Why Learn Python?

Hackbright teaches Python as a foundational programming language. But who and what is Python good for? And why should you learn Python over another coding language?

Whether you’re a seasoned computer programmer looking to diversify or someone brand new to coding, Python is popular for three basic reasons:

• It’s relatively easy-to-learn
• It has broad applications
• It has great prospects

Easy-to-Learn

For a language that’s on the cutting edge of AI and machine learning (more on that later), it can be hard to believe Python is relatively easy to learn, as far as programming languages go. But Python was created with readability in mind, which gives it an advantage. As a scripted language, beginners learning Python don’t have to wade through confusing syntax.

Instead, Python cuts right to the chase. By being easy-to-read and understand, Python allows beginners to learn coding concepts quickly. Best of all, individuals typically have an easier time transitioning from Python to another language, making it a great gateway language into the world of coding.

Of course, that’s not to say that Python is only for coding newcomers. Even if you already know a language or two, picking up Python can be extremely useful.

Python comes with external resources, including libraries and open-source frameworks. With this robust support system, developing software or applications is easier than ever. If there’s a project you want to do, chances are, someone else has developed a system to make it easier for you. And, as a language that’s almost thirty years old, Python has a huge community of developers.

Whether you need help understanding a difficult concept or you want to workshop a project, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding a friendly, experienced community to fall back on.

Broad Applications

If you’re still wondering “could I learn Python?” then you should know that not only is Python easy-to-learn, it can be used for a wide range of projects. Whether you just want to pick up a language for fun or you want to get yourself hired as a developer, Python offers a multitude of opportunities.

It’s not just for easy projects, though; Python has the power and the depth to handle complexity and scope. To learn more about the range of automation, check out Automate the Boring Stuff with Python: Practical Programming for Beginners by Al Sweigart.

Python is also regularly used in data science. From making projections about the future of the stock market to analyzing customer information, Python users can expect to become vital employees when specializing in data analysis.

As a language that has also been utilized often in the academic community, Python is also used for machine-learning programs. Machines “learn” by analyzing large amounts of data, a task that requires automation. As such, Python has become a part of a number of machine-learning projects.

Great Prospects

Even if you don’t intend to use Python as your primary code, it’s worth keeping in your back pocket. After all, the only thing better than knowing one popular coding language is knowing two (or more). So, why learn Python? Aside from the fact it’s readable and flexible, the fact we’re living in a digital age makes knowing how to code a useful skill. The real question is, why wait? Check out Hackbright Academy’s free introductory coding modules today!