29th Apr 2021 10 minutes read 7 Reasons Why You Are Not Too Old to Learn Python Marcin Koryszewski python learn python Are you wondering if you are too old to learn Python? Read this article to find out why it's never too late to start programming and why it’s worth starting now! While browsing online, we see a popular question pop up: “Am I too old to learn Python?” And this question is being asked by many different age groups! People seem to have a long list of reasons why it's too late. Many people struggle with the fear that: Programming is difficult Programming demands great attention to detail Programming requires excellent memory and the ability to comprehend a lot of syntaxes The competition is too big at this point You need to invest a lot of time And the list goes on! Like with learning anything new, we tend to think we are not built for it and that we are too far behind the competition. Well, everyone started somewhere! You do not have to be a coding prodigy to start learning how to code or even land a programming job! As the old Chinese saying goes, every journey starts with the first step. Take it from me. I've stayed away from the sciences for most of my life. But, look at me now! I'm learning things that I thought (5 years ago) were unattainable for me (I’m looking at you LearnPython.com). There is no better time to learn to code than now because of the resources we have at hand. Plus, you can choose the best tool to suit your learning needs and learn at your own pace! Read on to find seven reasons why you are not too old to learn programming. In this article, I will be talking from the perspective of learning Python, one of the most popular coding languages. Why is Python so popular? My colleague Rebecca has explained it in depth in this article. If you want the gist, here are a few reasons why Python is so popular: Python is beginner-friendly Python has simplified syntax Python is logical Python has hundreds of Libraries and Frameworks available online Python is written in plain English Python is efficient and reliable Apart from that, it’s very versatile. Python is used in various industries: Web Development Game Dev Data Science Data Analytics AI Machine Learning Data Processing Now, with that out of the way, let’s get into the details! Are you ready to start your adventure with learning to code? Table of Contents Am I too old to learn Python? What is the best age to learn Python? Is 24 too old to learn Python? Is 30 too old to learn Python? Is 40 too old to learn Python? Is 50 too old to learn Python? You have the tools at hand to learn Python Am I Too Old To Learn Python? Source: gph.is People seem to have the notion that the IT industry consists of young, dynamic individuals who started learning code at the age of five. And once they reach their twenties, they are coding masterminds, knowing all the nooks and crannies of a given language. Well, that might be the case in a Netflix series. But the reality is different. The truth is that it’s never too late to learn to code. Looking at this study, the average age of a computer programmer in the US is 45.5. Average Programmer Age Source: datausa.io Does this mean that the coding workforce is made of people who started coding years ago? Definitely no. The programming population grows in the age groups between 25-54. More and more people are getting into programming. If you are also thinking about it, it’s time to jump on this train to your dream career. If you need one good reason why, it’s simple. The demand for (Python) programmers is HIGH. Top 10 Programming Languages Employers Are Looking For in 2021 Source: https://www.codingdojo.com For the full list of reasons why, I recommend this article. Now, on to the next popular question online. What Is the Best Age To Learn Python? Source: gph.is Spoiler: there is none! I don’t want to sound like an Instagram Life Coach, but I will use a simple quote by Jim Rohn: “If you really want to do something, you’ll find a way. If you don’t, you’ll find an excuse.” Still with me? Good! This was a test to see how many of you want to get into programming. If you survived this experiment, congratulations! You seem to be able to endure a lot on your road to your programming career. That’s the thing. It’s not about your age. It’s about your mindset. You can be 18 and imagine yourself as a Python professional but not turn that dream into reality. On the other hand, you might be an experienced thirty-something professional who wants to shift careers. However, there’s always something more “important” to do than put some time and effort into learning. If you started learning a professional skill at a young age, that's awesome. But, let’s be real. Few people do. Or do they? When I was a teenager, I wanted to breed Argentine horned frogs. True story. What’s also true? I don’t have a single frog now. But, It helped me to grow. To be honest, my brief experience with breeding amphibians has taught me attention to detail and responsibility. This helped me in my professional life. Most of the things we do in life can teach us something. And that something will benefit us in the long run. People seem to gravitate toward certain things. Also, they sometimes find silly excuses not to do something. Are you still asking yourself: “Is it too late to learn programming?” The answer is no. It’s actually the best time to start! But, if you need some more convincing, let’s look at a few different age groups and their advantages. Is 24 Too Old To Learn Python? Source: imgflip.com You are in your twenties, and you start to ask yourself if it’s too late. No, you are good. You have the time and energy, and your responsibilities haven't stacked up yet. Get a good learning schedule. Determine what you need to learn to land a desired job or achieve any other programming goal. And put the work into it! You can do it whether you have fundamental knowledge of programming or not. Start simple and at your own pace. Don’t know where to start? Save some time and sign up for this course. This course takes 48 hours to complete. That’s less than the time it takes to finish an AAA game title. And it’s a better investment, not to mention that the course is cheaper than a game. I know that there is the temptation to do other stuff, like said games, socializing, or other hobbies. But, it’s 48 hours for a solid programming foundation. Remember, you can learn programming in these three easy steps: Get motivated Keep a learning schedule Repeat steps 1 and 2 So, go get into the world of coding! Is 30 Too Old To Learn Python? Source: imgflip.com No, you are good. You finished college and have work experience. But, most importantly, you have gained other skills. Whether it’s managing a team, managing a project, or interacting with customers, the list goes on. This experience will not go to waste. Are you intimidated by the young whippersnappers who know how to code from the age of five? Keep this in mind: you have more professional experience. Many people prefer to work with individuals who can communicate and give and receive feedback. These are skills that come with time, experience, and age. Because you already have soft skills, you can focus on learning to code. Next, projects. Every working year has given you a new real-life project to take care of. With each completed project, you gain points from your future recruiter. So, what are you waiting for? Start learning and coding! Is 40 Too Old To Learn Python? Source: giphy.com If you feel stuck at work and things aren’t seeming to progress, it might be time to get some new skills. Learning programming isn’t only for if you want to shift careers. You can also help your current career! Furthermore, programming is relative. You can learn how to create a simple game within weeks or code for 10 years and still learn new things. (Read more on the topic here.) The sky’s the limit! Not only will this help to show your supervisor that you're looking for new ways to improve, but you will also keep up with the changing work environment. Staying tech fluent in today’s work environment is very helpful. The benefits of learning Python include but are not limited to: Understanding processes (like building websites and apps) better Delegating, checking, and feed-backing tasks better Automating mundane tasks Visualizing data Making a website Scraping data from the web See something you like? Take the first step to make it happen! Is 50 Too Old To Learn Python? Source: gph.is Learning has no age bar. The previous examples show how you can start, shift, or boost your career. Those apply to all age groups. There is another reason you are not too old to start learning programming. It’s never too late to take care of your health. Yes, you read that right. What are the benefits of learning new things? It reduces stress It delays memory lost It helps neuroplasticity It increases confidence And you know what? Programming is also fun. You can learn Python as something you do in your free time. So, you get the learning (health) benefits while doing something amazing. What can you do for fun with coding? Do you want to create a game? Learn Python. Do you want to connect all your electronic devices? Learn Python. Do you want to create a custom mobile app? Learn Python. Do you want to create a bot? Learn Python. Do you want to create a website? Learn Python. Do you want to work with data and Data Science? Learn Python! Some of these things might take a few weeks, others, a few months. Heck, maybe years, but no matter how long, it will be worth it. Still not convinced? Any other excuses in your head? Time to get rid of them because... You Have the Tools at Hand To Learn Python Source: gph.is You do not need permission from anybody to start learning programming. If you want to start coding, go for it! There is no time like now! You can take advantage of different media and platforms dedicated to learning Python. You can watch some video tutorials, enroll in an online course, or join a community of programmers. Choose the way of learning that’s best for you. Using a few helpful pointers at the start of your journey will go a long way. For some further reading on ways to practice Python, I am going to refer you to another piece by Rebecca. You can check it out here. If you have decided that it’s not too late to learn programming, all I can say is: I’m proud of you! Conclusion Age is just a number. If you want to learn programming, make sure to arm yourself with the following: Find your motivation Choose clear learning goals Make some time to practice Know what you are getting yourself into Understand why you want to learn. It might be a new hobby, a way to get a promotion, or a step toward shifting your career. Pro Tips: Code every day. Make it the first thing you do in the morning. It can be 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes... Try doing it for 40 days straight so that you develop a habit. This way, each day is a small step toward your goal. Whatever your motivation is, remember that learning is a lifelong process. This process can help you achieve a fulfilling and satisfying experience. What Are the Reasons To Learn Programming At Any Age? There is a demand for programmers, regardless of their age. There is no best age to start learning programming. You can take advantage of your stage of life. You can use your already acquired skills in starting a programming career. You don’t have to invest a ton of time into learning programming. You can learn programming to improve your life. The programming learning tools available today are better than ever before. Let us know what your motivation is to learn Python in the comments below! Tags: python learn python