Why Python Is the Best Coding Language to Learn First

Have you thought about learning computer programming? Are you wondering, “What programming language should I learn?” In most cases, Python is the best coding language to learn first.

You don’t need to be good with technology, and you won’t need to learn complex coding syntax. Plus, it’s a great option if you want a career in technology.

Read on to learn why you should learn to code in Python.

What is Python?

Python is an accessible programming language that has a reputation for being simpler and more engaging to navigate than other languages. As Python itself explains, the clean syntax and structure are easy to pick up and run with.

But the beginning and even advanced programmers also like that it's open-source, so it's free to use and distribute (even commercially). It's also been around a long time; Python first appeared about 30 years ago, but it's still earning awards today thanks to its popularity.

Gaining Prominence

While other programming languages have hit a plateau or are on the decline, Python coding is growing. In 2018, Python overtook Javascript as the most popular programming language.

Other languages, such as PHP and C++, still have uses, and they probably won’t go away any time soon. Still, Python is trending upward as the most popular programming language.

More people are learning about Python and asking questions about it. Its growth has exploded in recent years. Because it is open source and so user-friendly, many introductory coding tutorials use Python. As a result, new developers and beginners have become the driving factor behind Python’s rapid growth.

If you want to get into the world of coding, Python is a sensible place to start. You can always learn other languages later once you have a basic understanding of the most popular code in use.

Easy to Read & Learn

The main purpose of Python is to be easy to read and learn. Python coding is supposed to be straightforward to use and even fun. Python can do similar things but with fewer lines than other coding languages. For example, something in Python can take one line.

print("Hello World!")

However, to get the same result in C++, you would need eight lines.

class HelloWorld

{

public:

void PrintHelloWorld()

{

std::cout << "Hello World!n";

}

};

Even if you’ve never read code before, Python is simple and straightforward. You don’t have to worry about using the right characters or spacing to write Python code.

If you want to learn to code quickly, you can’t go wrong with Python. Since it’s easy to read, you won’t have to spend a ton of time learning how to read it before you can write it. Furthermore, it doesn’t use a ton of conventional syntax, so it’s easier to learn to code and to fix bugs in the code you write.

Even if you aren’t technologically savvy, you can still learn Python. While you do have to learn what certain things do, it won’t take as long as learning a more complex language. As you learn Python, you can branch out to other coding languages.

However, this does not mean that Python is not suited to building advanced applications, in fact, quite the opposite. Some very advanced technologies like machine learning and capsule website deployment are built in Python. Many developers prefer to build advanced applications in Python because of a growing trend towards coding minimalism. Simple is better than complex. Python’s ease of use is valued, and it’s sparse coding is commonly considered better than the dense coding of other languages.

Use of White Space

In a language such as C++, you have to use braces, such as { and } to note where code stops and starts. While that can be useful for someone with a lot of coding experience, it can be confusing to beginners.

When you have longer pieces of code in Python, you use white space to make the code clear and readable. You can use indentations to group the code together. Then, you don’t need to use any special characters.

If you need to change the code later, it will be easier to do so. You won’t have to worry about messing up the braces like in C++ or another language. Plus, you can use your knowledge of indentation in Python or other coding languages.

Versatile

You can use Python coding for multiple things. Consider a few industries where Python shines.

• Machine learning
• Data science
• Academics
• Media
• Healthcare

Whether you want to work for a technology-based company or not, it can help to understand Python. You can get a job as a developer for almost any company, and you can use the same skills. Even if you may not use the language every day, it can help.

Plus, if your job doesn’t use Python at all, you can use your skills outside of work. Then, you can enjoy it as part of your life.

Great Community

As you learn Python, you may still have questions or issues despite it being relatively simple to learn. Fortunately, you can get help from the Python community. You can go to Python meet-ups in your area, and you can browse online forums. Even Python's site is a great place to connect with others and learn something new.

Stack Overflow and GitHub are two such forums with a broad Python community. You can meet other Python developers, and you can learn more about the language.

Then, you can get answers to your questions when you first start. As you learn more about Python, you can go on to answer questions from other people.

Grow Your Career

Python is also a great language to learn if you want to work in programming. The language is becoming a more in-demand skill, so you can use it to set yourself apart from other applicants.

If you have a good handle on Python, knowing other languages may not matter as much. You can find jobs that require Python, so you can start your career more easily.

Then, you can choose the next language to learn once you get a programming job. That way, you won’t have to worry about learning a language you won’t use.

Earn More Money

According to Indeed, a Python coder can earn about $110,000 a year as a base salary. As you gain work experience, your salary can increase. Depending on the company, you may make closer to $200,000 per year.

While you shouldn’t go into a career solely for the money, it’s something to consider. If you know you want to go into programming, Python is one of the best languages to learn for a high-paying job.

However, don’t learn Python just because you want a high-paying job. Make sure you’re interested in learning Python coding because you think it’s fascinating. That way, you can still enjoy your career.

Breaking Down the Best Programming Language to Learn

If you’re new to programming, you may wonder, “What programming language should I learn?” Hands down, the best programming language to dive into first is Python. It’s easy to read and learn, and you can use it for many things.

Whether you want to work for a tech company or in another industry, you can use your new skills. As an attractive bonus, you can make a good living with it.