How Hard is it to Learn Python? | Thinkful (2024)

If you’re reading this article, you’re likely interested in learning about the programming language Python. Since it’s one of the most popular coding languages, it’s common for beginners to wonder how hard Python is to learn, and if it’s worth pursuing.

Python is an integral part of various IT ecosystems, especially as a back-end programming language. It’s used by Netflix, Google, Instagram, Spotify, Stripe, and countless other tech giants. Undoubtedly, learning Python would help you kickstart your new career in tech. So let’s delve into the basics of Python, whether it’s easy to learn, and what you can expect from this ‘reptilian’ language.

How Hard Is It To Learn Python?

Because the readability and other structural elements of Python are designed to be easy to understand, especially for English speakers, it's relatively easy to learn. This is a great first or second language for beginners.

However, Python is not limited to basic use. It supports some of the most complex websites and apps in the world.

What Is Python?

Python is a fully interpreted, high-level, and general-purpose programming language. It’s used for a wide variety of applications including web and mobile app development. It’s an open-source programming language and is object-oriented. Python is designed in C-language and comes with dynamic semantics.

Python was created in 1989 by Guido van Rossum and was released later in 1991. The initial purpose of Python was to make programming easy as it focused on code readability. It can run on diverse platforms such as Windows, Linux, and Mac OS, and is open-source software.

Python has support for all of the features of an object-oriented programming language, as well as a procedural-oriented programming language. Therefore, it is no surprise that Python is the preferred choice for developers in the field of rapid application development. It offers both dynamic binding and dynamic taping options.

Why Is Python So Popular?

The most appealing characteristic of Python is that it is an interpreted language. Interpreted languages are the programming languages that do not need to be compiled to run. An interpreter can run python code on any kind of computer, by itself. This means the programmer can quickly see the results, if or when they need to modify the code. On the flip side, this also means that Python is slower than a compiled language like C. And that is because it is not running on a machine code directly.

• Because Python is an interpreted language, testing small snippets of code and moving them between different platforms is quite simple. Since Python is compatible with most of the operating systems, it is used universally, in a variety of applications.
• Python is considered a beginners’ programming language. As it is a high-level language, a programmer can focus on what to do instead of how to do it. This is one of the major reasons why writing programs in Python takes less time than in other programming languages.
• Because Python is similar to English, many find it easier to learn than other programming languages. Developers can read and remember the Python syntaxes much easier than other programming languages.
• Since Python supports scripting as well, it can be used to build large, commercial applications. The main factor behind Python’s popularity in the IT world is its reliability. Being a high-level programming language, Python lets the user focus on the core functioning of the application. Meanwhile, the common programming tasks are handled by the language itself.

Now you can probably see why Python is one of the most favored programming languages by developers, data scientists, software engineers, and hackers! And the key factors behind its diverse userbase are flexibility, versatility, and object-oriented features. This is also why Python is used in complex fields like Machine Learning (ML) and Data Science (DS).

What Else Is Different About Python?

• Easy To Learn: Python is a simple and straightforward language, as it doesn't have any complex language syntax or intricate guidelines. Moreover, it resembles the English language.
• In High Demand: Python was ranked first in top programming languages by the IEEE Spectrum in 2018. Due to its popularity and diverse applications, Python developers are generously compensated in the industry; especially in fields like machine learning, web development, and data science.
• Used In Machine Learning And Artificial Intelligence: Since Python can be used to perform complex calculations and enable computers to perform diverse activities, it is an extremely popular language used in Machine Learning. Similarly, Python is incredibly useful for Artificial Intelligence with the libraries that handle neural system experimentation.
• Web And Mobile Development Applications: A huge amount of the modern web and mobile apps used today are run with Python. It has a huge set of modules and file extensions, which makes it great for building a micro-project or a macro-web service.
• Free And Open Source: Python is available on its official website, free of cost. On top of that, being open source means that you or anyone else can update and add new features in Python.
• Platform Independent: Python can run efficiently across all platforms like Windows, Mac, or Linux. Therefore, it is not dependent on or restricted to a single platform.

How Easy Is Python to Understand?

Let’s begin with a simple example by comparing Python and an equally popular but contrasting language, Java.

Let’s say you have to print “Hello, world.” in Java language. Your code for “Hello, world.” in Java would be something like this:

class HelloWorld {
public static void main (String args[]){
System.out.println(“hello, world”);
}}

The same phrase in Python would look like this:

print(“hello, world”)

Note the difference. In Java, someone, who has never seen code before would need to understand specific terms like “class,” “static,” and “void.” This makes the Java code difficult to understand unless you know its basics. On the contrary, Python is rather different. There are no particular words that can only be understood by programmers. Anyone can understand Python easily, and usually, its code is much shorter than other languages.

Also, Python is not just easier to understand, but it’s also easier to learn. That is why there are more and more new developers in Python, as compared to other programming languages. About 22% of Python developers have coding experience of less than a year.

How To Learn Python

• Go In with The Right Mindset: To succeed in the long run, you need to develop the mindset of an engineer. To do this, you need to be adaptable and learn how to efficiently solve problems. Learning the basics of code is not enough.
• Sharpen Your Problem-Solving Skills: There are numerous ways that you can develop your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking. One effective way to do this is by using a mind map or an idea journal to initiate a creative thought process. These techniques can help you generate more ideas and solutions throughout your coding career.
• Consistency Is Key: Expert programmers recommend that you make it a habit to code every day. This will not only improve your Python knowledge, but you will also learn different coding approaches and techniques. The more consistent you are, the sooner you can begin programming professionally.

Start Your Career in Software Engineering

Yes, learning programming can seem like a tough nut to crack, but the truth is that Python is easier than you may think. By developing a learning habit and using online resources, you can learn to code from the comfort of your home!

We’ve developed a software engineering bootcamp that prepares you for a career in code. You’ll learn alongside industry experts, and pick up the skills employers need.