Python is one of the most popular programming languages in the world. It’s remarkably versatile while also being easy to learn. Python is perfect for beginners because it’s simple syntax and object-oriented compatibility make it more approachable to novice coders. This popular programming language is blowing up in the job market.
One of the reasons for Python’s extreme popularity is its universal compatibility with APIs and many other coding languages such as C/C++ and Java. Python is used and partially funded by Google and Microsoft because they use it in almost all of their technologies, so it’s sure to be well-supported and around for a long time.
With over 100,000 libraries, frameworks, and APIs to choose from and a strong open source community, Python is the language of choice for businesses and developers alike. It’s incredibly quick to get started with Python in an easy way that is unlike any other programming language out there.
Before we get too far with the exciting possibilities Python has to offer, let’s discuss what a Python developer is and what they actually do. We’ll also go over the skills and qualifications Python developers need to land a job and how many jobs are even out there for a Python proficient web developer.
What is a Python Developer?
Python developers are expert Python coders. They develop, deploy, and debug Python-based web development projects. They usually work on the back end, or client-side, of a web application alongside a team with other back end developers or engineers.
What do Python developers do?
No two Python developers’ jobs are exactly alike. Python developers who work at a startup will probably have a steeper learning curve and more responsibilities out of the gate. On the other hand, working at larger corporations, they’ll probably have mentorship and a gradual onboarding process.
As a Python developer, you might find yourself doing these tasks:
- Creating scripts
- Solving problems and researching the best technology for a project
- Attending a stand-up meeting with their team
- Building the back end of a web application
- Building a piece of software
- Contributing to an open-source project
- Integrating user-interface elements of an application
- Writing scalable code
- Writing APIs
- Creating programs to efficiently analyze data
What skills does a Python developer need?
Python developer skills are incredibly valuable right now. It’s quickly rising as one of the most popular programming languages in the world for web development and data science. The in-demand skills that Python developers possess are mostly technical, but every developer also needs to have strong communication skills.
A Python developer's job is to solve problems. Problem-solving can come in the form of choosing technologies that best fit a situation, collaborating with clients or team members to find the right solution, or researching how to solve a bug. Now, let’s dive into the relevant technical skills that you should learn to become a Python developer.
Python developers should have these skills:
- Proficiency in Python
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- Object-oriented programming methods - the method of structuring a program by grouping related properties and behaviors into individual objects
- Knowledge of relevant libraries and frameworks
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- Django – enables the rapid development of secure websites and apps
- RESTful – REST stands for representational state transfer. It’s an architectural style that provides standards between computer systems and the web. RESTful systems are REST-compliant systems.
- Working with APIs – Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) provide developers with prewritten chunks of code that act as a liaison between two technologies that don’t usually work together.
- JSON – JSON stands for JavaScript Object Notation. It’s a format for storing and transporting data, often from a server to a webpage.
- SQL skills – SQL stands for Structured Query Language. It’s used to communicate with servers where data is stored.
- Version control with Git – Git is the most popular version control software in the world.
- CRUD applications – CRUD stands for Create, Read, Update, Delete which are the four basic types of SQL commands.
- Understand HTTP protocols – HTTP stands for hypertext transfer protocol. It’s how web servers and client computers communicate.
- HTML and CSS – HTML and CSS are programming languages used to structure, style, and add content to web pages.
- Basic fluency in JavaScript – JavaScript is a scripting language that allows developers to create interactive and dynamic web pages.
- Integrating front end technologies – Understanding how to integrate HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and other front end technologies with the back end stack.
Job Outlook for Python Developers
For almost an entire decade, there has been a shortage of Python talent. Python’s popularity has increased at an exponential rate, while the number of developers who are proficient in Python has not risen as quickly.
The future is bright for those who can harness the power of Python. Employment for Python developers is projected to grow at about 15% through 2028. That’s nearly three times the average projected growth for all occupations in the U.S.
The in-demand Python developer stands to earn a salary of over $118,281 on average. Most Python developers in tech hubs are also eligible for end of year cash bonuses. The opportunities for a work-life balance are abundant in the realm of Python developers. There are full-time, part-time, remote, in-person, and freelance gigs available across the U.S.
Python is so popular and widely used that Python developers are in high demand. Web development, and especially Python web development, is used in almost every industry that relies on tech from fintech to social media.
Do I need to have a certificate or a degree to land a Python developer job?
You do not need a degree or certificate to get your first job as a Python developer. It is true, however, that many Python developers have a four-year degree in computer science or a coding bootcamp education.
The most important qualification for Python developers is actually their skill level. Demonstrable proficiency in Python, relevant frameworks, and the related skills that come along with becoming a developer are more important factors to employers than education level.
How Can I Get Started Learning Python
The best way to learn Python is through immersive and hands-on training. At Practical Programming, we offer immersive Python classes in NYC or live online from expert Python developers.