Is Python hard to learn? A beginner’s guide

You may have many questions before committing to learning Python, or any new programming language, including:

This article will cover those common coding questions and share tips on how to learn Python.

Dutch programmer Guido van Rossum created Python in 1991. Even though it started over three decades ago, it’s still one of the most widely used programming languages today.

Many Developers and tech companies prefer Python because it’s easy for humans to read and they can use it to build scalable applications. Here are four benefits of learning Python in 2023.

Companies of all industries and sizes—including Netflix, Amazon, and Reddit—use Python, so it’s in high demand. Approximately 45% of professional Software Developers(opens new window) use Python, and 47% of employers(opens new window) need staff with Python experience.

Python’s versatility makes it one of the best programming languages to learn for aspiring tech professionals. Learning Python doesn’t mean you need to pursue a job as a Python Developer. As for job prospects, Python skills are easily transferable, so you could work in data science, software engineering, or artificial intelligence for instance.

Not only are there many careers that need Python skills, but they also pay well. Mastering Python could help you land six-figure jobs without a college degree, such as:

ChatGPT, MidJourney, and other AI applications are booming. Reports forecast that the AI market will grow 13 times over the next seven years(opens new window). To support that growth, companies will need to hire more Python Engineers.

Python powers many machine learning and artificial intelligence technologies, and learning it could set you up for an in-demand career in machine learning. In fact, Machine Learning Engineer has been the fourth-fastest growing career(opens new window) for the past five years.

Companies typically use Python to develop back-end services. These services refer to server-side or behind-the-scenes functions, like retrieving information from databases and authenticating login information. Businesses can also use Python to perform data analytics and learn more about customers.

Here are a few real-life examples of how companies are using Python:

Several factors affect how long it takes to learn coding. For example, you might learn faster if you have more time to dedicate to your studies or previous coding experience.

Fortunately, Python is one of the easiest languages to learn. It uses a simple and intuitive syntax—the way you arrange code—that resembles the English language. Typically, most novice coders can learn Python basics in three to six months with regular practice every week.

If you’re new to coding and don’t know other programming languages, becoming proficient in Python will take longer. Mastering it will take years of practice and experience. While this might seem like a long time, Python is still faster to learn than more complex languages like Java or C++.

Python can seem intimidating to beginners, but, is coding hard? There is no one-size-fits-all answer.

Some languages are more difficult to learn than others and everyone starts their coding journey in different places. However, there are some tips that can make learning Python a little easier.

For one, you can build your foundational coding knowledge before diving in. Many people find it helpful to start learning simple languages like HTML and CSS, which Developers use to structure and style web pages.

You don’t need a computer science degree to become proficient in Python. Learning Python is similar to learning any other coding language. Start with the fundamentals like the syntax, and then move on to practicing real-life coding projects.

However, these tips can make the Python learning process faster and smoother.

Trying to jump straight into reading and writing complex Python code would be like picking up a novel in a foreign language and immediately understanding it. It’s not likely to happen and you might feel overwhelmed and give up.

Instead, study the basic syntax—structures and rules—before you start writing code. Many free online tutorials and videos explain how Python syntax uses structures like parentheses and quotes. This will help you make sense of what code means and how you can write your own.

Once you get the hang of Python syntax, you can expand your knowledge by studying built-in functions, or pieces of reusable code, that perform specific tasks.

Many Developers are strong problem solvers. Building your problem-solving skills will help you adapt to unique situations that the typical course or tutorial doesn’t cover.

For example, think about problems companies may have and how you can use Python to solve them. You may not be able to anticipate every problem you might encounter, but you can build your problem-solving skills.

There are thousands of free practice problems online. For example, websites like Edabit(opens new window) and w3resource(opens new window) offer challenges with varying difficulty levels and provide thorough explanations of solutions.

Understanding syntax is the first step to learning Python, but it can be easy to get too caught up in trying to format your code perfectly. As you work through Python coding problems, you may find it helpful to hand write an outline of what you want each line of code to do without worrying about syntax. This technique is called writing pseudocode, and even experienced Python Developers use it to plan out their programs.

Learning Python requires consistency. Set aside time daily to practice, and dedicate at least a few days a week to learning Python. It may be helpful to block off small amounts of time in your schedule. There are many free coding exercises online that you can use to practice including Practice Python and HackerRank.

Because Python is one of the most popular coding languages, many programmers have formed in-person and virtual communities dedicated to it. Joining a group can motivate you to keep learning and help you figure out solutions to challenging problems.

Here’s a few examples of helpful Python groups:

Also, Pycon(opens new window) is an annual conference that brings together coding enthusiasts to discuss Python and its many applications.

An apprenticeship is an excellent way to learn Python and other programming languages.

Multiverse offers a variety of apprenticeships that can prepare you for a Software Engineer career path and other high-paying tech jobs. You’ll develop your coding skills by completing real, paid projects under the mentorship of industry experts.

Multiverse doesn’t specifically teach Python, but apprentices can study a programming language that aligns with their apprenticeship placement and career aspirations. For example, you may learn Python if you want to work closely with big data, AI, or algorithms.

If you want to learn more about Multiverse’s Software Engineer apprenticeship and other opportunities, fill out our quick application(opens new window) to determine if you’re eligible.