The tech industry is a whirlwind of innovation, and Python stands tall as one of the most in-demand programming languages fueling this progress. According to a recent Stack Overflow survey, Python reigns supreme as the most preferred language among developers. This translates to a goldmine of opportunity for those seeking high-paying careers in Python development. But what separates the average coder from the highly sought-after Python developer?
This ultimate guide unlocks the secrets to success, revealing the top 10 essential Python developer skills you need to master in 2024. No matter your experience level, whether you’re a seasoned programmer looking to refine your expertise or a curious beginner eager to break into the field, this comprehensive resource empowers you to transform yourself into a powerful and versatile Python developer, capable of tackling any challenge the tech world throws your way. These skills are the foundation for a successful and fulfilling career in Python development.
What is Python?
Python is a powerful yet beginner-friendly programming language. Unlike complex languages, Python reads like natural English, making it easier to learn and use. This versatility allows it to be used for web development, data science, machine learning, and even automating tasks, making it a valuable tool for programmers of all backgrounds.
Want to kickstart your Python development journey? Enroll in our comprehensive Python Programming Foundation – Self Paced course and gain a solid foundation in Python syntax, programming concepts, and practical applications!
Top 10 Python Developer Skills That You Must Know in 2024
Now that we’ve ignited your passion for Python development, let’s dive deeper! Here are the top 10 essential skills that will transform you into a highly sought-after Python developer in 2024.
1. Excellent Debugging Skills
Python is a beginner-friendly language and is said to be easy to start with. But there are a lot of scenarios where you expect to get a different output or result rather than the one you have got. Some of these cases can be when working with range() function (which results in off-by-one error), failing to close a file, division by a negative number (often resulting in an undesired number that rounds towards the negative part of the number line), etc. This makes the skill of debugging important to have. Some ways to debug are by simply printing out variables values, altering the path of the program, stopping execution of certain events, and using a debugger.Â
2. Knowledge of Frameworks
Web frameworks in Python like Flask, Django, Bottle have been popular since their initial days and have grown to a great extent in recent years. More and more web developers are now switching to these frameworks due to the sophisticated nature, ease and pace of build, security, and Scalability these frameworks offer. Other popular python frameworks include web2py, Falcon, Dash, CherryPy, etc.
3. List Comprehension and Slicing
Slicing and list comprehension is one of the most powerful features that are present in Python. Slicing is applied to strings and lists and is responsible to carve out a part or subset of the list or string. It prevents you to loop through indices with ugly if conditions and makes the code look elegant. On the other hand, list comprehension is a mechanism to create a new list based on an existing list or other structures like strings. This shortens multiple lines of the loop into a single-line and easy-to-understand syntax.
Read more about it – List comprehension and Slicing in Python
4. Usage of Common Python Libraries
Libraries in Python are what makes this language so powerful. Thousands of developers have made numerous libraries to carry out a lot of procedures that will make the development process for other developers much faster, smoother and secure. These libraries contain useful functions that eliminate the need to write code from scratch. Some of the famous libraries are Tensorflow for machine learning, PyTorch for computer vision and natural language processing, Requests for HTTP requests, and many more.
5. Usage of Python Shell
Python provides a robust shell of its own that lets you execute commands in isolation and entirety. It is also called the REPL (read, evaluate, print, loop) which means it reads the command, evaluates it, prints the result, and loops back. The shell is a text-based command prompt. It lets you test code without explicitly creating a file. As a python developer, you should know how to use this python interpreter as it can save a lot of time while testing out new pieces of code.
6. Familiar with ORM Libraries
Object Relational Mapper is a class of library that assists in converting and transferring data from the relational database into python objects that are suitable to use in the application itself. Some examples of ORM in python are TortoiseORM, Django ORM which comes inbuilt with Django framework, and SQLAlchemy which is mostly used with Flask. These are much more efficient than SQL and help you save a lot of time by offering the freedom to choose any other database while developing.
7. Core Python Concepts
Core python concepts are the concepts that lay a stepping stone for your journey in python. You should have mastered a few concepts like data structures, exceptional handling, object-oriented programming (OOPs), multithreading, packages, functions, upgrading versions, generators, iterators, etc. These help you to be a powerful python programmer with a strong base.
Read more about it – Python OOPs
8. Writing Readable Code With Proper Documentation
Since python depends on spaces or tabs (and not primarily depends on braces like other languages), there can be scenarios where there could be bugs in the code therefore it is required to maintain code in a readable format to make debugging easier. Also, sometimes python codes could be complex to understand therefore proper documentation should accompany the code to make it more readable.
9. Data Related Skills
Python is said to be the most used language while dealing with data-related technologies and domains like data mining, data analysis, machine learning, data science, big data, and more. So if you plan to learn python, learning a few of these skills will enhance your resume and would allow you to sit for more diverse roles. As python supports most of the data-related tasks by providing libraries, beginning with these technologies is not as hard and would showcase you as a great python developer.
Read more about it – Machine Learning in Python
10. Usage of Files
Coding in python needs a lot of interaction with files. Either you are working with data in data-related domains, or you are storing some results in a file, file I/O or file handling is a crucial part of python related development and therefore one needs to know how to work with files in python.Â
Read more about it – File handling in Python
Conclusion
Mastering these top 10 Python developer skills equips you to get success in the tech world! This guide is your launchpad, but the learning never ends. Join the Python developer community, hone your skills with projects and challenges, and stay updated on the evolving Python landscape. With dedication and these in-demand abilities, you’re well on your way to becoming a sought-after Python developer – land your dream job today!
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FAQs on Top 10 Python Developer Skills That You Must Know in 2024
What are the benefits of learning Python developer skills?
Python offers a powerful skillset applicable to various high-demand fields like web development, data science, and machine learning. Its readability and beginner-friendly nature make it an excellent choice for aspiring programmers. By mastering these skills, you can increase your job prospects and potentially command higher salaries in the competitive tech industry.
I have no programming experience. Can I still learn Python developer skills?
Absolutely! Python’s clear syntax and vast learning resources make it a fantastic starting point for beginners. Numerous online tutorials, courses, and communities cater to those new to programming. With dedication and consistent practice, you can establish a strong foundation in Python development.
How can I practice my Python developer skills after learning the basics?
Hands-on practice is crucial for solidifying your Python knowledge. Engage in personal projects, participate in online coding challenges offered by platforms like HackerRank or LeetCode, or contribute to open-source projects on GitHub. These activities will not only enhance your skills but also build a strong portfolio to showcase your abilities to potential employers.
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