Career Insight

How Long Does it Take to Learn Python?

Python code language sign

There’s a new number one in town! With popular programming languages like Java, C, and C++ as consistent mainstays at the top of the Tiobe Index, the battle for the supreme programming language is ongoing. But of all the languages in the software development industry, Python took home the esteemed Tiobe Programming Language of the Year Award in 2021 and opened 2022 in the top spot.

The award goes to the programming language that gained the highest increase in ratings in one year. And in 2021, no language saw more growth in ratings than the object-oriented language Python. We can deduce from these ratings that Python programmers are growing in number by the day. So, how long does it take to learn Python?

We’ll answer the million-dollar question, and along the way, we’ll talk about why you should learn Python and how to hone your Python programming skills. We’ll also touch on some of the staple languages we teach and why without them, writing code wouldn’t be what it is today.


The “Why” of Learning Python

Before we get to the big reveal, it’s best to know why you should learn Python. Python programmers are becoming increasingly more prevalent for a variety of reasons. Here are some reasons why adding Python skills to your repertoire is a good idea:

Automation

  • We find credence in the statement, “Work smarter, not harder.” With Python, you’re capable of automating the repetitive tasks you do at work and on your own time. Things like Excel spreadsheets, command-line interfaces, and building bots for Slack or Discord help alleviate your busy schedule.

New Career Opportunities

  • Stockpiling new skills leads to new opportunities in this industry. Want to change over to a more technical role at work? Maybe you’re looking for a bump in salary. Perhaps this is an entirely new career and you’re looking to hit the ground running. Being proficient in widely used programming languages like Python certainly bolsters your resume along with your skill set.

Fosters Creativity

  • Python allows you to tap into your creative side. With esports rising into prominence, game development is as popular as ever. Using the platform Pygame (a set of Python modules), aspiring techies can create entire games of their own. Python is also great for programming hardware for home automation and the Internet of Things (IoT).

How Long Does It Take to Learn Python?

The time it takes to learn Python is completely up to you! Factors like background knowledge, aspirations, availability, resources, and motivation all play a role in how long it takes you to learn Python.

But … depending on your timeline, proficiently learning the fundamentals of Python can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. But generally speaking, people learn the functional basics of Python in 2 to 6 months. Although, again, it’s predicated on the amount of time you can spend studying.

If you’re starting at the ground level and the goal is to land a full-time job as a Python programmer, you can expect your learning process to take you closer to the 6-month marker. It’s also contingent on the position you’re seeking out.

From a learning standpoint, being a learner of Python is never ending. The software development process is constantly improving and evolving.

Is Python Hard to Learn?

On the contrary! Python is considered to be one of the easiest programming languages to learn. Conversely, it’s a difficult language to master. Malcolm Gladwell said, “It takes 10,000 hours of intensive practice to achieve mastery of complex skills and materials” — and learning Python fits that statement. Anyone can learn Python with hard work, determination, and putting in the time to practice, practice, practice.

New tools become available with a bevy of new capabilities. Learning every single thing there is about Python just won’t happen — and that’s OK.

What Can You Do With Python?

Infographic listing what you can do with python programming language

Python is a general-purpose language, making it one of the most versatile amongst the other languages. Expect to use it for various tasks, including:


Honing Your Python Programming Skills

As we mentioned, learning Python is relatively easy as long as you dedicate yourself to the learning process. Here are some things to consider when you’re mapping out your own path to mastery:

  • Set goals and stick to them.
  • Start with the fundamentals of Python.
  • Join an online Python community or group or network to interact with other people who have knowledge of Python.
  • Read literature on Python.
  • Seek out help from professionals, experts, or education institutions (like Kenzie!).
  • Practice! Practice is the best way to get better. Take time to code every day.

Other Helpful Languages

Though Python currently sits atop the Tiobe rankings, there are other programming languages that you’d benefit from adding to your coding toolbox.

Beginning your journey toward becoming a Python developer can be easier by learning two long-standing, staple languages: Java and JavaScript.

Kenzie Academy offers accessible tech programs that rely heavily on learning Java and JavaScript. The roots of our software engineering program focuses on learning Java, while the full-stack development course teaches learners to become proficient in JavaScript.

Kenzie’s curriculum currently does not include Python, but learning programming languages like Java and JavaScript help prepare you for what you can learn in the future as programming skills are naturally transferable.

Focusing on these two pillar languages fosters the ability to use previously obtained knowledge to shorten the learning curve of learning new programming languages. As a Kenzie learner, you learn foundational concepts, as well as develop algorithmic thinking skills and a problem solving mindset that set you up for expanding on your programming knowledge.


Parting Thoughts

Kenzie Academy’s goal is to help you become a successful professional in programming development. Through our courses, you’ll acquire foundational skills and develop the mindset to not only learn Python, but the numerous programming languages used every day by engineers and developers.

Are you ready for the next chapter? Apply today and hit the ground running in the program of your choice!

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