In recent years, the Python programming language has become increasingly popular. It is the primary language in fields like Computer Science, Games Development, Website Development, Data Science and Machine Learning, Mobile Apps Development, Data Analysis and Processing, etc.
Because of the wide IT application of the Python programming language, many people are increasingly interested in learning it.
This interest has given rise to an increased population of newbie programmers who, in one way or another, need the knowledge of the language to build a responsive website and application or to analyze data.
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What is Python Programming Language?
Guido van Rossum created the Python Programming Language in 1989 as a language that should succeed the ABC programming language. However, Python was not used until 1991. It is an object-oriented high-level programming language.
Python can run across multiple platforms like macOS, Windows, and Linux. Besides, it has been reported to suit Java and the .NET virtual machines. There have been more than 160 versions of the Python programming language since its creation, and the latest version is Python 3.11.0, which was recently released on the 24th of October, 2022.
Advantages of Learning Python Programming Language
One advantage of Python over other programming languages is that developers and non-developers can use it. Hence, beginners only need a little coding knowledge. There are other advantages of learning Python for beginners which include the following;
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Better job prospects
Currently, Python is one of the most popular programming languages, because of this, it has better job prospects. The average salary of Python Developers is approximately $110,000 a year. Most Python Developers work as data scientists, software engineers, machine learning engineers, data analysts, etc.
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Ease of learning
Python is arguably the easiest programming language for beginners. Syntaxes used in Python have an easy and readable structure, which ensures that beginners quickly grasp its fundamentals.
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Large libraries
The development of an application can be streamlined by using libraries. Libraries are an assemblage of resources where programmers can use and edit pre-written codes. Hence, beginners will only sometimes need to write code from scratch. Some of these libraries are;
- Keras, Seaborn, TensorFlow, and SciLit-Learn: This is used for artificial intelligence, neural networks, machine learning, and natural language processing
- Matplotlib and Plotly: This is used to plot graphs for data visualization.
- Scrapy: This is used in data science to make efficient data scraper and web crawler.
- Numpy and Scipy: This is used for a wide range of scientific computations because it contains good algorithms and functions that can be used for statistics and linear algebra.
- Pandas: This is majorly used for analyzing data.
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Large community
Python has a large community where beginners can quickly learn the basics of the language. Because this community is open-source, beginners can enjoy great documentation and strong peer support.
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Versatility
The Python programming language is used for simple and complex tasks among professionals in several industries. The Python programming language can run smoothly with other programming languages, this birth combined programming languages like CPython (Python with C language), Jython (Python with Java), etc.
Read Also: 5 of the Best Programming Languages to Learn as a Beginner
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Fastest growing language
Currently, Python programming language remains the most searched programming language because of its simplicity and easy structure. Besides this, Python’s usefulness in several fields makes it a highly demanding skill for most IT professionals.
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High security
Although Python is easy to learn, it is a programming language with better security. Its security features can be linked to the work of OWAPS Python Security Project, which ensures that the projects of programmers are resistant to cyber-attack.
Python for Beginners: Getting Started
The quick and easiest way to get started as a beginner Python programmer is to download Thonny IDE. Thonny IDE is a Python for beginners IDE (Integrated Development Environment) because it only needs an installer to start writing your first ever Python programming language.
Once the IDE has been downloaded, you should run the installer; then go to “File,” click on “New,” and save file with .py extension. For instance, if the file is “Hi” saving it with .py extension makes it “Hi.py” The IDE provides good features like file explorers, syntax highlight, code hinting, and checking.
Alternatively, you can install Python separately by downloading the latest version here. Once downloaded, run the installer and follow the steps prompted by the package. You should check the “Add Python to environment variables” to easily run the language from any part of your PC.
Writing Your First Python Programming Language
Whether you downloaded a version of Python from their website or use the Thonny IDE, you can easily write your first programming language. For instance, if you want the word “Hello, world” to be an output of your first trial as a Python programmer, in any text editor, type:
- print(“Hello,World!”)
After this, you can run the code. You will observe that the output of your code will be:
- Hello, World!
You will agree with me that this is an easy task. Although this first trial is very elementary, you should know that the Python programming language is beginner-friendly. If you can write and understand the above language, you should be able to write and understand more complex Python languages.
Read Also: How to Survive in the Nigerian Tech Space as a Newbie
Python for Beginners Course
The best way to learn python is through online sites. These sites ensure that you learn at your pace and make you self-motivated to carry out sample Python projects. Some of the best places to learn Python for beginners are:
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Udemy
Udemy teaches the fundamentals of Python for beginners. It introduces you to scripts and functions, variables, strings, data types, etc. So even without coding experience, you can easily learn the basics of Python coding.
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Coursera
Python for beginners course of Coursera is anchored by the University of Michigan. You can complete this course in eight months if you dedicate three hours per week. At the end of the course, you would have learnt how to write programs that analyze, compile and visualize data.
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Codecademy
If you want to learn the nitty-gritty of the Python programming concept, Codecademy is your best bet. Codecademy covers basics and advanced Python languages from functions, syntax, lists, and strings to list comprehensions, lambda expressions, data structure, and list slicing.
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel to watch videos from our previous Insightpreneur program on technology. You need all the resources you can get.
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FreeCodeCamp
FreeCodeCamp gives an estimated four hours of video on Python for beginners. You are encouraged to practice coding as you watch the video to grasp the programming concepts easily. In addition, FreeCodeCamp teaches more concepts like variables, tuples, if statements, and dictionaries.
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Educative
Educative gives a 10-hour Python for beginners course. There are about 75 lessons in the course, and you will be introduced to concepts like variables and data types, functions, loops, and Python libraries. This course has coding quizzes and challenges, enabling you to track your skill level.
Programs in Python for Beginners
Since you can now write your first Python programming language, I will suggest you try out the following programs in Python for beginners:
- Python program to add two numbers
- Python program to print How are you
- Python program to find the square of a number
- Python program to look for the square root of a number
- Python program to calculate the area of a rectangle
- Python program to convert millimeters to centimeters
- Python program to check if a number is even or odd
- Python program to check prime numbers
- Python program to know if a number is negative, positive or 0
- Python program to find the largest number among three numbers
All these are beginner-friendly python programs. You should lay your hands on more challenging projects if you have advanced.
Read Also: Transitioning into Tech in Nigeria: A Comprehensive Guide
Conclusion
If you want to enter the programming world and it is difficult to wrap your head around programming languages like C++, JavaScript, etc., Python programming language may be your ladder. It is a beginner-friendly programming language, and you can use it across multiple OS like macOS, Windows, Android, Linux/UNIX, etc.
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About Author
- Olawale Moses Oyewole is a digital strategist who stays on top of current events and curate informative and engaging articles for his readers. He helps brand locate their target audience and enhance their online visibility.
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