What is Python?
Python is an easy to use, beginner-friendly programming language. It was first released in 1992 by Guido van Rossum at Dartmouth College. Since then it has grown into one of the most popular general purpose programming languages out there!
Python is considered an object oriented scripting language because it encourages you to create your own objects. You start off making simple objects before moving onto more advanced creations.
It also uses open source libraries which are free for anyone to access. These libraries have been curated by other users so they are well maintained and usually contain useful functions too.
There are many reasons why people choose python as their favorite coding language. Some like how intuitive the language is while some love its creativity. No matter what style of programmer you want to be, you can pick up python relatively quickly!
History of Python
The history of python programming is quite interesting. Since its creation in 1989 by Guido van der Vossen, it has evolved into one of the most popular general purpose languages out there. It was originally designed to make writing software easier by taking away some of the duties that other scripting languages have.
For example, instead of having to write routine functions for basic tasks (like adding an item to a list or copying a file), python does this work for you. This makes the language more usable since anyone can pick up python and start coding without much preparation.
Another feature of python that sets it apart from many other languages is its community. Many people credit the popularity of the language to how easy it is to find help anywhere online. There are plenty resources available free of charge or for very little money which can be a valuable asset to beginners who may not necessarily want to spend large amounts of cash on learning the craft.
Since it is such a widely used language, there are also lots of opportunities to advance your career as a programmer. Companies will frequently recruit professionals with degrees in computer science or python so being able to demonstrate proficiency in the language is a great way to get ahead.
What is programming?
Programmers develop digital applications that can do almost anything! These apps are typically designed to automate or manage some function or process. Businesses hire programmers to create software for things like email marketing, accounting systems, and smartphone apps.
Software engineers work with computer science which is the study of logic, algorithms, and coding. A fundamental part of computer science is creating programs written in a language called code.
This code is what makes your app run and it’s very specific- one programmer doesn’t write his or her own version of program code, they take pieces of other people’s codes and put them together into their own.
There are many different languages in use today, each with its pros and cons. Some are more beginner friendly whereas others may be better suited for experienced coders. No matter what level you are at, there are ways to learn new tricks using this training bundle!
Python is a language
Technically, python does not have an official “language” or “type of programming it is.” That means you can describe almost any part of python as being like “Java.” Or “C++”. Both are really popular languages that many people learn at a basic level.
However, this makes it very hard to compare python with those languages because there isn’t one main language in the way there is for Java or C++.
Python was designed to be easy to pick up so most of its concepts can be understood within minutes. This has led to it becoming one of the top beginner-level programming languages. It is also a great choice if you aren’t sure which other languages to pursue next.
This article will go into more detail about some of the basics of the python language including how to write your first program! So stay tuned and read on!
Steps to start learning Python
First, you will need to pick your language! There are so many different versions of Python out there- some more beginner friendly than others. I recommend starting off with version 3 since it is very widely used and has lots of resources available for beginners.
Next, you will want to make sure your computer’s software is up to date. You don’t want to be using outdated software that doesn’t work properly because most python courses require you to use an old software program or one that isn’t compatible with their lessons.
You also want to make sure you have enough memory on your computer. Programs like Photoshop and Microsoft Office can take up a lot of RAM which limits how much you can open at once and how quickly your computer can process information. Make sure to check by looking in Settings > System Preferences.
Last, you should always test out the programs you plan to run online before putting them through all its paces. Some websites offer free accounts that allow limited functionality to ensure everything works correctly.
1) Read the manual
One of the most important things to learn as a programmer is how to use a computer program’s documentation or user manuals. Documentation includes help pages, tutorials, quick start guides, and formal user manuals for the software you are using.
Most major programming languages have an official beginner’s guide that covers everything beginners need to know to get started. These guides usually contain basic rules of thumb, information about syntax, and some examples to show how to use the software effectively.
The more advanced users also publish walk-through articles and blogs that can go much deeper than the default documentation. These are very helpful because they clearly state what toolbox items people learned earlier were for and why it was important to understand them.
In addition to the documentation and resources available online, many companies will produce printed copies of their software’s manual. These are worth checking out if there isn’t one already!
Look at examples
A great way to learn any new language is by looking at lots of examples in different formats. There are many free resources available online for every topic. You can usually find plenty of examples using Google, or you could use some helpful tips here!
There are also a few good books that go into much more detail than YouTube videos. They’re not necessarily easy to read through, but they offer an in-depth look at the material which will help reinforce what you have learned.
Here we will take a close look at one such book, and see how well it covers the basics of python programming.
Try coding samples
One of the hardest things when starting out to program is knowing how to start! There are so many different languages, platforms, tools, and learning curves that it can be tricky figuring out what toolset you want to explore first.
Luckily, there’s another way to get comfortable with programming! By creating your own apps or software, you can pick any language you like and learn as you go. All you need to do is find a good platform for developers where you can access all the APIs and other features, then pick a smart device (phone, tablet, laptop, etc.) and install the same app over and over again.
This article will talk about one such app — PyBible! You will learn how to create an account, pick a Bible passage, and have fun designing, developing, and testing your app! Stay tuned for more info!
Practice makes perfect
As mentioned earlier, practicing with software is the best way to fully understand how to program. There are many ways to do this. One of the most popular is through interactive courses or tutorials where you can practice by completing assignments or projects.
There are also plenty of resources available online that offer free programming lessons– these are even vetted and certified so you have confidence in them being good quality content.
Many universities now offer degree programs that require at least some amount of coding as part of the curriculum. These programs are usually specific to a particular language like Python, so if you’re looking to expand your skills, this is another way to go about it!
Lastly, there are always conventions for what things mean when writing code. Looking up those definitions and experimenting with rewording the same concept in your own words will help you hone your logic and understanding of the language.
