Why Are Python Programmers in Such High Demand?

Why Are Python Programmers in Such High Demand? was originally published on Springboard.

Python programmers and developers are in high and growing demand. If you have the right skills, you can land a job in this exciting profession in 2021. 

Python is used in many different programming scenarios, from games to web applications. It’s used by some of the biggest companies in the world, including Netflix, PayPal, and Dropbox. These companies are using Python to push the boundaries of emerging technologies like data science, data analytics, artificial intelligence, natural language processing, and AI/machine learning. 

The future of Python looks very bright for 2021 and many years to come.

What Is Python?

Python is a high-level, general-purpose programming language. It supports the same programming fundamentals as other languages—like loops, conditionals, and functions—for assembling software algorithms. It offers an easy-to-learn syntax that emphasizes readability and therefore reduces program maintenance cost.

Python supports modules and packages, which assist program modularity and code reuse. It uses best practices like the object-oriented approach and object-based data structures in order to create large, reusable software systems.‌

Although it garnered little interest at first, Python’s adoption and popularity have grown in recent years. It’s now a part of the open-source community. Tens of thousands of people are helping to improve the tools available to Python programmers every day via open-source projects.

Why Are Python Programmers Experiencing a Demand Surge?

Demand surgeSource: Developer Survey by StackOverflow

Python is so well designed that it can easily be extended to meet specialized needs using high-level libraries and frameworks. Examples include Matplotlib, NumPy, and Pandas, which are among the most popular Python frameworks and libraries. That’s one reason why it’s the second-most popular programming language in the world, according to the first table in the May 2021 TIOBE index.

Python Programmers Demand in 2021Source: TIOBE Index for January 2021

Big technology companies use large-scale artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning systems to help run critical operations. Python has been extended to meet their needs with matured and advanced libraries like NumPy and Pandas. The demand for relevant Python-based skills is skyrocketing.

Websites and web applications are becoming ever more complex. Proven web development frameworks, like Django and Flask, allow efficient streamlining of website and web application production. This makes Python a top choice among companies that build these sites. They are seeing an explosion in demand for people with Python-based skills.

Python Programming Jobs, Roles, and Responsibilities

New Python job listings appear every day; on Indeed, there are currently over 38,000 Python programmer listings in the US

A Python programmer can usually choose from multiple job roles. Some of the most popular are:

  1. Data scientist. This occupation is appealing if, along with Python expertise, you have extensive knowledge of mathematics and statistics. Every tech company is in a race to uncover business insights from the terabytes of raw data in their databases. As a data scientist, you find ways to analyze and present data insights.
  2. AI/ML researcher. Artificial intelligence along with machine learning offers the most exciting career path available to you as a Python programmer. At the forefront of the tech industry, these fields use a radically different approach to software design, architecture, and development. Computers actually learn intelligence (including natural language processing) from real-world experiences and try to imitate the human brain.
  3. Software engineer. Knowledge of standard web technologies like JavaScript, HTML, and CSS is necessary for web developers. Adding Python to your resume rounds out your skillset. Software developers and engineers with this combination of knowledge can work anywhere in the IT industry.

Python Programmer Salaries

Salaries are high, and on the increase, for Python programmers. According to DAXX, the average salary in the U.S. in 2021 is above $110,000, while a typical entry-level salary is around $86,000.

Python Programmers SalarySource: DAXX

Average Python developer salary prospects are boosted by experience, certifications, and a strong portfolio of prior work. But when it comes to Python, a college degree—either a master’s or a bachelor’s—isn’t necessary. Even a beginner, after taking the right courses, can earn a good salary. 

Python Programmers Salary Across USASource: DAXX

Is Python Easy or Hard To Learn?

There are many programming languages, such as Ruby, Java, and PHP, among others. While each caters to the software applications implementation, ease of learning is a crucial consideration. 

The consensus view is that Python is easy to learn compared to other programming languages. Python supports the majority of complex functions that make it easier to run code without errors; in addition, the Python language doesn’t have a complex syntax, which makes it easier to learn for someone who is familiarizing themselves with coding.

Navigating the available resources to learn the language is harder. There are instructional textbooks you could choose from, and there are blogs and online courses that can help you learn Python. 

While some of these resources can provide a very basic introduction, the best approach (even if you’re familiar with Python basics) is to opt for an online bootcamp that is tailored to your learning style. 

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Check out Springboard’s Data Science Career Track to see if you qualify.

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