill that you’ll need. The main skill you need is the intuition and experience you’ll develop in choosing and applying algorithms and Machine Learning methods.

This is why Python stands out in the world of Data Science and Machine Learning – you worry less about syntax and software engineering, and more about program design and problem-solving. Once you develop the intuition of using these Machine Learning algorithms with Python and libraries like Tensorflow, you’ll be well on your way towards becoming a Machine Learning expert.

• Game Development

Aspiring game developers need to look no further when Python is around. With game engines like PyGame and Arcade, you can create 2D video games with very simple lines of code.

Python lays out, to game developing newbies, the platform to get their feet wet in low-level game development.

You can get a quick start with Python and Game Development to start getting a feel for what it’s all about. However, for mainstream Game Development, it is still highly recommended that you take a proper Games Programming or Games Technology course that uses either C++ or C#. These are the industry standard languages for Game Development.

• Web Development

Python greatly assists web development by providing libraries like Django and Flask. The run-time is significantly reduced to a couple of minutes which would otherwise take several hours if coded using languages like PHP.

Also, if you are an active ‘Reddit-er’, you’ll be thrilled to know that this website was built using Python.

After polling Python users, it was found that 54% of them use it for Web Development. Web development does tend to use a large combination of technologies and programming languages though, with HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, and SQL also being popular and important for it.

• Big Data

This is one of the biggest applications of Python. With the volumes of data that are being generated every second, the need to do data cleaning, data wrangling, and data processing is crucial. Python has made every process of data handling a breeze for users.

• You can parse large CSV files, create huge data frames, and export data using libraries like Pandas.
• Bokeh is a great tool for visualizations of datasets.
• NumPy and TensorFlow are libraries that are used for fundamental as well as heavy computational processes.

This ties in very closely with Machine Learning and Data Science, which we mentioned in point 1.

So, what next?

In the end, I’m sure you just want to be able to make this decision for yourself – Should you learn Python in 2023?

We’ve seen the simplicity and power that you can get with Python.

We’ve seen that the world seems to be investing in Python, with major Universities like MIT training all of their Computer Science students in it. Almost all the tech giants use such as Google, and Netflix uses Python.

And we’ve seen the many practical, industry applications of Python, for everything from Machine Learning to Game Development.

But what does this all mean for you?

Ask yourself these questions.

1. Are you looking for an easy and quick start in the world of programming and computer science?
   
   If so, Python is the perfect language for you. You can train yourself in the many rules, methods, and algorithms that Computer Scientists follow, while not worrying too much about syntax and complexities. The best part is that most of this knowledge is 100% transferrable to other programming languages.
   
   
2. Are you interested in some of the common applications of Python, such as Data Science, Machine Learning, Web Development, and Business Applications?
   
   Yes? In that case, Python will be worth the time and effort you invest. Python is the number one language and the number one required skill for most of these branches of Computer Programming.
3. Is the area or industry you’re interested in not HEAVILY using some OTHER language?Let’s say you’re interested in Game Development. While there are some opportunities to apply Python in the world of Game Development, the fact is that the industry still majorly uses C++. While you could still learn Python, you’d be limiting yourself in terms of the software and tools you can use and the jobs you can get. You can still start with Python, but C++ is almost definitely necessary for a Games Programming job.As long as this ISN’T the case for your ideal job or industry, you should start with, and maybe even permanently stick with Python.

In Conclusion

If you have come this far into the blog, you are probably someone who is looking to enter the ‘Python’ world.

The simplicity and elegance of the language have made heads turn towards it and employers these days are looking to hire individuals skilled in this particular domain.

Skills will always be valued and eventually put to good use. Additionally, when you have a strong CV, ensures good job prospects.

Python has become a ‘shiny’ skill in one’s resume and instantly catches the employer’s eye while hiring. This has been known to open up a lot of job opportunities recently with very good pay.

Indeed.com shows an average salary of $117,316 per year for Python developers in the year 2023!

Whether you are bored of Java and are looking to learn a new language, if you are someone who wants to dive into Artificial Intelligence and/or Machine Learning, or if you simply want to learn to code along with your kids, Python is the language to slither to.

Wondering where to begin? Worry not!

MAGES Institute of Excellence offers several courses that will help you learn and master your new skill.

A first-class learning experience coupled with career services and support. Learn more about the various programs here.