How Long Does It Take To Learn Python

Learning Python

Python is one of the most popular programming languages for a number of reasons. The most important of which is it's easily read syntax. For this reason, the learning curve with Python is not as steep as C++ or Java.

To learn Python with no prior programming experience could take anywhere from 3 - 6 months. For those with experience in other languages such as PHP or Ruby, the learning time decreases significantly.

Another factor in the length of time needed to learn Python is your career path. Data Analysts, for example, are going to use Python in a different way than a web developer would.

Regardless of your career trajectory figuring out how to code in Python is an invaluable skill. Here is how I learned and used my Python skills to start multiple online businesses.

Use the free resources first

There is no sense in investing time and money into something you're not sure you'll like. Youtube is packed with tons of video tutorials on Python and w3schools.com is a great place to learn the fundamentals in a written format.

Once you have the basics down, take a free Python quiz to identify your areas of weakness. Now, depending on your career path, you should learn about the Python libraries and frameworks you'll be working with.

What is the easiest Python framework to learn?

The easiest Python framework to learn is Flask with Django being a close second even though it has a much cooler name. Flask is the perfect environment for beginners as it's a bit more Pythonic than Django.

In addition, it's very lightweight and enables developers to get web applications and sites deployed in a fraction of the time it would take otherwise. Here is a video of an application I built entirely with Python.

The full-stack application I showcased in the video is a tool that stores patient information, current costs of medication, and prescription drug formularies. In addition, the app can send text messages, and faxes, and generate reports all through the power of Python.

Python Learning Plan

If I were to learn Python all over again here are the steps I would take.

1. 1. Complete at least 10 hours worth of Udemy courses
2. 2. Read thoroughly about coding, not just blogs but academic papers as well.
3. 3. Pick a framework that you understand and most importantly can make money with. - Don't simply choose a programming language because you like it or it's trending. Choose a tool that you can use to either create a business with or find a high-paying job with.
4. 4. Build one or two great applications instead of 10 average ones. - This is a mistake I constantly made early on. In general, it's better to establish a solid coding foundation and a single secure, fast application before branching off and making more.
5. 5. As soon as you start applying for jobs, take as many coding exams as possible. Engineering jobs often involve multiple interviews, take-home assignments, and working sessions. Now, this is excessive and clearly exploits the prospecting employee as they won't be paid for the 10+ hours they are working. But it&apo;s, unfortunately, the reality we all live in.

The important thing to take away is that you should spend way more time coding than reading about coding or watching someone else code. Experience is truly the best teacher when it comes to writing Python code.

Spending hours debugging your program only to find out you spelled a variable wrong is the best way to toughen yourself mentally and become a better engineer overall.

Whether you hope to become an analyst, engineer, or create your own SaaS, Python is a great language to learn. It's syntax is super easy to read and with frameworks like Flask, you can build your portfolio in no time.