In the programming world, Python is rapidly growing in popularityand he is as popular as paper help reliable service among students. In fact, according to the TIOBE programming community's Top 10 Most Popular Programming Languages Index, Python is the third most popular. It lags behind two players in the programming world, C and Java.
If you have been thinking about a career as a Python software developer, you probably have many questions that come to mind. All of your burning questions have been answered below.
But before we take the leap to become a Python software developer, let's look at why learning Python is vital for virtually any developer, even one who rarely uses it.
Why learn Python?
Python is a language that is widely used in different fields and industries, plus its emphasis on simplicity and clarity makes it one of the best languages for beginners.
However, what makes this language even better is the preferred choice for machine learning, data science, and artificial intelligence due to its analytical capabilities and various libraries tailored for these fields.
Python is so powerful that companies like Google, Spotify, Dropbox, and Netflix use it, opening up the professional potential of a good Python developer to these innovative companies.
Dropbox's desktop client, as well as its server-side code, are written entirely in Python. On the other hand, Google uses a mix of languages but uses Python for parts requiring fast delivery and maintenance.
What does a Python software developer do?
In short, a Python software developer uses Python as a programming language or code to create computer programs.
The daily job of Python developers is to work with analysis and data collection to provide information to key decision-makers. You may use Python to perform web development, web scraping, automation, scripting, and data analysis as a Python programmer.
Scripting involves creating small programs that perform repetitive tasks to help data analysts eliminate tedious work. However, Python's uses are not limited to automation tasks. A developer can also use it to design the framework for new code, create new tools, publish new services and create websites.
How to become a Python software developer?
Python programming may be learned in a variety of methods. The most common way is to earn a degree in computer science. In a computer science degree program, you will learn web development languages such as JavaScript, Python, and Ruby.
If you already have a bachelor's or master's degree in another field and want to pursue a career as a Python software developer, consider a coding boot camp.
Let's take a closer look at what the CS degree and coding bootcamp entail.
CS degree
The CS degree offers a well-rounded education for aspiring Python software developers, but you can also opt for a degree in software engineering or data science. In these majors, you'll gain a foundation in mathematics and computer science that will help you develop a broader understanding of software architecture, programming, and testing.
However, earning a two- or four-year degree in coding requires considerable time and money. According to CollegeData, annual tuition and fees to graduate are approximately $9,970 for in-state residents at public universities, $34,740 for private universities, and $25,620 for out-of-state residents at public universities.
Conversely, a coding degree proves that you have worked hard to learn to code. Some companies require you to have a degree to be considered for a Python software developer position, but others are fine with just certifications and experience.
Coding bootcamp
Often, hiring managers are not looking for a similar degree. Instead, they require a portfolio of your programming skills and proof of Python coding. According to Indeed89% of employers believe coding bootcamp graduates are as prepared or even better prepared than incumbents.
A coding boot camp is a technical training program that teaches students with reduced coding skills the necessary skills to get on their feet. Students are taught the basics of coding and how to apply these skills to solve real-world problems.
A coding bootcamp aims to help students move toward a career in coding or software development by teaching them how to create professional-level applications.
For this reason, coding startup boot camps can be excellent for building a strong portfolio and learning the skills needed for employer coding tests.
Unlike CS qualifications, coding boot camps tend to be inexpensive and can help you get personal guidance and additional resources. The average coding boot camp fee ranges from $10,000 to $15,000. Boot camps are also much shorter than earning a CS degree because they generally last only 12 to 26 weeks.
In addition to preparing for job interviews, joining a coding bootcamp helps you create a portfolio containing the projects you have worked on. After finishing the course, you can show this portfolio to potential employers.
Although a coding boot camp does not grant you a degree, it demonstrates that you have an educational foundation for your coding experience.
Earning Python certifications
While a diploma grants you an academic degree after several years in school, certification courses provide you with a document certifying that you have completed a certain amount of preparation for a certain job. Therefore, a Python certification demonstrates your commitment to Python and greatly boosts your resume.
The main differences between diploma programs and certification programs are time and cost.
To earn a certificate, you must first gain Python experience, which can take several months to two years of coding on your own time or attending a boot camp. Once you gain this experience, you are ready to take the exam. A degree takes two to four years, but you gain Python experience through courses.
However, the additional cost of a diploma comes with some cost-effectiveness. A diploma gives people more in-depth knowledge than a certificate and teaches specific professional skills through its non-coded classes.
How to get a job as a Python software developer?
If you are already looking for a job as a Python software developer or are about to complete a coding boot camp, these tips will help you accelerate your job search.
If you are a newbie, familiarize yourself with the Linux / Unix command line. Regardless of the language you are looking for, and most employers expect you to be familiar with this.
- Work on open-source Python projects. "Open" means that everyone is free to use, study, modify, and contribute to the project. Such projects will allow you to hone your talents and obtain valuable experience for future employment.
- Maintain a website or LinkedIn profile. If you feel that creating a website is too expensive and time-consuming, choose a LinkedIn profile. It can provide networking possibilities and possibly help you obtain a job without having to hunt elsewhere.
- Learn a little about other languages. One of the most important things employers look for in a developer is your interest in continually expanding your knowledge. Java and C++ are good choices, even if Python is your goal.
- Attend industry conferences and events whenever possible. These are excellent networking opportunities. You may have the opportunity to speak with managers and executives you will interview in the future.
Preparing for an interview with Python software developers
With the lack of Python software developers, you might think getting a job is just about presenting and answering some basic Python questions. This is unlikely to be the case. If you want to get into the Python development space, here's what you should do to prepare:
Prove that you can code. Create a portfolio and add everything you've done in a public forum to describe your experience. Most developers prefer Github to create profiles to present their project examples.
Master common Python algorithms and data structures. These include dictionaries, lists, tuples, and class creation. You should also be able to compare and contrast fundamental Python data structures, as well as explain how you would leverage an existing data structure to build stack functionality. The stack is a list of all the technology services that are used to create and run a single application).
Being an efficient Python developer is not just about memorizing. It is more than just remembering language syntax or frequently used algorithms and data structures. What will help you stand out from the crowd is your ability to understand and solve problems through well-developed skills. Put in a lot of practice and expose yourself to various problem-solving problems.
Python salary for software developer
According to Indeed, the median salary for a Python software developer in the US is USD 111,080 per year or $52.96 per hour. Note that these environments include regions with higher salaries and workers with years of experience. Good luck getting your first job!