By Dean Bashford (BSc Economics)
According to the Python Executive Summary, Python is an interpreted, object-oriented, high-level programming language with dynamic semantics. In simpler terms, Python is a programming language with easy readability that can be understood and is widely appreciated in the job market. Python was first conceived in the late 1980s by Guido van Rossum and eventually implemented in December 1989. Since then it has become one of the most popular computer programming languages in the world, rivalling other languages such as JavaScript, Java and C.
Why Python over other languages
Python is often recommended to beginners, potentially explaining why it is the most popular programming language on the market. One of the main reasons for this is the simplicity and readability of Python code which is more akin to English then other programming languages. Furthermore, Python is flexible, scalable and extendable, working on every platform. In comparison to other coding languages, Python is more straightforward and provides a means to build on knowledge that can then be applied to these languages; examples, amongst others, include Java, C and C++. There is also an extensive Python community, making access to learning materials incredibly easy and providing numerous Q&A communication opportunities to share problems and solutions. In my personal coding journey, I began with Python. From there I moved onto learning the concepts in C; by learning Python first I have a much better grip of what is occurring within C.
In effectively every tech domain Python is being used in one way or another, making it a highly suitable language for someone to learn. In addition, despite the fact that C++ offers higher speeds, Python has become integral for the financial sector and specific concerns such as hedge funding. The fact that it is also a good entry programming platform is useful as other programming languages can build on this base, improving your value as a potential job candidate or even opening up entrepreneurial opportunities. One successful example of this would be the development of Napster in 1999, a pioneering P2P file sharing internet software that emphasized sharing digital MP3 files. The inventor, Shawn Fanning, taught himself Windows programming and Unix server code simply due to an idea that he wanted to pursue.
Transferable Skills / More Opportunities (Enhanced CV)
For people searching for employment, Python is a highly beneficial skill. When it is clearly applicable, you are able to advertise a source of higher productivity. Even in less technologically based roles, Python remains relevant and can be utilised in a plethora of applications. Even if neither of these aspects are obvious, and Python is not directly mentioned in the job profile, it will still open up new opportunities by setting you apart from other candidates. It highlights enhanced computer skills, improved problem-solving skills and a greater creativity potential. Creativity, after all, is a crucial part of programming as you need to cope with a puzzle and solve it through your own sense of logic.
Programming to a high standard is not straight-forward and does take endeavour, just like everything. The knowledge cascade, however, is significant. While it took me two weeks to create my first program within Python, I can now do it in a few hours. Like riding a bike, the knowledge you gain from creating something is going to stick with you. Online there are a lot of empty promises that you can learn how to program to the point that you are instantly employable for £60K jobs. This is clearly not true, as it takes effort, and you need to be able to demonstrate your skills-set. The most common way to do this is through the creation of a project portfolio. For example, you could look at the type of job you want in the future and create projects that are relevant to that field; e.g. in relation to data analysis, you could create tools to analyse specific types of data and clean-up the results. One of the joys of this approach is that the projects can be on anything: something useful for you personally; something that could improve a current process; or, just something you find interesting. There is also the choice to contribute to an open-source project, improving a program in collaboration with numerous other programmers which will tick a number of boxes for a potential employer!
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