Learn Python Effectively: Think Like a Python Developer

Python is one of the most popular and in-demand programming languages. In this article, I’ll follow the mysterious paths of a Python developer job and show you a little bit about how a professional Python dev thinks.

Learning Python is a good idea. Why? First of all, learning to code is generally a good move toward a better career. Python is relatively simple to learn, which makes it good for beginners; even with no IT background, you can master the basics quickly. Once you become proficient in Python, many job positions become available, e.g. data scientist, machine learning engineer, or Python developer. But what exactly does it mean to be a Python developer? What do they do all day?

What Is a Python Developer?

Put simply, a developer is someone who creates software. To be more precise, a developer writes code for a program or application. This is what Python developers do – they write code. But they do more than that.

Another part of Python development is the validation of written code. During this process, the developer is debugging (fixing errors in) their own work or someone else’s. Developers also have to set up a production environment for software development and testing, connect the application with the database, and integrate the app with the client's software.

Depending on the company and team, development tasks can be varied. If you are curious about how this works in detail, check out A Day in the Life of a Python Developer.

Thinking Like a Python Developer

If you are wondering how to learn Python faster, you may have to start thinking like a Python Developer. What does that mean?

When I asked a few programmers about their job, one told me that if I am lazy and like something to do my work for me, I have the best qualifications to learn Python. That was a joke, but there is some truth behind it.

What he was really trying to say is that a developer’s work is all about problem-solving. And here, Python is a perfect tool. In comparison with other programming languages, Python requires fewer lines of code. This makes it ideal for projects where rapid changes need to be made and implemented. That is why programmers choose to work with Python; it can make your daily work more efficient. And this is exactly why many companies go for Python.

When programmers have many repeatable tasks to complete, they try to deal with them in the most effective way. “I was tired of doing the same thing many times. So I wrote a code that now is doing it automatically for me.” When I heard that from one of my friends, I understood more about programming as a job.

Besides focusing on problem solving, working as a Python developer requires a few other skills and a specific approach. To work efficiently with big, complex issues, Python developers break big problems into small pieces and solve them one at a time. What’s more, programming (not only with Python) requires being accurate and attentive to details. When checking your own code or your colleague's work, you need to be really meticulous. Even a small typo can become a big mistake.

Becoming a Python Developer

Learning new skills always requires time and self discipline. It may take hours in front of your computer. But it gives you a chance to improve your qualifications and become a more attractive job candidate.

It’s usually best to start step by step, not throwing yourself in too deep. Find a course that will give you the Python Basics, one that’s designed for people without any IT background. Once you have those down, you can move on to more challenging concepts.

To become a Python developer who can afford to be lazy from time to time, it’s not enough to complete a single course. This is a job where you need to learn all the time and stay curious. To deepen your knowledge, you can continue with a more extensive training path like Learn Programming with Python, which lets you practice Python data structures and built-in algorithms. Regular hands-on practice and problem solving is a key factor to becoming a Python developer.

Diversify your sources of knowledge. Try books like the popular Automate the Boring Stuff with Python, where you will find examples of what Python can do in minutes (versus the hours it takes to do it manually). Try YouTube. You can see other developers' opinions, watch expert tutorials, and more:

Finally, make sure you have the right attitude. These golden rules can help you persevere in learning Python (as well as in growing other life skills):

• Don’t give up easily
• Continue to learn and develop skills.
• Learn from your failures.
• Ask for help, e.g. within the Python community and on online forums.

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Ready to Learn Python?

Now you know how you should approach learning Python, what to look for, and why practical skills are important.

If you're still wondering if you should learn Python, read Is Python Still Worth Learning? It should dispel your doubts. You can also investigate why so few people decide to pursue an IT career to see if it’s a good idea for you.

This is the best time to learn Python – and with the great online courses at LearnPython.com, learning it just got easier. Get started today and achieve your goals!