How Long Does It Take to Learn Python?

Python is now the third most popular programming language — and its popularity is only increasing. In 2018, it was the most popular language in a global survey of developers, but what's fascinating is how many of those programmers were new. A full 22 percent of Python developers indicated they'd been working with the language for less than a year, clearly demonstrating its up and coming nature.

In this article, we’ll discuss how long it takes to learn Python and, importantly, how long until you’re good enough to get a job with your programming skills.

What is Python?

Python is an interpreted, high-level, general-purpose programming language. Interpreted languages execute instructions directly without having to compile a program into machine language instructions. Interpreted languages are much easier to program since you can test code snippets as you go and easily move code blocks into different places. Compiled languages tend to run more quickly once the program has been written, but the development process can take noticeably longer.

High-level programming languages use natural language elements rather than code. The majority of Python's commands have functions that are instantly apparent, and someone with minimal experience can read the code. This makes the learning curve much less steep as a beginner because more time is spent learning how the language works and less on memorizing lists of commands.

Finally, Python is general-purpose and extremely flexible. It’s used for software development, DevOps, network engineering, data science and analytics, APIs, mobile apps, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Developers employ the Python language for everything from custom-designed applications at a small business level to enterprise applications at major tech corporations like Google, Facebook, Stripe, and Netflix. Python is just as adept with small, individual functions as powering advanced neural networks and machine learning.  

What Jobs Can You Get with Python?

Python is employed in virtually every tech arena, and having a working knowledge of it is a powerful resume boost at the least. However, some of the most common jobs where Python forms a crucial cornerstone are listed below.

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Entry-Level Software Developer

Although many front-end development jobs lend themselves to freelance work with independent contractors, software development is more of a team event. Software development can cover virtually any programming language, but Python tends to be a relatively common denominator among them. 

GIS Analyst

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is used by government agencies, land-use planners, healthcare organizations, research institutions, and businesses in virtually every industry. The GIS field is concerned with capturing and analyzing spatial or geographic data. Far beyond just making maps, this information forms the basis for population studies, environmental projects, transportation grids, and city planning. Python is the industry standard for GIS technology.

Machine Learning Engineer

Python is heavily utilized in machine learning and artificial intelligence systems. The Python language is uniquely suited to use algorithms and automate data collection and processing, making it a natural fit for AI and machine learning. Although their skill sets go far beyond Python programming capability, a typical machine learning engineer's salary averages well into six figures and clearly demonstrates the upside potential of Python knowledge.

8 Weeks: Python Basics

In the first eight weeks of your Python programming journey, focus on learning the basics. Developing a firm grasp of the syntax and variables is crucial to establishing a firm foundation. Conditional statements and looping are techniques you’ll encounter frequently. Learn how data structures work and the programming language flows; once you have a firm grasp on individual commands, begin working on writing larger, more complicated chunks of code. 

It's important to practice coding every day, even if it's just for a few minutes. This keeps the lessons fresh on your mind and keeps you from regressing. You'll also want to join a programming community, like the one offered with the QuickStart Data Analytics Bootcamp. Social media can be a great tool to find like-minded people at similar stages of learning.    

6 Months: Python Projects

After six months of consistent learning, you'll know enough to begin embarking on projects. Find something you want to do and start working on knocking it out. Completing individual tasks for the sake of checking off a learning object is dry, boring, and it's also without context, making the lesson that much easier to forget. However, when you're working on a project you care about, you'll be driven to work harder and expand your knowledge base by solving the problems you encounter.

This is where GitHub and DevNet (if you’re a network engineer) can really accelerate your learning curve. You can post code that you’ve written and solicit advice and feedback from more experienced developers. They’ll help you spot errors, simplify code, introduce you to new tools and libraries, and recommend more efficient ways of getting from A to B. You can also make contacts here that could help you land a job down the line; since they’ve already worked with you on programming projects and seen what you can do, you’re that much closer to advancing your career. 

1 Year: Python Expert

After nailing the basics and developing projects for a year, you can consider yourself a Python expert. While the learning curve is lifelong, you’ve gained all of the skills necessary to discover solutions on your own. You will have established a network of peers and mentors and worked with numerous libraries and other resources along the way. It's likely that your first project is (or even a few projects are) complete, and you've got others in development.

If you’re not ready for a job change yet, look for ways to apply Python within your current work environment. Ask your supervisor for any Python-based responsibilities in your shop. If there aren’t any, find ways to implement APIs and look for areas that need automation. Even if none of these opportunities are available, continue to explore and develop your own projects—these will be invaluable in moving your career forward.

Best Ways to Learn Python

Python is such a popular language that there are nearly innumerable ways to learn, from online courses to self-paced lessons to in-person boot camps. These are some of the best ways to get started:

Python.org

Python.org is the official repository for all official documentation related to the Python language. You’ll find free tutorials, as well as reference materials that will outline programming standards and best practices. As a beginner, the information you’ll find on this site will serve as more of a cursory introduction than an in-depth course. As a more experienced professional, you’ll reference this site to find “the” answer whenever you have questions about Python’s official programming versions and guidelines. 

Online Data Analysis Bootcamps

One of the best ways to learn Python (or any language) is to use it in an applied way. If you’re already in a position where you can automate tasks or even write production Python code, then that’s absolutely the best way to learn. However, not everyone is in that position. 

The QuickStart Data Science Bootcamp is a structured online program that teaches you the Python programming language through application and analysis. The best way to learn a language is to use it, and also have peers and instructors to help you when you’re stuck. Python is relatively easy to learn, but having a community to help is essential.

Enroll in our Data Analysis Bootcamp program to launch your career in cloud technology.

How Long Does It Really Take to Learn Python?

As with any interpreted, high-level, general-purpose programming language, it’s easy to get started learning, straightforward to advance, and completely worth it to master. But how long does it take to learn Python exactly?

You can learn Python in about 8 weeks, but it’ll take a year or longer to master. 

Python should be high on your priority list of programming languages to learn, regardless of what kind of tech job you have. It has applicability in nearly every area of the economy and can be used to automate workflows, processes, and generally make life more efficient.