Diving into Programming with Python
I’ve spent years entertaining the thought of becoming a software developer, only to get overwhelmed by the vast array (pun intended) of programming languages to choose from. Which one should I choose, where do I begin? Java? JavaScript? C? C++? C#? Ruby? Django? Flask?
Woah… wait a minute?
Understanding Frameworks vs. Languages
The good news is, They’re not all programming languages. For instance, Django and Flask are both Web Frameworks built on Python, specifically used for Web Development in Python.
Python is a programming language. No need to feel awkward if you didn’t already know that. I didn’t until I studied Web Development. So you are not alone.
So what sets Python apart from the rest of the programming languages and why should I start with Python ?
I’m so glad you asked! 🙂
Why Python Stands Out
Besides the awesome logo 🙂 , and to quote long time Pythoneer Tim Peters from “The Zen of Python”:
“Simple is better than complex.”
Now simple can mean many things and Python has next to endless possibilities. Let me put it this way:
Python: The “Romance Language” of Coding
Imagine learning different languages, like French, Spanish, and Italian. Each has its own grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation rules. However, they all belong to the same family of languages called Romance languages. So, if you learn one of them, it becomes much easier to learn the others because they share many similarities.
In the world of programming, Python is like a “Romance language” for coders. It’s designed to be easy to read and write, with a clear and straightforward syntax. This makes it a fantastic starting point for beginners.
Key Features of Python
Here’s how Python’s structure helps in learning other programming languages:
- Clean and Readable Syntax: Python uses a simple and clean syntax, which means the code is easy to understand. It’s like reading plain English, making it a great language to start with. When you learn Python, you’re learning how to express ideas in a way that’s very clear.
- Versatility: Python is a versatile language. It’s used in web development, data analysis, artificial intelligence, scientific computing, and more. This means that by learning Python, you’re gaining skills that can be applied in many different areas of programming.
- Emphasis on Indentation: Python uses indentation to define blocks of code. This enforces a consistent style and encourages good programming practices. This emphasis on clean indentation is a habit that carries over when learning other languages.
- Large Community and Resources: Python has a huge and active community. This means there are a wealth of resources, tutorials, and forums where you can get help and learn from others. This makes the learning process smoother and more enjoyable.
- Portable and Platform Independent: Python programs can run on any platform – Windows, macOS, Linux, etc. This means you generally don’t have to worry about compatibility issues when you’re learning (of course, as with any language, there will always be some platform-specific nuances)
- Extensive Standard Library: Python comes with a rich standard library that provides modules and packages for a wide range of tasks. This means you can do a lot with Python “out of the box”, without having to reinvent the wheel.
Transitioning from Python
In essence, learning Python is like learning a foundational language in the world of programming. Once you’re comfortable with Python, transitioning to other languages becomes much easier because you’ve already developed the core problem-solving skills and a clear understanding of how programming languages work.
Next week, I’ll discuss how Python builds a solid foundation for learning other programming languages.
Kickstart Your Python Journey Today!
We understand that diving into the world of programming might feel overwhelming at first. That’s why we recommend starting with Pybites’ newbie exercises. These beginner-friendly exercises are specifically designed for absolute novices, offering hands-on practice to solidify your newfound knowledge.