Is Python a Viable Language to Learn in 2020
Python is a relatively simple programming language that was developed in the 1990s as a side project of an enthusiast. Back then, most people disregarded it as overly simplistic and not particularly useful.
This way of thinking has somewhat remained to this day and you will often hear people tangentially related to coding deride Python as practically useless. However, is that really so?
We reached out to coding experts at LEARN academy of San Diego to share their views of this language in 2020.
Python Is Dynamic and in Touch with Users
Python has always been focused on the developers, that is, on their experience. It was made simple for a reason – get more people involved in coding and be a good learning tool even for children. Developers of Python also kept a close ear to those who used the language, making changes, and adapting to the needs of the day.
In 2008, this programming language underwent a radical change and update – Python 3. Essentially, a whole slew of useful changes was made to make Python more versatile and adaptable. The result is that Python is currently one of the most popular languages and a language that has countless applications.
Use Cases of Python
Being so versatile means that Python can be applied basically anywhere and for any purpose. Naturally, the ease of application depends on the complexity of the task as well as the experience of the coder.
One of the most sought-after use cases for Python is smart home applications – the Internet of Things. Integrating various devices into a unified network and controlling them from a central location is easy to do in Python because the functions of the programming language are very basic, giving the coder a wide autonomy with the code.
Machine learning and artificial intelligence are the up and coming fields that Python excels at; in fact, some experts claim that it is the only viable language for those applications. The toolset for mathematical and statistical libraries make Python the premier choice for these fields, as well as any large-scale data science applications.
Finding a Job with Python
If Python is your primary language or even your only language, some older programmers will tell you to prepare for some disappointment and that you won’t be able to find a job, at least not a high-paying one. However, things have changed significantly in just the last decade.
In fact, more and more companies and online trend-watchers have started noticing Python’s meteoric rise to prominence. The biggest repository site for code, GitHub reports that Python is now the second most popular language, surpassing Java in 2019, and only trailing after JavaScript.
According to Indeed, a job searching website, there have been around 74,000 job listings for Python in the US alone in January of this year. That puts it in the firm first place of the most sought-after language.
The median salary offered is in the ballpark of $120 K a year, which is not the highest, but is still in the top 3.
How Did This Happen?
Clearly, Python is more than a viable option, and, according to experts, it will continue to be in the future. Simply put, Python is easy to learn but difficult to master. Gaining rudimentary knowledge of it is simple, but to really unlock the potential of the language, it takes time and dedication. However, that time and dedication can more than pay off.
If you are willing to put in the time, look for a San Diego code school which can teach you how to unlock the potential of this simple, yet powerful language.
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